Finn Russell believes Scotland have now developed the mindset required to compete for this year’s Guinness Six Nations title. The Scots have gone into recent championships with high hopes but despite several eye-catching results, they have lacked the consistency to finish in the top two since they won the last Five Nations in 1999.

Finn Russell is confident Scotland now have the right mental approach to challenge for the Six Nations title as they prepare for Saturday's opener against Italy.

Head coach Gregor Townsend has named his matchday 23 for Scotland's opening Six Nations encounter against Italy at Murrayfield.

FINN RUSSEL says Scotland must be braced for the best Italy side he has ever faced when they kick off their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield today. The Scots’ title challenge was derailed last year when they lost to the Azzurri in Rome.

Bayliss limped off late in the first half with what Bath head of rugby Johan van Graan labelled a “serious” groin injury. Townsend has already lost captain Sione Tuipulotu and lock Scott Cummings to injury, while there are slight concerns over Duhan van der Merwe’s fitness due to an ankle issue.

Full Contact focused on certain players - Russell, Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit, England's Owen Farrell and Ellis Genge, and Ireland's Johnny Sexton and Andrew Porter - but as with many documentary of that type, it only told part of the story.

Finn Russell says Scotland must be braced for the best Italy side he has faced when they kick-off their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Bath fly-half Finn Russell has been tipped to take the Six Nations by storm and lead the charge for the British & Irish Lions against Australia later this year.

He is raring to go for Scotland, relishing the prospect of teaming up alongside Russell as the national team aims to make a serious impact in this edition of the Six Nations. Finn Russell and Ben ...

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Scotland go into their Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, with memories of last year's shock loss to the Azzurri still fresh in their memory. Italy will look to build on two wins and a draw in the 2024 Six Nations -- their best return in the competition.

Behind the scrum, former Scotland age-grade player Tommaso Allan's presence at full-back provides a superior goal-kicking option and a spare pair of playmaking hands to complement fly-half Paolo Garbisi, while Juan Ignacio Brex and last year's player of the tournament Tommaso Menoncello form a beautifully balanced centre partnership.