Russell and Townsend are the pre-eminent Scotland stand-offs of the professional era, and perhaps of all time if you also include John Rutherford. But while Townsend and Rutherford both won Five Nations championships, the current man at No 10 has been thwarted.

Finn Russell sees title mindset as Scotland look to build on progress - Gregor Townsend’s side open their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Murrayfield.

Finn Russell is confident Scotland now have the right mental approach to challenge for the Six Nations title as they prepare for Saturday's opener against Italy.

In one of his final acts as a Bath player before heading into the Six Nations, Finn Russell produced a try for Tom Carr-Smith that left his usually stoic coach Johann van Graan open-mouthed in awe.

Finn Russell and Scotland plot a ‘different’ answer to the same old Six Nations question - Exclusive interview: Even the fly-half himself admits that he has not won enough silverware – so could this be Scotland’s year for Six Nations success?

Finn Russell says Scotland must be braced for the best Italy side he has faced when they kick-off their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Finn Russell pulled the strings as Premiership leaders Bath ended Sale’s unbeaten home record this season with a hard-earned 32-23

Ben White will continue his partnership with Russell in the half-backs with Townsend picking a lethal back-three in the form of wingers Darcy Graham, Duhan van der Merwe and full-

Bath fly-half Finn Russell has been tipped to take the Six Nations by storm and lead the charge for the British & Irish Lions against Australia later this year.

Finn Russell has urged Scotland’s senior players to stand up and be counted as they embark on their latest Six Nations campaign against opponents he dubbed the strongest Italian side he has encountered.

Sebastian Negri has said Italy should welcome the burden of expectation as they head into the Six Nations looking to improve on their best return in the competition. Italy have spent much of the 25 years since they became the sixth nation propping up the table in European rugby union's showpiece tournament.

Ireland host England and France kick off tournament against Wales, while Scotland meet Italy in Six Nations Rugby Championship this weekend.