Hastings: Without a doubt, Hogg will wear Lions jersey
FORMER skipper Gavin Hastings is convinced the form and try-scoring pedigree of Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg will see the Glasgow Warrior start as favourite to take the Lions No.15 jersey in New Zealand this summer.
Hogg has enjoyed a blistering start to this year’s Six Nations, scoring two tries in Scotland’s win against Ireland on the opening weekend, before touching down again in the defeat by France in Paris in round two.
Hastings, who amassed 61 caps for Scotland, scored more than 600 international points and toured twice with the Lions in 1989 and 1993, believes competition for the full-back jersey will be fierce this summer with the likes of Ireland’s Rob Kearney, Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny and England’s Mike Brown all pressing for selection.
But Hastings believes Hogg’s attacking ability and lightning pace, coupled with his ferocious tackling and skills under the high ball, make him the front runner for Warren Gatland’s touring party.
And the legendary Scot has called on Hogg to keep up the pressure on his rivals and has also warned that, even if selected for the Lions tour, the real hard work will begin when he touches down in New Zealand.
“He just needs to keep playing the same way. If he keeps playing the way he is and showing the confidence he has got then he would be favourite for the No.15 jersey,” said Hastings, who was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, a principal partner of the British and Irish Lions.
“His defence probably needs to get a tiny bit tighter. It’s still good, though … but just in terms of his tackling he’s immense.
“So far he has been terrific and it’s great to see him showing the promise and build-up that many people have given him before the Six Nations.
“But certainly, on the form of the first two games, he is looking very sharp and I believe without a doubt he will be on the plane to New Zealand so that’s good from a Scottish point of view but equally from a Lions point of view as well.
“This is not about picking 36 or 40 players; it’s about going down and being good enough to win a test series [in New Zealand] for the first time in 40 odd years.
“We must get away from the mentality of ‘I’ve been picked for the Lions Tour, I’m going to go down and win with the Lions’ and for me that is the message that needs to be repeated, that it’s one thing being selected but that is when the hard work starts.
“If people go there with the right attitude and really make a commitment to going out and trying to win a test series then they are going to have more chance of doing so.”
Hastings also believes a strong Scotland can only benefit Gatland’s selection choices for New Zealand, believing an equal representation from the four Home Nations is the key to success.
“I have been on many tours and I think the Lions miss something by not having enough players of any one country, and clearly in the last two or three tours there has hardly been anyone from Scotland,” said Hastings.
“I’m a strong believer in picking players first and foremost on their ability and it doesn’t matter which country they come from.
“I absolutely stand by that and have always stated that, so I am not going to change my view. But, equally, having four home strong nations is good for the Lions prospect and I certainly believe that as well.”
Meanwhile, Hastings believes the injury sustained by Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw that has ruled him out for the rest of the Six Nations is a major blow to the country’s chances of enjoying a successful campaign.
Laidlaw, 31, suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the 22-16 defeat by France last weekend and left the Stade de France on crutches, with scans eventually revealing ligament damage.
“It’s a big blow, obviously. He’s been a real inspiration for the Scottish team over the last couple of seasons with the way that he has played and conducted himself and his goal kicking,” added Hastings.
“Just by its very nature, it’s a big loss but something that Scotland must deal with as its part and parcel of rugby at whatever level you play. So it’s something the guys must get on with and regroup. Someone’s loss is someone else’s opportunity to gain.
“I though Ali Price did well last week when he came on, and he is a slightly different player to Greig.
“We will just have to make the most of it as it’s just the way it is.”