A Promising Start, but a Near Miss
Finn Russell, the co-captain of Scotland, reflects on the team’s recent performance against Wales with a mix of satisfaction and concern. The Scots were relentless for the first 50 minutes, storming into a commanding 35-8 lead by scoring five converted tries. This dominant display was a testament to their preparation and the sharpness they brought to the match. However, as the clock ticked on, Wales staged a remarkable comeback, scoring three more tries while Scotland failed to add any points to their tally. "It’s great for us to have that quick start in the game and then to finish up with the bonus point win. For us, that’s really pleasing," Russell acknowledged. The win, which saw Scotland retain the Doddie Weir Cup, was a highlight, but the second-half slump is a worrying sign.
Learning from the Lapse
Russell is keen to understand and address the mental and physical fatigue that seemed to affect his team during the latter stages of the game. "I think after 50 to 55 minutes, we probably switched off a little bit. So, learning as a team, we need to stamp that out and make sure we have ruthless 80-minute performances," he pointed out. The team’s mental toughness is a critical area for improvement. "I think it’s probably the mental side of things. We need to find that ruthless edge of just putting teams away," Russell explained. The team has a great mental skills coach, Jess Thom, and Russell believes that engaging with her can help the squad identify and rectify the issues that led to the second-half letdown. This is not a new problem; similar patterns were observed in the match against England, where Scotland dominated the first half but struggled to maintain their performance in the second.
Preparing for the Next Challenge
The victory over Wales, while impressive, is just a stepping stone as Scotland gears up for their next and perhaps most daunting challenge: facing France in Paris. France has been in stellar form, having recently demolished Ireland in a match that solidified their position at the top of the Six Nations standings. "It’s one of the hardest challenges going over to Paris and trying to beat France who have just come off the back of a massive win," Russell admitted. The team is acutely aware of the stakes and the need for a consistent, high-intensity performance throughout the entire 80 minutes. "To go and win in France, we need an 80-minute performance," Russell emphasized, underscoring the importance of mental and physical resilience.
Head Coach’s Perspective
Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s head coach, shares Russell’s sentiments about the team’s mixed performance. "It was a very good first half and not so good last quarter," he reflected. Townsend acknowledged that maintaining the high level of play throughout the match is crucial, and the team must learn to manage their intensity and focus. "Sometimes that happens when you’ve got a big lead. We don’t like it because we didn’t play at the level – a really good level – of the first half all the way through," he said. While the opposition’s increased possession in the second half played a role, Townsend remains committed to identifying and addressing the areas where his team can improve. "It was a disappointing way to end by conceding a try," he added, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable performance.
Russell’s Return to Form
Finn Russell’s return to form was another positive note from the Wales match. After missing all three of his conversion attempts against England, Russell successfully converted all five of his tries against Wales before being substituted due to cramp. "I think I have my boots on the right feet today! No, it was good. I think I did quite a bit of work this week and just got myself in the groove, which was nice actually," he joked. The psychological aspect of kicking is significant, and Russell highlighted how missing early attempts can affect a player’s mindset. "As a kicker, it can be quite tough when you’re not kicking well and then you’re trying to solve problems with every kick rather than just being in that groove and just trusting it," he explained. Despite the recent struggles, Russell’s confidence in his ability to bounce back is evident, and he is determined to maintain his form in the upcoming match against France.
The Road Ahead
The match against France is not just a crucial moment in the Six Nations tournament; it also presents a significant test for Scotland as a squad. "Next weekend is massive for us in terms of the tournament but also as a squad in terms of where we are," Russell stated. The team is focused on delivering a consistent and ruthless performance, understanding that every minute counts in a match of this magnitude. France’s recent victory over Ireland has only added to the pressure, but Russell and his teammates are motivated to prove that they can compete at the highest level. The road to glory is fraught with challenges, but with the right mindset and preparation, Scotland has the potential to secure a historic win in Paris.
