Victory is in our hands, insists Hogg

Full-back Stuart Hogg believes Scotland can end their Twickenham hoodoo today, claiming that England will be unable to stop them if they implement head coach Vern Cotter’s plan to perfection.

Scotland last beat England at Twickenham in 1983, nine years before Hogg was born. The stakes for this instalment of a Calcutta Cup rivalry dating back 138 years could not be greater. For Scotland, victory would ensure the Triple Crown as well as propelling them towards a first championship since 1999.

After claiming the scalps of Ireland and Wales at Murrayfield, Hogg sees no reason why they cannot add the Auld Enemy to that list. “We are more than capable of winning,” he said. “We talked of our goals before the Six Nations and now it is making those goals a reality. We are very much in the position to win and nothing is going to come in our way.

“If we get things right, put in an 80-minute performance and get our game plan right, then it should result in a win, I truly believe that. We have analysed them a fair bit and opportunities will come. Here is hoping we can execute them.

“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. What better opportunity than playing England at Twickenham. This is why you play rugby, for these massive occasions. It is a huge opportunity and huge occasion for us to go out there, express ourselves and have some fun.”

No one embodies that sense of fun better than Hogg, who makes up arguably the most potent back three in the Six Nations alongside Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour. Long known for his individual flair, Hogg – who has scored three tries in the championship – has happily played the role of creator in setting up Visser’s try against Wales with a lightning pass.

In contrast to the prickly atmosphere around the England team, the Scottish camp was buzzing with excitement.

“I’m sitting here shaking,” Hogg said. “I just want to get out there and play.”