Refreshed full-back will go whole Hogg in Rome, says coach

Scotland assistant coach Mike Blair expects to see a confident Stuart Hogg against Italy after the skipper’s successful respite from a difficult Guinness Six Nations.

The full-back scored a spectacular first try in the Gallagher Premiership on Friday night to help Exeter consolidate top spot with victory over Gloucester.

The fruitful break from international duty proved the perfect antidote to Scotland’s opening two defeats.

Hogg’s basic handling error cost Scotland a try in a seven-point defeat by Ireland and he admitted making another mistake just before England’s only try in their 13-6 Calcutta Cup win as he grounded the ball to concede a five-metre scrum.

Blair said: “I think Stuart has played really well in the games. He has had a couple of unfortunate bits, particularly against Ireland with the try.

“Against England, I don’t think there was a huge amount he could have done in the build-up to their try, because the ball just wouldn’t stop for him. So, he had to make a decision on it and we could have defended better in other phases.

“But it was great to see Stuart scoring a try – he made sure he had two hands on it when he touched down and made sure afterwards again.

“He’s a confident guy and he is playing well at the moment, so we expect to see that against Italy as well.”

Hogg assumed captain duties just as Finn Russell’s international exile began, with Blair confirming yesterday there had been no contact between head coach Gregor Townsend and the stand-off following each party’s media interviews on the subject.

Former skipper Blair praised Hogg for staying focused amid the Russell storm, saying: “There have been a few things to take his mind on but we have been really pleased with how he has done.

“The group around him have helped a lot as well, so he can just concentrate on playing and coming in and saying bits and bobs, creating the environment he wants. We are really happy with how he has been leading the team.”

Blair admitted Saturday’s clash in Rome was huge after a frustrating start.

“I think it’s a must-win,” he said. “We have shown some positives in the first two games but it’s not about how you play, it’s winning games.

“We have shown improvement but we need to get over the line and put some pressure on a really good Italian team.”

● Fifer Peter Horne has signed a two-year contract extension with Glasgow.

The 30-year-old took his points tally to 400 in his 166th appearance by kicking five conversions in Friday’s win over Zebre.

The 45-cap Scotland international is now looking forward to the future beyond the summer under Danny Wilson, who will step up to replace Wallabies-bound Dave Rennie.

Horne said: “This club is home to me. To be able to come in every day, see your best mates and then go out and play alongside them is a special feeling.

Mike Blair has backed Scotland’s captain.