Shining light Hogg insists Scotland can topple France

SCOTLAND talisman Stuart Hogg believes a first RBS Six Nations victory in Paris is within their reach at the Stade de France today.

The 24-year-old will become the 40th Scotland player, and youngest, to earn a 50th cap when he takes the field. With 15 tries to date, Hogg is now the joint-seventh top try scorer for his nation in history.

But after striking a first opening day Six Nations win for 11 years, over Ireland, the full-back’s focus is achieving the first Parisian victory since the 1999 triumph in the Five Nations.

‘It was very much a dream to play for Scotland and every opportunity I get to play, I take nothing for granted,’ he said.

‘I’m living the dream just now and it will be a great day. But it’s not about me, it’s about us going against France and getting the win. Nothing’s going to change that. We want to get that win and go two for two.’

France are favourites but there is a new strength about Vern Cotter’s team. And Hogg has learned nothing comes Scotland’s way without hard graft and pain.

‘There’s a huge amount of work to be done, but we’re very excited about the challenges that lie ahead,’ he said.