FINN Russell's all-round game has shown marked improvements during this year's Six Nations and he is former Scotland centre Andrew Henderson's favourite to start at standoff for the British & Irish Lions this summer.
Henderson, below, won 53 caps for his country between 2001 and 2008 and 28-year-old Russell will overtake that mark if he starts against Ireland next Sunday at Murrayfield.
Henderson, who had success against the Irish with a try on debut, and a hat-trick in the 2007 World Cup warm up, believes another big Six Nations performance from the Racing 92 man will see him edge even closer to the Lions No.10 jersey.
“I am a big fan of Finn's play, I think his game has come on a lot and he looks more controlled now,” Henderson, 41, said.
“I would have him as the starting stand-off for the Lions this year.
“He is a very subtle player with the ball in hand and he can put guys into gaps that didn't even look like they were there seconds before, while he draws attention from a lot of defenders and that creates space for others too.
“As an inside centre it is so good having a stand-off like that alongside you as they get you on the front foot regularly and Finn's passing skills in particular are excellent.
“He seems to have that fraction more time on the ball than other players and you need that at international level while he has worked at bringing others into the game rather than trying to do it all himself and his kicking has improved.
“Ireland will know they will have to keep a close eye on him next weekend.”
When fit, Russell is a nailed on starter for Scotland and Gloucester's Chris Harris is another of the first names on Gregor Townsend's team sheet at 13. Inside centre has been the isssue.
Henderson adds: “No one seems to have made the number 12 jersey their own of late, but perhaps Cameron Redpath will when he comes back from injury. He was excellent on debut against England last month and looked very comfortable there for one so young.
“As for my own memories of playing Ireland, I remember coming off the bench against them on my debut and being very nervous, but I managed to sneak in for a try in a (32-10) win.
“We then lost a few on the bounce to them before everything seemed to go right for me in 2007 when I scored three tries in a pre- World Cup game (31-21).”
■ Adam Hastings will miss Scotland's Six Nations game against Ireland and two fixtures after his red “wreckless challenge'' in last weekend's PRO14 defeat to Leinster.
