'10s have to be attackers' - Gregor Townsend

British and Irish Lions attack coach Gregor Townsend says fly-halves Finn Russell and Marcus Smith are the future of Test rugby.

Speaking on Sunday after Lions defeat to the Springboks in the deciding test, Townsend said that the game has already evolved to a point where the 10s have to be attackers.

Townsend spoke after Russell came off the bench for the injured Dan Biggar and produced an eye-catching performance in the Lions' defeat. 

Townsend thinks both Russell and young English pivot Marcus Smith can provide the flair to take Test rugby in a new direction.

The Finn Russell show in the third test ⚪️🍫#BoksvLions #LionsRugby #CastleLionsSeries

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— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) August 9, 2021

"People that excite supporters are very good individuals but nothing beats a win," he said. "I’d imagine last night’s win meant a huge amount to the South African people, like the World Cup did.

“I know from experience that Lions tours are thought of very differently if you come out on top in the test series. So both have to be linked together. If you’re just playing and not winning you’re not going to inspire people but I do believe that players like Finn and Marcus have the game to show that their way of playing can win games.

“I believe the game has already moved to an era when 10s have to be attackers. They have to be runners and very, very good passers and also have an attacking kicking game that can unlock defences. We’ve seen players like Richie Mo’unga, we’ve seen Finn last night... those are the 10s who put defences under pressure.

“Marcus is very well set to do that and is already doing that with his club. I’m sure he’ll do that with his country over the next few years.”