If Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend needs any tips on the best way of going about beating Russia during the World Cup pool stages in Japan he could do worse than give former Glasgow Hawks hooker Jack Macfarlane a call.
That is because he was part of the Jersey Reds squad who defeated the Russians 35-22 in Moscow last week in a pre-season friendly.
Given that Russia are ranked 20 in the world and will be taking on the World Cup hosts on September 20 in the opening match of the showpiece event, a loss to an English Championship side was not what they were after as part of their preparations.
Scotland take on Russia in Pool A on October 9 and while Townsend will already be confident of winning that game a phone call to Macfarlane, 27, might give some more detail on their style of play.
“They were a physical team up front and they have some really big boys in the pack,” said Macfarlane, who is now entering his fourth season at Jersey. “In the first half our team managed to play some great stuff and when I and other replacements came on in the second half we just had to try and keep up that momentum.
“We were obviously delighted with the result and to beat a team who are preparing for a World Cup has given us great confidence heading into our next friendly with the Scarlets and then the season ahead.
“As for Russia, they were obviously disappointed by the result, but we saw enough glimpses from them that showed that they can cause big teams problems if you let them play the match on their terms.
“Scotland will be well aware of that and I am sure they’ll be ready for the match when it comes around.”
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