The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

Ah ok. I thought he was being genuine.

He might have been. I read it as sarcasm but if I am wrong Biffer has my apologies.

[clydecloggie]

Exeter's game plan didn't really help Hogg - it's relentless and it works, but it does make the back three bystanders.

Hogg has scored six tries for Exeter this season, with one game to go, which is more than he scored in a single season for Glasgow since 11/12.

Ah, statistics and mini skirts.

Exeter do play a more expansive game against weak sides like Leicester that they can pummel into submission without breaking a sweat. Against the big boys, it's 10-men rugby.

On that note, Finn Russell deserves a lot of credit for unpicking the Exeter defence the way he did. Even if it was all a bit 'live by the sword, die by the sword'.

[I like neeps]

Exeter's game plan didn't really help Hogg - it's relentless and it works, but it does make the back three bystanders.

Hogg has scored six tries for Exeter this season, with one game to go, which is more than he scored in a single season for Glasgow since 11/12.

Ah, statistics and mini skirts.

Exeter do play a more expansive game against weak sides like Leicester that they can pummel into submission without breaking a sweat. Against the big boys, it's 10-men rugby.

On that note, Finn Russell deserves a lot of credit for unpicking the Exeter defence the way he did. Even if it was all a bit 'live by the sword, die by the sword'.

Exeter score a lot of tries of first phase set play. They're actually quite expansive but get into the 5 and do just pummel with the forwards because nobody can stop them so why not.

[westport]

SR has just posted a video with the sponsorship of SP Energy Networks on the back of the jersey and in the video Finn is in it so he must have came up in the past couple of days

[Begbie]

Lions v Japan at Murrayfield confirmed.

https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/brit ... urrayfield

[westport]

Sod of a thing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... zerkOjxW-g

[Big D]

SR has just posted a video with the sponsorship of SP Energy Networks on the back of the jersey and in the video Finn is in it so he must have came up in the past couple of days

Aye Weir and CdP in the video and/or photos too.

[Tichtheid]

Sod of a thing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... zerkOjxW-g

Bugger.

I do wonder about the safety aspect and what we are requiring of these young men ( I believe the concussion rate is far less in women's rugby)

[dkm57]

Sod of a thing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... zerkOjxW-g

Best 9 to play for Scotland in my lifetime. Very sad.

[clydecloggie]

[clydecloggie]

Tombola time.

Sutherland/Brown/Fagerson to be the first choice front row against Wales as well? Interesting to see Brown captain the side.

Duhan McMerwe on debut, same for McKebble.

6/2 on the bench with Russell in the 23 shirt. Both Haining and DuPreez on the bench.

[Jock42]

I thought Russell was playing for r92?

Looking forward to seeing VDM at this level.

[KingBlairhorn]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

[Jock42]

Even if every team pumps Georgia it won't end any relegation chaff.

[robmatic]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

Georgia were pretty dire last time out in Tbilisi but might be a tougher challenge this time if they keep it tight and not drop the ball every time they have it. That said, Scotland should have the quality all round to beat them.

[Tichtheid]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

Aye, it looks good.

I haven't seen much of Quins, ie Lang and I feel Harley has to make a statement when he comes on.

Your namesake could do with a good game

[Jock42]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

Aye, it looks good.

I haven't seen much of Quins, ie Lang and I feel Harley has to make a statement when he comes on.

Your namesake could do with a good game

I hadn't even clocked Harley on the bench. I suppose the tombola has to throw out at least one player.

[KingBlairhorn]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

Aye, it looks good.

I haven't seen much of Quins, ie Lang and I feel Harley has to make a statement when he comes on.

Your namesake could do with a good game

He has a big task ahead of him to make the 23 this year. Duhan, Darcy, Maitland and Hogg are the 4 that will start / bench IMO based on current and past form. Kinghorn has all the tools but I'm not sure he's shown he knows how to use them consistently. Hopefully the competition will push him on in the same way it seems to be really pushing on the back row players.

[clydecloggie]

Slightly disappointed not to see Huw Jones in there, he's presumably the victim of the 6/2 subs split.

Surely we'll go 5/3 for Wales, Maitland on the wing, best out of Graham and McMerwe on the other wing, Hogg at 15 and then Jones in the 23 shirt with Kinghorn dropping out altogether as a possible/likely option?

[Slick]

Has anyone joined any of the SRU membership schemes? Thinking I might do the Nevis one in the hope that at least some crowds will be back next year.

[Slick]

Sod of a thing

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland- ... zerkOjxW-g

Bugger.

I do wonder about the safety aspect and what we are requiring of these young men ( I believe the concussion rate is far less in women's rugby)

Absolute bastard of a disease, wish him well. From the era when I first started getting interested in rugby and always a legend to me.

re. the safety, hasn't Grieg Laidlaw said he won't let his kids play top level rugby if he can help it as it is just too dangerous.

[Slick]

Slightly disappointed not to see Huw Jones in there, he's presumably the victim of the 6/2 subs split.

Surely we'll go 5/3 for Wales, Maitland on the wing, best out of Graham and McMerwe on the other wing, Hogg at 15 and then Jones in the 23 shirt with Kinghorn dropping out altogether as a possible/likely option?

Strength in depth

I also want to give Jones every chance to get back to his best, he was devastating for that couple of seasons. I suspect you are right on the split though.

Quite looking forward to seeing how Lang and Harris go mind you, both decent players.

As has been said, big few weeks for Kinghorn. He certainly has all the attributes but still seems to lack a bit of confidence when needed. Still very young though

[Yr Alban]

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

[Big D]

That's a very strong team. A very big front row, a very dynamic back row, a very exciting running back three. I'm looking forward to this.

We really should expect to thrash Georgia and we should seek to put down a serious marker we can all point to when the inevitable relegation from the 6N chat makes its annual resurgence.

Aye, it looks good.

I haven't seen much of Quins, ie Lang and I feel Harley has to make a statement when he comes on.

Your namesake could do with a good game

Decent enough team. Feels like a missed chance to experiment a little in terms of leadership and youngsters. Ritchie could easily have captained the side, CHH could easily have been in the squad and benched this game too. Minor enough quibbles I suppose.

Bit of a shame Finns 50th cap will be from the bench but that is his fault really.

[Big D]

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

Harris >> Grigg IMO.

[Slick]

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

Disgree with that. We have some pretty special playmakers and finishers in that squad so to have a couple of very solid defenders, who both have decent distribution skills, I think is pretty, exciting. It has the potential to be a very balanced backline and will give us the ability to change tactics during and between games. I actually think its progress.

[robmatic]

To be honest I've not seen much of Lang and Harris as I tend to just watch Pro14. I'm prepared to be suitably impressed if they distribute the ball more effectively than Embra's centres.

[KingBlairhorn]

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

Disgree with that. We have some pretty special playmakers and finishers in that squad so to have a couple of very solid defenders, who both have decent distribution skills, I think is pretty, exciting. It has the potential to be a very balanced backline and will give us the ability to change tactics during and between games. I actually think its progress.

I agree. This has shades of the Scotland football team for me. Prior to any match when starting teams are discussed you will find fans who want to pick a midfield made up entirely of attacking players. Whilst it sounds good in theory and seems to allow all your best players on the pitch, sometimes the showy players need some good honest defensive grafters to let them play.

[Wylie Coyote]

To be honest I've not seen much of Lang and Harris as I tend to just watch Pro14. I'm prepared to be suitably impressed if they distribute the ball more effectively than Embra's centres.

Lang is an interesting player for me. He has played 10 so must have some distributive skills, I've also seen him show very impressive pace at premiership 7s level IIRC. He is not a crash ball 12, I hope we don't try and use him like that, but if we are looking for a Pete-Horne-but-better style 12 then he is certainly worth a good look. I would've preferred Jones at 13 but that was sadly too much to ask.

[Yr Alban]

Yes, it’s always good to have a combination of attack and defence in the centre. And I suppose that Lang is a bit of an unknown quantity. I’m just annoyed at the lack of Jones, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott. Some of which is injury-enforced, but some not.

[Yr Alban]

I am also really concerned about the 6/2 split on the bench. We are literally one back-3 injury away from having someone well out of position.

[KingBlairhorn]

Yes, it’s always good to have a combination of attack and defence in the centre. And I suppose that Lang is a bit of an unknown quantity. I’m just annoyed at the lack of Jones, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott. Some of which is injury-enforced, but some not.

Totally get it. If someone had given me the list of (peak form) Jones, Bennett, Hutchinson, Scott, Horne, Dunbar, Harris, Grigg, Lang etc. I think it's unlikely I would have picked the current two. Having said that, now that they have been picked I can see the attraction and the qualities Gregor is probably looking to bring.

[Northern Lights]

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

Disgree with that. We have some pretty special playmakers and finishers in that squad so to have a couple of very solid defenders, who both have decent distribution skills, I think is pretty, exciting. It has the potential to be a very balanced backline and will give us the ability to change tactics during and between games. I actually think its progress.

My only quibble with this would be that Harris has been found wanting in defence at this level.
He’s has got better with more caps but we’ve got better options.

This team has more than enough about it though to put Georgia to the sword.

[Big D]

I am also really concerned about the 6/2 split on the bench. We are literally one back-3 injury away from having someone well out of position.

Hastings has played 15 before IIRC. Wouldn't be an issue IMO.

Can’t quite believe that with the strongest set of centres Scotland have had, well, ever, we’re choosing to go with Lang and Harris.

Yes, I know there are injuries. Yes, I know some feel Harris has been good in a Scotland shirt, but this is by some distance the most underwhelming midfield we could have put out.

Disgree with that. We have some pretty special playmakers and finishers in that squad so to have a couple of very solid defenders, who both have decent distribution skills, I think is pretty, exciting. It has the potential to be a very balanced backline and will give us the ability to change tactics during and between games. I actually think its progress.

My only quibble with this would be that Harris has been found wanting in defence at this level.
He’s has got better with more caps but we’ve got better options.

This team has more than enough about it though to put Georgia to the sword.

Has he been found wanting really? There was one game where he was partnered by Jones at 12 which was a disaster all round the team but I don't recall him being suspect before? And I am far from a cheerleader of his.

[westport]

Grant Gilchrist and Damien Hoyland have left Scotland camp and will miss the upcoming internationals through injury.
Both players have returned to the club and will rehab with the team's medical staff.

[Jock42]

Was just about to post that. Back 3, and FB in particular, looking a bit bare for Sunday

[Yr Alban]

How on Earth are we having multiple players sent home from the camp before we have played a game? I really hope they were carrying these injuries when they arrived.

So will we see any replacements? CHH perhaps?

[Begbie]

How on Earth are we having multiple players sent home from the camp before we have played a game? I really hope they were carrying these injuries when they arrived.

So will we see any replacements? CHH perhaps?

The article mentioned Ashman has been called up to train with the squad. Nothing on replacements for the injured pair.

[mos_eisely_]

Was just about to post that. Back 3, and FB in particular, looking a bit bare for Sunday

Jaco or Bennett at fullback with two of Farndsle/Blain/Sau on the wings? Can't remember if Sau is in Fiji squad

Assuming Darge and/ or Boyle will be in the back row with Magnus w; as Ritchie, Mish & Haining with Scotland, Kunavula with Fiji and Bill & Crosbie injured

[Jock42]

Was just about to post that. Back 3, and FB in particular, looking a bit bare for Sunday

Jaco or Bennett at fullback with two of Farndsle/Blain/Sau on the wings? Can't remember if Sau is in Fiji squad

Assuming Darge and/ or Boyle will be in the back row with Magnus w; as Ritchie, Mish & Haining with Scotland, Kunavula with Fiji and Bill & Crosbie injured

Whats Tom Brown up to these days? Is he with the 7s? Should be available for selection if he is.

Hadn't even considered the back row, thats brutal.