Hogg’s mission to help Scots shed ‘plucky loser’ tag

CAPTAIN Stuart Hogg is intent on seeing Scotland jettison their reputation of being Six Nations plucky losers.

The Hogg era began in frustrating fashion with his botched touchdown attempt contributing to the extension of his side’s decade-long Dublin losing streak.

So far, so familiar but the Exeter full-back says Gregor Townsend’s team can shed their reputation.

“The tag that we’ve been given really hurts but we need to be in a position to win Test matches before that goes,” said Hogg.

“We get another opportunity to make sure that’s gone. There’s a Calcutta Cup to play for and that’s all we’re concentrating on.

“We can’t stand back and admire England. They’ve got some cracking individual players and are a quality side.

“They weren’t in a World

Cup final for nothing.They are a world-class team and it’s going to take us to be at our best for the full 80 minutes to come away with the result we want.

“But we’re fully aware of that.That’s a huge exciting challenge for us – but we’re ready.”

Scotland have not held the Calcutta Cup for three successive years since 1972 but they will emulate Peter Brown’s side if they can win today.

“I think I’ve made it pretty clear I’ve got a lot of respect for England,” said Hogg.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play for a few of their boys on Lions tours and they’re world class.

“But we want an opportunity to turn them over.

“I fully believe in our team, that we can do that and we’ll do everything in our power.

“I’ve been involved in a few Calcutta Cup matches now and come out on the wrong end a few times.

“But 2018 was definitely a highlight. Here’s hoping we can emulate that.”