Six Nations 2020: Hogg rues ‘schoolboy error’ which cost Scotland in Dublin

Stuart Hogg apologised to his Scotland team-mates after the captain’s “schoolboy error” proved costly against Ireland in Saturday’s Six Nations Test.

Scotland went down 19-12 in Dublin but were on top for long periods as they chased a rare away win.

The visitors repeatedly failed to convert territory into points, though, with their most glaring missed opportunity seeing Hogg – the new skipper following Greig Laidlaw’s retirement – drop the ball as he crossed the try line with the scores at 13-6.

“It was just a schoolboy error. I’m gutted with how that happened,” Hogg told a news conference. “But I can’t change what’s happened now – I just need to get on with it.

“I’ve apologised to the boys, but what will be will be. We have to move on.

FULL TIME | Scotland run Ireland all the way to claim a losing bonus-point in this first fixture in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium, 19-12. #AsOne pic.twitter.com/NQ9Yi4jqkW

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 1, 2020

“It’s bitterly disappointing to drop the ball over the line, but we got ourselves in some good positions there. After the forwards’ hard work and effort, I’m bitterly disappointed not to finish it off.”

Head coach Gregor Townsend could not hide his disappointment at the time of the error but added: “[Hogg] has played rugby for a long time – you make mistakes.

“You shouldn’t be ranking whether someone drops the ball over the try line or drops the ball in their own 22, it’s an error that you flush and move on.

“He was outstanding on the field today. I thought his energy, his decision-making, his kicking was excellent, and he’s led the team really well the last two weeks.

“We will work to get better as a coaching group and a playing group. Stuart will bounce back very quickly from that.”

Scotland are on home soil in their next outing, as they welcome England to Murrayfield on Saturday.

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