British & Irish Lion Stuart Hogg is confident that stiff competition for places can spur Scotland on to greater heights.
Hogg, who racked up 23 points during the Lions’ tour of Australia in 2013, is part of Scotland’s 46-man training squad currently undergoing pre-World Cup preparations.
Head coach Vern Cotter will trim that group down to 31 players on September 2 before his side open up their World Cup campaign against Japan on September 23.
Before that though, Scotland face warm-up games against Ireland, France and a double-header against Italy – all in the space of 22 days.
And full-back Hogg believes that no-one being guaranteed a spot in the final 31, will work to Scotland’s advantage in the long run.
“The beauty of our squad is that with the boys working so hard to claim their place, it is improving training and driving everyone on,” explained the 23-year-old.
“We want team players, but guys as individuals are also trying to make sure of their own place, so they are working incredibly hard for their spot.
“Because of that, no-one can feel they are guaranteed a place. There are people pushing for a place in every position.
“It’s all about continuing to get better day on day in a really tough training environment, and then making sure you perform when you get a chance against Ireland, Italy or France,”
“The boys who started the last game of the Six Nations know that probably won't be the team which takes the field against Japan. No-one's place is safe.”
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