It’s pointless being happy just to have made Japan
Stuart Hogg was the only man to start all five of Scotland’s games in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
So, as the full-back’s going to be a key man in the Scots’ campaign in Japan, it’s probably just as well he enjoys the condensed format of the tournament.
“It’s really challenging for everybody,” says Hogg, who was due to make his 70th Test appearance in this morning’s opener against Ireland.
“Every single game you’ve got to perform to the best of your abilities, individually and collectively, making sure you’re heading towards the right place and ultimately winning games.
“The boys worked incredibly hard to get to where we wanted to be, and we feel we’re in a very good place, with a very good squad that’s capable of achieving something special.
“It’s pointless coming across to Japan and just being happy to be here. We’ve come across here to win every game we’re involved in and get as far as we possibly can. Our goal is winning it.”
The World Cup’s concentrated schedule generates tight turnarounds with Scotland having to play their final two Pool A games, against Russia and Japan, within the space of just four days.
“That’s a big difference, absolutely, but the strength and condition coaches along with the other coaches are looking at what’s best to get the best out of us when it comes to games,” explains Hogg.
“It’s useless being absolutely outstanding in training and not performing when it comes to the games, so these guys will be making sure we’re maximising every performance.
“We’re fully aware of the challenges that are coming our way. We’ll see where the teams’ strengths and weaknesses lie but ultimately we’ll concentrate on ourselves and make sure that we’re in a good place and performing when it comes to the crunch.”
Another big difference for the Scots will be the hot and humid conditions in Japan. When Scotland played in Fiji two summers ago, the “strawberryblond” Borderer hogged the only bit of shade on the Suva pitch.
“There was a tiny little corner of shade and I think I spent 90% of the warm-up in that one wee bit. They had to drag me out when I really had to do something.
“The heat’s not for everyone but we worked hard on preparing for it over pre-season, sitting in hot pools of 40 degrees for 20-odd minutes, and we feel we’ve adapted to it but it’s the same conditions for both teams so hopefully we’re better equipped to take them on.
“The hot baths weren’t very pleasant. The first week we did it, we really struggled and all we were doing was clock-watching – it was the longest 20 minutes of my life.
“But the science behind it will put us in a good place and stand us in good stead as the tournament progresses.”
A new challenge awaits Hogg after the World Cup when he joins Exeter in the English Premiership.
He says: “I had nine years at Glasgow and loved every minute of it but now it’s time to challenge myself in a different environment, a different league, and hopefully learn and improve again as you’re never the complete rugby player.
“I’m looking forward to going down there and hopefully winning some trophies with my new club.”
Maybe, just maybe, after winning the big one with his country.