Rugby-Springboks have plan to counter Russell threat

FILE PHOTO-Rugby Union - International - England v South Africa - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - November 26, 2022 South Africa's Damian Willemse in action REUTERS/Tony Obrien/File Photo

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - South Africa would be foolish to focus on only one player, but there is little doubt that Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell presents a clear and present danger when the sides meet in their Rugby World Cup Pool B opener in Marseille on Sunday.

The mercurial number 10 has the ability to unlock a tight Springbok defence and South Africa fullback Damian Willemse, along with wings Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, are part of a back three that will have a busy match guessing Russell's next move.