Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

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 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

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 2 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.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 6 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.

29 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out
Search