Six Nations Talking Points: Finn Russell, George Ford, Antoine Dupont, Robert Baloquin

The opportunity and ability to rewrite their own narratives in just a few weeks is part of what makes the Six Nations so compelling.

Scotland, who were lackluster and outmatched in Rome in the first week, are now France’s biggest challengers after following up the Calcutta Cup demolition of England with a nerve-wracking win in Wales.

The hosts were 23-12 ahead with just over 20 minutes to go, but Scotland came back to win 26-23 after brilliant quick thinking from Finn Russell.

He switched the momentum of the match with a kick that took Wales out and allowed Darcy Graham to score in the corner. Once again, it was pigeon #10 that made the difference.

“Great players turn up when it matters and Russell had his moments when he saved Scotland,” Sam Warburton, the former Wales captain, told a BBC Rugby special.

“He was exceptional at managing the team when they were down in the game. He waits for the perfect moment to come on.

“He plays what he sees, he has that license and his kicks were massive. The big man shone in the last 30 minutes, he was clean and he was a big part of the comeback.”

Their former player John Barkley added: “Scotland found a way to win ugly.”

“They found solutions and worked their way up. In some ways this was the most important win they’ve had in a while. It gave them a strong position in the table.”

the next? France at Murrayfield on Saturday, March 7, and the opportunity to end the French national team’s Grand Slam dreams after three consecutive victories.