Scotland's showstopper: Finn Russell proves anything is possible for Scotland

Finn Russell’s philosophy? Possession is a gift. Use it. Few possess the outrageous talent and breathtaking courage of the Scotland tend to turn cavalier impulses into show-stopping performances, writes David Barnes

For all his talent, Finn Russell often treads a fine line between triumph and disaster, writes David Barnes. Illustration: Peader Drinan

The first outward sign of a fault line developing between Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend came in the immediate aftermath of Scotland’s brain-scrambling draw against England at Twickenham in the final round of the 2019 Six Nations.

The out-off — who had led the charge as the visitors battled back from a seemingly hopeless 31-0 deficit after just half an hour, to briefly take the lead with a few minutes to go, before George Ford’s injury-time try and conversion squared it — was asked during his man-of the match presentation about what had been said in the changing room at half-time.