Scotland are shutting out the noise surrounding their Calcutta Cup clash with England – so that means paying no heed to Eddie Jones’ mind games.
Scots’ captain Stuart Hogg reckons there was no chance of England’s coach getting inside his head after the Australian claimed the hosts were going to have to deal with the burden of being “red-hot favourites” in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Laughing off the comments, the 29-year-old responded on Friday: “We just concentrate on getting our things right. It’s irrelevant what’s written, what’s said.
“We have got respect and admiration for everything Eddie has done in his rugby career.
“As a coach he has done absolutely tremendous work with some of the best sides in world rugby, and you know that he is always going to chuck a comment in here and there.
“So I’m not biting! I’m not getting involved in that.”
Hogg did admit, though, that facing England was once a “scary” prospect earlier in his career but the Scotland captain now goes into Calcutta Cup clashes with no fear.
Hogg made his Scotland debut 10 years ago this month while the team were in the midst of a 10-match run without victory over their biggest rivals.
The situation has changed with Scotland only losing once in four meetings and ending a 38-year wait for victory at Twickenham 12 months ago.
Hogg said: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sometimes worried about playing England, especially in the early years.
“For me, some of the names you used to play against for England, it was quite a scary task.
“Not now. I truly believe in the ability of myself and the ability of the squad that we can go out there and win, and it has shown over the last four years or so.
“We view England as the same as every other team. We respect them highly, individually and collectively, they are one of the best sides in world rugby. But we know we can compete with them.”
David Cairns
Guest
You do not speak for all Australians by a long shot. Well done Scotland.
Aiden
Guest
Ha! All hail Her Majesty, down with the Republic. We are all actually English afterall; I think I speak for all Australians. Etc etc.
Englishbob
Guest
No one listens to Eddie's quips but he's not actually that wrong this time, he must be due one. Playing with a very good settled side, at home, against a team you beat convincingly last time that's fairly hampered by injuries must transfer a degree of pressure onto the Scots. Conversely I'm going to watch this game with absolutely no expectation other than the younger players gain some experience and don't make any career ruining errors. England were crap last year but they still beat France and South Africa when they needed too, they'll build to the next world cup and if we win a 6N before that would be nice but England have the beating of anyone, Scotland don't yet and have much more to prove. Having said that, the more I look at this England team the more I like it, England by a few. Enjoy the games everyone
Bazza
Guest
I speak for all Australians when I say good luck to England. We hope you win and win convincingly against Scotland this weekend and go onto win the Grand Slam.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I feel for Jones, since Cheika was no longer a Wallabies coach, Jones has no one biting back. He needs to up his game, yes a tongue-in-cheek comment.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Love to see England done by Scotland. I'll be watching the game with interest.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
I can’t help not read in a Scottish voice every time I read something Stuart Hogg has said. Come on Scotland! You can do it!!