After weeks of disruption, Hogg reflects on one of his greatest days with Scotland
Stuart Hogg says Scotland achieved something special after putting the brakes on France’s Grand Slam ambitions.
The full-back celebrated his first home win as captain as Gregor Townsend’s team stunned Les Blues 28-17 at Murrayfield.
Where England, Italy and Wales had all failed, Scotland succeeded as Sean Maitland’s double and a late score from Stuart McInally ended the clean sweep hopes of Fabien Galthie’s team in this season’s Guinness Six Nations.
And Hogg admits the victory is among his proudest in a dark blue jersey.
“It’s definitely up there,” said the Exeter Chief. “We talked before the game about how great memories are made by great opportunities.
“Today was a great opportunity for us as a 23 and as a country to achieve something special. I believe we’ve done that. We worked incredibly hard to give ourselves every opportunity of winning and I’m incredibly proud of the boys. We took it to France.”
France played out the final 44 minutes with 14 men after Mohamed Haouas’ moment of madness cost Les Bleus dear.
The prop saw red after landing a punch on Jamie Ritchie’s chin but Hogg insists the dismissal was not the key factor in the visitors’ downfall.
“It didn’t change what we wanted to do,” he said. “We wanted to be physical up front and exploit their blitz defence as a back line.
“We stuck to our plan. You get a feel for momentum. We discussed (kicking to the corner at 7-6 down) as leaders, we backed ourselves. Just after the red card, as well, we thought about going to the corner. The more we discussed it, we decided to take the three. We’ve got a good group of leaders and we trust each other.
“We spoke about staying together as a backline and not giving them an easy out to fly out and belt somebody. We took that away from them. The strength of theirs, we hopefully turned it into a weakness.
“We don’t strive for perfection because we believe it doesn’t exist. But we feel we’re in a good place.”
Watch: Eddie Jones to discuss England future with RFU.
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Things I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
Go to commentsMost underrated player in world rugby.
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