'I made a schoolboy error, it's as simple as that' - Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg bemoans botched kick
Skipper Stuart Hogg held his hands up to a “schoolboy error” after blowing a late chance that could have seen Scotland claim a dramatic draw against France.
With his side seven points down and the clock already in the red, all the full-back had to do was find touch with a penalty to give Gregor Townsend’s men a line-out within striking distance of Les Bleus’ line.
But Hogg overhit his kick and Fabien Galthie’s team were able to clinch a 22-15 victory which has put them firmly on course for the Autumn Nations Cup final in a fortnight, as long as they do not suffer a surprise slip against Italy next week.
Scotland were looking looking to win a sixth straight Test match and equal a feat achieved only twice in the Dark Blues’ modern rugby history, the last by David Sole’s 1990 Grand Slam winners.
But beating France for the second time this year proved to be a game too far as Scotland switched off two minutes after the break and watched as the visitors streaked away, with Virimi Vakatawa scoring the only try of the game.
The first half was a battle of the kickers, with Duncan Weir matching Thomas Ramos penalty for penalty to ensure Scotland went in level at 12-12.
But the stand-off could only add another three points after the break to leave the Scots – whose clash with Covid-hit Fiji next week has been cancelled – staring at the third-place play-off, most likely against Ireland in Dublin.
France now well ahead in Group B #AutumnNationsCup pic.twitter.com/G9hO5Fado1
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 22, 2020
On his late blunder, Hogg said: “Yeah, I made a schoolboy error it’s as simple as that but look, I thought we played well for 78 minutes of that game.
“A couple of mistakes didn’t quite go our way and we’re old enough and ugly enough now to realise we’ve made a mistake. I don’t need to be told a million times about it.
“I thought for 78 minutes of that game we were in control. I thought we nullified everything that France were coming here to do.
“But unfortunately we’ve made a couple of mistakes and you can’t do that in international rugby. It’s as simple as that.
“We shut France down. They wanted to bring a running game but all they did was kick to us.
“We can take a huge amount of confidence away from the way we defended but there are some disappointed boys there and rightly so.
“The positive thing is we realise where we’ve made mistakes. We can go back to the drawing board and try to make amends.
“But the frustrating thing is we know we’re a lot better than that.
“It’s fine people making mistakes but it’s the fact that sometimes we compound our errors and that’s what cost us.
“We went from being in a position to score a try to virtually 90 seconds later conceding three. In that time we gave away three penalties which is compounding errors and not what we’re about.
“We’ve not turned into a bad team overnight. We know where we’re going wrong and we’re excited about our next challenge.”
Scotland’s winning run has come to an end, but head coach Townsend is still proud of the way his side have handled everything the year has thrown at them so far.
He said: “If you look over 2020 we have shown commitment, togetherness and shown we are tough to break down and beat.
“That was another game that underlined that.
“But we had penalties against us and errors of execution that we know we have to eradicate if we are a team that wins these games and reaches its potential.”
PLAYER RATINGS
Here's how rated Scotland players' performances, with errors ultimately costing the home side dearly #SCOvFRAhttps://t.co/zGTSKvHz06
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 22, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
I do think the media in NZ treated him badly. Sam is a legend. He is humble, a great rugby mind and leader. What happened in the final could happen to anyone. The margins is so fine these days. I lay blame at the feet of the coaching staff and NZ rugby. The stats tell’s all. The AB’s was the worst disciplined side in the WC with more red and yellow cards than anyone else. Problem is NZ rugby is not training their players to play safer. And thats the danger a fast game brings. More yellow and red cards. But Sam Cane in my eye was and still is a great ambassador for the game, that just had a stroke of bad luck.
2 Go to commentsI hope Jim and co. Add this to their list of icebreaker questions they can ask all their guests going forward. So we can eventually hear what everyone thinks about this subject. “What do you think Ireland meant…”
120 Go to commentsHe’s a dominant personality. That might be both a good and bad thing in team dynamics. Certainly it ruined Smith’s first crack at 10 with Owen at 12. BTW, Bristol flatter to deceive. When things really matter, they tend to deliver less rather than more. Farrell would have been good for them
35 Go to commentsGot a lot of over the top abuse from Crusader fans, in particular, who thought every 7 they had was miles better. Now we will see if anyone is better? Laid his body on the line every game so finishing early makes sense. A lot of life left after rugby.
2 Go to commentsA poor decision to appoint Carley as not only is Pearce a better referee but also importantly speaks French.
2 Go to commentsHe is 100 % on the mark. Malicious arrogance with a lack of respect for the other teams mostly the south. they must learn from True rugby nations like the Boks and Kiwis
120 Go to commentsThis Outiniqua boy has played sublime rugby and deserves a spot in BI LIONS team. Well played son
4 Go to commentsI don’t like to see players miss big matches but this ban looks to be tailored to allow him to compete in the final. In principle a suspension for a very dangerous tackle in a semi should warrant missing the relevant final. Done now. One the flip side having both teams with very strong squads/teams available for the final will add to the occassion hopefully.
1 Go to commentsTalent to burn and a huge engine..hope he gets a shot at higher honours
2 Go to commentsIf anything like his dad he has a bright future, Soane was the best ball carrying props ive ever seen using a combination of pace power and footwork.
1 Go to commentsThose who saw Sharks vs Clermont and Ox N'Che vs Rabah Slimani should have a good idea of the best scrumagers… May be not the best props…
2 Go to commentsIt's been an unusual era of unpopular, highly competitive, domineering, fairly big fly halves in the home nations with Farrell, Sexton and Biggar. Russell is different in personality and player I think. I'd rank Sexton first of the three because he is just as good a game controller but also has a great passing game. And his competitiveness never seems to cause problems with refs.
35 Go to commentsThank goodness he wasn't born in Scotland, he'd have been a great candidate for the Scottish Barbarians. I wouldn't put it past them to push for a “where the player was conceived” rule 😂
2 Go to commentsOwen Farrell is one of the most polarising figures in the game. His entire attitude on the field (and sometimes off of it) smacks of arrogance and he is about as brash as Donald Trump in a political debate. Yet behind that facade is a calculating, determined and powerful leader who drives any team forward with an Iron will. You are right in that he gets better in the heat of battle and in the face of overwhelming odds. He develops a narrow focus and he delivers his best in a way that few others can. He is one of Englands great performers who sacrificed alot for the team and who often bears the weight of responsibility of leadership alone on the field and in front of the media. Despite what many think of him he is a fantastic game manager with a good rugby brain. He will be sorely missed from the international stage
35 Go to commentsAlways proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
16 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
2 Go to comments