Last year’s match immediately proved he was born for international rugby but Stuart Hogg believes it is time to deliver properly on his potential this season.
The full-back, still only 20, can barely believe it is a year and 14 caps since his debut last year in Cardiff.
He came on just before half-time and immediately showed the open field running ability that has made him this year’s Six Nations star for Scotland.
As Wales come to Murrayfield, Hogg is taking stock and remembering how he was denied a debut try by the mistake of the TV match official.
“I don’t think Wales owe me a try after that more like the referee who was responsible,” he said. “It was a very special occasion for me but the bottom line is that we got beaten and I want to play my part in a winning Scottish team this weekend.
“To have 14 caps already is really something else and you wonder where the last year has gone but I’m not resting on my laurels. I need to keep working hard and trying to be the best rugby player I can be.”
He needs only to look at the opposite side for a good role model.
“Leigh Halfpenny came into the Welsh team at the same age as I came into Scotland and you see how he’s developed,” he said. “Leigh is one of the best full-backs in the world, right up there with (All Black) Israel Dagg and Rob Kearney (of Ireland) at the moment. He is a fantastic player and a great servant for Wales.
“Obviously, you want to get one up on your opposite number but at the end of it all, it’s Scotland versus Wales, both teams are sitting pretty well in the table and whoever wins will have a shot at the title.
“The Lions has been flung about a bit as well in recent weeks but I doubt either of us is thinking about that right now. I’m a big believer in what’s for you won’t go by you, so if it comes, it comes.
“I’m not going to put any added pressure on myself. The Lions is a long way away and all the focus right now is on Scotland and Wales.”
Hogg is pleased to see his Glasgow team-mate Duncan Weir get the starting job at fly-half, while disappointed for another fellow Warrior, Ruaridh Jackson.
“Both are playing well. I’d hate to be the coach trying to pick the team,” he continued. “It’s great that Dunc is getting an opportunity now.
“He has a brilliant kicking game and more often than not, he’ll find the corners. His goal kicking is first class too, so we hope he can bring all of that to the game at the weekend.
“I believe the weather forecast is not too good, so maybe that’s why Dunc has been picked. We need to play the game in the right areas.
“It’s all about getting a win on the board and if that means kicking the ball then so be it. I’d love to score a try but I’ll take the win first every time.”