Former Falkirk ace Finn Russell hailed for role in Scotland's Six Nations win over England

The talented No 10 put in a world-class display – playing his part in all three of the team's first half tries – to help end England’s 12-match winning run and get Scotland’s Six Nations campaign up and running. Russell, 33, has now played in an incredible six Calcutta Cup successes.

Townsend’s stuttering team got back on track with a massive 31-20 bonus-point victory at Murrayfield and Bath star Russell put on a performance so good that his head coach said it was one of his best in a Scotland jersey.

“I thought that was one of Finn Russell's best games for Scotland and the work-rate of our forwards was superb,” said Townsend who had come under pressure after his side had lost their opening game of the championship to Italy.

“He was very composed. I thought the decision-making of the half-backs was outstanding. We asked them to be brave this week.

"I won't explain what that means in our game plan, but there are some big decisions.

"It's on our half-backs at times and obviously a lot of that is on Finn. He's very accurate.

“I love seeing him running. He's one of the best ball-carrying 10s in the world. He was very composed during times where we were on the back foot and we just had to take a breather.

“Finn came into this championship with goals of what he wants to get out of his game and linking that with what the team needs.

"That's been great to see. Even last week, I thought he had a really composed performance.”

Russell, who kickstarted his career at Falkirk, produced a magical one-handed assist for Huw Jones’ opening try then sparked the attack which ended with a score for Jamie Ritchie.

It was also his through kick that led to a fumble by Ellis Genge which Ben White capitalised on.

Jones scored his second try of the match in the second half to ensure Scotland won with a bonus point.

The No 10 and his Scotland team-mates now face a trip to Cardiff this Saturday with a weight of expectancy on their shoulders to back up the England thrashing.

Wales sit bottom of the standings after two outings after last weekend’s heavy defeat to France.

But it won’t be any easy task for Townsend’s team with a trio of stars now confirmed to be out. And the bad news got worse on Tuesday when assistant coach Peter Horne admitted that all three of backs Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey and winger Jamie Dobie are likely to miss the rest of the tournament.

Ritchie has a knee issue, Dempsey has damaged a bicep, while a shoulder problem rules Dobie out.

Ahead of the Principality clash, Horne said: "We don't want to be the same old Scotland," he said. "They are all aware of the challenge. Wales will be in a very similar position to us last week.

"They are a wounded team at the moment and will have that desperation that we had on show last week.

"We have just got to focus on ourselves and make sure we do a good job."