The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[dkm57]

Looking forward to this game even though it is a dead rubber. Lot of 'new' players getting a decent airing the brief appearances last week were very encouraging from a Scotland perspective.

[The Party Line]

I have a terrible Love/Hate relationship with these games. I want Edinburgh to win but I also want to see the best of Glasgow and neither side to play poorly. I want to see a game of attacking verve and nerveless flair, but I also want to see organised and aggressive defences that bode well for all their other games. I want to see brutality in attack and defence yet also don't want to see any injuries..... AAARRRGGGHHHHH


AFIT (Aw F**K It Tendency)

C'mon Embraaaa

[Blackmac]

I have a terrible Love/Hate relationship with these games. I want Edinburgh to win but I also want to see the best of Glasgow and neither side to play poorly. I want to see a game of attacking verve and nerveless flair, but I also want to see organised and aggressive defences that bode well for all their other games. I want to see brutality in attack and defence yet also don't want to see any injuries..... AAARRRGGGHHHHH


AFIT (Aw F**K It Tendency)

C'mon Embraaaa

I'm very much the same. Generally want what is better for Scottish rugby. In past years when Glasgow were contending and Edinburgh were dead ducks, I actually found myself happy for Glasgow to win to help their play off chances etc.

[Yr Alban]

I have a terrible Love/Hate relationship with these games. I want Edinburgh to win but I also want to see the best of Glasgow and neither side to play poorly. I want to see a game of attacking verve and nerveless flair, but I also want to see organised and aggressive defences that bode well for all their other games. I want to see brutality in attack and defence yet also don't want to see any injuries..... AAARRRGGGHHHHH


AFIT (Aw F**K It Tendency)

C'mon Embraaaa

I'm very much the same. Generally want what is better for Scottish rugby. In past years when Glasgow were contending and Edinburgh were dead ducks, I actually found myself happy for Glasgow to win to help their play off chances etc.

Same here.

[Jock42]

I have a terrible Love/Hate relationship with these games. I want Edinburgh to win but I also want to see the best of Glasgow and neither side to play poorly. I want to see a game of attacking verve and nerveless flair, but I also want to see organised and aggressive defences that bode well for all their other games. I want to see brutality in attack and defence yet also don't want to see any injuries..... AAARRRGGGHHHHH


AFIT (Aw F**K It Tendency)

C'mon Embraaaa

I'm very much the same. Generally want what is better for Scottish rugby. In past years when Glasgow were contending and Edinburgh were dead ducks, I actually found myself happy for Glasgow to win to help their play off chances etc.

Aye me too although I have no real allegiance to either side other than the one I've generated for myself for Embra. As much as I'd like to see Scottish teams doing well I'd be looking for the Reds to win no matter what.

[Jock42]

In fashion news..



I like both. Not often I seem to like both strips these days.

[KingBlairhorn]

So with Japan out and Georgia apparently in for the 8 Nations later in the year it is essentially likely to be a winner takes all for us against France for a place in the final. Does anyone know who gets to play home/away etc. in the fixtures?

As an aside, this feels like a slightly dangerous moment for Georgia. They have waited so long for this opportunity, if they are soundly thumped by all teams the clamour to include them will surely reduce. In particular, if Italy hand them a beating the argument that Georgia would provide a better level of competition in the 6N would be difficult to make.

[dkm57]

I have a terrible Love/Hate relationship with these games. I want Edinburgh to win but I also want to see the best of Glasgow and neither side to play poorly. I want to see a game of attacking verve and nerveless flair, but I also want to see organised and aggressive defences that bode well for all their other games. I want to see brutality in attack and defence yet also don't want to see any injuries..... AAARRRGGGHHHHH


AFIT (Aw F**K It Tendency)

C'mon Embraaaa

I'm very much the same. Generally want what is better for Scottish rugby. In past years when Glasgow were contending and Edinburgh were dead ducks, I actually found myself happy for Glasgow to win to help their play off chances etc.

Aye me too although I have no real allegiance to either side other than the one I've generated for myself for Embra. As much as I'd like to see Scottish teams doing well I'd be looking for the Reds to win no matter what.

Same here from the Weegie side. Look forward to the day when both Weegies and Embuggers are kicking ass

[Biffer]

So with Japan out and Georgia apparently in for the 8 Nations later in the year it is essentially likely to be a winner takes all for us against France for a place in the final. Does anyone know who gets to play home/away etc. in the fixtures?

As an aside, this feels like a slightly dangerous moment for Georgia. They have waited so long for this opportunity, if they are soundly thumped by all teams the clamour to include them will surely reduce. In particular, if Italy hand them a beating the argument that Georgia would provide a better level of competition in the 6N would be difficult to make.

So long as we know that and take it seriously. If Townsend puts out a weakened team against them and it's close, then we might be playing relegation playoffs in the near future.

[Blackmac]

In fashion news..



I like both. Not often I seem to like both strips these days.

Could have done without the gold highlights. Just make it bloody blue and white.

[Yr Alban]

In fashion news..



I like both. Not often I seem to like both strips these days.

Could have done without the gold highlights. Just make it bloody blue and white.

Highlights unnecessary, though not bothered about them one way or the other. Surely the big news here, though, is that we’re back in white shorts, as we always should be.

[KingBlairhorn]

Well that was brutal. And I don't mean physical. Awful game of rugby.

[Tichtheid]

Glasgow deserved the win, Edinburgh were very flat

[Caley_Red]

That was right back to 1872's usual turgid rubbish. Again, was relegated to highlights, how was axis of Shiel and Chamberlain?

[Biffer]

Edinburgh second row was their fifth choice lock (fresh out of the academy) and third choice eight. Weakened the scrum, line out was poor, loss of impact around the breakdown. That was the difference for me. Not blaming them, it's a development thing. But it meant that Shiel got very little good ball, so Chamberlain didn't get much opportunity to get the backs going.

[Caley_Red]

Edinburgh second row was their fifth choice lock (fresh out of the academy) and third choice eight. Weakened the scrum, line out was poor, loss of impact around the breakdown. That was the difference for me. Not blaming them, it's a development thing. But it meant that Shiel got very little good ball, so Chamberlain didn't get much opportunity to get the backs going.

That's a shame: would like to have seen what they could do off a decent platform. Not inconceivable that they could be the Scottish 9-10 axis in 6 years or so, hopefully they will get more chances in the next Pro 14.

[westport]

Never saw it but was listening to it on the radio online and it was so boring I turned it off halfway through the second half. The only highlights were Peter Wright's comments

[KingBlairhorn]

Never saw it but was listening to it on the radio online and it was so boring I turned it off halfway through the second half. The only highlights were Peter Wright's comments

Peter Wright is marmite. I quite enjoy listening to him as he is a good laugh, but I know lots that really don't. He has often been quite poorly informed when I have listened to him which might be why some dislike him...?

I really quite enjoyed Hamilton and Kellock on Premier as a double act - they seemed to get on well and there was a nice rivalry between them in terms of their Edinburgh/Glasgow affiliations.

[Biffer]

Never saw it but was listening to it on the radio online and it was so boring I turned it off halfway through the second half. The only highlights were Peter Wright's comments

Peter Wright is marmite. I quite enjoy listening to him as he is a good laugh, but I know lots that really don't. He has often been quite poorly informed when I have listened to him which might be why some dislike him...?

I really quite enjoyed Hamilton and Kellock on Premier as a double act - they seemed to get on well and there was a nice rivalry between them in terms of their Edinburgh/Glasgow affiliations.

There's a problem with most rugby pundits who are ex players in that the majority pay no attention to how the laws and their interpretation have changed. They are surprised about yellow and red cards when they see them and mutter about it not being right, despite the fact that the decision is bang on the modern directives. They want the game to be like it was twenty years ago when they played. They're as bad as the return-to-amateurism lunatics.

[KingBlairhorn]

So with Japan out and Georgia apparently in for the 8 Nations later in the year it is essentially likely to be a winner takes all for us against France for a place in the final. Does anyone know who gets to play home/away etc. in the fixtures?

As an aside, this feels like a slightly dangerous moment for Georgia. They have waited so long for this opportunity, if they are soundly thumped by all teams the clamour to include them will surely reduce. In particular, if Italy hand them a beating the argument that Georgia would provide a better level of competition in the 6N would be difficult to make.

So the Georgians have been shafted again and now it appears to be South Africa in our group. That very much turns the whole thing on its head - now the concern is our ranking in relation to world cup seedings with the draw for 2023 still due to happen in November I believe. The whole thing could be a total mess if Japan do not play at all prior to the draw (which seems quite possible). How will that be handled - for them to drop in the rankings due to not being able to play would be unfair, however for them to rise in the rankings because we play and are beaten and their ranking is protected in some manner that is also unfair.

[KingBlairhorn]

Never saw it but was listening to it on the radio online and it was so boring I turned it off halfway through the second half. The only highlights were Peter Wright's comments

Peter Wright is marmite. I quite enjoy listening to him as he is a good laugh, but I know lots that really don't. He has often been quite poorly informed when I have listened to him which might be why some dislike him...?

I really quite enjoyed Hamilton and Kellock on Premier as a double act - they seemed to get on well and there was a nice rivalry between them in terms of their Edinburgh/Glasgow affiliations.

There's a problem with most rugby pundits who are ex players in that the majority pay no attention to how the laws and their interpretation have changed. They are surprised about yellow and red cards when they see them and mutter about it not being right, despite the fact that the decision is bang on the modern directives. They want the game to be like it was twenty years ago when they played. They're as bad as the return-to-amateurism lunatics.

Agreed, although some seem to manage to stay up-to-date too.

Oh for the glory days of McLaren when you could trust your commentator to be informed, unbiased, articulate and interesting. It seems very few are able to hit all the bases these days.

[Biffer]

Peter Wright is marmite. I quite enjoy listening to him as he is a good laugh, but I know lots that really don't. He has often been quite poorly informed when I have listened to him which might be why some dislike him...?

I really quite enjoyed Hamilton and Kellock on Premier as a double act - they seemed to get on well and there was a nice rivalry between them in terms of their Edinburgh/Glasgow affiliations.

There's a problem with most rugby pundits who are ex players in that the majority pay no attention to how the laws and their interpretation have changed. They are surprised about yellow and red cards when they see them and mutter about it not being right, despite the fact that the decision is bang on the modern directives. They want the game to be like it was twenty years ago when they played. They're as bad as the return-to-amateurism lunatics.

Agreed, although some seem to manage to stay up-to-date too.

Oh for the glory days of McLaren when you could trust your commentator to be informed, unbiased, articulate and interesting. It seems very few are able to hit all the bases these days.

Absolutely, there are some who are good, but a lot who are just a bit of an old boys club. And some who just seem like they're scared of upsetting anyone.

[Jock42]

So with Japan out and Georgia apparently in for the 8 Nations later in the year it is essentially likely to be a winner takes all for us against France for a place in the final. Does anyone know who gets to play home/away etc. in the fixtures?

As an aside, this feels like a slightly dangerous moment for Georgia. They have waited so long for this opportunity, if they are soundly thumped by all teams the clamour to include them will surely reduce. In particular, if Italy hand them a beating the argument that Georgia would provide a better level of competition in the 6N would be difficult to make.

So the Georgians have been shafted again and now it appears to be South Africa in our group. That very much turns the whole thing on its head - now the concern is our ranking in relation to world cup seedings with the draw for 2023 still due to happen in November I believe. The whole thing could be a total mess if Japan do not play at all prior to the draw (which seems quite possible). How will that be handled - for them to drop in the rankings due to not being able to play would be unfair, however for them to rise in the rankings because we play and are beaten and their ranking is protected in some manner that is also unfair.

Whilst I'd much prefer they played SA you've got to feel for Georgia. With a tin foil hat on you could suggest it makes things easier, if they had a good tourny there'd be increased calls for their inclusion.

[Slick]

In fashion news..



I like both. Not often I seem to like both strips these days.

Could have done without the gold highlights. Just make it bloody blue and white.

Yes, not sure where they have come from or why they are there. However i also like them both. Need an update and I guess the SRU could do with selling a few.

[KingBlairhorn]

So with Japan out and Georgia apparently in for the 8 Nations later in the year it is essentially likely to be a winner takes all for us against France for a place in the final. Does anyone know who gets to play home/away etc. in the fixtures?

As an aside, this feels like a slightly dangerous moment for Georgia. They have waited so long for this opportunity, if they are soundly thumped by all teams the clamour to include them will surely reduce. In particular, if Italy hand them a beating the argument that Georgia would provide a better level of competition in the 6N would be difficult to make.

So the Georgians have been shafted again and now it appears to be South Africa in our group. That very much turns the whole thing on its head - now the concern is our ranking in relation to world cup seedings with the draw for 2023 still due to happen in November I believe. The whole thing could be a total mess if Japan do not play at all prior to the draw (which seems quite possible). How will that be handled - for them to drop in the rankings due to not being able to play would be unfair, however for them to rise in the rankings because we play and are beaten and their ranking is protected in some manner that is also unfair.

Whilst I'd much prefer they played SA you've got to feel for Georgia. With a tin foil hat on you could suggest it makes things easier, if they had a good tourny there'd be increased calls for their inclusion.

Indeed, sad to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if the SRU were at the head of the queue when it came to stopping this from happening.

[I like neeps]

The SRU would be at the front of the queue because SA will vastly increase the TV money.

Georgia are pish. They are no threat to us in the six nations.

[Northern Lights]

The SRU would be at the front of the queue because SA will vastly increase the TV money.

Georgia are pish. They are no threat to us in the six nations.

Yep.

They haven’t demonstrated to me that they are remotely worthy of inclusion.

Their forwards were meant to be monsters come scrum time but they certainly didn’t live up to the hype.

So chance to play the RWC champs or Georgia... I know which is more box office (if we’re allowed crowds by then!)

[I like neeps]

The SRU would be at the front of the queue because SA will vastly increase the TV money.

Georgia are pish. They are no threat to us in the six nations.

Yep.

They haven’t demonstrated to me that they are remotely worthy of inclusion.

Their forwards were meant to be monsters come scrum time but they certainly didn’t live up to the hype.

So chance to play the RWC champs or Georgia... I know which is more box office (if we’re allowed crowds by then!)

Agree, we beat them handily whenever we play, they had a very poor world cup and didn't get close to Wales, Fiji, or poor Australia. A good opportunity for them to join and I feel for them having the rug pulled from under them but not a good rugby side.

I'm guessing crowds will be allowed, but the tv market will be much bigger too and that's probably key.

An interesting aside... wonder if SA call and van der Merwe, Schoeman, Kebble make their Springbok debuts vs Scotland at BTM...

[Tichtheid]

An interesting aside... wonder if SA call and van der Merwe, Schoeman, Kebble make their Springbok debuts vs Scotland at BTM...

I think vdM ruled this out, he wants to play for Scotland. The only reason for SA to call these guys up would be to stop them playing for Scotland, and I can't really see that happening.

[KingBlairhorn]

The SRU would be at the front of the queue because SA will vastly increase the TV money.

Georgia are pish. They are no threat to us in the six nations.

Yep.

They haven’t demonstrated to me that they are remotely worthy of inclusion.

Their forwards were meant to be monsters come scrum time but they certainly didn’t live up to the hype.

So chance to play the RWC champs or Georgia... I know which is more box office (if we’re allowed crowds by then!)

Agree, we beat them handily whenever we play, they had a very poor world cup and didn't get close to Wales, Fiji, or poor Australia. A good opportunity for them to join and I feel for them having the rug pulled from under them but not a good rugby side.

I'm guessing crowds will be allowed, but the tv market will be much bigger too and that's probably key.

An interesting aside... wonder if SA call and van der Merwe, Schoeman, Kebble make their Springbok debuts vs Scotland at BTM...

It was more a comment on the SRU likely promoting Georgia being excluded rather than a comment on SA being included. Clearly SA are the better bet commercially and I agree we would probably have little challenge from Georgia on the pitch. I'm not sure it is Scotland's job to help Georgia develop, and I find the relegation chat with regards to the 6N tedious, but I would rather we made our position clear by thumping them on the pitch so that there can be no accusations that Georgia are not being excluded on merit. Fortunately I presume our warm-up match against Georgia will still take place, so fingers crossed we will do just that.

In terms of VdM, Schoeman and Kebble - VdM and Kebble will already be tied to us by the time we play SA (either on the 24th October vs Georgia if that goes ahead, or on the 31st October vs. Wales) unless there are any injuries. Schoeman has longer to go (next summer) so I suppose there is a chance that he could switch back. Given how keen he is to represent us and the fact that he has really put down roots here (started a business etc.), I would hope that is unlikely.

[I like neeps]

An interesting aside... wonder if SA call and van der Merwe, Schoeman, Kebble make their Springbok debuts vs Scotland at BTM...

I think vdM ruled this out, he wants to play for Scotland. The only reason for SA to call these guys up would be to stop them playing for Scotland, and I can't really see that happening.

I think there's a case for Duhan to play for the Boks on merit. He's an absolute phenom. You do wonder about him playing Vs internationals and his tactical and defensive work but he can't do anymore league wise to merit an international call up even for the world champs. Mapimpi didn't have the same impact as VdM when he played Pro14.

I just think it would be interesting if the Boks call him up. It's one thing saying to Mark Palmer my future is with Scotland it's another thing saying to the Head Coach of your country who your brother has represented. The emotional attraction to that must be stronger than when Townsend makes the call.

Less worried about Kebble for the reasons you outline.

[Jock42]

Yeah I reckon he's got a good shout of a few Boks caps. He's a guaranteed starter for Scotland though.

If it were me I'd take the former but I'm sitting moralising from the comfort of my sofa knowing my dwindling chance of a call up won't affect future earnings.

[I like neeps]

Yeah I reckon he's got a good shout of a few Boks caps. He's a guaranteed starter for Scotland though.

If it were me I'd take the former bit I'm sitting moralising with the comfort of knowing my dwindling chance of a call up won't affect future earnings.

Haha!

He's set financially whoever he picks though. I know he signed up recently but I bet next contact renewal he's off for the cash.

[Biffer]

An interesting aside... wonder if SA call and van der Merwe, Schoeman, Kebble make their Springbok debuts vs Scotland at BTM...

I think vdM ruled this out, he wants to play for Scotland. The only reason for SA to call these guys up would be to stop them playing for Scotland, and I can't really see that happening.

I think there's a case for Duhan to play for the Boks on merit. He's an absolute phenom. You do wonder about him playing Vs internationals and his tactical and defensive work but he can't do anymore league wise to merit an international call up even for the world champs. Mapimpi didn't have the same impact as VdM when he played Pro14.

I just think it would be interesting if the Boks call him up. It's one thing saying to Mark Palmer my future is with Scotland it's another thing saying to the Head Coach of your country who your brother has represented. The emotional attraction to that must be stronger than when Townsend makes the call.

Less worried about Kebble for the reasons you outline.

My worry about him at international level is that he often runs into the contact very upright. His size and strength means that allows him to power on at Pro14 level but at international level he might just get knocked straight backwards.

[clydecloggie]

I think vdM ruled this out, he wants to play for Scotland. The only reason for SA to call these guys up would be to stop them playing for Scotland, and I can't really see that happening.

I think there's a case for Duhan to play for the Boks on merit. He's an absolute phenom. You do wonder about him playing Vs internationals and his tactical and defensive work but he can't do anymore league wise to merit an international call up even for the world champs. Mapimpi didn't have the same impact as VdM when he played Pro14.

I just think it would be interesting if the Boks call him up. It's one thing saying to Mark Palmer my future is with Scotland it's another thing saying to the Head Coach of your country who your brother has represented. The emotional attraction to that must be stronger than when Townsend makes the call.

Less worried about Kebble for the reasons you outline.

My worry about him at international level is that he often runs into the contact very upright. His size and strength means that allows him to power on at Pro14 level but at international level he might just get knocked straight backwards.

Saffer running into contact too upright in a Scotland jersey? Jeez, I miss Josh Strauss.

If South Africa do indeed play in the 8N this autumn, presumably they will have to do it with their players based in Europe given covid situation in SA. Makes it a wee bit more likely they'll come for Schoeman et al.

[Big D]

I think there's a case for Duhan to play for the Boks on merit. He's an absolute phenom. You do wonder about him playing Vs internationals and his tactical and defensive work but he can't do anymore league wise to merit an international call up even for the world champs. Mapimpi didn't have the same impact as VdM when he played Pro14.

I just think it would be interesting if the Boks call him up. It's one thing saying to Mark Palmer my future is with Scotland it's another thing saying to the Head Coach of your country who your brother has represented. The emotional attraction to that must be stronger than when Townsend makes the call.

Less worried about Kebble for the reasons you outline.

My worry about him at international level is that he often runs into the contact very upright. His size and strength means that allows him to power on at Pro14 level but at international level he might just get knocked straight backwards.

Saffer running into contact too upright in a Scotland jersey? Jeez, I miss Josh Strauss.

If South Africa do indeed play in the 8N this autumn, presumably they will have to do it with their players based in Europe given covid situation in SA. Makes it a wee bit more likely they'll come for Schoeman et al.

I would hope we will be looking to cap VdM and Kebble in the delayed 6N game. Presumably we will be looking to get VdM on the ball more than Edinburgh do.

If the West Indies and Pakistan can tour England for cricket there will be a way for SA to bring their guys over.

[Biffer]

I think there's a case for Duhan to play for the Boks on merit. He's an absolute phenom. You do wonder about him playing Vs internationals and his tactical and defensive work but he can't do anymore league wise to merit an international call up even for the world champs. Mapimpi didn't have the same impact as VdM when he played Pro14.

I just think it would be interesting if the Boks call him up. It's one thing saying to Mark Palmer my future is with Scotland it's another thing saying to the Head Coach of your country who your brother has represented. The emotional attraction to that must be stronger than when Townsend makes the call.

Less worried about Kebble for the reasons you outline.

My worry about him at international level is that he often runs into the contact very upright. His size and strength means that allows him to power on at Pro14 level but at international level he might just get knocked straight backwards.

Saffer running into contact too upright in a Scotland jersey? Jeez, I miss Josh Strauss.

If South Africa do indeed play in the 8N this autumn, presumably they will have to do it with their players based in Europe given covid situation in SA. Makes it a wee bit more likely they'll come for Schoeman et al.

Strauss is exactly the right parallel. He got away with it at pro level but got knocked back at international level.

[Slick]

When are all these games meant to start and do we have an idea yet on how many supporters might be allowed in?

Re the SA question, I can't see them capping players that have stated in the media that they see their long term future in Scotland, I imagine that would go down very badly at home. In saying that, I'd hate to be in the players position if they do come calling... I can't imagine I'd want to play for any other country if Scotland came with the much overdue call up.

Don't give up Jock42. Don't give up.

[dpedin]

The top SA guys are on good contracts in Scotland and are looked after and will be capped in due course. If they decide to play for SA then they will need to find a new club as soon as their contracts run out or even before. Scotland can't keep them if they are not committing to playing for us. Its a choice they will need to make. At the moment, even though they are top players it might be difficult to get a good contract, particularly with the salary cap down south coming into force. They all pick up big money in France but there is a cost to that particularly for forwards, in terms of conditioning, being looked after and being overplayed.

VdM came to us from Montpellier where he had been injured and not well looked after, Embra brought him in, got him top class medical treatment, nursed him back to health and look after him well. I think that meant a lot to him and he is on record as saying they probably saved his career. I hope he repays us with playing for Scotland on the wing. Kebble looks like he has developed from a big fat beast into a fit big beast who can now scrummage on both sides and is carrying better than ever. We have developed him physically into a top international class player in much the same way we have done with Berghan who was also a big fat lump when he first arrived. Whilst we might not offer top dollar I think we do offer a good package for these guys and of course they get to live in Gods Own Country!

[Slick]

The top SA guys are on good contracts in Scotland and are looked after and will be capped in due course. If they decide to play for SA then they will need to find a new club as soon as their contracts run out or even before. Scotland can't keep them if they are not committing to playing for us. Its a choice they will need to make. At the moment, even though they are top players it might be difficult to get a good contract, particularly with the salary cap down south coming into force. They all pick up big money in France but there is a cost to that particularly for forwards, in terms of conditioning, being looked after and being overplayed.

VdM came to us from Montpellier where he had been injured and not well looked after, Embra brought him in, got him top class medical treatment, nursed him back to health and look after him well. I think that meant a lot to him and he is on record as saying they probably saved his career. I hope he repays us with playing for Scotland on the wing. Kebble looks like he has developed from a big fat beast into a fit big beast who can now scrummage on both sides and is carrying better than ever. We have developed him physically into a top international class player in much the same way we have done with Berghan who was also a big fat lump when he first arrived. Whilst we might not offer top dollar I think we do offer a good package for these guys and of course they get to live in Gods Own Country!

Sign me up!