Talking point

Scotland haven’t had a better chance to break their Twickenham drought since 1999 but it will need a much improved scrummage platform and defence and discipline to beat a powerful England side. and under pressure for spells but it is all about how we react to these situations.”

Success has come for Scotland this year with handsome wins over Ireland and Wales, Hogg providing three tries in three games and two key assists against the Welsh, but he believes the best has yet to come from himself and the team.

“We are very much work in progress, but since Vern (Cotter) came in we have come on leaps and bounds,” he continued.

“We are not going to lie down and have our bellies tickled.

“We are going out there to get some victories and slowly we are getting more respect.

“You are also never the complete player. There are always going to be weaknesses in your game and some say defence is one of mine.

“When things are going well there is always going to be someone to put you down.

“I am fully aware my defence isn’t the strongest, but I will continue to work on it.

“In attack, it is nice to be talked up but it is now about me making it a reality. It is up to me to go out there and express myself and to get hands on ball in space.”

Hogg believes that a win, despite Scotland’s sorry record at Twickenham, could not be regarded as a shock.

“We are more than capable winning,” he stressed.

“We talked of our goals before the championship and now it is making those goals a reality. We are very much in the position to come down here and win.

“I’m sitting here shaking with anticipation right now, I just want to get out there and play.

“For me it has been a long couple of weeks since the Welsh game, and Twickenham is such a great place to play.

“This is the first time since I have been involved that it is round four and we are still in the hunt. That’s hugely exciting for everyone but it’s nothing short of what we deserved.

“We worked hard for this and what better opportunity than playing England.

“This is why you play rugby, for these massive occasions.” of