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'Greed from Hogg' - Scotland skipper called out by former great
By Kim Ekin
Scotland captain Stuart Hogg failing to convert a second-half three-on-one into a potentially crucial try has seen the fullback face heavy criticism on social media.
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After a really good first half, Hogg broke through the Irish defensive line after brilliantly grubbering to himself and regathering the ball in the Ireland 22.
He then found himself approaching the Irish try line with just Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan standing between him and glory. Despite having two players on his inside with no defensive cover for them to beat, Hogg put his head down and drove for the line.
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Keenan did enough to drive him into touch, leaving the Scotland skipper red-faced and his teammates presumably furious. With the score 14 – 5 to Ireland; seven [or even five points] would have given the second half a very different complexion.
Stuart Hogg won't under-estimate Hugo Keenan again.
The brilliance of Keenan's try-saving tackle was over-shadowed by the TMO review that followed, but credit to him, that was a tackle he had no right to make.pic.twitter.com/71bjL0XG59
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 19, 2022
Hogg’s blunder was hammered online, not least as it came after he was one of six Scotland players disciplined for breaching team protocols earlier the week after going on a drinking session with teammates in Edinburgh after his side’s mediocre victory over Italy.
Scotland great Scott Hastings didn’t hold back: “Greed from Hogg – disaster and opportunity missed – why would you not pass?”
Greed from Hogg #IREvSCO – disaster and opportunity missed – why would you not pass?
— Scott Hastings (@ScottHastings13) March 19, 2022
The world if Hogg has passed pic.twitter.com/ZdCi4k4s76
— Graham Love (@glove931) March 19, 2022
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The Thistle Rugby Pod wrote: “That is absolutely criminal from Hogg. Would he have done that if he didn’t feel he had to make amends for last weekend? Woeful 5 mins for Scotland.”
That is absolutely criminal from Hogg. Would he have done that if he didn’t feel he had to make amends for last weekend? Woeful 5 mins for Scotland
— Thistle Scottish Rugby Podcast (@thistlerugbypod) March 19, 2022
Irish journalist Pat McCarry tweeted: “Holy Jesus, Stuart Hogg…. why?!! Hugo Keenan with a brilliant try-saver but WHAT was Hogg thinking?”
Holy Jesus, Stuart Hogg…. why?!!
Hugo Keenan with a brilliant try-saver but WHAT was Hogg thinking?
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) March 19, 2022
Rugby commentator Dan Mooney observed that: “I want to do one of them videos where you put the Titanic music over a rugby clip, but instead of a score it’s Stuart Hogg absolutely butchering what should have been a simple try.”
I want to do one of them videos where you put the Titanic music over a rugby clip, but instead of a score it’s Stuart Hogg absolutely butchering what should have been a simple try.#IREvSCO
— Dan Mooney (@danielmoonbags) March 19, 2022
“Stuart Hogg loves blowing a golden try opportunity in Dublin… not passing inside (especially after Italy’s try earlier today) is absolutely criminal. Phenomenal work from Keenan all the same,” wrote one fan.
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https://twitter.com/alandooney/status/1505270160172670982
It’ll now doubt be a tough few days for the British & Irish Lion, who’s undoubtedly the greatest Scottish player of the professional era.
To be honest the ex internationals and commentators really didn't need to say anything, as this was just another example of how badly Hogg has botched so many chances in recent years, for club AND country.