Finn Russell has dismissed suggestions that he is nearing retirement, saying he feels mentally and physically refreshed as Scotland prepare to face the All Blacks at Murrayfield on Saturday. The fly-half, who turns 100 international appearances for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions in the match, joked that questions about his future make him sound much older than his 34 years.
Speaking on the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast, Russell said the season after a Lions tour can take a heavy toll, but that he feels better this year. He was part of the Lions squad that won a series in Australia last summer, his third tour and his first as the undisputed first-choice number 10.
Russell said Scotland’s main area for improvement is making the most of opportunities in the opposition 22. He contrasted the team’s strong conversion rate against Argentina in the summer with a lower return against South Africa, despite Scotland creating more entries into the Springboks’ scoring area.
Scotland have produced standout performances against leading sides, but have struggled to maintain that level at decisive moments in tournaments. Russell said the squad has belief, while stressing that it must translate that confidence into results on the field.
Saturday will be Russell’s fourth meeting with New Zealand in more than 12 years of international rugby. Scotland have yet to beat the All Blacks in their 121-year history, and Russell’s previous three matches against them ended in close defeats. He said the team would study recent footage of New Zealand and prepare to build on its summer performances.
Scotland are due to face the All Blacks again in Dunedin before next year’s Rugby World Cup. Russell said the Murrayfield match offers a chance to end the long wait before that trip, while acknowledging that Scotland must deliver on the pitch to do so.
Sources: BBC Sport.