Finn Russell says ‘a lot on the line’ for Scotland against Wales

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The visitors have not won a game since the Rugby World Cup triumph over Georgia in October 2023 and parted company with long-standing head coach Warren Gatland after a dismal showing in Rome in this Six Nations, with Matt Sherratt now in interim charge. 

But they produced a spirited display in defeat to Grand Slam-chasing Ireland two weeks ago and Russell said Scotland will need to be at their best if they are to record a third consecutive win over Wales following a record triumph two years ago, and a nail-biting one-point win in Cardiff 13 months ago.  

Tom Rogers scores an acrobatic try for Wales against Ireland (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire) “We’ve spoken about how good Wales are going to be,” the fly-half said.  

“I think there’s this perception of them before the tournament, and they’ve turned the corner with the new coach coming in and the players they’ve brought into that squad.   

“Looking at the Ireland game, Wales had quite a few chances and they ran them really close right to the end of the game.    

“I think looking at that game and the squad that they’ve got now, it’s going to be really tough.    

“The perception might be that we’re going in as favourites but I think we’re going to have to play at our best if we’re going to win this game.”   

One of Sherratt’s first tasks was to recall veteran fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who was left out by Gatland with rookie Ben Thomas – usually a centre – asked to step in to the number 10 role.  

But Anscombe brought control and composure to Wales’ performance against the Irish and Russell knows he will be a serious threat.  

Finn Russell praised Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe (Image: David Davies/PA Wire) The Scotland co-captain said: “He plays flat to the line. He likes the high balls across the pitch and it seems like they’ve got a new licence to go out and play what they see.  

“That suits his style and suits the rest of the backs they’ve got. They’ve got a few good ballplayers in there as well. I think they’ve got multi-options whether it’s run, pass or kick.   

“I think Anscombe has got loads of experience and he’s a brilliant player so I think he’s the one that pulls it all together.”   

Scotland are heavy favourites to extend the Welsh losing run to 16 games, but Russell dismissed the idea there is nothing for either side to play for.  

Russell continued: “They’ve got us and they’ve got England, so two massive games for them. If they can get two wins and that takes them up the board, they’ll probably finish fourth maybe.    

“For us there’s probably as much on the line for us as there is for them.  

Finn Russell was in relaxed mood ahead of facing Wales (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) “It depends on how this game goes. For us we’re thinking if we can win this weekend and go over to France and manage to win over in Paris then we look at potentially finishing second or third which is good for us.  

“We’ve never finished second yet so we’re trying to get up to that sort of position.  

“I think there’s a lot on the line for both teams and I think it’s going to be a tough game tomorrow because of that.”

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