Should Scotland keep Russell on the bench against South Africa?
After a win in Argentina without Finn Russell, Scotland's rugby coaches consider starting Tom Jordan against South Africa, leaving Russell in reserve.
Scotland's rugby team secured a convincing 47-38 victory over Argentina in the opening match of the Nations Championship, but played without their star player Finn Russell. Russell, 33, who has scored 505 points in 94 appearances, is nursing a calf injury. Tom Jordan started at fly-half instead and delivered an impressive performance, along with his replacement Fergus Burke.
Former Scotland international Peter Wright suggests that if Russell is fit, he should be used as a substitute against South Africa. Wright believes Jordan should start, with Russell coming on for the final 30 minutes when defenders are tired, providing a curveball. This idea stems from the 2023 World Cup match where South Africa focused on Russell and Scotland had no answer.
Scotland previously lost to South Africa 32-15 in the 2023 World Cup and again in November 2024, where Russell scored all of Scotland's points. However, after the win in Argentina, coach Gregor Townsend praised the team's growth, noting that players are learning from past mistakes. Seven different players scored tries, showcasing the team's depth.
Former captain Lisa Martin highlighted Jordan's maturity and calmness, while Burke used his pace to exploit gaps. She emphasized that Scotland no longer needs to be so reliant on one player.
Townsend acknowledged that the team has progressed since the painful loss to Argentina in November 2024, when a 21-0 lead was squandered. He said the team learns from adversity and that this victory is another step forward.
