Townsend feels Six Nations knocks make Hogg better leader

Skipper boosted by learning experiences in first campaign in charge

Gregor Townsend is convinced a rollercoaster Six Nations will have turned Stuart Hogg into a better Scotland skipper.

Hogg was desperate to be handed the role after the World Cup ended in bitter disappointment for the team as they crashed out of the competition at the group stage in Japan.

But the full-back suffered a difficult start to life as captain as he made individual mistakes in the opening defeats to Ireland and England.

Against Ireland, the 27-year-old, who later apologised for a ‘schoolboy error’, dropped the ball over the try line under no pressure when a score could have turned the match in the Scots’ favour in the 19-12 loss.

And, then, just a week later, the Exeter Chiefs back carried the ball over his own line to gift England the scrum from which they scored the decisive try in Scotland’s 13-6 reverse at Murrayfield.

But the Borderer proved his mental strength and world-class ability with a stunning try in the subsequent win against Italy in Rome and was a top performer as the Scots torpedoed France’s Grand Slam hopes with a 28-17 triumph.

Townsend insists Hogg’s readiness to apologise for his own errors proved his leadership skills and the head coach believes the former Glasgow Warriors favourite will be better for the experience.

He said: “The leadership group worked really well and Stuart, I thought, did an excellent job as captain.

“It was his first opportunity to captain the team over a period of games, in what was a really challenging run of fixtures, with Ireland away first up.

“I thought he led really well. If he made any mistakes, he was first to put his hand up and that really shows positive signs of leadership, to bring others with you.”

Townsend told the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast: “He really wanted to do the job and I know he had done a lot of work speaking to others going into this job.

“And he’s built up a lot of experience, having played with some excellent players, in different contexts as well.

“So, I’m sure he’ll be a better leader for the experience.”

“If he made any mistakes, he was first to put his hand up and that really shows positive signs of leadership. GREGOR TOWNSEND

Picture: Shutterstock. Stuart Hogg on his way to scoring a stunning try against Italy.