Finn Russell, the Scotland captain, joked the Scottish Rugby Union should consider installing a roof over the top of Murrayfield Stadium following his kicking performance in the win over Wales on Saturday.
Russell was perfect off the tee with five kicks out of five in Cardiff, and that accuracy proved to be crucial as Scotland held on for a narrow 27-26 win – their first in the Welsh capital since 2002.
The Bath No 10 previously played under a roof during his five years with Racing 92 in Paris. Given the poor conditions outside the Principality Stadium on Saturday, having the roof closed – a contentious topic in the build-up to the match – made things more straightforward. Rain is currently unlikely for Saturday’s game against France at Murrayfield, although there is due to be a moderate north-easterly breeze.
“We’re indoors so it’s nice and easy,” Russell laughed while speaking after Scotland’s win. “I’ll need to have a chat with the guys at the SRU and get them to put a roof over Murrayfield!
“My kicking was good, I’ve been feeling good the last week so that was pleasing for me to hit five from five. That effectively proved the point in the end. The boys scored two tries under the posts which makes it a little bit easier as well.
“The roof being shut, obviously I played at Racing and know what it’s like, so it didn’t change too much for me being indoors.”
Russell had previously admitted last month his goalkicking needed to improve, noting his success rate had dropped down to around 65 per cent and that something was “not quite clicking yet”. His performance off the tee in Cardiff suggested the required tweaks had been made.
While Scotland flirted with disaster against Wales – a 27-0 lead disappeared in the second half after they picked up two yellow cards and conceded a rash of penalties – they clung on for a historic win.
It was a sign of progress compared to previous collapses when the pressure was on. Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s head coach, praised his players for the resolve they showed in the closing stages.
“It would have been [damaging if we had lost]. There’s no denying it. We’ve worked a lot on responding to negative moments in games and staying together,” Townsend said.
“I know having spoken to Finn and the players that the focus when they were huddling up on the pitch, the communication was excellent. [Scotland assistant] Pete Horne, who comes onto the pitch a lot, gave me that feedback.
“The evidence was there that we can stay calm and also have that belief that we can go out and win. If we’d lost, it would have been a big blow. There’s no denying that.”
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