The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[topofthemoon]

What happened to Saints?
They had a relatively poor league season compared to their terrific cup run.

Lost a lot of core players at the end of last season particularly in the pack so were a bit lightweight and underpowered. Got better as the season went on and the youngsters in the pack gained more experience. Suffered a lot of injuries in the forwards as well.
Should be better next season even though they will lose Augustus to Ulster and the big Fijian second row is going home to play for Fiji Drua. Have signed Callum Chick from Falcons to replace Augustus and hopefully the 2 young locks Lockett and Prowse wil step up.
Just need more quick ball to feed the backline which on it's day is the best in England. Not that I'm biased at all

I’m slightly concerned that if we don’t start actually playing Rory Hutchinson, he might use the 3-year stand-down rule to make himself available for England.

He played in the Portgual game last Autumn so he is tied until at least November 2027, by which time he will be nearly 32 years old.

[Tichtheid]

What happened to Saints?
They had a relatively poor league season compared to their terrific cup run.

Lost a lot of core players at the end of last season particularly in the pack so were a bit lightweight and underpowered. Got better as the season went on and the youngsters in the pack gained more experience. Suffered a lot of injuries in the forwards as well.
Should be better next season even though they will lose Augustus to Ulster and the big Fijian second row is going home to play for Fiji Drua. Have signed Callum Chick from Falcons to replace Augustus and hopefully the 2 young locks Lockett and Prowse wil step up.
Just need more quick ball to feed the backline which on it's day is the best in England. Not that I'm biased at all

I’m slightly concerned that if we don’t start actually playing Rory Hutchinson, he might use the 3-year stand-down rule to make himself available for England.

Hutch played in last year's Autumn series and he was in the 6N squad this year, he has a tough ask getting a game when Jones, Tuipulotu, McDowall and Repath are all fit. Matt Currie is coming up on the rails too.

If only we had that kind of depth in other positions, particularly tighthead

[Big D]

Zander out of the tour. Poor bloke, he must be absolutely gutted.

[KingBlairhorn]

Zander out of the tour. Poor bloke, he must be absolutely gutted.

That sucks. I think the tour could have been career defining for him.

[Slick]

Zander out of the tour. Poor bloke, he must be absolutely gutted.

Bollocks, just seen this. Hugely disappointed for him

[Yr Alban]

Yeah, I just saw the news too. That is really really shite for the guy. He was the only Scot not to get a Test cap last time and was guaranteed to feature this time either as a starter or off the bench. Poor bloke.

[Sandstorm]

Yeah, I just saw the news too. That is really really shite for the guy. He was the only Scot not to get a Test cap last time and was guaranteed to feature this time either as a starter or off the bench. Poor bloke.

Really unfortunate

[Yr Alban]

Lost a lot of core players at the end of last season particularly in the pack so were a bit lightweight and underpowered. Got better as the season went on and the youngsters in the pack gained more experience. Suffered a lot of injuries in the forwards as well.
Should be better next season even though they will lose Augustus to Ulster and the big Fijian second row is going home to play for Fiji Drua. Have signed Callum Chick from Falcons to replace Augustus and hopefully the 2 young locks Lockett and Prowse wil step up.
Just need more quick ball to feed the backline which on it's day is the best in England. Not that I'm biased at all

I’m slightly concerned that if we don’t start actually playing Rory Hutchinson, he might use the 3-year stand-down rule to make himself available for England.

He played in the Portgual game last Autumn so he is tied until at least November 2027, by which time he will be nearly 32 years old.

Wow. He’s older than I thought he was. Also forgot about the Portugal game. Thanks for keeping me right…

[Tichtheid]

Tour squad announcement is today at some point, we can't afford any slip ups due to the RWC seedings being drawn at the end of the year, so I don't see this as a development tour. We have to take as strong a squad as we can.

[Biffer]

Tour squad announcement is today at some point, we can't afford any slip ups due to the RWC seedings being drawn at the end of the year, so I don't see this as a development tour. We have to take as strong a squad as we can.

Not sure if we can catch England or Argentina tbh. 2 point gap and our only summer games are Fiji and Samoa. Need to beat the RGs in November, but then another two T2 sides and the ABs means it's a bit tough to catch up?

[Tichtheid]

Tour squad announcement is today at some point, we can't afford any slip ups due to the RWC seedings being drawn at the end of the year, so I don't see this as a development tour. We have to take as strong a squad as we can.

Not sure if we can catch England or Argentina tbh. 2 point gap and our only summer games are Fiji and Samoa. Need to beat the RGs in November, but then another two T2 sides and the ABs means it's a bit tough to catch up?

It's more about avoiding dropping down, losing to Samoa or Fiji would be a huge blow and open up the gap between us and those above us.

[Biffer]

Tour squad announcement is today at some point, we can't afford any slip ups due to the RWC seedings being drawn at the end of the year, so I don't see this as a development tour. We have to take as strong a squad as we can.

Not sure if we can catch England or Argentina tbh. 2 point gap and our only summer games are Fiji and Samoa. Need to beat the RGs in November, but then another two T2 sides and the ABs means it's a bit tough to catch up?

It's more about avoiding dropping down, losing to Samoa or Fiji would be a huge blow and open up the gap between us and those above us.

I doubt we'll drop to 13th over that time - given 12 and 13 are Wales and Japan, and they're playing this summer it's difficult to see how they could both catch us.

World Cup is bigger this time remember, six groups of four.

[Tichtheid]

Not sure if we can catch England or Argentina tbh. 2 point gap and our only summer games are Fiji and Samoa. Need to beat the RGs in November, but then another two T2 sides and the ABs means it's a bit tough to catch up?

It's more about avoiding dropping down, losing to Samoa or Fiji would be a huge blow and open up the gap between us and those above us.

I doubt we'll drop to 13th over that time - given 12 and 13 are Wales and Japan, and they're playing this summer it's difficult to see how they could both catch us.

World Cup is bigger this time remember, six groups of four.

If the rankings are the same as today, we would overtake Argentina and close in on England if we beat Argentina 27 - 10. https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/?s=mr ... 3Bt715v743


If we slip down any further it would be far more difficult to get into the top 6

[Biffer]

It's more about avoiding dropping down, losing to Samoa or Fiji would be a huge blow and open up the gap between us and those above us.

I doubt we'll drop to 13th over that time - given 12 and 13 are Wales and Japan, and they're playing this summer it's difficult to see how they could both catch us.

World Cup is bigger this time remember, six groups of four.

If the rankings are the same as today, we would overtake Argentina and close in on England if we beat Argentina 27 - 10. https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/?s=mr ... 3Bt715v743


If we slip down any further it would be far more difficult to get into the top 6

Fair enough, we may have a decent chance of catching them if we win all our T2 games, beat them at home and they take a doing in the rugby championship / don't beat the Lions / don't beat England i9n the summer or November. A lot of variables!

[Tichtheid]

I doubt we'll drop to 13th over that time - given 12 and 13 are Wales and Japan, and they're playing this summer it's difficult to see how they could both catch us.

World Cup is bigger this time remember, six groups of four.

If the rankings are the same as today, we would overtake Argentina and close in on England if we beat Argentina 27 - 10. https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/?s=mr ... 3Bt715v743


If we slip down any further it would be far more difficult to get into the top 6

Fair enough, we may have a decent chance of catching them if we win all our T2 games, beat them at home and they take a doing in the rugby championship / don't beat the Lions / don't beat England i9n the summer or November. A lot of variables!

The only part we can control is our own games, that's why I'm saying we need to travel with the strongest possible selection.

[topofthemoon]

I doubt we'll drop to 13th over that time - given 12 and 13 are Wales and Japan, and they're playing this summer it's difficult to see how they could both catch us.

World Cup is bigger this time remember, six groups of four.

If the rankings are the same as today, we would overtake Argentina and close in on England if we beat Argentina 27 - 10. https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/?s=mr ... 3Bt715v743


If we slip down any further it would be far more difficult to get into the top 6

Fair enough, we may have a decent chance of catching them if we win all our T2 games, beat them at home and they take a doing in the rugby championship / don't beat the Lions / don't beat England i9n the summer or November. A lot of variables!

Lions game won't count. Sadly we all have to be England fans this summer...

If Argentina win 3, lose 3 during the Rugby Championship they will be up a couple of ranking points. Ideally they win a maximum of 2 games, preferably fewer.

[Biffer]

If the rankings are the same as today, we would overtake Argentina and close in on England if we beat Argentina 27 - 10. https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/?s=mr ... 3Bt715v743


If we slip down any further it would be far more difficult to get into the top 6

Fair enough, we may have a decent chance of catching them if we win all our T2 games, beat them at home and they take a doing in the rugby championship / don't beat the Lions / don't beat England i9n the summer or November. A lot of variables!

Lions game won't count. Sadly we all have to be England fans this summer...

If Argentina win 3, lose 3 during the Rugby Championship they will be up a couple of ranking points. Ideally they win a maximum of 2 games, preferably fewer.

So the Aussies can't gain anything this summer either against the Lions. Wasn't aware of that.

[Tichtheid]

Fair enough, we may have a decent chance of catching them if we win all our T2 games, beat them at home and they take a doing in the rugby championship / don't beat the Lions / don't beat England i9n the summer or November. A lot of variables!

Lions game won't count. Sadly we all have to be England fans this summer...

If Argentina win 3, lose 3 during the Rugby Championship they will be up a couple of ranking points. Ideally they win a maximum of 2 games, preferably fewer.

So the Aussies can't gain anything this summer either against the Lions. Wasn't aware of that.

Aye, the Lions can't exchange points, just as we can't exchange points with NZ Maori

[Tichtheid]

[Tichtheid]

George Turner back in, Fergus Burke in, Ross Thompson not.

Magnus Bradbury can't do anything to get back into the good books, it would seem.

[westport]

No Hutch or Gus Warr, he's been excellent this season, or Maggy.

[KingBlairhorn]

Surprised Harrison is in and Hiddleston isn't, similar appearance numbers, similar ages and I would say Hiddleston is marginally ahead but a good decision to have to make I suppose.

I thought Jare might make it for experience rather than necessarily playing time but perhaps a bit early for him and the squad isn't really a development squad.

Muncaster over Bradbury (and Mann) is another one that caught my eye, perhaps with an eye on the future but Maggie seems to be putting it all together these days.

Freddy presumably going with the 20s which is probably wise.

I was going to comment how surprised I was Williamson didn't make it until I realised the image above is cut-off and there are a bunch more names!

[Biffer]

Surprised Harrison is in and Hiddleston isn't, similar appearance numbers, similar ages and I would say Hiddleston is marginally ahead but a good decision to have to make I suppose.

I thought Jare might make it for experience rather than necessarily playing time but perhaps a bit early for him and the squad isn't really a development squad.

Muncaster over Bradbury (and Mann) is another one that caught my eye, perhaps with an eye on the future but Maggie seems to be putting it all together these days.

Freddy presumably going with the 20s which is probably wise.

I was going to comment how surprised I was Williamson didn't make it until I realised the image above is cut-off and there are a bunch more names!

Yeah, I thought the same thing about Jamie Ritchie!

It's a fucking weird format, kind-of-alphabetical-order-but-not-quite. I'd prefer positions listed together tbh.

[Big D]

Bradbury obviously paying for some former transgression.

No real issues with the squad although think no Hutch is odd. He's been playing well and can cover 15 too.

[charltom]

Surprised Harrison is in and Hiddleston isn't, similar appearance numbers, similar ages and I would say Hiddleston is marginally ahead but a good decision to have to make I suppose.

I thought Jare might make it for experience rather than necessarily playing time but perhaps a bit early for him and the squad isn't really a development squad.

Muncaster over Bradbury (and Mann) is another one that caught my eye, perhaps with an eye on the future but Maggie seems to be putting it all together these days.

Freddy presumably going with the 20s which is probably wise.

I was going to comment how surprised I was Williamson didn't make it until I realised the image above is cut-off and there are a bunch more names!

Yeah, I thought the same thing about Jamie Ritchie!

It's a fucking weird format, kind-of-alphabetical-order-but-not-quite. I'd prefer positions listed together tbh.

Why's Jamie Ritchie listed right at the bottom?

[Biffer]

Surprised Harrison is in and Hiddleston isn't, similar appearance numbers, similar ages and I would say Hiddleston is marginally ahead but a good decision to have to make I suppose.

I thought Jare might make it for experience rather than necessarily playing time but perhaps a bit early for him and the squad isn't really a development squad.

Muncaster over Bradbury (and Mann) is another one that caught my eye, perhaps with an eye on the future but Maggie seems to be putting it all together these days.

Freddy presumably going with the 20s which is probably wise.

I was going to comment how surprised I was Williamson didn't make it until I realised the image above is cut-off and there are a bunch more names!

Yeah, I thought the same thing about Jamie Ritchie!

It's a fucking weird format, kind-of-alphabetical-order-but-not-quite. I'd prefer positions listed together tbh.

Why's Jamie Ritchie listed right at the bottom?

Exactly my point. Also Fagerson listed above Darge and Redpath above MacDowell.

[Biffer]

Seems Fagerson picked up a new injury this week in the final phases of his recovery from the previous one

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... wdjzgp413o

Doesn't look too serious if Townsend was hoping they'd still take him. Might have a shot if someone else gets injured later in the tour?

[KingBlairhorn]

Seems Fagerson picked up a new injury this week in the final phases of his recovery from the previous one

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... wdjzgp413o

Doesn't look too serious if Townsend was hoping they'd still take him. Might have a shot if someone else gets injured later in the tour?

Maybe, but he'd be a good while with no rugby by then.

[KingBlairhorn]

George Taylor (ex-Edinburgh) has an 'executive' personal trainer business; he's connected with me on linkedin. Given I have shown no hint of my love of rugby on Linkedin I can only assume he looked at my profile picture and though, that weedy bastard needs a personal trainer. I don't know if I'm pleased or put out!

[Tichtheid]

George Taylor (ex-Edinburgh) has an 'executive' personal trainer business; he's connected with me on linkedin. Given I have shown no hint of my love of rugby on Linkedin I can only assume he looked at my profile picture and though, that weedy bastard needs a personal trainer. I don't know if I'm pleased or put out!

Doesn't he run that with Mark Bennett?

[KingBlairhorn]

George Taylor (ex-Edinburgh) has an 'executive' personal trainer business; he's connected with me on linkedin. Given I have shown no hint of my love of rugby on Linkedin I can only assume he looked at my profile picture and though, that weedy bastard needs a personal trainer. I don't know if I'm pleased or put out!

Doesn't he run that with Mark Bennett?

Dunno, he sent me a message but I haven't read it yet. I can't imagine it will be at a price point that interests me!

[Punter15]

Great win for the U20s. It’s only a warm up but lots to be pleased about.

[KingBlairhorn]

Great win for the U20s. It’s only a warm up but lots to be pleased about.

I had no idea this was even happening. Was there coverage anywhere?

Edit: 48-29, wow!

[Punter15]

Great win for the U20s. It’s only a warm up but lots to be pleased about.

I had no idea this was even happening. Was there coverage anywhere?

Edit: 48-29, wow!

All changed when the subs came on. Blew them away.

https://scottishrugby.org/report-and-re ... tland-u20/

[robmatic]

Bradbury obviously paying for some former transgression.

No real issues with the squad although think no Hutch is odd. He's been playing well and can cover 15 too.

I read this on Reddit so it could be nonsense, but Bradbury was apparently not available for selection.

[Jock42]

Bradbury obviously paying for some former transgression.

No real issues with the squad although think no Hutch is odd. He's been playing well and can cover 15 too.

I read this on Reddit so it could be nonsense, but Bradbury was apparently not available for selection.

On the BBC podcast Townsend it was "personal". Never said for who though

[Yr Alban]

Great win for the U20s. It’s only a warm up but lots to be pleased about.

Came here to say this. It popped up on my FB feed, otherwise I’d have had no idea! Good win away from home.

[Slick]

Bradbury obviously paying for some former transgression.

No real issues with the squad although think no Hutch is odd. He's been playing well and can cover 15 too.

I read this on Reddit so it could be nonsense, but Bradbury was apparently not available for selection.

On the BBC podcast Townsend it was "personal". Never said for who though

I just thing he’s too flakey, nothing more

Good won for the U20’s

[KingBlairhorn]

I read this on Reddit so it could be nonsense, but Bradbury was apparently not available for selection.

On the BBC podcast Townsend it was "personal". Never said for who though

I just thing he’s too flakey, nothing more

Good won for the U20’s

I don’t think they’d say for personal reasons unless it actually was for personal reasons. Toonie has had no qualms about leaving him and plenty of others out many times before without making up excuses including players bang on form. Hutchinson for instance.

[I like neeps]

Thought Russell was very good after the first 20 minutes, Redpath was solid did a good things, Henderson a bit quiet and shunted backwards more than you'd want, Bayliss was alright.

Won't post in on their thread but what an absolutely hilarious way for Cole to end his career. What a d*ckhead!