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Rumour mill grinding of Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn partnership as Cam Redpath released from Scotland squad

Could Finn Russell go back in at 10 or even 12?
Could Finn Russell go back in at 10 or even 12?

At least one team at BT Murrayfield on Sunday may be playing with two stand-offs – and could it be Scotland?

New Zealand have often favoured a two-playmaker formation in midfield and at present Richie Mo’unga and either of the Barrett brothers may be the choice for Murrayfield.

Redpath back to Bath

But Scotland might counter with their own double-10. Cam Redpath, starting 12 against Fiji on Saturday, has been released back to Bath.

That’s started the rumour mill grinding the possibility of Blair Kinghorn and Finn Russell playing together.

They did so for 15-odd minutes of the final Six Nations test this spring against Ireland, when Russell was demoted to the bench and Kinghorn started.

This is the Racing 92 stand-off’s first return to the Scotland squad since that game in early March.

The other option is Sione Tuipolotu, who played at 12 against Australia. The Glasgow centre has impressed more for the Warriors than in a Scotland shirt so far.

But Gregor Townsend has been keen to talk up his attributes since he first joined the squad last year.

‘He’s on it and makes things happen’

Chris Harris has never played New Zealand in a test.

Outside centre and defensive captain Chris Harris wouldn’t reveal who has been selected, but said Kinghorn and Russell had both impressed this week in training.

“Blair’s come on a lot,” said Harris, who like Russell was rested for the summer tour. “It’s not been that long since March but you can see the changes in his game.

“On the management side of things, and his defence in the frontline, have come on massively as well. He’s a quality player and I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Russell had slotted back in well, he added.

“Finn’s just what he has always done,” he said. “He’s obviously a quality player and no different to what he has been in previous camps, pretty chilled around the place. But when it comes to training he’s on it and makes things happen.

“Him being omitted wasn’t exactly spoken about. Was I surprised? Maybe a little bit. But that’s not my decision to make so you just have to get on with it really.

“(Townsend) picked Hasto, Blair and Ross and they’ve all been going well for their clubs. It’s sad for Adam that he’s had to go back to Gloucester so I’m gutted for him. But the opportunity has come for Finn to come back in.”

‘It’s not going to just happen’

Harris was just on the verge of Scotland recognition five years ago when Scotland last played the All Blacks. He’s not played them at international level, as the Scots’ last scheduled meeting was cancelled for Covid.

“This would be one of my favourite wins, but it is not just going to happen for us,” he continued. “It would be amazing to beat the All Blacks but we have to focus on the game not the win. The win would come off the back of a decent performance.

“People might have written them off this season, but it would be a bit naive to do that after them putting 50 points on Wales last week. If we don’t turn up on the day it will be a pretty hard day at the office.

“We need to raise everything. We have to ramp up our intensity and our energy to stand a chance.”

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