Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

The Stuart Hogg tribute video that blew away Scotland boss Townsend

By PA
(Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Gregor Townsend declared Stuart Hogg one of the best players in the history of Scotland rugby ahead of the full-back’s 100th cap against Ireland on Sunday. The 30-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in the dark blue jersey since making his international debut against Wales in 2012.

ADVERTISEMENT

Townsend is hoping the pre-match fanfare for Hogg will help inspire Scotland to a victory over Ireland as they bid to land a first Triple Crown since 1990 and keep themselves in contention for the Six Nations title. “It’s very well deserved,” said the head coach of Hogg’s accomplishment.

“He has been one of our best players over the last 10 years but also in the history of Scottish rugby. We put a tribute video on for him the other day when we announced the team with some of the tries he has scored, some of the victories he has been involved in.

Video Spacer

Johnny Sexton is asked if this is the best Scotland side he has ever faced

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Johnny Sexton is asked if this is the best Scotland side he has ever faced

      “The creative nature of his game, his durability, his love of the jersey, his love of playing the game has been constant throughout that period. Right from 19/20 years old when I first started working with him at Scotland, and then at Glasgow, it blew me away to see his passing with either hand, his kicking ability, his speed.

      “He has been one of the best rugby players I have had the pleasure to work with. It’s a great game to win your 100th cap, back at home, with a trophy at stake. He will lead the team out and I’m sure the crowd will want to show their love for him and their appreciation of what he’s done in that jersey.”

      Related

      Townsend detects that Hogg is eager to make a big impact on his landmark outing. “This week he has trained the best he has this season, so he has responded really well to being named in the team, to having the players behind him and congratulating him on his 100th cap,” said the coach.

      “He is looking in great physical shape. I know he was wanting to play last weekend for Exeter but I messaged him to say, ‘Look, just take it as a positive that not playing will mean you are going to be really fresh for what will be a big week for you’.”

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Townsend has made two changes to the XV that started against France a week past Sunday. Jonny Gray will replace suspended lock Grant Gilchrist, while Jack Dempsey will make his first Six Nations start at number eight, with Hamish Watson dropping to the bench.

      “Jack has been really consistent in training and he’s taken that into the games where he’s come off the bench and we feel this is the right time to see that blend,” said Townsend. “We believe Hamish can have a big role to play in that last quarter of the game or longer, potentially. When you play against the top sides in the world, the last 20 minutes is going to be very important, just like the first 20 minutes.”

      Townsend feels his team are in good shape to compete with Ireland but he is braced for a formidable challenge from the world’s top-ranked team. “It’s the best Ireland team we’ve faced,” he said.

      “They are on the back of a lot of big wins and they have got their strongest team they could probably put out to play us this weekend, so – while we have improved – we have got more improvement in us and we’re going up against a team that’s on top of their game.”

      ADVERTISEMENT

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

      Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

      Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

      Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

      Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

      The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      f
      frandinand 4 hours ago
      The Reds' 'whimpering' exit shows Super Rugby scrums still matter

      My favorite wine used to be Shiraz and I also enjoy a nice malbec. But having discovered quality pinots my preferences have definitely changed. Sorry Nic. But the great red wines of the world are pinots. The problem is being able to afford them. A friend in NZ sent me this list of their top 25 across regions prices and styles Hope you can source some of them Carlos.

      Grove Mill 2023 Marlborough Pinot Noir - $15.99

      Ayrburn Whimsy 2019 Otago Pinot Noir - $19.99

      Mount Brown 2023 Waipara Pinot Noir - $19.99

      Rapaura Springs Reserve 2023 Marlborough Pinot Noir - $21.99

      Te Kairanga Estate 2024 Martinborough Pinot Noir - $24.99

      Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings 2024 Otago Pinot Noir - $26.99

      Hunters 2023 Marlborough Pinot Noir – $26.99

      Clearview Estate 2024 Martinborough Pinot Noir - $27.99

      Putangi 2024 Otago Pinot Noir - $27.99

      McArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2024 Otago Pinot Noir - $35.99

      Ata Rangi Crimson 2023 Martinborough Pinot Noir - $38.99

      Neudorf Tom’s Block 2023 Moutere Pinot Noir - $38.99

      Te Kairanga John Martin 2024 Martinborough Pinot Noir - $39.99

      Terra Sancta Shingle Beach 2024 Otago Pinot Noir - $43.99

      Pyramid Valley Manatu 2022 Otago Pinot Noir - $44.99

      Maude Mohawk 2023 Otago Pinot Noir - $49.99

      Misha’s High Note 2021 Otago Pinot Noir - $50.99

      Quartz Reef Bendigo 2022 Otago Pinot Noir - $52.99

      Amisfield 2022 Otago Pinot Noir - $61.99

      Calvert Bannockburn 2021 Otago Pinot Noir - $64.99

      Prophet's Rock Home Vineyard 2023 Otago Pinot Noir - $79.99

      Greystone Vineyard Ferment 2021 Waipara Pinot Noir - $81.99

      Amisfield Breakneck Reserve 2022 Otago Pinot Noir - $92.99

      Clos Ostler Caroline’s 2021 Waitaki Pinot Noir - $112.99

      145 Go to comments
      TRENDING
      TRENDING ‘Lucky losers’ Chiefs bolstered by return of All Blacks duo for semi ‘Lucky losers’ Chiefs bolstered by return of All Blacks duo for semi
      Search