Gregor Townsend backed "outstanding goal-kicker" Finn Russell to remain in the role following his trio of costly conversion misses during Scotland's agonising 16-15 Six Nations defeat to England. Co-captain Russell squandered a last-gasp kick for victory at Allianz Stadium after Duhan van der Merwe's dramatic try put the Scots on the brink of extending their four-year stranglehold on the Calcutta Cup.

Scotland rugby star Finn Russell has passed return-to-play protocols after a nasty clash of heads with a teammate and will start the Six Nations match against England on Saturday.