After putting in a man of the match winning performance as Scotland pushed the world’s best team to the limit at Murrayfield yesterday Stuart Hogg claimed that the national side is poised to go on to great things.
The full-back came close to snatching a historic victory with a brilliant break in the dying stages of the match and while he described himself as ‘hugely gutted’ at failing to get there he believed he and his team-mates had provided a demonstration of what they are capable of doing in the future.
“We were on the brink of something bloody special, wasn’t it? The boys are devastated with that, in fairness,” he said following the 22-17 defeat.
“We got ourselves into good opportunities to score tries, and probably left a couple out there. We can take a huge amount of confidence going forward now.”
In saying so he indicated that they will continue to challenge one another to maintain and raise standards.
“If you are not going out every single game to win then what is the point in being here,” said Hogg.
“I think for us that is long targets, but we take each game as it comes and now we concentrate on Australia and when the Six Nations come round we will look at that but I truly believe we are in a position where we can achieve something special (and) if you are not here to win then there is the door.”
His captain John Barclay admitted to thinking Hogg was about to earn him a unique place in history as the first man to lead a winning Scottish side against the All Blacks, but he took consolation from the way they performed.
“We had a great mentality today to have a go,” said the flanker.
“We’re gutted. We feel that maybe that’s the one that got away but we’re very proud of the effort and the intensity we put in out there.
“I think the way we’re trying to play is the right way. We’re trying to go out and pressurise teams with and without the ball, but you’re never going to be happy, especially getting close to a side like New Zealand and just not quite getting over the line.”
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