Hogg not mistaking threat posed by Irish

ST UA RT Hogg has already suffered a case of mistaken identity in Japan — but the Scotland sta r has no t rouble recognising the threat facing his side in Sunday’s World Rugby Cup opener against Ireland.

The Exeter full-back is among the biggest names in Gregor Townsend’s squad yet has found himself in former skipper Greig Laidlaw’s shade since touching down in the Far East.

The scrum-half has emerged as an unlikely poster boy for the Scots, with his team-mates left in stitches when hundreds of youngsters, as well as dozens of camera crews, flocked to catch a glimpse of the unassuming Borderer during an open training session in Nagasaki.

Their interest stems back to his role as captain when the Dark Blues faced Japan in their opening game of the 2015 event.

However, Hogg’s reputation as one of the game’s most thrilling attackers has failed to stick in the minds of the Japanese public after he was confused with Finn Russell, then with WP Nel.

Hogg explained: “Mr Greig is a hero wherever he goes. It’s been great to see. There has been a lot of support for Greig and for the Scotland team. We’ve had some fun with him. Anytime we’re walking through shopping malls we shout ‘Mr Greig’ when he walks in front. Everyone then turns around and mobs him. It’s been good fun.

“There have been a couple of things I have been disappointed with. Someone approached me with a poster to sign. He asked if I was Finn Russell. I said, ‘no, I’m not’. The guy looked at his sheet again and WP Nel came next.”

Turning to the game against Ireland, Hogg admits there is no mistaking the quality available to the Irish, even if Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw are ruled out.

Hogg said: “I think Ireland have some incredible players.

“If Kearney was to come out and Andrew Conway was to come in, then that’s another worldclass player we have to be aware of.”

WALES have been rocked by the news assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home for a potential breach of World Rugby’s regulation on betting.