Scotland need 'instrumental' Russell firing on all cylinders

Ah, the heady days of pre-Six Nations optimism. The days when true believers thought that at least 12 Scots would be on the plane to Australia as British & Irish Lions.

Round two's match-up was a real audition against Ireland, in front of the watchful eyes of head coach Andy Farrell. Sadly for the Scots, some of them won't be getting a phone call.

Therefore the Calcutta Cup acts as a second chance, an opportunity to show that Ireland was just a blip. Although, you imagine, not one of the players will be thinking about that as they step out onto the pitch.

Gregor Townsend's team selection does not greatly surprise. There are three changes, only one enforced.

Pierre Schoeman is back in the front row to offer his heft from the first whistle. The plan to spring the loosehead from the bench late on against Ireland did not work as, by the time he'd arrived, the damage had been done.

Jamie Ritchie is in for Matt Fagerson, both eying a potential trip to the Southern Hemisphere in the summer. The younger Fagerson is one of Scotland's most under-rated players but the Scots faltered at the breakdown against Ireland and Ritchie has been brought in for his nous in that area.

Finally, Kyle Rowe is in for a second Six Nations start following the head injury to Darcy Graham.

Although the fleet-footed Edinburgh winger has passed all of his head injury assessments and his concussion symptoms have subsided, common sense has prevailed.

"Darcy is progressing well, he's onto the next stage of training but we felt this week was too early to do full contact," Townsend told SRU media. "We're giving him that extra week to recover."

Finn Russell, the other Scot involved in the sickening head clash that ended both of their games against Ireland - and perhaps Scotland's chances - will co-captain.

He passed his HIA on the day, but Townsend and his staff made the call to remove him anyway. A sensible call, but one that highlights the need to scrutinise the current HIA process.

It is simplistic to say Scotland's chances rely solely on Russell firing on all cylinders, but if they are to record a historic fifth consecutive victory over England, he will have to be instrumental.