Scotland will have the one player they could not afford to lose for their Calcutta Cup match against England, with Finn Russell recovering from his concussion in time to play.
Russell sustained the injury in the first half of the previous round against Ireland when he collided with Darcy Graham. He was found to be symptom-free 24 hours later and completed the 12-day return-to-play protocol before rejoining full-contact training during the team’s camp in Spain.
Graham, however, has been given extra recovery time. Although he was symptom-free within 48 hours and also completed the 12-day protocol, the medical and coaching staff decided he should have another week’s rest. The decision reflects the team’s cautious approach to player welfare.
Russell had passed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) during the Ireland match but was not put back on due to memory loss. The coaching staff opted for caution at the time and have since monitored his progress closely. “Every brain injury is different,” said head coach Gregor Townsend. “Finn had some memory loss, so we made the decision not to put him on. But following the game, he was symptom-free, and as he progressed through light exercise, skills training, and contact training, he’s been fine.”
Scotland’s approach to concussion management sets an example for the game at all levels. Townsend emphasized the importance of making informed decisions based on medical expertise, acknowledging the challenges of assessing brain injuries compared to muscle injuries. “We just felt it was right that Darcy doesn’t play this weekend,” he said.
Graham’s absence is one of three changes to the team. Glasgow wing Kyle Rowe replaces him, while Pierre Schoeman and Jamie Ritchie move into the starting lineup in place of Rory Sutherland and Matt Fagerson, who drop to the bench.
Despite injury setbacks in the Ireland match, Scotland will persist with a 6-2 split between forwards and backs. The previous game saw scrum-half Jamie Dobie covering on the wing due to injuries, but Townsend remains confident in the strategy.
The decision to bring Ritchie into the starting lineup also reflects tactical considerations. “Jamie’s massive point of difference right now is winning the ball in the air,” Townsend said. “England kick it more than any other team. There are going to be a lot of contestable kicks, and when teams kick to you, you naturally end up doing more kicking.” He also highlighted Ritchie’s ability to compete on the ground, should the match turn into a battle for possession.
Townsend dismissed concerns about Scotland’s forward strength, pointing to the team’s record in recent encounters. Having won four consecutive Calcutta Cup matches, Scotland enter the game with confidence.
“It’s great to be part of a Scotland team that has been winning against England,” Townsend said. “But they’re favourites because playing at home is so important, on the back of a very good win, too.”
With Russell fit, Scotland will be more than happy to embrace the underdog tag.
