Ford backing Hogg to race past his record

By BRYN PALMER

PREVIEW…

Scotland v Ireland

Today. Kick-off 3pm, Murrayfield

Scotland's most capped men's player Ross Ford has backed Stuart Hogg to “blow his record out the water” as the Exeter full-back prepares for his 100th Test for his country against Ireland.

Hogg, 30, will follow pioneering women's stalwart Donna Kennedy (115 caps), Chris Paterson (109), Sean Lamont (105) and Ford (110) in hitting the century mark for Scotland today.

The former Glasgow Warrior made his debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2012 and is in his 12th season of international rugby, having also featured on the last three Lions tours – starting two Tests against South Africa in 2021.

Hogg is already Scotland's all-time leading try scorer with 27, and if he continues to play Test rugby beyond what should be his third World Cup later this year, Ford believes his fellow Borderer will end his career with more caps for his country than anyone else.

“I fully expect him to blow my record out of the water,” said hooker Ford, who played his last Test in 2017 and now works as a strength and conditioning coach after retiring in 2019.

Delighted: Ross Ford

“I would have no problem with him smashing it. I have had my time. Hoggy is playing some really great rugby at the moment, he looks after himself and he will deserve it.

“He will go down as probably the greatest player that has played for Scotland. He is right at the top for me. He delivers time and again. The way he has impacted this Scotland team is huge, having somebody of such world class.”

Ford readily concedes he would have gladly swapped his record caps haul for the chance to be part of a Scotland team challenging for silverware.

“It is a massive honour, but I would have loved to have been more successful,” said the 38-year-old, who only tasted victory in 13 of his 55 Six Nations matches from 2006 to 2017.

“We had some great oneoff performances but we didn't back it up to be able to compete in a championship – that was the frustrating thing.

“The current squad now has great strength in depth and are playing some great rugby. It is about taking that next step to a Triple Crown and hopefully a Six Nations title. For him it is do-able.”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend believes today's game – with a Triple Crown and a possible first shot at a Six Nations title at stake – is the perfect scenario for Hogg to win his 100th cap.

“What better game to go out and play your best game of the season, or the best game of your career,” he said.

Scotland will need to end a run of seven successive defeats against their Celtic cousins stretching back to 2017, and in all likelihood also deny Andy Farrell's side even a losing bonus point.

In that scenario the Scots would be reasonably confident of a bonus-point win over Italy in the final round, when the championship could come down to points difference, although Ireland – who host England in their final match – have a 28-point advantage.

“Ireland are very consistent,” Townsend added. “They have a level of game and level of player who we know are going to test us through their attack, defence, set-piece and contact area in particular.

“So if we don't get close to our top performance then we're not going to win. But we believe we are building towards that performance.”

Exeter lock Jonny Gray replaces the banned Grant Gilchrist. Jack Dempsey comes in at No.8, with Matt Fagerson switching to blindside, and Jamie Ritchie to openside.

Centurion: Stuart Hogg in action for Scotland

PICTURES: Getty Images