But Sunday started with that lunchtime clash between Leicester and Racing, the Parisians irresistible in scoring three tries within the first 21 minutes through Teddy Iribaren, Juan Imhoff and France wing Virimi Vakatawa.
Russell, as usual with Racing, was at the centre of things and delivered a series of sharp offloads to keep his side moving, with Leicester's only response a pair of George Ford penalties and a George Worth try.
A fine weekend in the Heineken European Champions Cup sees @GlasgowWarriors and @EdinburghRugby in great shape going into rounds 5 & 6 next month! #AsOne pic.twitter.com/YOp6cF1mCX
- Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) December 16, 2018
In the second half, the French side looked to contain their hosts but grabbed the bonus try at the death, Russell slicing Leicester open with his running before Imhoff touched down.
The fly-half kicked 14 points in the 34-11 win and more good news was to follow for Townsend as Scotland hooker Stuart McInally led Edinburgh to a 21-8 win on the road at Newcastle.
Jaco van der Walt kicked 11 points and tries came from James Johnstone and Duhan van der Merwe amid stirring performances from a number of the Scotland side.
Flanker Hamish Watson was as influential as ever at the breakdown and Scotland props Allan Dell and WP Nel terrorised Newcastle in the scrum, while Henry Pyrgos and Blair Kinghorn combined beautifully to send van der Merwe away for his score.
