Exclusive: 'It pains me to say it' – Stuart Hogg tips England to cause a shock at World Cup, is ‘excited’ about Scotland
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Published 01/08/2023 at 10:55 GMT
As a "proud Scotsman", TNT Sports new rugby pundit Stuart Hogg admits it "pains" him to say that England are serious contenders for the World Cup. Steve Borthwick's side enter the competition after a poor campaign at the Six Nations Championships, winning just two of their five games, but Hogg believes they can cause an upset in France. Meanwhile, he has also backed Scotland to do well.
Hogg recalls 'incredibly tough' retirement conversation with Townsend
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Stuart Hogg has tipped England to cause an upset at the World Cup and believes they will be “there or thereabouts” at the top end of the competition.
Following a poor run of form which saw them win just two of their five games at the 2023 Six Nations Championship, England come into the tournament with only an outside chance of winning the World Cup.
However, having been drawn in the same pool as Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa, Hogg feels that they have a “favourable draw” and have “the players” to compete for the trophy in France.
Speaking to Ugo Monye, Hogg said: “I hate to say it as a proud Scotsman, I reckon England will be there or thereabouts to win it. I say that because they’ve got the most favourable side of the draw, and they’ve got the players to do it. They have got the ability to win the World Cup.”
England were runners-up to South Africa in 2019 under Eddie Jones – who was sacked in December last year – and Hogg admits the outcome left him disappointed.
“I’ll admit it, I was a bit gutted they didn’t win the last one because I knew how much it meant to the boys that I had played with,” he said.
However, now under the tutelage of Steve Borthwick, England are one of many contenders in 2023, according to Hogg.
“You look at South Africa, current world champions. Ireland, [world] No. 1. One of them isn’t going to win it. You’ve got New Zealand, France being the hosts. This is the most competitive World Cup in a long, long time and I guess we’ll have to wait and see who’s playing well, who’s peaking at the right times.
“You can’t write anybody off.”
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Hogg was expected to represent Scotland and add to his 100 appearances, but called time on his career earlier this month.
Instead, he will watch on as an “excited” supporter as Scotland bid to make a shock of their own.
Gregor Townsend’s side have been handed a tough pool which includes Ireland and reigning champions South Africa.
Asked about their chances, Hogg said: “As long as Scotland concentrate on themselves, they’ll give themselves the best opportunity.
“For me, Scotland were never renowned for being great starters and sometimes played the best rugby when we were 10-15 points down. You can’t afford to give an Ireland, a South Africa, that kind of head start because they’ll just kick on.
“I’m excited about it, if I’m honest, because being involved in that first block, the competition for places was massive. The squad was the best I believe it’s ever been.
“Two of the teams will qualify so you’ve got to knock off one of the big teams.
“When you look at it from a Scotland point of view, and the South African team you’ve watched over the last couple of weeks. Tonga, we’ve not seen them yet – how good are they going to be? Ireland are the No. 1 team in the world.
“How are Scotland going to fare? I don’t know, but I’m hugely excited to see it sitting on the other side of the fence.
“From a Scotland perspective, I’d like to think they will be there or thereabouts. Are Scotland going to qualify? If Scotland get things right, Scotland will qualify. But it all depends on how they start and the game plan that they want to try and play. They’ve got the ability, they’ve got the players, they’ve got the coaching staff to qualify. So, yes, I believe they will.”
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