NO STOPPING US
Hogg fired up for Twickenham triumph
STUART HOGG insists ‘nothing will stand in Scotland’s way’ as they chase a historic victory at Twickenham this afternoon.
The Scots have not beaten England on their home patch since 1983 but, asked if a win for the visitors would constitute a shock, Hogg said: ‘No, we’re more than capable of winning. We’re going to do everything we can to make that happen. Nothing is going to stand in our way.’
England can win the title today with victory over Vern Cotter’s men following Wales’ 22-9 win over Ireland last night. They remain confident Owen Farrell will be cleared to play, but he will have until an hour before kick-off to pass a fitness test on his leg injury.
When Eddie Jones’ side had their final training session yesterday, Farrell was unable to take part — and his peripheral involvement raised concerns that he would be ruled out, with Ben Te’o on stand-by to take over at No 12.
Sportsmail understands, however, that Farrell remains on course to play, with sources indicating his injury is a ‘slight dead leg’ and that he will line up
in midfield as selected. Regardless if Farrell plays or not, Hogg remains in bullish mood. He said: ‘We have had a couple of good wins so far in the Six Nations, so let’s make it a third. ‘People ask me what my favourite memory is of Scotland games against England. I am saying hopefully it is this one. ‘Last time we played at Twickenham against England two years ago, we were winning at half-time and went off to Flower of Scotland ringing in our ears. ‘We lost that day but here’s hoping the Scotland support will be singing it again at the end this time. ‘Since Vern (Cotter) came in, we have come on leaps and bounds. We will go out at Twickenham believing in ourselves. We are going out there to get a victory. ‘We are now getting more respect. A win over England will add to that respect. ‘The boys are raring to go. If we get things right, put in an 80minute performance, then it should result in a win — I truly believe that.’ Hogg insisted a hightempo, attack-minded game will be the key to victory over an English team on the threshold of equalling the All Blacks’ run of 18 consecutive wins. And he added: ‘When you have wingers like Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour, it’s just a case of getting them in space. ‘Tommy is one of the best in Europe, possibly the world, with the high ball, defensively and in attack. He scored a great try against Wales and is another top player who can cause all sorts of problems to England.’