Townsend barb sparked us into life, says Hogg
STUART HOGG revealed that a half-time dressing-down from head coach Gregor Townsend inspired Scotland to victory in yesterday’s Autumn Nations Cup opener against Italy.
The Scots made it five wins on the bounce with a bonus-point victory in Florence, but were made to work for it by an impressive Italian side.
They had trailed 11-7 at half-time after being dominated by the
Azzurri in the opening 40 minutes, which led to Townsend dishing out a reality check.
He was adamant that complacency had not been a factor against the unfancied Italians, despite his team looking sloppy and off the pace in the first half.
But Scotland captain Hogg admitted he was left feeling hurt at Townsend questioning the work ethic of the team — criticism which was used to fuel the second-half fightback.
‘At half-time, Gregor touched on the fact we weren’t working hard enough,’ said Hogg.
‘As players, that hurts us. I was pretty annoyed that Gregor had to say that, but it gave us the kick up the backside we needed. We didn’t
feel like we were in a good place. We weren’t performing in the way that we know we can.
‘Quite rightly, I said to the boys as we were walking in at half-time, don’t take a backward step. We’re going to get it handed to us at half-time because we pretty much deserve it.
‘It (Townsend’s team-talk) was delivered in a way that was going to get the best out of us. It hurts me when people say we’re not working hard enough.
‘I said that to Gregor after the game and he actually agreed with me. He liked it.
‘We asked boys to stand up and be counted — and to empty the tank. We knew we had players on the bench who could come on and make a difference.
‘It just hurts that sometimes you get questioned on it (work rate). But it gave us the kick up the backside we needed and we got on with it.’
After second-half tries from
Zander Fagerson, Scott
Cummings and George Turner had added to a Duhan van der
Merwe score in the first half,
Scotland won with a bit to spare in the end.
But there was no doubt they had survived a scare, with
Townsend paying tribute to the cool heads among his players.
‘I love the calmness around the group when things aren’t going their way and there was a calm team at half-time as well,’ said the head coach.
‘We knew we had to be better but we were looking for solutions rather than being frustrated at what had gone on in the first half.’
Hogg (above) was delighted to continue the feelgood factor currently sweeping the nation after the men’s national football team qualified for
Euro 2020 on Thursday night.
A close friend of Scotland midfielder John McGinn, Hogg believes Scotland can win six games on the bounce for the first time since 1990 when France visit BT Murrayfield next weekend.
‘That’s what we’re after,’ said the Scotland skipper. ‘We want to be in a position to inspire a nation and just kick on after what the footballers have done.
‘I spoke to John McGinn this morning before the game and spoke to him again after the game.
‘It’s been a pretty shoddy year for everybody. So, if we can put a smile on people’s faces, then that’s exactly what we’re after.
‘Being a Hibs fan, I watched John for a long time. I had the opportunity a couple of years ago to meet him in the changing rooms after one of the games.
‘He was one of Hibs’ best players and he’s now playing for an unbelievable team like Aston Villa. He’s a great bloke and I’m proud to call him a pal.’