Scotland coach Gregor Townsend praised the “focus and competitiveness” of Finn Russell after the mercurial flyhalf delivered three assists for tries in a document 35-7 win over Wales on Saturday.
READ | Scotland off to best Six Nations start ever
Scotland have received their opening two video games of a Six Nations for the primary time, thanks largely to Russell’s renaissance on the worldwide stage.
The Racing 92 playmaker was controversially overlooked of Scotland’s first two Autumn internationals.
However his return has impressed a dramatic upturn in efficiency from Townsend’s males.
“When he’s at that stage of focus and competitiveness he’ll ship that stage of efficiency,” mentioned Townsend.
“The threats that Finn has round him arrange alternatives and he made excellent choices on what alternatives to take.
“I believed our wingers held their width very well and Finn’s kicking to them was glorious.”
Russell’s boot was the distinction between the perimeters at half-time as he struck two early penalties earlier than Wales captain Ken Owens cancelled out George Turner’s attempt for Scotland.
However Russell and Scotland clicked into gear within the second half as a pleasant cross arrange Kyle Steyn for the primary of his two tries.
The identical two gamers mixed for Scotland’s third attempt as this time Russell’s cross-field kick picked out the Glasgow winger.
Blair Kinghorn’s rating then secured Scotland the bonus level that takes them stage with Eire on the prime of the Six Nations desk.
However the hosts weren’t completed as Russell despatched Matt Fagerson in to spherical off the scoring two minutes from time.
“Finn is a world class participant. We all know if we as a workforce carry out effectively, we give him the platform to play his finest rugby,” mentioned Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie.
“We have got guys that he can put into house which are going to complete alternatives. He’s nice, but it surely’s additionally a workforce effort. We have got to place him in place and provides him the stuff that he thrives on.”
Subsequent up for Scotland are the 2 prime ranked sides on this planet as they purpose to win the Championship for the primary time since 1999.
Townsend’s males journey to Paris in a fortnight earlier than internet hosting Eire on March 12.
“It appears like an improved efficiency,” mentioned Townsend after Scotland beat England on the opening weekend to retain the Calcutta Cup.
“It did not really feel like that at half-time however the second half was improved, so if it was a 7/10 final week, it felt like an 8/10 and we’ll have to enhance once more.
“The subsequent two groups we play are ranked one and two on this planet and we’ll have to stand up to 9/10 to beat them.”
In stark distinction to Scotland’s nice type, Wales are off to their worst begin to a Six Nations since 2007.
Warren Gatland’s return as coach has not impressed a turnaround in outcomes as he suffered his first ever defeat to Scotland in 12 makes an attempt as Wales boss.
Gatland had made sweeping adjustments to the aspect that had additionally been thrashed 34-10 by Eire final weekend.
“It has been disappointing the primary couple of performances,” mentioned Gatland. “We’ve got to be sincere, be more durable in coaching and work onerous on these moments which are essential in video games.
“You must keep within the arm wrestle in shut video games, we had been in that within the first half and it acquired away from us.
“Any loss is hard. We’re upset as a result of we had been overwhelmed by a workforce that was higher than us on the day and we weren’t adequate.”
