It's the 'right time' for Finn Russell to captain Scotland, says Gregor Townsend as France clash approaches

It is the “right time” for Finn Russell to captain Scotland, according to head coach Gregor Townsend.

Russell will be handed the captain’s armband against France at Murrayfield on Saturday in the absence of Jamie Ritchie, who is absent through injury.

It is a fitting way for fly-half Russell to earn a 70th cap for his country.

"He has always been a leader for us in terms of attack," Townsend said.

"He has obviously got older, got more experience and it's the right time to give him that opportunity.

"He's hitting that sweet spot after playing for 10-12 years in one position and against some of the best teams around. You get an understanding of where space might open up, what you can bring as a player.

"If you've got the physical side right too, then you can exploit those opportunities.”

Ritchie has a minor calf strain and could be fit in time for the return match with France on August 12.

It allows Russell an opportunity to captain the team less than 10 months after he was omitted from the initial squad for the 2022 autumn series.

"He's really motivated about playing for Scotland and for playing club rugby for the next few years. If you can get that mix and he continues to improve, we have one of the best players in that position in the world with us," Townsend continued.

"Finn is a very good connecter. He likes spending time with other people in the team and that's a really good way of leading. His knowledge of the game is very good and his competitiveness is infectious.

"He wants to win. He might be doing it with a smile, other times he's winding up the opposition or getting back for a tackle. We want our leaders prepared to put their bodies on the line, to work hard to help the team win."

Russell is one of 13 changes from the line-up who helped Scotland record a 25-13 win over Italy, with Darcy Graham and Matt Fagerson the only players retained.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg said he is “excited” to see his former side in action at the World Cup in France.

Townsend’s side have been handed a tough pool which includes Ireland and reigning champions South Africa.

“How are Scotland going to fare? I don’t know, but I’m hugely excited to see it sitting on the other side of the fence,” Hogg said.

“From a Scotland perspective, I’d like to think they will be there or thereabouts. Are Scotland going to qualify? If Scotland get things right, Scotland will qualify.

“But it all depends on how they start and the game plan that they want to try and play. They’ve got the ability, they’ve got the players, they’ve got the coaching staff to qualify. So, yes, I believe they will.”

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