Scottish try hero Stuart Hogg believes his side’s victory over Italy has put them right in the mix to challenge for the RBS 6 Nations title.
With Ireland and Wales due to visit Murrayfield in the next two rounds, Hogg feels the time is right for the Scots to push for championship glory after their four try demolition of the Azzurri
“The table looks really tasty now. We are right in the mix and hopefully we can kick on," said Hogg, who scored a spectacular 80 metre try at the weekend.
“We are not here to make up the numbers. We are are here to win, to win games and hopefully win a championship.
"We were a lot of points up on the board but the Italians just kept coming at us and coming at us and coming at us. All credit to the boys up front and our defence.
“I thought it was outstanding. We didn't sit off them, they took it to them. The previous week we struggled in the tackle area, but we worked hard on that and that really paid off.”
Scotland are a mere two points adrift of England and improved their try count and points difference with their 34-10 thrashing of Italy. It was a first home win in six and the manner of the victory will have given Hogg and his team mates huge encouragement before facing the Irish.
His long range tries against Scotland and Italy have thrust Hogg firmly into the mix for a British & Irish Lions place. Leigh Halfpenny, Rob Kearney and Andy Goode have all been to the fore for their respective countries in the championship to date and the battel for the No 15 jersey looks to be particularly fierce.
