"I'll have to adapt to whatever Warren wants" - Finn Russell

British and Irish Lions flyhalf Finn Russell insists that he can be trusted to execute the Lions' gameplan.

The Racing 92 and Scotland pivot believes he can adapt to whatever gameplan Warren Gatland wants to implement against the Springboks despite his maverick tag. 

Russell is battling the likes of Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell for the starting no.10 jumper and he is confident he can perform any role required of him.

"It depends what sort of game we want to play against South Africa. They're the world champions," said Russell.

"We'll have a gameplan to play against them and whether it's a kicking game or running game I'll have to adapt to whatever Warren [Gatland] wants. I'd like to think I can do both.

"I'll get a feel for how we want to play and go from there. I like to run the ball a little bit, but I also have to adapt.

"In Test matches you have to play slightly differently - in the Six Nations I kicked it more than normal.

Having shone for Racing 92 this season, Russell compared the style of playing in France to that of the South Africans. 

"In France, there's a big focus on running the ball, holding the ball. Against South Africa, we'll have to play a lot more tactically and force pressure on them through the kicking game.

"All three fly-halves are in the same position. We've all got one goal, which is playing in the series.

"Everyone has been training their hardest and the decision is up to Warren and the coaches as to who they pick in the Tests. The only thing I can do is train and play at my best before it."

The 28-year-old still revels in producing the fireworks that make him favourite for highlights reels and addressed his maverick tag.

"The maverick thing has been said since I came through. At Scotland or Glasgow it was an open game, so that's where the tag came from I suppose. It's kind of just stuck. It doesn't bother me either way," he said.

"If I see it's on I have confidence in my skills, so I will always have a crack. You've got to make a decision in a split second of what's best to do.

"If the space is there I'm not afraid to have a go and try something, whether it's a miss pass or whatever.

"Again, that'll come depending on how we're going to play the game in South Africa. You get a feel for the risk-reward options and how we're going to play the game."