No joy for Hogg as he equals try record

An angry Stuart Hogg last night said Scotland had “shot ourselves in the foot” against South Africa yesterday, writes ALAN SHAW.

The Scots led at half-time and the skipper’s second try of the game brought them back into contention with 20 minutes to run.

But instead of toppling the World Champions, South Africa stretched away as the Scots began to toil.

“We’re bitterly disappointed with the result,” said Hogg.

“Especially in the first half I felt we were in control of the game. It was just unfortunate that the second half didn’t go according to plan.

“The boys are absolutely devastated with the result. The second half was far from where we need to be and where we want to be and that has cost us.

“We shot ourselves in the foot at times. We didn’t get to vital clear-outs and our setpiece didn’t function. We just didn’t control the game as we’d like to.

“Yes, we were put under pressure but at times we didn’t help ourselves.

“We allowed South Africa to get into their game. We gave them an avenue into the game at times and that’s not what we’re about.

“We talked about this challenging us. We wanted to be our best and we’ve got to be on it for 80 minutes. Anything less will not win you Test matches – it’s as clear as that.”

It was a bitter-sweet day for Hogg as his two tries took him to 24 for Scotland, making him joint-top try scorer alongside Ian Smith and Tony Stanger, and he also took the record for the most Tier-One Test starts at full-back.

But he said: “It’s not about that. It’s about winning Test matches.

“That’s what we’re about. We talked in the changing room about this being a minor blip, a bump in the road.

“I think I might think back in a few hours when I’ve calmed down and settled down.”