England defence coach Richard Wigglesworth has admitted it is futile to devise a specific plan to stop Scotland fly-half Finn Russell, having witnessed his talent at close quarters during last summer's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. As England prepare to defend the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield on Saturday, Wigglesworth acknowledged that many defensive strategies have been undone by the 33-year-old's brilliance.
“How many defence coaches have gone in with a Finn Russell plan and been made to look pretty stupid?” said Wigglesworth. “It’s not something we’ve done in that regard, it’s more: how do we stop Scotland and what they can do?” He praised Russell's diligence and quick thinking, noting that the fly-half is both personable and able to absorb complex plans effortlessly.
England flanker Sam Underhill also lauded Russell, highlighting his often-underestimated defensive skills. Underhill revealed he has avoided putting in trademark tackles on Russell during Bath training sessions because “he’s far too expensive to do that”. He added: “He’s a physical 10, as well, which is probably an underrated part of his game. He’s a good defender, he’s a good hitter.”
Underhill described Russell as “unflappable” and “fairly well rounded”, expressing respect for the player he has enjoyed playing alongside. England arrive as favourites on a 12-match winning streak, but Scotland, despite last week's defeat to Italy, will be buoyed by their recent record at Murrayfield, where England have not won since 2020.
