Finn Russell might have a grip on the Scotland 10 shirt but he knows he might find he doesn’t get the same number when he gets back to Glasgow this week.
The 22-year-old from Stirling was trusted by Vern Cotter with the starting place in all three viagogo Autumn Internationals for Scotland and played a key role in four of Scotland’s five tries as they finished the campaign with a 37-12 win over Tonga at Kilmarnock on Saturday.
But he’s actually played fewer games at 10 for the Warriors this season than either Duncan Weir or Peter Horne, and knows it’s by no means certain he’ll start Friday’s home game against the Dragons or the two big European clashes with Toulouse coming up.
“Obviously it’s been a huge confidence boost to me to be favoured for these three tests and I’ve learned a lot in what were three very different games,” he said.
“Even in the first half against Tonga, though it was a bit sloppy I learned a good amount and we were able to make the adjustments and play a little tighter in the second half.
“I’ve got plenty of help and advice from both Vern and (attack coach) Duncan Hodge, who’ve been great telling me what they want from me and boosting my confidence.
“It’s great to have experienced players to bounce questions off like Greig (Laidlaw) and Dunc (Weir). Dunc’s been playing more games at 10 for Glasgow than I have so to get the job for Scotland has been a big boost for me, even though I might not get it at Scotstoun!
“I’m really happy to get a game anywhere they need me, whether that be at 10 or 12.”
Russell’s influence on Saturday came into play in both attack and defence, his crunching tackle forcing the ball free for Stuart Hogg to run the length of the field for Scotland’s second try.
However it was his “heads-up” play spotting the Tongan defence coming up, switching direction and giving Alex Dunbar a run that resulted in the third score.
“I saw Alex was going to be up against their 8 and I know exactly what he can do in those situations,” he said. “It’s just backing your team-mate, and he beat both the 8 and their tight-head to get a great finish for the try.”
Russell’s pinpoint cross kick also produced the final try, but that was an easier decision.
“We had a penalty advantage, so why not try and make the most of it,” he said. “We’d talked about high balls into the in goal and getting a 50-50 situation, and that time ited out.”
The former Wallace HS pupil thinks Scotland are in a good position looking forward to the Six Nations.
“Two wins out of three after three out of four in the summer, it’s been about getting Scotland back to winning, and if we continue to go like this in the Six Nations we’ll have a good chance,” he said.
“The pack have been immense, the lineout especially, even when we’re giving them lineouts it’s almost 50-50 whether we get the ball back, we know we’re going to be able to pressurise them with Jonny and Richie.”
The younger Gray has been the big bonus for Scotland, coming into the side when Cotter’s chosen skipper Grant Gilchrist broke his arm, yet leading the lineout and being outstanding across the pitch in all three games.
“Injuries do provide opportunities,” said the head coach. “I think that the team has shown really good cohesionand that has helped bring life to the team, to find solutions to problems and to move and adapt.
“Obviously, having two brothers together helps that type of thing. I think they have both been great in all three games but I think everyone has put a hand up during this Test series.
Cotter is also pleased at his team’s ability to adapt on the hoof, as they showed after half-time he asked them to tighten up.
“At 14-12 (at half-time) it was anybody’s game, but I think there was belief within the group at half-time to kick on and get the result.
“The guys almost increased the engagement and the commitment, the calm and control if you like, and changed the way they played. It’s important that comes from guys within the group and I think it’s really positive.
“Right from the start, we’ve seen an ambition and desire to play well, take initiative, support each other.
“I think there are some really positive things and my job now is to try and create other things as well. We want to develop the qualities we have seen over these three games.”