'World class' Finn Russell praised after masterpiece for high-flying Scotland

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend praised the "focus and competitiveness" of Finn Russell after the mercurial flyhalf delivered three assists for tries in a record 35-7 win over Wales on Saturday.

READ | Scotland off to best Six Nations start ever

Scotland have won their opening two games of a Six Nations for the first time, thanks in large part to Russell's renaissance on the international stage.

The Racing 92 playmaker was controversially left out of Scotland's first two Autumn internationals.

But his return has inspired a dramatic upturn in performance from Townsend's men.

"When he is at that level of focus and competitiveness he will deliver that level of performance," said Townsend.

"The threats that Finn has around him set up opportunities and he made very good decisions on what opportunities to take.

"I thought our wingers held their width really well and Finn's kicking to them was excellent."

A man on ?? Finn Russell, everybody. #SCOvWAL | ?? @SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/nLt2IjRTWY

Russell's boot was the difference between the sides at half-time as he struck two early penalties before Wales captain Ken Owens cancelled out George Turner's try for Scotland.

But Russell and Scotland clicked into gear in the second half as a delightful pass set up Kyle Steyn for the first of his two tries.

The same two players combined for Scotland's third try as this time Russell's cross-field kick picked out the Glasgow winger.

Blair Kinghorn's score then secured Scotland the bonus point that takes them level with Ireland at the top of the Six Nations table.

But the hosts were not finished as Russell sent Matt Fagerson in to round off the scoring two minutes from time.

"Finn is a world class player. We know if we as a team perform well, we give