Russell wary of new-look Wales as Scots bid to end Cardiff losing run / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File
Russell wary of new-look Wales as Scots bid to end Cardiff losing run
Scotland captain Finn Russell believes his side will still have their work cut out to end a 22-year-wait for a win in Cardiff even though they will be up against an inexperienced Wales side in their Six Nations Championship opener on Saturday.
The Scots last enjoyed a victory in the Welsh capital in 2002 when head coach Gregor Townsend was their fly-half in a 27-22 success at the Principality Stadium.
Since then, however, it has been one-way traffic for Scotland in Cardiff, with the Dark Blues suffering 11 consecutive defeats, including nine Six Nations losses.
Wales, however, go into this weekend's match without a host of senior players due to international retirements and injuries, while wing Louis Rees-Zammit has left rugby union to try his hand at American football.
Fly-half Russell said he could understand why some pundits thought Scotland had the edge this time around, even if he disagreed with their reasoning.
"With the Welsh side being slightly different to previous years I think people would see Scotland are favourites," he told a pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I don't view it like that. We've not won here in 22 years, so it shows it's not an easy place for us to come and win."
The 31-year-old stand-off added: "They've got very exciting players who will be playing with freedom and that's part of the joys of having a more youthful side.
"We're more experienced and we have to lean on that.
"But we've got to be careful we don't overthink the game because it's a very dangerous team in front of us.
"The atmosphere is one of the best in the world and when the Welsh boys put that red jersey on it's different to when they are at their clubs.
"It's a massive challenge for us to win here. We've got a few new faces and a few points to prove after a disappointing World Cup, both sides have," explained Russell, with Scotland having failed to get out of a tough pool featuring eventual champions South Africa and Six Nations Grand Slam kings Ireland in France last year.
- Roof closed -
Saturday's match will see the Principality Stadium's retractable roof closed following a change of mind by the visitors.
Six Nations regulations state both teams must agree for the roof to be closed.
Scotland had originally wanted the roof open despite a match-day forecast of persistent light rain.
But with heavier rain now predicted for the 1645 GMT kick-off they have reversed that decision, with the new set-up familiar to Russell from his time with Paris-based Racing 92.
"For me personally it doesn't change too much," he said. "I was at Racing for five years and they've got an indoor stadium. So I'm pretty used to it.
"I think the weather conditions changed over the week, so that's why the roof is now closed.
"It will get slightly greasy inside with the humidity, but both teams are under the same conditions. It will make for an exciting and fast free-flowing game of rugby."
St.Reid--EWJ
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