The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[clydecloggie]

He has made the team better without ever really challenging for a 6N title (even if we lost out on one by finest of margins) and has presided over two absolutely honking RWCs. If Franco wants it, give it to him. No guarantees he would be better, but a change is needed.

[Big D]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... e4l7xjx3ro

TBH this is a bit depressing. The SRU saying they’re keen to give Toony another go at the World Cup. I was hoping that there might be some substance to the rumour they were going to replace him with Smith.

We have the players to put in a real 6N challenge, but I just can’t see it ever happening with Toony in charge. The last time we beat Ireland was in 2017, when Cotter was still in post.

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

[Tichtheid]

Glasgow don't beat Leinster in a knock out game, that just seems to be the rule. Edinburgh don't beat Leinster in any game, let alone knock outs. Embra got to the semi final of the European Cup about a dozen years ago, that's Scotland's best performance so far.

The teams we, Scotland, struggle against are France when they are on form, though it always feels like we can beat them, and Ireland. Plus obviously South Africa and New Zealand.

The only way we are going to beat those teams is if we suddenly grow a pack of forwards who are bigger, faster, stronger and meaner than them - where are these guys coming from?

Ireland/Leinster themselves struggle against teams that beat them up front.

Townsend isn't the problem, imo.

edit, btw, those four teams are ranked 1-4 in the world. Is anyone seriously suggesting we are a top 4 side, if only we had a different coach?

I honestly can't see it, myself.

[Big D]

Finn signs a three year deal at Bath.

[KingBlairhorn]

Finn signs a three year deal at Bath.

I had a wee glimmer of hope he might want to finish his career at Glasgow but this more or less definitely takes him to retirement.

[KingBlairhorn]

Glasgow don't beat Leinster in a knock out game, that just seems to be the rule. Edinburgh don't beat Leinster in any game, let alone knock outs. Embra got to the semi final of the European Cup about a dozen years ago, that's Scotland's best performance so far.

The teams we, Scotland, struggle against are France when they are on form, though it always feels like we can beat them, and Ireland. Plus obviously South Africa and New Zealand.

The only way we are going to beat those teams is if we suddenly grow a pack of forwards who are bigger, faster, stronger and meaner than them - where are these guys coming from?

Ireland/Leinster themselves struggle against teams that beat them up front.

Townsend isn't the problem, imo.

edit, btw, those four teams are ranked 1-4 in the world. Is anyone seriously suggesting we are a top 4 side, if only we had a different coach?

I honestly can't see it, myself.

I haven't seen much of them myself (besides OBL and Seb Steven for that one match), but I have heard there are high hopes for the tight 5 in the current u20s. Conversely, the Irish seem pretty underwhelmed by their current group coming through the system.

Personally (and I am aware this isn't exactly insightful) I think it is particularly the front row where we fall short but also bruiser back rows - we have a good number of big beefy locks coming through who also have the nous and athleticism. We also have a great pool of dynamic back rows, but we don't really have a history of those big ugly hard bastards that South Africa, NZ and to an extent of late Ireland have in spades.

[Biffer]

Glasgow don't beat Leinster in a knock out game, that just seems to be the rule. Edinburgh don't beat Leinster in any game, let alone knock outs. Embra got to the semi final of the European Cup about a dozen years ago, that's Scotland's best performance so far.

The teams we, Scotland, struggle against are France when they are on form, though it always feels like we can beat them, and Ireland. Plus obviously South Africa and New Zealand.

The only way we are going to beat those teams is if we suddenly grow a pack of forwards who are bigger, faster, stronger and meaner than them - where are these guys coming from?

Ireland/Leinster themselves struggle against teams that beat them up front.

Townsend isn't the problem, imo.

edit, btw, those four teams are ranked 1-4 in the world. Is anyone seriously suggesting we are a top 4 side, if only we had a different coach?

I honestly can't see it, myself.

I haven't seen much of them myself (besides OBL and Seb Steven for that one match), but I have heard there are high hopes for the tight 5 in the current u20s. Conversely, the Irish seem pretty underwhelmed by their current group coming through the system.

Personally (and I am aware this isn't exactly insightful) I think it is particularly the front row where we fall short but also bruiser back rows - we have a good number of big beefy locks coming through who also have the nous and athleticism. We also have a great pool of dynamic back rows, but we don't really have a history of those big ugly hard bastards that South Africa, NZ and to an extent of late Ireland have in spades.

I'd agree with that - short in the front row and the big bastard 8 or 6 to bash it in, good for back row and lock more generally (although we don't really have the nasty bastard locks).

I think it's key to understand the different causes though - We just don't seem to produce candidates for meaty 8s or nasty bastard locks, whereas for the front row it's about our structure; I firmly believe that young front rows need to play at the correct level for their development virtually every week during the season. That's both for technique development and physical development. In Scotland we don't have that available (Super 6 was meant to provide it but the clubs kyboshed it). It looked like this season there was some effort to start developing games to play these guys, with more A games for Edinburgh (not sure if Glasgow did the same?) but it tailed off in the second half of the season. Our academy front rows should be playing in 9 U20 internationals plus maybe 10-15 A games or similar each year to develop them and then when they're over 20 the A game splus some time in the senior team. Any other ideas to help that are welcome, the Premiership is not a good enough level.

[Big D]

Finn signs a three year deal at Bath.

I had a wee glimmer of hope he might want to finish his career at Glasgow but this more or less definitely takes him to retirement.

Enough time for a year in Japan if he wants it.

[KingBlairhorn]

Finn signs a three year deal at Bath.

I had a wee glimmer of hope he might want to finish his career at Glasgow but this more or less definitely takes him to retirement.

Enough time for a year in Japan if he wants it.

Lambos don't pay for themselves you know.

[Yr Alban]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... e4l7xjx3ro

TBH this is a bit depressing. The SRU saying they’re keen to give Toony another go at the World Cup. I was hoping that there might be some substance to the rumour they were going to replace him with Smith.

We have the players to put in a real 6N challenge, but I just can’t see it ever happening with Toony in charge. The last time we beat Ireland was in 2017, when Cotter was still in post.

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less. I’m not saying we are a top 4 side, of course not. But I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say we underachieve in the 6N.

Every 6N season is more or less a bust from the start, because we know we won’t beat Ireland. Yes, they are undeniably a good side, but other teams seem to manage to beat them. We rarely even show up.

[Biffer]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... e4l7xjx3ro

TBH this is a bit depressing. The SRU saying they’re keen to give Toony another go at the World Cup. I was hoping that there might be some substance to the rumour they were going to replace him with Smith.

We have the players to put in a real 6N challenge, but I just can’t see it ever happening with Toony in charge. The last time we beat Ireland was in 2017, when Cotter was still in post.

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less. I’m not saying we are a top 4 side, of course not. But I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say we underachieve in the 6N.

Every 6N season is more or less a bust from the start, because we know we won’t beat Ireland. Yes, they are undeniably a good side, but other teams seem to manage to beat them. We rarely even show up.

Yeah, I get a little annoyed with the idea we need to be a top 4 side to win one six nations.

[Tichtheid]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... e4l7xjx3ro

TBH this is a bit depressing. The SRU saying they’re keen to give Toony another go at the World Cup. I was hoping that there might be some substance to the rumour they were going to replace him with Smith.

We have the players to put in a real 6N challenge, but I just can’t see it ever happening with Toony in charge. The last time we beat Ireland was in 2017, when Cotter was still in post.

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that - 1/2p, Liam Williams, Doc Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Mike Phillips, George North, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, AWJ, Faletau, Warburton, Tips, Adam Jones, Ken Owens - that's just the guys off the top of my head. They were strong throughout the squad.

We currently have a very good set of backs but struggle up front - I don't think there are too many howlers in the selection of the Lions forwards vis a vis Scottish exclusions, some were close and are probably the next cab off the rank, ie Darge and Ritchie. Lots of people think Gilcho shouldn't be playing for Scotland let alone the Lions (I'm not one of them).

[Tichtheid]

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less. I’m not saying we are a top 4 side, of course not. But I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say we underachieve in the 6N.

Every 6N season is more or less a bust from the start, because we know we won’t beat Ireland. Yes, they are undeniably a good side, but other teams seem to manage to beat them. We rarely even show up.

Yeah, I get a little annoyed with the idea we need to be a top 4 side to win one six nations.

We'd need to beat two of the top 4, though, plus another side ranked above us

[Biffer]

Finn signs a three year deal at Bath.

Confirms he wants to play top level rugby at least until the next world cup, so good for scotland.

[Yr Alban]

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that - 1/2p, Liam Williams, Doc Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Mike Phillips, George North, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, AWJ, Faletau, Warburton, Tips, Adam Jones, Ken Owens - that's just the guys off the top of my head. They were strong throughout the squad.

We currently have a very good set of backs but struggle up front - I don't think there are too many howlers in the selection of the Lions forwards vis a vis Scottish exclusions, some were close and are probably the next cab off the rank, ie Darge and Ritchie. Lots of people think Gilcho shouldn't be playing for Scotland let alone the Lions (I'm not one of them).

I’d take our current backs over the backs in that side. You’re right that we struggle up front of course, but why that is is harder to put your finger on. Our first choice props were both selected for the Lions. Our back row guys weren’t, though as you say it was probably close. Where we look weaker is at lock and maybe No 8. But the fact that Cummings is also with the Lions tends to suggest that the other teams don’t have resources there that are way better than ours. Oh, and we could do with a hooker who can throw in properly.

[Biffer]

Thought I'd have a wee look at the stats

In the 2025 Six Nations Scotland were

(good stats)
2nd in attacking 22 entries
1st in carries
1st in metres carried
2nd in metres gained
1st in total passes
2nd in offloads
1st in tackles made %ge
6th in tackles missed
1st in attacking ruck arrivals
2nd in breakdown steals
1st in lineout takes
1st in lineouts won

(bad stats)
6th in scrum win %ge
6th in lineout steals
5th in defensive ruck arrivals


The biggest caveat in there is that there isn't a %ge success for lineouts, which I think we'd be awful in tbh.

[Big D]

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that - 1/2p, Liam Williams, Doc Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Mike Phillips, George North, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, AWJ, Faletau, Warburton, Tips, Adam Jones, Ken Owens - that's just the guys off the top of my head. They were strong throughout the squad.

We currently have a very good set of backs but struggle up front - I don't think there are too many howlers in the selection of the Lions forwards vis a vis Scottish exclusions, some were close and are probably the next cab off the rank, ie Darge and Ritchie. Lots of people think Gilcho shouldn't be playing for Scotland let alone the Lions (I'm not one of them).

I’d take our current backs over the backs in that side. You’re right that we struggle up front of course, but why that is is harder to put your finger on. Our first choice props were both selected for the Lions. Our back row guys weren’t, though as you say it was probably close. Where we look weaker is at lock and maybe No 8. But the fact that Cummings is also with the Lions tends to suggest that the other teams don’t have resources there that are way better than ours. Oh, and we could do with a hooker who can throw in properly.

The Lions squad misses the French who are now more organised, disciplined and better from top to bottom than they have at any time during the professional era.

We have the best set of professionals we have had, but so do France, Italy, and although Ireland are at the end of their golden period are still operating at a high level. England are back on the right path too with masses of resources.

Several of those Welsh players in their prime walk into the current Scotland 23.

[Big D]

Thought I'd have a wee look at the stats

In the 2025 Six Nations Scotland were

(good stats)
2nd in attacking 22 entries
1st in carries
1st in metres carried
2nd in metres gained
1st in total passes
2nd in offloads
1st in tackles made %ge
6th in tackles missed
1st in attacking ruck arrivals
2nd in breakdown steals
1st in lineout takes
1st in lineouts won

(bad stats)
6th in scrum win %ge
6th in lineout steals
5th in defensive ruck arrivals


The biggest caveat in there is that there isn't a %ge success for lineouts, which I think we'd be awful in tbh.

only 4th in points scored and tries scored.

[KingBlairhorn]

I'm not sure I'd agree with that - 1/2p, Liam Williams, Doc Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Mike Phillips, George North, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, AWJ, Faletau, Warburton, Tips, Adam Jones, Ken Owens - that's just the guys off the top of my head. They were strong throughout the squad.

We currently have a very good set of backs but struggle up front - I don't think there are too many howlers in the selection of the Lions forwards vis a vis Scottish exclusions, some were close and are probably the next cab off the rank, ie Darge and Ritchie. Lots of people think Gilcho shouldn't be playing for Scotland let alone the Lions (I'm not one of them).

I’d take our current backs over the backs in that side. You’re right that we struggle up front of course, but why that is is harder to put your finger on. Our first choice props were both selected for the Lions. Our back row guys weren’t, though as you say it was probably close. Where we look weaker is at lock and maybe No 8. But the fact that Cummings is also with the Lions tends to suggest that the other teams don’t have resources there that are way better than ours. Oh, and we could do with a hooker who can throw in properly.

The Lions squad misses the French who are now more organised, disciplined and better from top to bottom than they have at any time during the professional era.

We have the best set of professionals we have had, but so do France, Italy, and although Ireland are at the end of their golden period are still operating at a high level. England are back on the right path too with masses of resources.

Several of those Welsh players in their prime walk into the current Scotland 23.

It feels very 'Andy Murray'. The best we've ever produced, but it just so happens to be a period of huge strength and the main competitors are better. Prime 2012/2013 Andy Murray playing today is the best player on the planet. Prime Scotland today in 2010-2018 or thereabouts wins at least one championship.

[Yr Alban]

I’d take our current backs over the backs in that side. You’re right that we struggle up front of course, but why that is is harder to put your finger on. Our first choice props were both selected for the Lions. Our back row guys weren’t, though as you say it was probably close. Where we look weaker is at lock and maybe No 8. But the fact that Cummings is also with the Lions tends to suggest that the other teams don’t have resources there that are way better than ours. Oh, and we could do with a hooker who can throw in properly.

The Lions squad misses the French who are now more organised, disciplined and better from top to bottom than they have at any time during the professional era.

We have the best set of professionals we have had, but so do France, Italy, and although Ireland are at the end of their golden period are still operating at a high level. England are back on the right path too with masses of resources.

Several of those Welsh players in their prime walk into the current Scotland 23.

It feels very 'Andy Murray'. The best we've ever produced, but it just so happens to be a period of huge strength and the main competitors are better. Prime 2012/2013 Andy Murray playing today is the best player on the planet. Prime Scotland today in 2010-2018 or thereabouts wins at least one championship.

Fair point about Murray. If he had been born 10 years earlier or 10 years later, he’d have a pile of Grand Slam wins rather than the 3 he actually got. Federer beat Mark Phillippousis to win his first major at Wimbledon. Murray made it to 9 GS finals and had to play Djokovic in 7 of them. And I have no idea how many times he, Federer or Nadal knocked Murray out earlier in tournaments.

[Biffer]

The Lions squad misses the French who are now more organised, disciplined and better from top to bottom than they have at any time during the professional era.

We have the best set of professionals we have had, but so do France, Italy, and although Ireland are at the end of their golden period are still operating at a high level. England are back on the right path too with masses of resources.

Several of those Welsh players in their prime walk into the current Scotland 23.

It feels very 'Andy Murray'. The best we've ever produced, but it just so happens to be a period of huge strength and the main competitors are better. Prime 2012/2013 Andy Murray playing today is the best player on the planet. Prime Scotland today in 2010-2018 or thereabouts wins at least one championship.

Fair point about Murray. If he had been born 10 years earlier or 10 years later, he’d have a pile of Grand Slam wins rather than the 3 he actually got. Federer beat Mark Phillippousis to win his first major at Wimbledon. Murray made it to 9 GS finals and had to play Djokovic in 7 of them. And I have no idea how many times he, Federer or Nadal knocked Murray out earlier in tournaments.

In Grand Slam tournaments

Murray 1 - 5 Federer
Murray 2 - 8 Djokovic
Murray 2 - 6 Nadal

Overall
Murray 11 - 14 Federer
Murray 11 - 25 Djokovic
Murray 7 - 17 Nadal

[Tichtheid]

Kinghorn starts for Toulouse tomorrow evening

[Biffer]

Kinghorn starts for Toulouse tomorrow evening

He's pretty much first choice when fit, which is a hell of an achievement in that squad.

[Tichtheid]

Kinghorn starts for Toulouse tomorrow evening

He's pretty much first choice when fit, which is a hell of an achievement in that squad.

It pains me to say it, but he's improved beyond measure since leaving Edinburgh, he's very good under the highball now, his defence is no longer an issue, he doesn't seem to get himself out of position and his support work at the breakdown is as good as anyone on the park - something I don't think I ever saw him do in an Edinburgh shirt is get stuck into a ruck and shunt the guy he's rucking against.

He still has all the pace and distribution skills, it's these other parts of his game which have come on leaps and bounds.

[Biffer]

Kinghorn starts for Toulouse tomorrow evening

He's pretty much first choice when fit, which is a hell of an achievement in that squad.

It pains me to say it, but he's improved beyond measure since leaving Edinburgh, he's very good under the highball now, his defence is no longer an issue, he doesn't seem to get himself out of position and his support work at the breakdown is as good as anyone on the park - something I don't think I ever saw him do in an Edinburgh shirt is get stuck into a ruck and shunt the guy he's rucking against.

He still has all the pace and distribution skills, it's these other parts of his game which have come on leaps and bounds.

It's painful to say, but let's be honest it's not surprising.

I'm hoping Jamie Ritchie kicks on in a similar way

[Punter15]

Scotland U20 Men squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

Forwards

Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
Dylan Cockburn (Melrose RFC)
Freddy Douglas – CO-CAPTAIN (Edinburgh Rugby)
Oliver Duncan (Edinburgh Rugby)
Oliver Finlayson-Russell (University of St Andrews)
Mark Fyffe (University of Edinburgh)
Bart Godsell (Loughborough University)
Dan Halkon (Glasgow Warriors)
Reuben Logan (Northampton Saints)
Oliver McKenna (Glasgow Warriors)
Charlie Moss (Montpellier)
Will Pearce (Cardiff Metropolitan University/Bristol Bears)
Joe Roberts (Glasgow Warriors)
Jake Shearer (Glasgow Warriors)
Seb Stephen (Glasgow Warriors)
Jamie Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby)
Ben White (Melrose RFC/Edinburgh Rugby)

Backs

Jack Brown (Edinburgh Rugby)
Isaac Coates (Edinburgh Rugby)
Noah Cowan (Brunel University/Ealing Trailfinders)
Jed Findlay (Exeter Chiefs)
Jack Hocking (Edinburgh Rugby)
Angus Hunter (Heriot’s Rugby)
Nairn Moncrieff (Edinburgh Rugby)
Hector Patterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
Matthew Urwin (Glasgow Warriors)
Cameron van Wyk (Ayr RFC)
Johnny Ventisei – CO-CAPTAIN (Glasgow Warriors)
Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)
Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)

Plenty of talent in there but a very tough group.

[Biffer]

Scotland U20 Men squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

Forwards

Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (Edinburgh Rugby)
Dylan Cockburn (Melrose RFC)
Freddy Douglas – CO-CAPTAIN (Edinburgh Rugby)
Oliver Duncan (Edinburgh Rugby)
Oliver Finlayson-Russell (University of St Andrews)
Mark Fyffe (University of Edinburgh)
Bart Godsell (Loughborough University)
Dan Halkon (Glasgow Warriors)
Reuben Logan (Northampton Saints)
Oliver McKenna (Glasgow Warriors)
Charlie Moss (Montpellier)
Will Pearce (Cardiff Metropolitan University/Bristol Bears)
Joe Roberts (Glasgow Warriors)
Jake Shearer (Glasgow Warriors)
Seb Stephen (Glasgow Warriors)
Jamie Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby)
Ben White (Melrose RFC/Edinburgh Rugby)

Backs

Jack Brown (Edinburgh Rugby)
Isaac Coates (Edinburgh Rugby)
Noah Cowan (Brunel University/Ealing Trailfinders)
Jed Findlay (Exeter Chiefs)
Jack Hocking (Edinburgh Rugby)
Angus Hunter (Heriot’s Rugby)
Nairn Moncrieff (Edinburgh Rugby)
Hector Patterson (Edinburgh Rugby)
Matthew Urwin (Glasgow Warriors)
Cameron van Wyk (Ayr RFC)
Johnny Ventisei – CO-CAPTAIN (Glasgow Warriors)
Fergus Watson (Glasgow Warriors)
Kerr Yule (Glasgow Warriors)

Plenty of talent in there but a very tough group.

Just have to win one game

[Slick]

Kinghorn starts for Toulouse tomorrow evening

He's pretty much first choice when fit, which is a hell of an achievement in that squad.

It pains me to say it, but he's improved beyond measure since leaving Edinburgh, he's very good under the highball now, his defence is no longer an issue, he doesn't seem to get himself out of position and his support work at the breakdown is as good as anyone on the park - something I don't think I ever saw him do in an Edinburgh shirt is get stuck into a ruck and shunt the guy he's rucking against.

He still has all the pace and distribution skills, it's these other parts of his game which have come on leaps and bounds.

Extremely excited to see him back in a Scotland shirt. He’s really the leader of the next generation of world class players after Hogg and then Russell. I think he will embrace it

[Slick]

Not sure if it has been covered, but Rufus McLean in the USA squad

[clydecloggie]

Not sure if it has been covered, but Rufus McLean in the USA squad

proper MAGA man.

[KingBlairhorn]

Scotland U20 Men squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

[squad]

Plenty of talent in there but a very tough group.

Just have to win one game

Any detail on whether they are streaming these games?

[Tichtheid]

Scotland U20 Men squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

[squad]

Plenty of talent in there but a very tough group.

Just have to win one game

Any detail on whether they are streaming these games?

Rugby Pass, apparently - same as England v France tomorrow

[KingBlairhorn]

Just have to win one game

Any detail on whether they are streaming these games?

Rugby Pass, apparently - same as England v France tomorrow

I was winding up to be outraged but turns out its free. Good stuff!

[Punter15]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... e4l7xjx3ro

TBH this is a bit depressing. The SRU saying they’re keen to give Toony another go at the World Cup. I was hoping that there might be some substance to the rumour they were going to replace him with Smith.

We have the players to put in a real 6N challenge, but I just can’t see it ever happening with Toony in charge. The last time we beat Ireland was in 2017, when Cotter was still in post.

Do we though? The bulk of our players play for Edinburgh and Glasgow, who rarely string two knock out wins together in the URC or the Champions Cup and regularly lose big games v Leinster (with one notable recent exception).

I am not saying GT needs to stay on but I don't think we are suddenly going to see Scotland winning more games.

All right, I’ll put it another way. Wales have won titles in the recent past with squads no more talented than the one we have right now. Arguably less. I’m not saying we are a top 4 side, of course not. But I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say we underachieve in the 6N.

Every 6N season is more or less a bust from the start, because we know we won’t beat Ireland. Yes, they are undeniably a good side, but other teams seem to manage to beat them. We rarely even show up.

We’ve been weak mentally and not composed or patient enough when it really matters. That’s on Toonie.

We have the players (just).

[Slick]

Already fucking sick of the “who’s the best 10” chat

[KingBlairhorn]

Already fucking sick of the “who’s the best 10” chat

That’s a debate for the media only. In reality, there is no debate.

[Slick]

Already fucking sick of the “who’s the best 10” chat

That’s a debate for the media only. In reality, there is no debate.

Exactly

[KingBlairhorn]

Shame it’s sione at 13 and not Aki. I think it would work better the other way around.

[Slick]

Shame it’s sione at 13 and not Aki. I think it would work better the other way around.

Yeah, was thinking that myself

[KingBlairhorn]

Marks for Scotland players:

Sione 6/10. Did some good things in attack and defence and no howlers, but not really showing up as much as you would want from a midfielder.
Duhan 7/10. A couple of great runs, a very good offload, a bit shoogly in defence but Smith and Freeman are screwing the whole defence.

Hopefully schoe gets decent gametime as the pack are smushing the Argies