BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
Two Scotland stars are in the running to be crowned the RBS Six Nations player of the championship for 2016.
Full-back Stuart Hogg and centre Duncan Taylor have made it onto a short-list of a dozen compiled by a ‘panel of rugby legends’, including the likes of British and Irish Lions pair Phil Vickery and Gareth Thomas.
Hogg enjoyed a hugely impressive tournament, grabbing a short-range try in the win against France and a scintillating touchdown from inside his own half against Ireland at the weekend.
The way he set up Tim Visser for a score with an audacious piece of skill against France was one of the highlights of the campaign.
The 23-year-old started all five matches at full-back and has been tipped by many ex-players to get the nod at 15 for the British and Irish Lions in next year’s tour of New Zealand if he can maintain his current form.
Taylor also scored two tries, from four starts and one substitute’s appearance, and turned in performances that should see him cement a regular place in Vern Cotter’s future team selections.
His score in the 27-23 defeat to Wales and the quick-thinking tap penalty and charge that earned him a wonderful solo touchdown in the win over France displayed the centre’s attacking prowess.
His lung-bursting chase and brilliant tackle on Tom James against Wales proved a different side to the 26-year-old’s game.
The Scots pair face competition for the award from the likes of England’s Billy Vunipola and Jonathan Joseph, George North of Wales, Ireland’s Jonny Sexton, Guilhem Guirado of France and Italy stalwart Sergio Parisse.
Voting is open to members of the public online and closes at 11.59 p.m. tonight, with the winner to be announced tomorrow.
