Gregor Townsend backed "outstanding goal-kicker" Finn Russell to remain in the role following his trio of costly conversion misses during Scotland's agonising 16-15 Six Nations defeat to England. Co-captain Russell squandered a last-gasp kick for victory at Allianz Stadium after Duhan van der Merwe's dramatic try put the Scots on the brink of extending their four-year stranglehold on the Calcutta Cup.

The Calcutta Cup was seized from Scottish hands through a 16-15 defeat that would have ended differently had Finn Russell nailed a late conversion.

In the aftermath of the win over Italy at the start of the Six Nations a straightforward question was put to Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s head coach. “What do you have to do to beat Ireland, Gregor?” The reply from Townsend was quick and came with a smile.