The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[westport]

Thanks, no need to start my free Amazon Prime trial just yet then.

As well as live coverage of Ireland vs Wales (13.11.20) and England vs Ireland (21.11.20), Ireland’s game against Georgia (29.11.20) will also be live on Channel 4. The rest are on prime.

[Jockaline]

Thanks, no need to start my free Amazon Prime trial just yet then.

As well as live coverage of Ireland vs Wales (13.11.20) and England vs Ireland (21.11.20), Ireland’s game against Georgia (29.11.20) will also be live on Channel 4. The rest are on prime.

[Yr Alban]

Was at work, but I gather Finn threw an interception in the final today. I guess that’ll be Gatland’s excuse for not taking him on the Lions tour, then.

(I could understand not starting him - he can certainly be flaky - but I bet he gets passed over entirely).

[Yr Alban]

Still, looks like all of the Scotland squad players came through the game unscathed, so there’s that!

[Tichtheid]

Was at work, but I gather Finn threw an interception in the final today. I guess that’ll be Gatland’s excuse for not taking him on the Lions tour, then.

(I could understand not starting him - he can certainly be flaky - but I bet he gets passed over entirely).

I was saying this elsewhere, I don't think Finn is flaky at all, it either works for him and he is a game breaker, or it doesn't work and worst case is it leads to an opposition score, but either way he has played his game.

If Gatland were to pick him for the Lions as a test starter it would be completely against type, so I'm not holding my breath.

[Slick]

Truth is, that in the biggest game of the year all the Scots were a little disappointing. None were poor, but nothing special really.

Finn was Finn but his game will be remembered for the interception which is a bit unfair because he was a danger all game. Also, his defence is great at the moment.

Hogg was quiet but a couple of poor tackles were highlighted which will be remembered.

Johnny was his usual workhorse self but just doesn’t stand out enough to be a Lions starter.

Skinner and SHC were fine when they came on but that was about it.

All in all they just make it easy not to pick them I’m afraid

[Jock42]

Was at work, but I gather Finn threw an interception in the final today. I guess that’ll be Gatland’s excuse for not taking him on the Lions tour, then.

(I could understand not starting him - he can certainly be flaky - but I bet he gets passed over entirely).

I was saying this elsewhere, I don't think Finn is flaky at all, it either works for him and he is a game breaker, or it doesn't work and worst case is it leads to an opposition score, but either way he has played his game.

If Gatland were to pick him for the Lions as a test starter it would be completely against type, so I'm not holding my breath.

Aye its his decisions that are the problem, the pass was never on but it never effected him.

[KingBlairhorn]

Truth is, that in the biggest game of the year all the Scots were a little disappointing. None were poor, but nothing special really.

Finn was Finn but his game will be remembered for the interception which is a bit unfair because he was a danger all game. Also, his defence is great at the moment.

Hogg was quiet but a couple of poor tackles were highlighted which will be remembered.

Johnny was his usual workhorse self but just doesn’t stand out enough to be a Lions starter.

Skinner and SHC were fine when they came on but that was about it.

All in all they just make it easy not to pick them I’m afraid

I think you are right about how it will be viewed, but it just shows how ground down we are that you have written that and I have accepted it. They had good and bad moments in what is, theoretically at least, the toughest game in European Club rugby and certainly the one with the most at stake. That they had some bad moments is surely still better than the multitude of players who will be lions who never played in the game at all?

On Finn, I think he comes out in credit. Yes he threw an intercept, but he also dragged Racing back into that game after an awful start. It was late in the game and he was trying to force a score, you don’t get losing bonus points in the final.

[Slick]

Good post.

I’d have Finn every time. Racing wouldn’t have been close without him pulling the strings.

But you are right, others don’t see it like that. In terms of the Lions, if it was an old tour where he had 4 or 5 games to play himself in I reckon he would nail it. As it is, Garland has to go with his first team pretty much preselected and there is no way that includes Finn. A 3rd test dead rubber is all he can hope for

[Yr Alban]

The thing that pisses me off is the same as ever: you know that a Scotland player will have to be twice as good as the competition to be selected. All 50:50 decisions will go the way of the player who doesn’t wear blue.

There are plenty of pretty ordinary players from the other countries who have been picked for the last few tours. Our best players get left behind.

[Caley_Red]

Was at work, but I gather Finn threw an interception in the final today. I guess that’ll be Gatland’s excuse for not taking him on the Lions tour, then.

(I could understand not starting him - he can certainly be flaky - but I bet he gets passed over entirely).

I was saying this elsewhere, I don't think Finn is flaky at all, it either works for him and he is a game breaker, or it doesn't work and worst case is it leads to an opposition score, but either way he has played his game.

If Gatland were to pick him for the Lions as a test starter it would be completely against type, so I'm not holding my breath.

Aye its his decisions that are the problem, the pass was never on but it never effected him.

Does anyone genuinely care about the Lions? Honest question as I don't. Pretty comfortable that, despite the finalized selections, Russell is a better player than Biggar, Hogg is the best 15 by some margin etc.

[Jock42]

I do

[I like neeps]

In the system Gatland wants to play rugby Russell isn't better than Biggar. Biggar will kick the leather off it and make the simple and probably coach instructed decisions. Gatland doesn't want to play 50/50 rugby when Russell does.

[Slick]

Does anyone genuinely care about the Lions? Honest question as I don't. .

I do. It has definintely taken some of the sheen off it the last few years but I still found myself behind the team last time out and will this time. If you look at historically this is just a (long) blip really, we have had the most succesful coaches, captains, Lions legends etc.

Don't get me wrong, it's fucking frustrating at the moment, but the Lions is part of our rugby history and I love it.

In saying all that, I do think the test team should always have at least one player from every nation.

[clydecloggie]

Finn had a few howlers - In the first half, after he threw the pass for Zebo's first try, Exeter consistently blocked that channel with 'interception defenders'. He still threw the same pass twice more, and lost possession both times. And of course the fluffed clearance kick - it was a poor pass from Iribaren, but Finn took his eyes off the ball and was transferring it to his boot before he properly caught it.

On the plus side, he was the main reason Racing were in it until the end, unlocking the Exeter defence in a way very few other players could ever hope to repeat.

I couldn't care less about the Gatland Lions, but Russell deserves to be a proper Lion rather than a Geography Six accidental Lion. I'm not holding my breath, though.

[KingBlairhorn]

Someone has put together a compilation of all Finn's touches in the game. Definitely a few howlers in there, but there are also a lot of excellent attacking (and defensive) interventions. Almost every significant attack came directly through Finn one way or another.

[KingBlairhorn]

Also, Lions, I always think I don't care and then the tour starts and I definitely care.

[Tichtheid]

Also, Lions, I always think I don't care and then the tour starts and I definitely care.

The players certainly care, for them it's the pinnacle of their careers

I'd far rather watch a Lions team play with Russell at fly half than without

[Big D]

Truth is, that in the biggest game of the year all the Scots were a little disappointing. None were poor, but nothing special really.

Finn was Finn but his game will be remembered for the interception which is a bit unfair because he was a danger all game. Also, his defence is great at the moment.

Hogg was quiet but a couple of poor tackles were highlighted which will be remembered.

Johnny was his usual workhorse self but just doesn’t stand out enough to be a Lions starter.

Skinner and SHC were fine when they came on but that was about it.

All in all they just make it easy not to pick them I’m afraid

I am not sure it is fair to say they were all disappointing. Jonny's role is to do the dirty stuff to allow Hill to get on with his game and as far as I could see he did that fairly well.

SHC effectively got the game ending turnover on his own line. If he never does anything ever again he played a vital role in Exeter winning that game.

[Northern Lights]

Someone has put together a compilation of all Finn's touches in the game. Definitely a few howlers in there, but there are also a lot of excellent attacking (and defensive) interventions. Almost every significant attack came directly through Finn one way or another.

The only thing i really took from that clip is that commentory on Finn is miles better in French than English...

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

[Tichtheid]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

This is from a WR statement on 30th of July, it was the latest I could find on the subject

The windows approved by the World Rugby Council for player release are:

· Temporary global player release window for 2020: 24 October – first weekend of December

·Temporary Rugby Championship window for 2020: 7 November – second weekend of December

So, I guess the exiles will join the squad on Sunday or Monday

[Slick]

Truth is, that in the biggest game of the year all the Scots were a little disappointing. None were poor, but nothing special really.

Finn was Finn but his game will be remembered for the interception which is a bit unfair because he was a danger all game. Also, his defence is great at the moment.

Hogg was quiet but a couple of poor tackles were highlighted which will be remembered.

Johnny was his usual workhorse self but just doesn’t stand out enough to be a Lions starter.

Skinner and SHC were fine when they came on but that was about it.

All in all they just make it easy not to pick them I’m afraid

I am not sure it is fair to say they were all disappointing. Jonny's role is to do the dirty stuff to allow Hill to get on with his game and as far as I could see he did that fairly well.

SHC effectively got the game ending turnover on his own line. If he never does anything ever again he played a vital role in Exeter winning that game.

Very true, but if many of us do have a critisism of Jonny it's that he could and should be more agressive and prominent in other areas. Take the expample of when he was last dropped by Scotland and he came roaring back with a performance full of great carrying and dominant tackles as well as his usual work.

Either way, the point still stands that if he wants to be a Lions starter he needs to show up more.

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh but I was quite excited about us having 5 players in that final and a chance to do some boasting, but none of them really took the game by the scruff of the neck, so to speak.

[clydecloggie]

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

[westport]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

This is from a WR statement on 30th of July, it was the latest I could find on the subject

The windows approved by the World Rugby Council for player release are:

· Temporary global player release window for 2020: 24 October – first weekend of December

·Temporary Rugby Championship window for 2020: 7 November – second weekend of December

So, I guess the exiles will join the squad on Sunday or Monday

After 2 or 3 beers

[Big D]

Truth is, that in the biggest game of the year all the Scots were a little disappointing. None were poor, but nothing special really.

Finn was Finn but his game will be remembered for the interception which is a bit unfair because he was a danger all game. Also, his defence is great at the moment.

Hogg was quiet but a couple of poor tackles were highlighted which will be remembered.

Johnny was his usual workhorse self but just doesn’t stand out enough to be a Lions starter.

Skinner and SHC were fine when they came on but that was about it.

All in all they just make it easy not to pick them I’m afraid

I am not sure it is fair to say they were all disappointing. Jonny's role is to do the dirty stuff to allow Hill to get on with his game and as far as I could see he did that fairly well.

SHC effectively got the game ending turnover on his own line. If he never does anything ever again he played a vital role in Exeter winning that game.

Very true, but if many of us do have a critisism of Jonny it's that he could and should be more agressive and prominent in other areas. Take the expample of when he was last dropped by Scotland and he came roaring back with a performance full of great carrying and dominant tackles as well as his usual work.

Either way, the point still stands that if he wants to be a Lions starter he needs to show up more.

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh but I was quite excited about us having 5 players in that final and a chance to do some boasting, but none of them really took the game by the scruff of the neck, so to speak.

I have doubts he is a Lion, never mind a starter IMO. He isn't clearly the best lock at Exeter never mind the British Isles.

The thing we have to remember is that Exeter are very much a "know your role, stick to it and do it well" club. That is why we don't see even Hoggy as prominent as he was at Glasgow and will be with Scotland, he only made 17m with ball in hand on Saturday.

Gray has a specific role to carry out the dirty work, make tackles, hit rucks and truck it up. He does need to be better at hitting it up but that is a small part of his role at Exeter. Given the way the Exeter machine works we aren't going to see many obviously stand out performances from Gray IMO.

[Big D]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

10 may be a problem for Friday if Finn isn't released.

IIRC Weir is due to be a new Dad soon or very recently became one so he may not be available. His hair is excellent and raised a good bit of cash.

[Jock42]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

[Tichtheid]

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.

[Big D]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Has Lang not been playing 13? If 'Quins/PRL don't allow his release his isn't available either.

[Jock42]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Has Lang not been playing 13? If 'Quins/PRL don't allow his release his isn't available either.

Pass but I'm sure he was included previously as an option at 10 despite playing centre

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

This is from a WR statement on 30th of July, it was the latest I could find on the subject

The windows approved by the World Rugby Council for player release are:

· Temporary global player release window for 2020: 24 October – first weekend of December

·Temporary Rugby Championship window for 2020: 7 November – second weekend of December

So, I guess the exiles will join the squad on Sunday or Monday

Thanks for that - clearly I am too lazy (or inept) to look it up myself!

It's not ideal for getting our first choice 10 & centres a run-out before heading off to Wales, or for giving any of the exiled fringe players any game time before it gets too serious. You have to expect that Cowan, Du Preez, Thomson etc probably won't get much opportunity to play, barring injuries.

[KingBlairhorn]

Apologies if this has already been covered. For which of the upcoming matches do we have a full Scotland squad available? I'm assuming the Exeter Scots will be busy this weekend with the Premiership final, so that rules them out of the Georgia warm up. Do we know about Finn? Racing are due to play on Saturday too and I can't work out when the release window is. Also the other English based players (Maitland, Cowan, du Preez, Thjomson, Weir etc), although they don't have games, are their clubs obliged to release them?

I'm assuming we'll have everyone released by the following weekend for the Wales game.

This is from a WR statement on 30th of July, it was the latest I could find on the subject

The windows approved by the World Rugby Council for player release are:

· Temporary global player release window for 2020: 24 October – first weekend of December

·Temporary Rugby Championship window for 2020: 7 November – second weekend of December

So, I guess the exiles will join the squad on Sunday or Monday

Thanks for that - clearly I am too lazy (or inept) to look it up myself!

It's not ideal for getting our first choice 10 & centres a run-out before heading off to Wales, or for giving any of the exiled fringe players any game time before it gets too serious. You have to expect that Cowan, Du Preez, Thomson etc probably won't get much opportunity to play, barring injuries.

It's not outside the bounds of possibility that the final will be cancelled/postponed given Wasps COVID issues (another 4 tested positive today). Presumably we would get them in camp earlier on that basis.

[Biffer]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Makes you wonder why van der Walt isn’t in the squad.

[Slick]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Makes you wonder why van der Walt isn’t in the squad.

Doesn’t make me wonder

[Big D]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Makes you wonder why van der Walt isn’t in the squad.

I see what you did there :-)

[Big D]

This is from a WR statement on 30th of July, it was the latest I could find on the subject




So, I guess the exiles will join the squad on Sunday or Monday

Thanks for that - clearly I am too lazy (or inept) to look it up myself!

It's not ideal for getting our first choice 10 & centres a run-out before heading off to Wales, or for giving any of the exiled fringe players any game time before it gets too serious. You have to expect that Cowan, Du Preez, Thomson etc probably won't get much opportunity to play, barring injuries.

It's not outside the bounds of possibility that the final will be cancelled/postponed given Wasps COVID issues (another 4 tested positive today). Presumably we would get them in camp earlier on that basis.

Bristol are on standby to replace them.

[Jock42]

Hastings with Lang on the bench then?

Makes you wonder why van der Walt isn’t in the squad.

I see what you did there :-)

Am I missing something?

[Big D]

Makes you wonder why van der Walt isn’t in the squad.

I see what you did there :-)

Am I missing something?

I am not sure if Biffer was fishing. Van Der Walt is training with the squad this week but isn't SQ until November some time.

[Jock42]

Ah ok. I thought he was being genuine.