The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Biffer]

I was looking up something to do with Alan Dell (his try in this match) and I got caught up in the game. There is a wee bit of play here that is an answer to the "Watson is too small" crowd. It takes five Quins forwards to down him. If this was a one-off then I wouldn't mention it, but he does this all the time.

Including Robshaw and Marler, who the same people would have down as proper Lions.

[I like neeps]

I was looking up something to do with Alan Dell (his try in this match) and I got caught up in the game. There is a wee bit of play here that is an answer to the "Watson is too small" crowd. It takes five Quins forwards to down him. If this was a one-off then I wouldn't mention it, but he does this all the time.

Including Robshaw and Marler, who the same people would have down as proper Lions.

He ends up going backwards though. Not sure I'd say it's a dominant carry....

Pretty fun to watch though.

[Tichtheid]

He ends up going backwards though. Not sure I'd say it's a dominant carry....

Where there are three of them, aye, a guy I can't identify and Marler grab him, then Horwill comes in the three of them drive him back a couple of steps.

He made an overall gain of five metres and it took five players to stop him. If that isn't a dominant carry then I really don't know what is.

[I like neeps]

He ends up going backwards though. Not sure I'd say it's a dominant carry....

Where there are three of them, aye, a guy I can't identify and Marler grab him, then Horwill comes in the three of them drive him back a couple of steps.

He made an overall gain of five metres and it took five players to stop him. If that isn't a dominant carry then I really don't know what is.

A dominant carry is one where you make yards on contact. Watson runs five metres his first contact where he monsters Marler is on the pitch markings and ends up behind them when he's tackled.

It's enjoyable to watch, he's obviously strong as an ox. But he goes backwards in that video. We spend more time saying Watson isn't too small than anyone spends saying he is. I think Scotland fans are too sensitive to journalists just looking to wind people up. It's best not to read what Francis and Jones write - it isn't to enlighten the reader!

[Tichtheid]

A dominant carry is one where you make yards on contact.

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

[KingBlairhorn]

Good to see Darcy Graham sign on for another 2 or 3 years (assumed) at Edinburgh. I hope there is a concerted effort to change the game plan to actually use the wingers to make the signing worthwhile.

I saw some promo shots yesterday around the U20s training ahead of their upcoming 6N tournament, and I noticed that Dobie has been training with them. He wasn't part of the April training squad due to rainbow cup commitments, so it seems there may be others involved than that squad - I'm not aware of any announcement.

Given the timing (basically concurrent), I wonder if that means he won't be touring with Scotland this summer?

[I like neeps]

A dominant carry is one where you make yards on contact.

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

[Tichtheid]

That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective

That carry took a third of the entire Quins team to stop it.
We obviously have different definitions of "effective".

The try was scored and it was a good one, but as was mentioned by BingBlairhorn, I think, Kennedy was slow to get the ball away, had the ball been recycled quicker we'd have been running at a hugely depleted defensive line.

[Big D]

Good to see Darcy Graham sign on for another 2 or 3 years (assumed) at Edinburgh. I hope there is a concerted effort to change the game plan to actually use the wingers to make the signing worthwhile.

I saw some promo shots yesterday around the U20s training ahead of their upcoming 6N tournament, and I noticed that Dobie has been training with them. He wasn't part of the April training squad due to rainbow cup commitments, so it seems there may be others involved than that squad - I'm not aware of any announcement.

Given the timing (basically concurrent), I wonder if that means he won't be touring with Scotland this summer?

From memory we normally give the U20s a full compliment of available players. There are less than a handful that have toured with the big team when the JWC is on so guess it could be the same idea.

Giving him a bit of leadership responsibility as a "senior" player in terms of pro experience may not be the worst idea.

[Big D]

That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective

That carry took a third of the entire Quins team to stop it.
We obviously have different definitions of "effective".

The try was scored and it was a good one, but as was mentioned by BingBlairhorn, I think, Kennedy was slow to get the ball away, had the ball been recycled quicker we'd have been running at a hugely depleted defensive line.

Not commenting on the carry itself but the way it ended meant that the ball presentation itself was pretty poor. Kennedy was slow, but the ball was already slow.

I don't understand why ball presentation is regularly so poor at the highest level. If anything given leeway jacklers get it is more important than ever.

[Tichtheid]

Good to see Darcy Graham sign on for another 2 or 3 years (assumed) at Edinburgh. I hope there is a concerted effort to change the game plan to actually use the wingers to make the signing worthwhile.

I saw some promo shots yesterday around the U20s training ahead of their upcoming 6N tournament, and I noticed that Dobie has been training with them. He wasn't part of the April training squad due to rainbow cup commitments, so it seems there may be others involved than that squad - I'm not aware of any announcement.

Given the timing (basically concurrent), I wonder if that means he won't be touring with Scotland this summer?

From memory we normally give the U20s a full compliment of available players. There are less than a handful that have toured with the big team when the JWC is on so guess it could be the same idea.

Giving him a bit of leadership responsibility as a "senior" player in terms of pro experience may not be the worst idea.

The juniors are important and we need to get back up to the big table at U20s. It's a real shame last year was cancelled as, iirc, we were on the cycle of having players coming back for their second season at that level, which makes a huge difference.

[Tichtheid]

Not commenting on the carry itself but the way it ended meant that the ball presentation itself was pretty poor. Kennedy was slow, but the ball was already slow.

I counted five seconds where we could see the ball from the camera angle to Kennedy getting it away, and that game was before the caterpillar/box kick blighted the sport.

[SaintK]

A dominant carry is one where you make yards on contact.

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

Bloody hell, I fear for you lot's sanity if Watson doesn't make the test match day squad!!!¬
As a matter of interest, how has he been playing since the 6N? Tom Curry who I guess will be competing with Watson for a test match squad place has been absolutely tearing it up in the Prem this past few weeks. MoM in Sale's last 2 matches with a couple of monumental performances!!

[Biffer]

A dominant carry is one where you make yards on contact.

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

It's hard to deny that was an effective carry, given it drew enough players in to create the space for the break and the try.

[Tichtheid]

Bloody hell, I fear for you lot's sanity if Watson doesn't make the test match day squad!!!¬
As a matter of interest, how has he been playing since the 6N? Tom Curry who I guess will be competing with Watson for a test match squad place has been absolutely tearing it up in the Prem this past few weeks. MoM in Sale's last 2 matches with a couple of monumental performances!!

He's carrying a groin injury at the moment, so hasn't played much at all.


To be fair I think Curry is brilliant, as is Tips, who brings another element to the 7 jersey, he links better than the other two.

It's a very strong position for the Lions and I can see the strengths of all three main contenders, you don't lose anything by picking Curry over Watson over Tipuric, and vice versa for all three.

[I like neeps]

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

It's hard to deny that was an effective carry, given it drew enough players in to create the space for the break and the try.

Took Kennedy five seconds to pass it, the ruck was about 10 seconds and the try was also Gilchrist's really good pass, and great Hoyland play. Really very poor from Quins to be honest. I'd be furious if Edinburgh or Glasgow conceded that.

[Big D]

The first contact is with the hooker who he throws to the floor like he's a rag doll. The next is Robshaw who he hands off and Robshaw hits the deck, then he advances and hits the winger(?) and Marler, who slow him enough for Horwill to get some purchase.

He's taken five players out of the game and recycles the ball.


There's more of his work here

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

Bloody hell, I fear for you lot's sanity if Watson doesn't make the test match day squad!!!¬
As a matter of interest, how has he been playing since the 6N? Tom Curry who I guess will be competing with Watson for a test match squad place has been absolutely tearing it up in the Prem this past few weeks. MoM in Sale's last 2 matches with a couple of monumental performances!!

I think I said it above, performance on tour and balance of the back row will determine it. And I don't think any of the 3 would let the team down. Arguably the strongest position for quality of competition in the squad.

Unlike say THP where Furlong would need to be injured not to make the 15.

[Tichtheid]

I think I said it above, performance on tour and balance of the back row will determine it. And I don't think any of the 3 would let the team down. Arguably the strongest position for quality of competition in the squad.

Unlike say THP where Furlong would need to be injured not to make the 15.

I agree on Furlong. I think he is nailed on with the biggest nails, along with AWJ - you expect the squad captain to be first choice and someone will have to be playing out of their skin to displace him.
Itoje could be next in line as a sure thing, after a few warm up games.

I think practically every other jersey in the test 23 is up for grabs, which is no bad thing.

[clydecloggie]

I think I said it above, performance on tour and balance of the back row will determine it. And I don't think any of the 3 would let the team down. Arguably the strongest position for quality of competition in the squad.

Unlike say THP where Furlong would need to be injured not to make the 15.

I agree on Furlong. I think he is nailed on with the biggest nails, along with AWJ - you expect the squad captain to be first choice and someone will have to be playing out of their skin to displace him.
Itoje could be next in line as a sure thing, after a few warm up games.

I think practically every other jersey in the test 23 is up for grabs, which is no bad thing.

Last time round, Warburton was tour captain but didn't play the first Test. If I'm not mistaken POM was captain and then dropped from the 23 for Test 2?

I'm not at all sure AWJ will play in the 1st Test. Itoje is nailed on for me, with Furlong and Hogg. All others up for grabs.

[SaintK]

I didn't even criticise him and in response get a highlights video. Kind of proves my point, we Scottish fans get more defensive over our players than others do.

The carry is classic Watson. Beat two players (who got up by the time he was shunted back so were in the defensive line) got shunted back so the ball is slow as the defense is progressing and therefore not a dominant carry. Blood and Mud podcast who also love Watson and did way before his real national attention say the same thing. Strong as an ox and bodies defenders but does it going sideways and results in slower ball. It was interesting in the six nations we started using him as the launch carrier. That carrying whilst fun to watch isn't hugely effective.

Bloody hell, I fear for you lot's sanity if Watson doesn't make the test match day squad!!!¬
As a matter of interest, how has he been playing since the 6N? Tom Curry who I guess will be competing with Watson for a test match squad place has been absolutely tearing it up in the Prem this past few weeks. MoM in Sale's last 2 matches with a couple of monumental performances!!

I think I said it above, performance on tour and balance of the back row will determine it. And I don't think any of the 3 would let the team down. Arguably the strongest position for quality of competition in the squad.

Unlike say THP where Furlong would need to be injured not to make the 15.

Yep don't disagree with that at all!

[SaintK]

I think I said it above, performance on tour and balance of the back row will determine it. And I don't think any of the 3 would let the team down. Arguably the strongest position for quality of competition in the squad.

Unlike say THP where Furlong would need to be injured not to make the 15.

I agree on Furlong. I think he is nailed on with the biggest nails, along with AWJ - you expect the squad captain to be first choice and someone will have to be playing out of their skin to displace him.
Itoje could be next in line as a sure thing, after a few warm up games.

I think practically every other jersey in the test 23 is up for grabs, which is no bad thing.

Last time round, Warburton was tour captain but didn't play the first Test. If I'm not mistaken POM was captain and then dropped from the 23 for Test 2?

I'm not at all sure AWJ will play in the 1st Test. Itoje is nailed on for me, with Furlong and Hogg. All others up for grabs.

Let's hope class is permanent in his case. He's had two stinkers in Exeter's last two matches and was particularly poor in their win over London Irish this week.

[westport]

Six Nations Rugby today confirmed that it has entered into exclusive discussions with BBC and ITV after an agreement in principle was reached relating to all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under-20’s).

Fans will continue to enjoy widespread coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Championships throughout the United Kingdom due to an enhanced agreement between Six Nations Rugby and the two broadcasters, who have worked together since 2016. The agreement has a four-year term starting in 2022 and ending after the 2025 Championships.

[inactionman]

Six Nations Rugby today confirmed that it has entered into exclusive discussions with BBC and ITV after an agreement in principle was reached relating to all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under-20’s).

Fans will continue to enjoy widespread coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Championships throughout the United Kingdom due to an enhanced agreement between Six Nations Rugby and the two broadcasters, who have worked together since 2016. The agreement has a four-year term starting in 2022 and ending after the 2025 Championships.

Free to air - *applause*

Inverdale - *screams*

[westport]

Six Nations Rugby today confirmed that it has entered into exclusive discussions with BBC and ITV after an agreement in principle was reached relating to all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under-20’s).

Fans will continue to enjoy widespread coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Championships throughout the United Kingdom due to an enhanced agreement between Six Nations Rugby and the two broadcasters, who have worked together since 2016. The agreement has a four-year term starting in 2022 and ending after the 2025 Championships.

Free to air - *applause*

Inverdale - *screams*

Subject to contract it is envisaged that all three Championships will be shared in the following manner:
For the Men’s Guinness Six Nations Championship, ITV will show all of England, Ireland, Italian and French home matches, while BBC will broadcast all of Scotland and Wales’ home matches.

The Women’s Six Nations, will be broadcast exclusively on the BBC with unprecedented broadcast investment.
In addition the stars of tomorrow will get to showcase their skills with consistent coverage of the Men’s Under-20’s Championship also being shown on the BBC.

[Biffer]

Six Nations Rugby today confirmed that it has entered into exclusive discussions with BBC and ITV after an agreement in principle was reached relating to all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under-20’s).

Fans will continue to enjoy widespread coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Championships throughout the United Kingdom due to an enhanced agreement between Six Nations Rugby and the two broadcasters, who have worked together since 2016. The agreement has a four-year term starting in 2022 and ending after the 2025 Championships.

Free to air - *applause*

Inverdale - *screams*

Thought Inverdale had packed it in regardless?

https://punditarena.com/rugby/eoin-hart ... ter-rugby/

[Big D]

Let's hope class is permanent in his case. He's had two stinkers in Exeter's last two matches and was particularly poor in their win over London Irish this week.

Outside the Lions discussion (I don't think he is a stick on though) my concern with Hogg is Hogg himself. He rarely misses games through taking a break, I am not sure Exeter have ever rested him. He likes it that was but there comes a point where coaches need to protect a player from himself.

Dips in form are inevitable and more so when not taking a break and all the extra stuff that comes with being Scotland captain and some of the Lions promo stuff. I fear he could be going into a Lions tour pretty much without any break since the first Covid lockdown really.

[I like neeps]

Let's hope class is permanent in his case. He's had two stinkers in Exeter's last two matches and was particularly poor in their win over London Irish this week.

Outside the Lions discussion (I don't think he is a stick on though) my concern with Hogg is Hogg himself. He rarely misses games through taking a break, I am not sure Exeter have ever rested him. He likes it that was but there comes a point where coaches need to protect a player from himself.

Dips in form are inevitable and more so when not taking a break and all the extra stuff that comes with being Scotland captain and some of the Lions promo stuff. I fear he could be going into a Lions tour pretty much without any break since the first Covid lockdown really.

He got a lot of breaks at Glasgow and admitted in an interview recently the last two years were miserable and the energy of Exeter really has been great. Since moving and becoming captain of Scotland he's got much better.

Also Liam Williams is a world class, absolutely phenomenal player. I wouldn't say Hogg is nailed on to start. I think he will but then Williams will I think be on one wing.

[KingBlairhorn]

Good to see Darcy Graham sign on for another 2 or 3 years (assumed) at Edinburgh. I hope there is a concerted effort to change the game plan to actually use the wingers to make the signing worthwhile.

I saw some promo shots yesterday around the U20s training ahead of their upcoming 6N tournament, and I noticed that Dobie has been training with them. He wasn't part of the April training squad due to rainbow cup commitments, so it seems there may be others involved than that squad - I'm not aware of any announcement.

Given the timing (basically concurrent), I wonder if that means he won't be touring with Scotland this summer?

From memory we normally give the U20s a full compliment of available players. There are less than a handful that have toured with the big team when the JWC is on so guess it could be the same idea.

Giving him a bit of leadership responsibility as a "senior" player in terms of pro experience may not be the worst idea.

The juniors are important and we need to get back up to the big table at U20s. It's a real shame last year was cancelled as, iirc, we were on the cycle of having players coming back for their second season at that level, which makes a huge difference.

This is the 6N though rather than the World Rugby U20 Champs. I don't think there is any intention to run the U20 champs this year, so there is probably more merit in running with a young team that can play next year too. Very worryingly, it would not surprise me if the Trophy, which we are now in, takes even longer to run again so we could be looking at 4 or 5 years away from the top table by the time we get promoted again.

In terms of Dobie, for me if its a choice between full cap and U20 then he is better served with a full cap. If there is a particular drive to perform well this year because we think we have a special crop then winning or finishing high in the U20 6N table might trump that. But its a close call. Which of the young guns are still eligible? We have a whole bunch who are, I think, just too old at 20/21 - Ashman, Boyle, Darge, Henderson, Blain, Chamberlain, Currie, McLean, Smith etc.

[westport]

I totally forgot about the U20's 6N this year and the upcoming games are to be shown on either on terrestrial TV, broadcaster streaming platforms or via Six Nations digital channels, it will much better than watching the wendyball tourny

(All games at Cardiff Arms Park)

Round 1, Saturday 19 June:

Scotland v Ireland, 2pm
England v France, 5pm
Italy v Wales, 8pm
Round 2, Friday 25 June:

England v Scotland, 2pm
Italy v France, 5pm
Wales v Ireland, 8pm
Round 3, Thursday 1 July:

Scotland v Italy, 2pm
France v Wales, 5pm
Ireland v England, 8pm
Round 4, Wednesday 7 July:

Italy v Ireland, 2pm
France v Scotland, 5pm
Wales v England, 8pm
Round 5, Tuesday 13 July:

England v Italy, 2pm
Ireland v France, 4.45pm
Scotland v Wales, 8pm

[Tichtheid]

This is the 6N though rather than the World Rugby U20 Champs. I don't think there is any intention to run the U20 champs this year, so there is probably more merit in running with a young team that can play next year too. Very worryingly, it would not surprise me if the Trophy, which we are now in, takes even longer to run again so we could be looking at 4 or 5 years away from the top table by the time we get promoted again.

Aye, I knew this was the 6N, but I didn't know that about the U20s and the Trophy competition. That would be really bad news.

In terms of Dobie, for me if its a choice between full cap and U20 then he is better served with a full cap. If there is a particular drive to perform well this year because we think we have a special crop then winning or finishing high in the U20 6N table might trump that. But its a close call. Which of the young guns are still eligible? We have a whole bunch who are, I think, just too old at 20/21 - Ashman, Boyle, Darge, Henderson, Blain, Chamberlain, Currie, McLean, Smith etc.

I think that cohort would have been the ones competing in Spain last Autumn if it had gone to plan.

[I like neeps]

From memory we normally give the U20s a full compliment of available players. There are less than a handful that have toured with the big team when the JWC is on so guess it could be the same idea.

Giving him a bit of leadership responsibility as a "senior" player in terms of pro experience may not be the worst idea.

The juniors are important and we need to get back up to the big table at U20s. It's a real shame last year was cancelled as, iirc, we were on the cycle of having players coming back for their second season at that level, which makes a huge difference.

This is the 6N though rather than the World Rugby U20 Champs. I don't think there is any intention to run the U20 champs this year, so there is probably more merit in running with a young team that can play next year too. Very worryingly, it would not surprise me if the Trophy, which we are now in, takes even longer to run again so we could be looking at 4 or 5 years away from the top table by the time we get promoted again.

In terms of Dobie, for me if its a choice between full cap and U20 then he is better served with a full cap. If there is a particular drive to perform well this year because we think we have a special crop then winning or finishing high in the U20 6N table might trump that. But its a close call. Which of the young guns are still eligible? We have a whole bunch who are, I think, just too old at 20/21 - Ashman, Boyle, Darge, Henderson, Blain, Chamberlain, Currie, McLean, Smith etc.

Currie is eligible. He got injured in an under20s training camp a few weeks back. I assume he'll be starting 13 in the u20 6n.

[SaintK]

Six Nations Rugby today confirmed that it has entered into exclusive discussions with BBC and ITV after an agreement in principle was reached relating to all three Six Nations Championships (Men’s Guinness Six Nations, Women’s Six Nations and Men’s Under-20’s).

Fans will continue to enjoy widespread coverage of Rugby’s Greatest Championships throughout the United Kingdom due to an enhanced agreement between Six Nations Rugby and the two broadcasters, who have worked together since 2016. The agreement has a four-year term starting in 2022 and ending after the 2025 Championships.

Free to air - *applause*

Inverdale - *screams*

Thought Inverdale had packed it in regardless?

https://punditarena.com/rugby/eoin-hart ... ter-rugby/

He has. BBC job and role on the RFU Council incompatible

[clydecloggie]

Let's hope class is permanent in his case. He's had two stinkers in Exeter's last two matches and was particularly poor in their win over London Irish this week.

Outside the Lions discussion (I don't think he is a stick on though) my concern with Hogg is Hogg himself. He rarely misses games through taking a break, I am not sure Exeter have ever rested him. He likes it that was but there comes a point where coaches need to protect a player from himself.

Dips in form are inevitable and more so when not taking a break and all the extra stuff that comes with being Scotland captain and some of the Lions promo stuff. I fear he could be going into a Lions tour pretty much without any break since the first Covid lockdown really.

He got a lot of breaks at Glasgow and admitted in an interview recently the last two years were miserable and the energy of Exeter really has been great. Since moving and becoming captain of Scotland he's got much better.

Also Liam Williams is a world class, absolutely phenomenal player. I wouldn't say Hogg is nailed on to start. I think he will but then Williams will I think be on one wing.

That's pretty much my thinking. Perhaps Williams is also nailed on, but on the wing.

[Big D]

Let's hope class is permanent in his case. He's had two stinkers in Exeter's last two matches and was particularly poor in their win over London Irish this week.

Outside the Lions discussion (I don't think he is a stick on though) my concern with Hogg is Hogg himself. He rarely misses games through taking a break, I am not sure Exeter have ever rested him. He likes it that was but there comes a point where coaches need to protect a player from himself.

Dips in form are inevitable and more so when not taking a break and all the extra stuff that comes with being Scotland captain and some of the Lions promo stuff. I fear he could be going into a Lions tour pretty much without any break since the first Covid lockdown really.

He got a lot of breaks at Glasgow and admitted in an interview recently the last two years were miserable and the energy of Exeter really has been great. Since moving and becoming captain of Scotland he's got much better.

Also Liam Williams is a world class, absolutely phenomenal player. I wouldn't say Hogg is nailed on to start. I think he will but then Williams will I think be on one wing.

He has been pretty average since the 6N. This hasn't been a normal season, finishing last season, straight into internationals and back into this season.

There is a difference between regular breaks like he was getting in Scotland and one block of a couple games off to freshen up because his form has clearly dipped after an extended run of games. Especially when this season is going to end up being a full calendar year by the time the 3rd test comes around.

[Biffer]

Even if Exeter don’t get to the English final, the temptation to play Hogg at Murrayfield will be huge. Unlikely to get a week off.

[Yr Alban]

Cam Redpath has done his ACL. Shite for the player, shite for Bath, shite for Scotland.

Fuck. Sake.

https://www.bathrugby.com/club-news/cam ... ry-update/

[Slick]

Cam Redpath has done his ACL. Shite for the player, shite for Bath, shite for Scotland.

Fuck. Sake.

https://www.bathrugby.com/club-news/cam ... ry-update/

Jeez, poor lad.

On a more mercenary note, where’s our bloody luck

[Yr Alban]

Cam Redpath has done his ACL. Shite for the player, shite for Bath, shite for Scotland.

Fuck. Sake.

https://www.bathrugby.com/club-news/cam ... ry-update/

Jeez, poor lad.

On a more mercenary note, where’s our bloody luck

Pretty much my exact thoughts. Maybe even in the same order.

[Yr Alban]

In better news, Torygraph says Ewan Ashman will turn down a call-up for England in favour of us. Which is what we expected, but it’s still a bit worrying they made a serious play for him.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.tele ... avour/amp/

[sockwithaticket]

In better news, Torygraph says Ewan Ashman will turn down a call-up for England in favour of us. Which is what we expected, but it’s still a bit worrying they made a serious play for him.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.tele ... avour/amp/

Why worrying?