Brendon Hartley (Getty Images)
By Duncan Bech
Dylan Hartley will enter England's Six Nations opener against Scotland with the belief that everyone wants to see him "muck up".
New Zealand-born and raised Hartley has been
installed as captain for the duration of the championship despite a
lengthy disciplinary record comprising of over a year of bans for
offences including gouging, biting and swearing at a referee.
The 29-year-old hooker is aware that his
misdemeanours have burdened him with a reputation, but that
understanding has served to enhance his preparation for the Calcutta Cup
clash at Murrayfield on Saturday.
"I've never prepared for a game so well because I
don't want to be shown up," said Hartley, who has sought leadership
advice from former All Blacks captain and hooker Sean Fitzpatrick.
"The
captaincy thing, the whole media circus, and everyone wanting to see me
muck up is making me prepared for this game in a good way.
"Everyone wants to see people fail, don't they? I just know it is out there, for whatever reason."
Hartley admits he may have become too over-hyped in previous big games so can understand the focus on his disciplinary history.
He
has spared himself the worst of the criticism by removing his presence
on social media, the platform through which he has been previously
targeted by trolls.
"It's my fault - I've created
this story - but it isn't something I look back at. I'm pretty excited
to be here. I'm prepared and not over-playing it."
NZN
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