The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Hogg leading by example Rugby:
Full back takes charge against the US
New Scotland captain Stuart Hogg has cautioned his players not to take beating the United States for granted this weekend.
The Americans are on a six-game winning streak heading into the match in Houston, which starts at 2am BST.
Full-back Hogg, who takes charge of a newlook Scotland squad for the first time, wants to mark the occasion with a strong performance.
“It’s right up there (as an honour),” he said as his team finalised preparations in Texas.
“I want to be playing every single game that I’m fit and to have this added responsibility is really keeping me on my toes.”
Hogg has the advantage of being the only member of the starting XV who faced the same opponents at the BBVA Compass Stadium four years ago, when the Scots had to work hard for a 24-6 triumph.
Hogg recalled: “It’s a cracking stadium, cracking facilities, great pitch.
“We have a good game plan in place to hurt the Americans. Look at their last six results. They have some incredible individual players and are playing well as a team.
“We have to be on the money in defence because they have some very good ball carriers and an elusive back three players who are very good. We want to take our opportunities in attack.
“We don’t want to be playing too many phases and use up a lot of energy. A big emphasis is picking our heads up, seeing what is in front, and spotting the spaces in front of us.
“If we can get these big Americans moving around we believe we are a lot fitter than them.”
Seven players will make their first starts for Scotland with two of them, George Horne at scrum-half and number-eight Matt Fagerson, making their international debuts.
In the forwards, prop Jamie Bhatti and hooker George Turner will be starting for the first time as will lock Lewis Carmichael, who won first cap last week in the 48-10 win over Canada, and Luke Hamilton in the back row.
In the backs, Adam Hastings, son of former Scotland and Lions captain Gavin, makes his first start after making his debut in Edmonton, renewing a club partnership with Horne for the first time at Test level.
Where Scotland do have some continuity is in the Glasgow-dominated back division.
America head coach Gary Gold wants his players to continue their good form.
“The chemistry of this group worked well last week,” he said.
“We’ve had another week to build on our rhythm as a collective and grow in our individual roles, which will undoubtedly help us against a quality side in Scotland.”
“To have this added responsibility is really keeping me on my toes”