SM
Portugal vs. Croatia: 19 hrs 40 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Stuart Hogg: 'No better feeling than winning in a Scotland shirt'

:Headline: Stuart Hogg: 'No better feeling than winning in a Scotland shirt': ID:420407: from db_amp
The Scots are chasing a first win on Welsh soil since 2002 in this weekend's Six Nations clash.

Stuart Hogg has insisted "there is no better feeling than winning in a Scotland jersey" as the full-back looks to cap a memorable past few weeks by helping his country to a rare victory in Wales on Saturday.

Hogg is back in the Scotland fold for the final match of the disrupted Six Nations campaign, having missed last week's friendly win over Georgia at Murrayfield because of his commitments to club side Exeter.

It has been a remarkable October for the Chiefs, who bagged a maiden European Rugby Champions Cup crown as well as the Premiership title, but a first Scotland win on Welsh soil since 2002 would give Hogg the most satisfaction.

PA graphic

"At the minute I'm just really, really enjoying where I'm at," the Scotland captain said.

"At Exeter we've been in a very, very good place for a long time, we've been performing really well, the weather's been great and we've had a lot of success.

"I've been enjoying it and had a smile on my face ever since we got back from lockdown, long may that continue. I've enjoyed this week's prep and I'm very much looking forward to taking on Wales.

"We know it's going to be a huge challenge but this is the reason you pick up a ball as a kid, you want to be involved in these huge games and we're excited for it.

"All I want to do is play my best every single opportunity that I get. For me there is no better feeling than winning in a Scotland jersey and I'm going to do everything we possibly can to make sure that happens."

Scotland's win over Georgia saw them maintain the momentum gained from back-to-back triumphs over Italy and France before the coronavirus pandemic brought a sudden halt to the Six Nations.

Wales, on the other hand, have lost their last four matches and will be unable to count on the intimidating atmosphere of the Principality Stadium, with the match being held behind closed doors at Parc y Scarlets.

"I've played at the Principality a few times and when Wales are on top it's one of the best atmospheres you can get in world rugby," Hogg said.

"It's a real shame we're not going to have that, but a big focus is on ourselves and making sure we do our job and create our own energy. We're looking at it as having a bubble with spikes on and nobody's going to burst it."

While early rain should have cleared by kick-off, gale force winds have been forecast throughout the day in Llanelli, where Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones becomes Test rugby's most capped player.

Alun Wyn Jones is set to become Test rugby's most capped player (David Davies/PA)

Jones is set for his 149th appearance – 140 for Wales and nine for the British and Irish Lions – and Hogg revealed he holds the veteran lock in the highest esteem.

Indeed, Hogg recalled an incident when the pair shared a room on the Lions tour of Australia seven years ago as a moment which cemented his friendship with the veteran lock.

"I've got nothing but respect and admiration for Alun-Wyn," Hogg said. "I've been fortunate enough to be on a couple of tours with him.

"In 2013 he couldn't believe I hadn't watched 'the Karate Kid', so he went out and picked up the DVD and we watched it whilst rooming together.

"It speaks volumes for Welsh rugby that he's been there a long, long time. You could say he's been at the forefront of everything that has been successful for Wales so he'll enjoy this one, but hopefully we can spoil the party."

amp_article__420407 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-10-30 15:49:45:
html db last update - 2020-10-30 15:49:45 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Stuart Hogg

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .