The Calcutta Cup – a fixture Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has lit up in recent years – was seen as a perfect opportunity for the two-time Lion to restate his credentials as the starting fly-half.
Russell, especially in the opening half, looked back to his old self as he helped pick apart England’s defence with his wide passing game.
However, Gregor Townsend’s side failed to capitalise on their dominance and came up short 16-15, with Russell missing all three kicks he had at goal – including a last-gasp match-winning conversion from the corner.
Despite kicking at 38% in this year’s Six Nations, former Scotland captain John Barclay is not concerned and still backs 32-year-old Russell to start.
“I still think Finn Russell [is in pole position],” Barclay told Rugby Union Weekly.
“I am not bothered about his kicking. His kicking last year and across the season for Bath has been great. He is a good kicker.
“It was the best he has played in the championship. Look at how he got Scotland’s backline moving with his passing game. And his kicking game was good too.”
England fly-half Fin Smith backed up his player-of-the-match performance in round two against Scotland with another assured display.
The Northampton Saint is 10 years younger than Russell and stepped up to kick a pressure penalty from halfway to continue his bid for a spot as one of Farrell’s fly-halves.
Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast, who recently turned 22, is the least experienced contender and won only his sixth cap in Cardiff.
Ireland remain on course for a Grand Slam after Prendergast, who kicked 17 points, helped guide them through a tricky spell when Garry Ringrose was given a 20-minute red card in the 34th minute.
A particular standout moment came when he spiralled a 50-22 over the head of Wales full-back Blair Murray. The execution was “utter filth”, according to Barclay.
Having backed up his player-of-the-match performance against Scotland, Warburton believes Prendergast has edged into top spot.
“Without putting too much pressure on him, I see a world-class top-level 10,” Warburton told Rugby Union Weekly.
“You just watch him play and you think ‘he is Test level’. There are still imperfections, but what he is displaying at 22, with how calm and composed he is, is that level.”
