The Calcutta Cup – a fixture Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has lit up in recent times – was seen as an ideal alternative for the two-time Lion to restate his credentials because the beginning fly-half.
Russell, particularly within the opening half, appeared again to his outdated self as he helped choose aside England’s defence along with his huge passing sport.
Nevertheless, Gregor Townsend’s facet did not capitalise on their dominance and got here up brief 16-15, with Russell lacking all three kicks he had at objective – together with a last-gasp match-winning conversion from the nook.
Regardless of kicking at 38% on this yr’s Six Nations, former Scotland captain John Barclay isn’t involved and nonetheless backs 32-year-old Russell to start out.
“I nonetheless assume Finn Russell [is in pole position],” Barclay informed Rugby Union Weekly.
“I’m not bothered about his kicking. His kicking final yr and throughout the season for Tub has been nice. He is an efficient kicker.
“It was the most effective he has performed within the championship. Have a look at how he bought Scotland’s backline transferring along with his passing sport. And his kicking sport was good too.”
England fly-half Fin Smith backed up his player-of-the-match efficiency in spherical two towards Scotland with one other assured show.
The Northampton Saint is 10 years youthful than Russell and stepped as much as kick a stress penalty from midway to proceed his bid for a spot as considered one of Farrell’s fly-halves.
Eire fly-half Sam Prendergast, who just lately turned 22, is the least skilled contender and gained solely his sixth cap in Cardiff.
Eire stay on the right track for a Grand Slam after Prendergast, who kicked 17 factors, helped information them via a difficult spell when Garry Ringrose was given a 20-minute crimson card within the thirty fourth minute.
A selected standout second got here when he spiralled a 50-22 over the top of Wales full-back Blair Murray. The execution was “utter filth”, in line with Barclay.
Having backed up his player-of-the-match efficiency towards Scotland, Warburton believes Prendergast has edged into high spot.
“With out placing an excessive amount of stress on him, I see a world-class top-level 10,” Warburton informed Rugby Union Weekly.
“You simply watch him play and also you assume ‘he’s Take a look at stage’. There are nonetheless imperfections, however what he’s displaying at 22, with how calm and composed he’s, is that stage.”
