Russell: Tonks standing out for Edinburgh

Tonks was instrumental as Edinburgh won three games from four in January, including back-to-back GUINNESS PRO12 wins over Russell's Glasgow and Connacht in the process.

And with Scotland preparations in full flow for their clash with France on Saturday, 22-year-old Russell insists it is all to play for.

"With Dunky Weir and Ruaridh Jackson out injured, I guess it will be between me and Greig Tonks," he told the Daily Record.

"People might think that after the Autumn Tests I will just walk into the team.

"But Tonks has been performing really well and has played a big part in Edinburgh's recent excellent results in the GUINNESS PRO12.

"I think it will be a real battle between us, but you can't rule out my Glasgow Warriors mate Pete Horne who can slot in at either 10 or 12."

Russell added that the Scottish sides' performances so far this season had given the national side momentum heading into their busy spring schedule.

He said: "There is added impetus this year from what Glasgow and Edinburgh have achieved in the GUINNESS PRO12."

"I've always had to drive myself to get that jersey.

"But there is huge competition all the time and at Glasgow you know if you have even one dodgy match then you can be dropped to make way for someone who could do as good a job - if not better.

"Thankfully, however, I am a pretty chilled out sort of person, so I don't let things like that bother me too much."

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