The Japan Times - Scotland out to 'disrupt' France's Six Nations title hopes, says Russell

Scotland could deny France their second Six Nations triumph in four years at the Stade de France on Saturday, with England and Ireland hoping to put the pressure on Les Bleus earlier in the day.

The visitors' title chances are all but over due to their far inferior points difference to France, but Russell hopes they can spoil the party in the French capital.

"They've got everything to play for. Hopefully, we can disrupt it," co-captain Russell told reporters.

"I know it's going to be a massive challenge tomorrow night."

Scotland denied France the 2021 title in the last game of the tournament thanks to an 84th-minute try in front of empty stands due to Covid restrictions.

Russell kicked 10 points that day in Scotland's only win in Paris in the 21st century.

"It's been spoken about," Russell said.

"But I think four years is a long time ago, so it'll be very different tomorrow night.

"I think the French team has come on a lot from there and I think we have as well. But against the French team, but also the crowd here, it's very tough."

Russell spent five years playing for French club Racing 92 before leaving the Parisians for Bath in 2023.

On Saturday, he will face former Racing team-mates in Nolann Le Garrec, who is on the bench for Fabien Galthie's side, as well as the experienced Gael Fickou who starts in the France midfield.

Fickou makes his first appearance of this season's Six Nations after recovering from a hand injury.

"He's the sort of player that wouldn't need any game time to come straight back in and play at the international level," Russell said.

- Lions 'hiccups' -

The major absentee for the hosts is captain Antoine Dupont, who has been ruled out for at least six months with a serious knee injury suffered in last Saturday's demolition of Ireland.

The talismanic scrum-half is replaced by Maxime Lucu in the No 9 shirt after the Bordeaux-Begles half-back also stood in for him for the final 50 minutes in Dublin.

"Lucu played very well last week," Russell said.

"I think everyone asks the same question about Antoine Dupont and his injury. Will France work without him or not?

"Dupont and Lucu aren't the same but for us it doesn't change much."

After the France game, Russell's next international involvement could be on the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia this summer.

"Personally, if you look too far ahead to the summer, you then start having hiccups in the season and that's not what you need," Russell said on his chances of being selected.

"For me, it's just trying to focus on getting my job right and trying to drive the team as well as I can tomorrow night to get the result.

"I think the Lions are a long way away."

S.Yamamoto--JT