If Scotland are to overcome either South Africa or their perennial nemesis Ireland and emerge from the group of death at the forthcoming World Cup, it is a fair bet Finn Russell will be at the heart of it. The sorcerer’s return to favour midway through last autumn – after his baffling omission from Gregor Townsend’s original squad – was the catalyst for an encouraging Six Nations campaign and increasing optimism about their prospects in France despite their pool opponents.
Any calamity to befall the fly-half would be a grievous blow given the inspiration and influence he brings to the Scots’ attack, but it is not quite a one-man show in the playmaking department these days.
