The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Jock42]

Agree about Shiel. Not sure why he hasn't had more starts.

[KingBlairhorn]

The plan was Cardiff, wasn't it? Don't know what the corona version will be though. Somewhere in Ireland?

I think they have said it will be at the home ground of the team with the best regular season record. So Leinster will be at home if they make the final (possibly at the Aviva, more likely the RDS). If Edinburgh make the final against Munster, it will be at Murrayfield. That would be nice!

[KingBlairhorn]

Agree about Shiel. Not sure why he hasn't had more starts.

It’s a big year for him. He turns 23 soon and has only a handful of pro appearances to his name.

[Yr Alban]

The plan was Cardiff, wasn't it? Don't know what the corona version will be though. Somewhere in Ireland?

I think they have said it will be at the home ground of the team with the best regular season record. So Leinster will be at home if they make the final (possibly at the Aviva, more likely the RDS). If Edinburgh make the final against Munster, it will be at Murrayfield. That would be nice!

That’s a bit disappointing. I was hoping Embra might get a crack at the final on properly neutral ground. Assuming they get there, of course.

[Caley_Red]

Was relegated to YouTube highlights for the match so only saw the scores. That setup by Duhan for Groom's try was absolutely sublime, I cannot wait to see him in a back three with Hogg and Graham/Maitland.

[Caley_Red]

Agree about Shiel. Not sure why he hasn't had more starts.

It’s a big year for him. He turns 23 soon and has only a handful of pro appearances to his name.

Seems like yesterday he was part of that excellent U20's effort at JRWC 2017, really hope he comes through as competition for Horne and Price this season.

[robmatic]

I thought Groom had a good game, possibly one of his best for Edinburgh. I'm maybe being harsh on him as I'm expecting more from him as a marquee player.

Groom frustrates me with the glacial clearance/box kicking routine but that might be team orders because Pyrgos is much the same. When we put some pace on the game in the second half I thought he looked good - he has the most accurate pass out of our 9s.

[robmatic]

Agree about Shiel. Not sure why he hasn't had more starts.

Cockerill seems to value a steady hand to slow the game down at 9. I hope we start to see more of Shiel though because he is absolutely electric.

[Big D]

Van der Walt clearly the better of the two fly halves on the pitch tonight.

Maybe the chat about him being Scotland qualified isn’t so stupid after all. If he plays like that consistently he’ll definitely be worth a spot in and around the squad. He’s solid but not spectacular, sometimes that’s worth having.

Still quite young too, he’ll be around another 6+ years all things going well.

He is one of a very small number of pro 10s that are SQ. So anyone who suggests capping him is stupid is not really seeing the wider picture.

I don't particularly think he suits the game Townsend wants to play, he can do some but not all of what GT is looking for. He does have limitations, whether by skill or game plan is open to discussion.

The lack of ball the Edinburgh inside backs give the outside backs, possibly the most/one of the top 3 most dangerous in the league is criminal.

[Big D]

Nice to see Richie Gray back roaming the paddock. That is good for all involved.

[Slick]

Was relegated to YouTube highlights for the match so only saw the scores. That setup by Duhan for Groom's try was absolutely sublime, I cannot wait to see him in a back three with Hogg and Graham/Maitland.

Those Pro 14 highlights are a bit frustrating - show the penalty kick but none of the build up to the penalty or the penalty offence.

Have to say I know nothing about Shiel but that try was nice. Also looking forward to Duhan getting involved.

[Jock42]

Just in from work in time to see SHC score a nice try for Exeter.

[Slick]

Where are the rest of the lads?

I was thinking about this the other day, the best Scottish teams in either rugby or football have always had a core playing down south. Maybe we should be encouraging a couple more

Also, really noticeable in this game that there are a lot less idiotic collisions at the breakdown

[Caley_Red]

Where are the rest of the lads?

I was thinking about this the other day, the best Scottish teams in either rugby or football have always had a core playing down south. Maybe we should be encouraging a couple more

Also, really noticeable in this game that there are a lot less idiotic collisions at the breakdown

That Exeter team does have quite the tartan spine if all playing.

Can't help but think someone like Huw Jones would benefit by going down South as well, game seems to be stagnating at Glasgow.

[Slick]

Where are the rest of the lads?

I was thinking about this the other day, the best Scottish teams in either rugby or football have always had a core playing down south. Maybe we should be encouraging a couple more

Also, really noticeable in this game that there are a lot less idiotic collisions at the breakdown

That Exeter team does have quite the tartan spine if all playing.

Can't help but think someone like Huw Jones would benefit by going down South as well, game seems to be stagnating at Glasgow.

Yes, he was exactly who I was thinking about actually.

[Big D]

Stolen from elsewhere:
Midweek English Premiership!

1 -
2 -
3 -
4 - Young
5 - Swinson, Skinner
6 -
7 - Cowan
8 - CDP
9 - SH-C, Steele
10 - Wier
11 -
12 - Scott, Redpath
13 - Dingwall
14 -
15 -

16-20 -
21 - Vellacott
22 - Hutchinson
23 - Lang

[Caley_Red]

Stolen from elsewhere:
Midweek English Premiership!

1 -
2 -
3 -
4 - Young
5 - Swinson, Skinner
6 -
7 - Cowan
8 - CDP
9 - SH-C, Steele
10 - Wier
11 -
12 - Scott, Redpath
13 - Dingwall
14 -
15 -

16-20 -
21 - Vellacott
22 - Hutchinson
23 - Lang

Heard on the Thistle that Dingwall got absolutely monstered at the weekend, was he better the other night?

[Biffer]

Stolen from elsewhere:
Midweek English Premiership!

1 -
2 -
3 -
4 - Young
5 - Swinson, Skinner
6 -
7 - Cowan
8 - CDP
9 - SH-C, Steele
10 - Wier
11 -
12 - Scott, Redpath
13 - Dingwall
14 -
15 -

16-20 -
21 - Vellacott
22 - Hutchinson
23 - Lang

I take it Dell was just rested after starting for London Irish on Saturday?

[Biffer]

Cockerill has signed a contract extensions with Edinburgh until 2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53921474

Good news I reckon. Maybe not so much for Glasgow.

[robmatic]

Cockerill has signed a contract extensions with Edinburgh until 2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53921474

Good news I reckon. Maybe not so much for Glasgow.

He seems to be enjoying the project at Edinburgh and obviously thinks he can achieve more there. I reckon there is a bit of succession planning here from the SRU as well for the big job.

[westport]

Cockerill has signed a contract extensions with Edinburgh until 2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53921474

Good news I reckon. Maybe not so much for Glasgow.

Excellent news, he and his family seem to be enjoying life here and could push to higher things with the squad and new stadium at the end of the year..

[Biffer]

Cockerill has signed a contract extensions with Edinburgh until 2023

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53921474

Good news I reckon. Maybe not so much for Glasgow.

Excellent news, he and his family seem to be enjoying life here and could push to higher things with the squad and new stadium at the end of the year..

I think his son qualifies for Scotland next year

[Tichtheid]

Hi all, first post.

Good news on Richard Cockerill, the project is only about half way through.

[Jock42]

Happening mate.


Great news about Cockerill, he's got embra moving in the right direction.

[Biffer]

Hi all, first post.

Good news on Richard Cockerill, the project is only about half way through.

Welcome

Now, no winding up the weegies you

[KingBlairhorn]

Hi all, first post.

Good news on Richard Cockerill, the project is only about half way through.

Welcome

Now, no winding up the weegies you

Haha, I disagree. I'm a big fan of your work on the warriors forum

All shitposting cheerfully encouraged IMO!

[clydecloggie]

Agreed! Welcome Tichtheid, ya wee shite Burgher.

Am I right in thinking you were never on PR? Fresh blood if so!

Great news on Cockerill. Seems to have given them a spine, which was desperately needed.

I see no reason why only one of the Scottish teams can be good at any one time. It makes for a nice story arc if you're Tom English, but surely Glasgow's fortunes in the Pro14 barely depend on however well Edinburgh are playing. Even when Glasgow were hitting the heights, they tended to lose the 1872 fixtures.

So yay Edinburgh. May you reach the final. Sorry, no-one beats Leinster this season, let's stay realistic.

Time for Glasgow to sort out their back-3 problem and get back to where they belong - somewhere near the top and occasionally on it.

[KingBlairhorn]

Agreed! Welcome Tichtheid, ya wee shite Burgher.

Am I right in thinking you were never on PR? Fresh blood if so!

Great news on Cockerill. Seems to have given them a spine, which was desperately needed.

I see no reason why only one of the Scottish teams can be good at any one time. It makes for a nice story arc if you're Tom English, but surely Glasgow's fortunes in the Pro14 barely depend on however well Edinburgh are playing. Even when Glasgow were hitting the heights, they tended to lose the 1872 fixtures.

So yay Edinburgh. May you reach the final. Sorry, no-one beats Leinster this season, let's stay realistic.

Time for Glasgow to sort out their back-3 problem and get back to where they belong - somewhere near the top and occasionally on it.

Tom English is all about the drama - everything is the best or worst ever. Glasgow have just had what is probably their poorest season since 2010/11 (maybe 2016/17) and they still probably would have made the playoffs if it hadn't been for Covid. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are in a good place right now and long may it continue.

[westport]

Edinburgh team for Friday. Will be interesting to see how Shiel and Chamberlain preform

15. Blair Kinghorn (88)

14. Darcy Graham (30)

13. James Johnstone (49)

12. Chris Dean (89) CAPTAIN

11. Duhan van der Merwe (58)

10. Nathan Chamberlain (1)

9. Charlie Shiel (17)

1. Pierre Schoeman (41)

2. Mike Willemse (19)

3. Simon Berghan (79)

4. Nick Haining (12)

5. Jamie Hodgson (7)

6. Magnus Bradbury (75)

7. Hamish Watson (108)

8. Viliame Mata (72)

Replacements: 16. Stuart McInally (143) 17. Rory Sutherland (82) 18. WP Nel (140) 19. Marshall Sykes* 20. Luke Crosbie (40) 21. Roan Frostwick* 22. Jaco van der Walt (56) 23. Matt Gordon*

[Biffer]

Hi all, first post.

Good news on Richard Cockerill, the project is only about half way through.

Welcome

Now, no winding up the weegies you

Haha, I disagree. I'm a big fan of your work on the warriors forum

All shitposting cheerfully encouraged IMO!

A couple of them take it really badly. So much for Glesgae banter, eh.

[KingBlairhorn]

Spoiler

Show

Edinburgh team for Friday. Will be interesting to see how Shiel and Chamberlain preform

15. Blair Kinghorn (88)

14. Darcy Graham (30)

13. James Johnstone (49)

12. Chris Dean (89) CAPTAIN

11. Duhan van der Merwe (58)

10. Nathan Chamberlain (1)

9. Charlie Shiel (17)

1. Pierre Schoeman (41)

2. Mike Willemse (19)

3. Simon Berghan (79)

4. Nick Haining (12)

5. Jamie Hodgson (7)

6. Magnus Bradbury (75)

7. Hamish Watson (108)

8. Viliame Mata (72)

Replacements: 16. Stuart McInally (143) 17. Rory Sutherland (82) 18. WP Nel (140) 19. Marshall Sykes* 20. Luke Crosbie (40) 21. Roan Frostwick* 22. Jaco van der Walt (56) 23. Matt Gordon*

Good Edinburgh side. Has Haining played lock before, I'm not sure I can remember him ever doing so from the start, but perhaps remember him moving there to see out games?

I'm very excited to see the Chamberlain / Shiels combination. Very, very raw, but plenty of talent. I expect Glasgow to mercilessly target them though, so it will be a bit of a baptism of fire for Chamberlain in particular.

The Glasgow team is also strong:

1. Oli Kebble (48)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (99)
3. Zander Fagerson (92)
4. Richie Gray (48)
5. Scott Cummings (69)
6. Ryan Wilson (169)
7. Tom Gordon (18)
8. Matt Fagerson (62)
9. George Horne (56)
10. Adam Hastings (43)
11. Ratu Tagive (12)
12. Stafford McDowall (20)
13. Nick Grigg (70)
14. Tommy Seymour (143)
15. Huw Jones (36)

Replacements

16. George Turner (48)
17. Charlie Capps (0)
18. Enrique Pieretto (0)
19. Rob Harley (231)
20. Chris Fusaro (178)
21. Ali Price (87)
22. Pete Horne (170)
23. Robbie Nairn (9)

Unavailable for selection : Alex Allan, Adam Ashe, Hamish Bain, Mesu Dolokoto, Sam Johnson, Leone Nakarawa, Adam Nicol, Aki Seiuli, Kyle Steyn, Jale Vakaloloma.

[Jock42]

Thats a half back partnership with potential.

Anyone know much about Gordon and Frostwick?

[Tichtheid]

Agreed! Welcome Tichtheid, ya wee shite Burgher.

Am I right in thinking you were never on PR? Fresh blood if so!

Less of the "wee" thank you very much!

I was never on PR, no.

I'm liking the Edinburgh selection, with perhaps one caveat, I'd have liked to have seen McCallum get a shout, maybe Winning too if Big Murray is to keep playing both sides.

[Jock42]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

[KingBlairhorn]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

He's a 6/10 player. Always better than average never unplayable, very consistent. Will never be a world beater but will always be dependable. He's the kind of player that its super important to every squad to have. He can slot in whenever needed and you know he'll do a good job.

[robmatic]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

He's really developed with experience. He's always been a solid option defensively but his decision-making going forward maybe wasn't always the best. I think he converted from forward to centre quite late?

[I like neeps]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

He's a 6/10 player. Always better than average never unplayable, very consistent. Will never be a world beater but will always be dependable. He's the kind of player that its super important to every squad to have. He can slot in whenever needed and you know he'll do a good job.

I don't know I think he's better than that. His passing on Saturday was very good and always is an underrated aspect of his game. I don't think he's far off Sam Johnson.

[Jock42]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

He's really developed with experience. He's always been a solid option defensively but his decision-making going forward maybe wasn't always the best. I think he converted from forward to centre quite late?

That rings a bell, possibly from the thistle pod?

[Tichtheid]

I can't find a link or anything, but I seem to recall reading that Chris Dean was a number eight at school, before going on to Scotland 7s and from there to Edinburgh and a new career in the centres.

He was a wee bit ropey at 13, but it was very early doors and he looks much better at 12.

[Caley_Red]

Only just noticed The Prince is Capt. Thats interesting, I think he's underrated (maybe not so much now) as a player.

He's really developed with experience. He's always been a solid option defensively but his decision-making going forward maybe wasn't always the best. I think he converted from forward to centre quite late?

That rings a bell, possibly from the thistle pod?

They single-handedly anointed him the 'Sweet Prince' , presumably they know him personally as he's ripped quite a bit on there.

I've missed his development, last time I was at Murrayfield, he was still the ropey defender characterized above.