HOGG KEY TOREDPATH OPTINGFOR SCOTLAND

Captain Stuart Hogg had “a massive say” on Cameron Redpath’s decision to choose Scotland and make his dream debut in Scotland’s 11-6 win over England at Twickenham. The 21-year-old centre had a sparkling first showing in a Scotland shirt in the first win at England’s HQ in 38 years. He finally made the decision after years of soul-searching to play for the country his father Bryan captained, having been brought up in England and capped for them at age-group level. Redpath was on the ball from the off, showed up well in defence and won a couple of turnovers – “I do love a jackal from a back” he joked. He paid tribute to the way Hogg, Finn Russell and others had eased him into the international side. “Hoggy presented me with my cap after the game, which was pretty cool,” he said. “He’s been in touch with me a lot over the last couple of months. He’s a massive name in Scottish rugby so for him to do it really meant a lot. “He’d been in touch with me quite a bit saying he felt that I could play a massive part for (Scotland). I didn’t want to rush into any decision, I wanted to earn it. “But if felt like this was the right time to come into international rugby and (Hogg) had a massive say on my decision. “The way we play as a squad is enjoyable for fans and enjoyable for us. That was a massive appeal for me. This came at the right time.” While the euphoria was obvious after Hamish Watson booted the ball into touch to end the game, Hogg was trying to bring his players back down to earth almost immediately, according to head coach Gregor Townsend. “Hoggy mentioned staying grounded to the players in the post-match huddle and we’ve mentioned it since then,” said the coach, who said it was one of the best results in Scottish rugby history. “We’ve got a couple of days to get our feet back on the ground, but we also want to enjoy the moment. These don’t come around very often. “I don’t think we’re favourites for the title. We certainly weren’t the favourites at Twickenham, never mind the Championship. Everyone will be picking France as the favourites now.”