Steve Tandy says full-back Stuart Hogg is benchmark

Steve Tandy paid tribute to ‘special player’ Stuart Hogg as the full-back looks set to win his 100th cap when Scotland face Ireland at Murrayfield bidding to lift the Triple Crown and keep their Six Nation title hopes alive.

Exeter star Hogg is in line to hit the landmark against the table-topping Irish and Scots defence coach Tandy believes the 30-year-old’s longevity at international level is testament to his pride in playing for his beloved nation.

‘In this day and age, with the amount of rugby these boys play, to have the motivation and energy he has to represent Scotland, he’s a special player and special human being,’ said Tandy.

‘The pride he has for representing Scotland is brilliant to see. It’ll be a huge achievement for him and well deserved. He’s bringing bags of energy with the way he plays and there’s an excitement around him.

‘I know people talk about Hoggy in attack but the energy he brings in defence, the communication, the focus, it’s brilliant to have him.’

Scotland know a win over in-form Ireland on Sunday will secure the Triple Crown and keep them in the hunt for the Six Nations title. And Tandy feels there is plenty to be optimistic about. ‘Ireland are the number one team in the world for a reason but we need to look at what we can bring to the game,’ he said. ‘We’ve played really well in the first three games.

‘We’ve shown lots of really positive attributes to our game. The boys are in a confident space and we’re excited to be at Murrayfield in front of a full house playing for a Triple Crown.’

Grant Gilchrist will play no part in the last two Six Nations games against Ireland and Italy after the lock received a three-week ban for the foul that led to his red card against France in the 32-21 defeat in Paris.

Scotland were disappointed at the length of time it took to reach a
decision, meaning Edinburgh’s URC match against Leinster last weekend – of which Gilchrist played no part – was not factored into his suspension.

‘We’re disappointed with the length of time it took and when the match ban started from,’ said Tandy. ‘The actual hearing itself was great.

‘I was on it myself and I thought it was handled really positively – but there was a little bit of frustration over the length of time it took to get to the point of what games he would be missing.’

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