The Racing 92 stand-off was the catalyst as the visitors turned a 31-0 deficit on its head to lead late on, before George Ford’s last-gasp try meant Scotland had to settle for a draw in one of the most incredible Calcutta Cup clashes in history.

Nine points of his own, including a lung-busting breakaway score after intercepting an Owen Farrell pass.

But it was his performance as a playmaker that set the platform for his teammates to flourish in a frantic second 40.

His passing range was on show: long to Sean Maitland to unlock the door for Darcy Graham’s second and a stunning, short, no-look pass to put Sam Johnson for a 50m run-in.

Russell even had the numbers to back things up: gaining 545.3m off a round-leading 16 kicks, while demonstrating ruthless efficiency on the carry, as he notched 11.6m on average.

The decision – voted for by the general public – sees Russell complete the quintet of players awarded the honour throughout the Guinness Six Nations.

Round One – Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)

Round Two – Jonny May (England)

Round Three – Liam Williams (Wales)

Round Four – Joe Cokanasiga (England)

Round Five – Finn Russell (Scotland)