Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell’s relationship may have hit the rocks back in February and March, when the talismanic stand-off was exiled from the Scotland squad – but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and the word from the national camp in recent weeks has been that everyone is back on the same page and determined to work in unison in order to end 18 years of hurt in Wales with a win at Parc y Scarlets in this afternoon's long-awaited 2020 Six Nations finale for both teams. 

“I love it, just love it,” gushed team captain Hogg when asked about playing alongside Russell during yesterday’s pre-match zoon conference. “I'm a huge fan of the way that he plays rugby. You've just got to give that guy the licence to express himself.  

“He's been playing some outstanding rugby for Racing over the last few months and hopefully he can continue that form. It's been great to have him back. His experience is one thing and the way he speaks to boys is another – he really drives standards and drives us around the field.  

“So, yes, I'm really excited for him to be back in the starting ten jersey and hopefully he can drive us to a win.” 

There is no need to revisit the rights and wrongs of that sorry start to Scotland’s Six Nations campaign, suffice to say that none of the leading protagonists in the melodrama came out with reputation enhanced. The important thing is that lessons have been learned, and to that end Hogg hints that Russell is now far more settled in the role as chief on-field strategist. 

“I've chatted a fair amount to both Finn and [head coach] Gregor Townsend over the lockdown, and it was always going to be the case that Finn would be back in a Scotland jersey,” explained the full-back. “He's a world class talent and he's excited to be back making a difference. I've seen a massive difference even just this week in the way he's talking to boys. He knows what he wants from everyone else so it's great to have him back. I'm really, really excited.” 

While the weather forecast has improved from the strong winds and thundery showers being predicted earlier in the week, it remains unlikely that the match will be played in conditions conducive to the carefree brand of rugby that Russell is renowned for – but Hogg backs his team-mate to be able to adapt to suit the occasion.  

“We have touched on the weather conditions all week,” he said. “We all know fine well when it is on to play and when to get rid of the ball and defend, and Finn has been at the forefront of that. 

“He has a terrific kicking game and his game management is right up there with the best in the world. Hopefully he can put us in the right areas and make sure we are constantly going forward. 

“I just think in international rugby you have limited opportunities and you just have to make the most of every single one,” he added. “We’ve talked a lot this week about every time we get to their 22, we have to come away with points, whether that be a penalty, drop-goal or a try and conversion – whatever it may be to keep that scoreboard ticking over. We need to use our energy in the right way when we get into the zone and make sure we come away with points.” 

That might sound like Scotland will look for the three points with every penalty they get within range, but Hogg insists that is not a foregone conclusion. 

“Obviously, Finn can goal-kick, and I can potentially take the longer ones along with Blair Kinghorn, but it is just about how we feel at the time,” he explained. “If we feel we have got the momentum behind us then we’ll challenge them up front.  

“I believe in our forward-pack and our set-piece being able to get us good go-forward ball, but it will be a decision which will be made there and then. We can’t really talk about it at the minute because we don’t really have a feel for the game, and nor do we know how the weather is actually going to be.” 

Earlier this week, Lions head coach Warren Gatland defended his decision to pick only three and then two Scots in the previous tours he has taken charge of on the basis that the players have consistently failed to demonstrate the mental toughness required to win big matches on the road.  

It is a fair point given that Scotland haven’t managed a Six Nations win away from Murrayfield against any team other than Italy since beating Ireland at Croke Park back in 2020, and Hogg acknowledges that the only real response for Lions aspirants in the current squad is to break that long miserable run before next summer’s trip to South Africa. 

“Our away record has not been good enough, simple as that,” he acknowledged. “We can’t change what happened in the past but we can control what happens in the future. What better start than kicking off with a win down in Wales?  

“Warren Gatland is fully entitled to his opinion, he is a very experienced rugby coach, but we will concentrate on ourselves and make sure we are in a position to create our own little bit of history.”