Finn Russell: Scotland Six Nations title would be 'peak' - I'm texting my England pals

Stand-off Russell was at his creative best as Scotland defeated France 50-40 at Murrayfield to remain firmly in contention for this year’s title. Going into next Saturday’s final round of fixtures, they share top spot with the French - although Les Bleus have a better points difference by +58.

Scotland close out the tournament in Dublin against Ireland at 2.10pm, while France are at home to England at 8pm. The Irish are on 14 points, two behind the Scots and the French, and can also claim the Six Nations in what promises to be an enthralling finale to the tournament.

Scotland have never won the Six Nations since its inception back in 2000 and while Russell - widely regarded as one of the best players in the world - has won the domestic and European titles with Glasgow Warriors and Bath, as well as being part of a successful British and Irish Lions tour, he says landing the Six Nations with Scotland would top the lot.

“I've probably never been in a position where that's been an option,” said Russell when asked what it would mean. “I've won a few titles, I've been in finals before. I think winning something in Scotland, especially the Six Nations, would be definitely the peak of my career.

“When you start playing for Scotland, you always want to win it, obviously. We've never put ourselves in a position where we can win it. Now we're in that position, it's all to play for this weekend. Making sure that the occasions that we get to play our game will be so important. I'll definitely be able to do the top thing in my career if we can win it.

“I think we're ready. The less we almost talk about that, we know what's on the line now. But we don't want to build it up to something and let ourselves get carried away or let the occasion get to us. We need to treat this just as any other test match.”

What Scotland need to do to win Six Nations

Scotland need to better France’s result next weekend if they are to be crowned champions. But if Fabien Galthie’s side beat England with a bonus point, then whatever the Scots or the Irish do earlier in the day will almost certainly be inconsequential given the massive gulf in points difference. It was put to Russell that Scotland could do with a favour from their rivals England.

“That will be something that will come after the game,” said Russell on the prospect of supporting England. “I'd imagine we'll all watch it in the hotel and see what's what. We can't really start thinking about that until we've actually had the performance that we're looking for during the game. All eyes will be on the England-France game after the game. We need to make sure we get it right so that we actually get a point to watch that game.”

Russell has a few England clubmates back at Bath. “I'll be texting them, don't worry!” he smiled. “I think, again, England and us are very different teams. France and England are very different. I could try and give them some tips, but whether or not that's going to suit their game plan or not, I'm not sure. I think we'll get to that when it comes on Saturday night.”

Scotland have never beaten Ireland under head coach Gregor Townsend. “I think it’s been nine years now since we've beaten them, it's quite a while,” reflected Russell. “But again, there's that monkey on our back - that's all outside noise.

“We need to make sure we get our preparation right and we build for this weekend. We can't start thinking we've not beaten them in nine years. This has to be the one. We don't need any added pressure for this game.

“It's new territory for us going into the last game with a chance to win it. There will be a lot more outside noise after putting 50 points on France. I think for us, it’ll be about making sure we keep it within the circle and we keep doing what we're doing. We're still building a lot of it from the Argentina game in November with that tough loss, and then Italy to start the tournament, so we keep building up where we are. It's never the perfect performance.

“As long as we can keep the outside noise outside the circle and not let it get to us, then that's the main thing.”

A number of the Scotland and Ireland players are now familiar with each other after touring with the Lions last summer. And while many expect the Irish to be less flamboyant than the French and restrict attacking opportunities for the Scots, Russell says the team’s creative and offensive approach has to be the same - whoever they play.

“I think when we get to Ireland, it'll be the same mindset, but a different team we're facing,” added the 33-year-old. “We know a lot of the players from the summer, we know a lot of the coaching staff.

“We've got a better understanding of them, but it's going to come down to 15 on 15 or 23 on 23 on the pitch on the weekend. I don't think the mindset will change at all, even though the title's on the line, effectively. Going back to the point of leaving the noise outside the circle, that's the main thing. We need to keep our mindset the same and go after it.”