WINNING at Twickenham is uncharted territory for this generation of Scotland players, but should they achieve it today it will be far from the only new ground they have broken in this year’s Six Nations Championship. There was that first opening-day win in 11 years, when Ireland visited Murrayfield, for a start. And there was that first victory over Wales for a decade three weeks later.

More importantly than either individual result, however, is the fact that, thanks to those results – and the bonus-point loss to France too – this squad is in with a shout of the title with only eight days to go. Achieving that goal is a long way off, of course, and even winning today then at home to Italy next week may not be enough. But the fact they are in that position so late in the tournament is a novel experience, and an inspiring one, as Stuart Hogg explained yesterday.

“This is the first time since I’ve been involved that it’s round four and we’re still in the hunt,” the full-back said. “That’s hugely exciting for everyone.

“It’s nothing short of what we deserved – we worked hard for this. What better opportunity than playing England at Twickenham? This is why you play rugby – for these massive occasions. It is a huge opportunity and huge occasion for us to go out there, express ourselves and have some fun.

“If we get things right, put in an 80-minute performance and get our game plan right then it should result in a win, I truly believe that. We’ve analysed them a fair bit and opportunities will come. Here’s hoping we can execute them.

“There will be momentum shifts in this game. We’ll be on the back foot, we’ll be under pressure, but it’s all about how we react to these situations. We have to take the initiative and keep the scoreboard ticking over.”

Having made that confident assertion, Hogg acknowledged that the team of which he is part is a work in progress – but still insisted that enough progress had been made to give them a realistic chance of winning this afternoon. “We’re never the complete team, and I’m never the complete player. There’s always improvements to be made. The game’s changing all the time and you have to adapt.

“England are a world-class outfit and we have to shut them down defensively. England’s performances may not have been the best, but at the end of the day they’re still getting victories. Fair play to England, but it’s our turn to come down and win, hopefully.”

While Hogg has made a habit of terrorising defences, he has been scared out of his wits himself a few times so far in this Championship - not by opponents, but by captain John Barclay, who has made a habit of jumping out at him from a variety of hiding places in team hotels.

“I have zero confidence walking along the corridors – I’m worried that Barcs is going to jump out,” he joked. “It’s been a challenging few weeks.”

Barclay could find himself challenged in the final week of the tournament if Hogg’s plans for revenge – of the playful sort, naturally – come to fruition. “Barcs doesn’t scare very easy, but I’ve got Ryan Wilson, his room-mate, involved, so here’s hoping I can get him.

“The boys enjoy each other’s company and we have some fun along the way. It does become quite tough. I’ll be trying to get to bed and Barcs will pop out the cupboard. I would not have it any other way.”

If there is one thing that Hogg and his team-mates would have any other way, it is their Twickenham record. A few of the squad were involved with the team the last time they beat England at Murrayfield, but none has tasted victory at the place the English call HQ.