He’s been very professional – Gregor Townsend impressed with Finn Russell

RETURN: Finn Russell will make his first Scotland start in eight months on Sunday. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA

Gregor Townsend praised Finn Russell’s professionalism as he handed the recalled stand-off an instant return to Scotland’s starting XV for Sunday’s showdown with New Zealand.

The high-profile 30-year-old was controversially left out of the initial squad for the autumn internationals, with the head coach citing concerns about his “form and consistency” for Racing 92 as he instead opted to place his faith in Blair Kinghorn and Adam Hastings to be his main options at number 10.