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Scotland hail 'special' Hogg, outline frustration over Gilchrist

By PA
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy paid tribute to special player Stuart Hogg as the Exeter full-back gets ready to win his 100th cap. Hogg – who captained his country before being replaced in the role by Jamie Ritchie last year – is in line to hit the century landmark in Sunday’s high-stakes Six Nations showdown with Ireland at BT Murrayfield.

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Tandy believes the 30-year-old’s longevity at international level is testament to his pride in playing for Scotland. “In this day and age, with the amount of rugby these boys play, to have the motivation and energy he has to represent Scotland, he is a special player and a special human being,” said Tandy about Hogg.

“The pride he has for representing Scotland is brilliant to see. It will be a huge achievement for him and well deserved. He is bringing bags of energy with the way he plays and there is an excitement around him.

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“I know people talk about Stuart in attack and things, but the energy he brings in defence, the communication, the focus, it is brilliant to have him part of this group.”

Scotland know a win over in-form Ireland will secure the Triple Crown and keep them in the hunt for the Six Nations title. Tandy feels there is plenty to be optimistic about. “They are the number one team in the world for a reason but we need to look at what we can bring to the game,” he said.

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“We have played really well in the first three games. We have shown lots of really positive attributes to our game. The boys are in a confident space and we are excited to be at Murrayfield in front of a full house playing for a Triple Crown.”

Grant Gilchrist will play no part in the last two matches against Ireland and Italy after the lock learned on Monday he would face a three-week ban for the foul that led to his red card against France.

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Scotland were disappointed at the length of time it took to reach a decision, meaning Edinburgh’s URC match against Leinster last weekend – of which Gilchrist played no part – was not factored into his suspension. “We are a little frustrated and disappointed with the length of time it took and when the match ban started from,” said Tandy. “The actual hearing itself was great.

“I was on it myself and I thought it was handled really positively but there was a little bit of frustration over the length of time it took to get to the point of what games he would be missing.”

Tandy reported that everyone currently in the squad is fit and available for Sunday and is confident they have enough high calibre options to cope without the influential Gilchrist. “In the second row, our squad depth has grown over the last few years to be really competitive,” he said.

“We have got Scott Cummings back, we have got Jonny Gray, who came on against France and played really well, and Sam Skinner’s playing really well so we have got plenty depth there.”

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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