Scotland v Wales: ‘Not too stressed’ – Finn Russell ignores miss critics

Scotland co-captain Finn Russell says he pays little attention to criticism directed at him, and has moved on quickly from his crucial missed kick against England in the Six Nations at Allianz Stadium.

Russell had a chance to effectively win the game in London by converting Duhan van der Merwe’s 79th-minute try, but his touchline effort slid past the post and England held on for a 16-15 victory.

The Bath fly-half was central to an impressive Scotland attacking display that produced three stunning tries, but some fans and pundits have instead focused on his wayward display from the tee that saw him miss all three attempts at goal.

And he said: “I think that’s just part of the job, isn’t it?

“If I’m going to be the 10 and the goal-kicker, and I don’t get the kicks like I could have done against England, that’s all going to come with it.

“That’s why you do it, to get these chances and opportunities. Had I got that kick, it would have been a different story. But missing it, that’s part of it and that’s how it goes. I’m not too stressed about what’s been said about my game.

“As long as I’m happy with it myself, that’s all that matters. I go back to my family and friends and they’re the ones that either pick me up or put me down either way, depending on how it goes.

“My dad was saying, ‘unlucky with the kick, but you played really well overall’. For me, that means more than what others say.”