FORD FOCUS

George warns: Scotland have many threats, not just Russell

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

GEORGE FORD has told England not to get distracted by the Finn Russell circus in Saturday's Calcutta Cup clash or risk facing more Murrayfield mayhem.

Scotland fly-half Russell has been England's tormentor-in-chief in Edinburgh at recent Six Nations, where they have collapsed to three defeats in their past four visits.

Russell sparked that run with a miracle passing performance in Scotland's 25-13 win in 2018 and since then England's only win north of the border was a shocking 13-6 victory in 2020.

Bath star Russell is Scotland's ringmaster, but Ford has told England to beware the supporting cast in the backs, which includes Lions centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.

And England 10 Ford has urged his side to take the game to the Scots from the word go, and build on the momentum of 12 wins on the spin and the 48-7 hammering of Wales in round one.

Ford said: “The skill set and unpredictability Finn brings to the game are obviously a massive part of what they do. But sometimes, if you focus too much on one individual in a 15-man game, it can catch you out.