Finn Russell returns to lead Scotland against England

Scotland's rugby team is preparing for a crucial match against England, marked as a potential campaign-defining game in the Six Nations tournament. The game holds significant importance for Scotland as they aim for their fifth consecutive Calcutta Cup victory. Head coach Gregor Townsend has emphasized the role of Finn Russell, the fly-half, who has been a critical player in maintaining an unbeaten record against England since he joined Townsend's squad. Despite suffering a concussion two weeks prior during a match against Ireland, Russell has recovered and is ready for selection after a prescribed treatment protocol. His recovery was quicker than expected, allowing him to train fully in the lead-up to the game. In contrast, Gary Graham, Russell's teammate, remains sidelined due to a more serious head injury received during the same match, which required him to be hospitalized. Townsend has expressed confidence in Russell’s ability to perform, pointing out that Scotland's recent success against England has come from open, competitive games that require a strong performance from the fly-half. The challenging environment at Twickenham adds another layer of difficulty, yet the coach believes that past victories in this venue will aid their mindset as they strive to achieve another win. The historical context of Scotland's performances, combined with the pressure of the current standings in the Six Nations, adds anticipation to the fixture and reflects the growing competitiveness of Scottish rugby on the international stage.