Stuart Hogg’s chances of playing any part for Scotland in the viagogo Autumn Tests depend on a D-Day with a specialist next week to determine the progress of his injured right hand, writes Steve Scott.
The 22-year-old British Lion had surgery on his scaphoid bone just over a week ago and his champing at the bit to get back in action despite not losing his plaster cast until next week.
In the meantime he’s been working on speed and honing his place-kicking technique while waiting for the next stage in his recovery from an injury he thought at first he might just play through.
“I landed awkwardly in the game against Ulster, but although it was painful I thought I could manage it,” he said.
“Then I fell again against Leinster, and probably damaged it a bit more.”
Although, if there’s any chance of getting back for the autumn tests against Japan, South Africa and Australia, Hogg will do everything he can he won’t know until next week’s examination.
“Nobody has got any idea until the cast comes off. Hopefully, it’s going to be next Wednesday, but I want to make sure it’s right and not rush back because I’ve heard of guys being troubled by sort of injury this in retirement.
“I’ll see the specialist and get a rough guide of what I am able to do. We’ve got very capable physios and doctors at Glasgow and with Scotland who will help me get some part of the autumn tests.”
In the meantime Hogg’s got every confidence in his Glasgow team-mate Sean Maitland to step off the wing and fill the void.
“Sean gets on the ball quickly,” he continued. He has a good kicking game, good running game and he knows the game of rugby so my first plan of action coming back will be to try and knock him out of Glasgow 15 jersey.
“He’s been doing well and he’s more than capable of stepping in at 15, for Scotland as well, though hopefully he doesn’t have to.”