Scotland flyhalf ahead of Bok Test: 'I might just kick a lot to try to throw them off'

Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell has quipped that he "might kick a lot" to throw the Springboks off guard in Saturday's Test in Edinburgh.

Earlier in the year, the Scottish flyhalf produced a cameo for the British & Irish Lions in the deciding third Test against the Springboks but could not affect a turnaround in fortunes as the hosts strong-armed their way to a 2-1 series win.

Russell has admitted that the Lions should have played a more expansive game against the Boks, but it doesn't necessarily mean Scotland will do the same at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Early indications are that the weather will be mild and bright, but the Scots are weighing up their options on how to front the world champions.

Scotland beat Australia 15-13 last weekend, and looking ahead to this weekend's clash, Russell said they've taken note of the Wallabies' two wins over the Boks in the Rugby Championship this year.

"I watched the games last week but from the other side, so looking at what South Africa did against Australia, so we’ll be looking at it the other way around this week," Russell told The Scotsman.

"I chatted to a few of the South African boys who were over in Paris at one of the Racing games. Basically they expected Australia to run everything but they actually kicked everything, which was a different approach from them. It's just a small thing but I think they were on to something so I might just kick a lot to try to throw them off a little bit," he added.

Russell, who played his club rugby at Racing 92 in France, added that it was important to adapt to what the opposition dished up on the day.

"Maybe halfway through the game we'll decide to change how we're going to play. That's all the stuff we're going to work on in the days leading up to the game.

"Teams in the Rugby Championship also showed that there are ways to break them down and turn their strengths into weaknesses. We have picked up a few things about how we can attack them and defend against them.

"I am just looking forward to testing myself against the best team in the world. That's why you play sport."

Saturday's Test kicks off at 15:00 (SA time).