SCOTLAND HAVE THE squad to win a first Six Nations title in 2019, according to full-back Stuart Hogg.
Since the competition expanded in 2000 Scotland have failed to lift the trophy, their last success coming in the final Five Nations.
Scotland have found themselves battling to avoid the wooden spoon more recently, but last year they upped their game and finished third, two points behind second-placed Wales.
A first Calcutta Cup since 2008 came courtesy of a 25-13 victory over arch-rivals England and Hogg believes they could be a surprise package this year.
“I think we are on the right path to achieving something incredibly special,” Hogg told reporters ahead of the opening match with Italy on Saturday.
“We have been working really hard over the last few years to get to where we are.
“I truly believe we can win the Six Nations but as players we are just looking at the first game against Italy and making sure we get off to the best possible start. They are a fantastic rugby team and will come to Murrayfield and make it really difficult for us.
“Attack-wise we need to make the most of every opportunity and defensively shut them down as early as possible. Everyone is excited. There is a lot of work to be done but we are ready to rock and roll on Saturday.”
Defence coach Matt Taylor echoed Hogg’s confidence, adding: “We have talked about it [winning the title] just about every day. We want to be the first Scottish team to win the Six Nations title.”
Scotland welcome Ireland to Murrayfield on Saturday 9 February.
Join us to preview the Six Nations with Simon Zebo, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey on Thursday @7pm in Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin.
Would it have killed him to admit Real should be there too? The biggest club competition on the planet and they’ve won 4 of the last 5 and he rates them behind Juve and Bayern who have one between them in the last decade.
@Chicken George: He won’t. Lol. For a very good reason.
@Gavin Mitchell: he’s turning into Jose
Good one pep real have been the team of the Decade very ignorant.
looks like he wants to manage Juve next.
@Ardmore02: Barca have dominated in the league. He clearly says he rates the leagues as tougher.
Real behind Juve and Bayern? Pull the other one.
His standard three year tenure will be up soon. It will be interesting to see if he stays or goes on somewhere as he has done in the past.