Lawrence unites with Henry Slade for a 13th straight Test in England’s midfield having thrived since Russell arrived at The Rec at the start of last season.
He will have watched closely how England’s new defensive system has functioned across rounds one and two, with Slade continuing to occupy the 13 channel despite a paring back of the aggressive “hammer” blitz defence utilised last year.
There is a perception of Russell being one of rugby’s great off-the-cuff improvisers but, as detailed in The Independent ahead of the start of this Six Nations, the Scotland fly-half is diligent in his preparation, reviewing footage and data to sculpt a gameplan.
“Scotland are very smart in the way they play and they have a 10 in Finn Russell who many people say is arguably the best fly-half in the world at the moment,” Steve Borthwick said on Tuesday.
No player has caused England more torment in recent years than the Scotland fly-half, but Steve Borthwick’s side are confident they can stop him.
