The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[I like neeps]

I tend to avoid Lions discussions because they are so parochial.

I thought Sutherland was good in defence, it looked like he was beaten at scrum time but who knows, and didn't carry really. Vunipola coming on looked better to be honest.

Hamish Watson was a very lucky boy not to be binned. It was a clear yellow in my opinion. Didn't really do much else.

Price was outstanding. His box kicks were just superb. Didn't get the chance to open up but that's a gameplan thing. Really as good as I think I've seen him play.

van der Merwe was good enough chasing kicks, great hand off on Etzebeth. Tactically was great wasn't sure if he had that in him but I was very wrong.

Hogg not so good, a lot of unforced errors, wasn't rock solid at the back, didn't really get much attacking chance and a few occasions thoughts his distribution was poor - e.g. the hospital pass to Henshaw, the pass to Biggar for Henshaw's break wasn't great Biggar bailed him out. I was disappointed.

Thought Itoje was absolutely incredible. It's good to be able to support him he's an absolutely world class lock. His physicality and intelligence is just something else.

All in all wouldn't be surprised to see Sutherland and maybe Watson drop out. Would be harsh to drop Hogg for Liam Williams but I wouldn't be too surprised. Chris Harris should start 13.

Watch the hospital pass again. It was a bit loose but Farrell could easily have taken it but deliberately chose not to, dropping his arms and stepping back from the ball. He might be excused by the suggestion that he thought Henshaw was in a better position but he wasn't and you don't abdicate your responsibility in a defensive situation.

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

[Yr Alban]

I tend to avoid Lions discussions because they are so parochial.

I thought Sutherland was good in defence, it looked like he was beaten at scrum time but who knows, and didn't carry really. Vunipola coming on looked better to be honest.

Hamish Watson was a very lucky boy not to be binned. It was a clear yellow in my opinion. Didn't really do much else.

Price was outstanding. His box kicks were just superb. Didn't get the chance to open up but that's a gameplan thing. Really as good as I think I've seen him play.

van der Merwe was good enough chasing kicks, great hand off on Etzebeth. Tactically was great wasn't sure if he had that in him but I was very wrong.

Hogg not so good, a lot of unforced errors, wasn't rock solid at the back, didn't really get much attacking chance and a few occasions thoughts his distribution was poor - e.g. the hospital pass to Henshaw, the pass to Biggar for Henshaw's break wasn't great Biggar bailed him out. I was disappointed.

Thought Itoje was absolutely incredible. It's good to be able to support him he's an absolutely world class lock. His physicality and intelligence is just something else.

All in all wouldn't be surprised to see Sutherland and maybe Watson drop out. Would be harsh to drop Hogg for Liam Williams but I wouldn't be too surprised. Chris Harris should start 13.

Watch the hospital pass again. It was a bit loose but Farrell could easily have taken it but deliberately chose not to, dropping his arms and stepping back from the ball. He might be excused by the suggestion that he thought Henshaw was in a better position but he wasn't and you don't abdicate your responsibility in a defensive situation.

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

[Yr Alban]

I tend to avoid Lions discussions because they are so parochial.

I thought Sutherland was good in defence, it looked like he was beaten at scrum time but who knows, and didn't carry really. Vunipola coming on looked better to be honest.

Hamish Watson was a very lucky boy not to be binned. It was a clear yellow in my opinion. Didn't really do much else.

Price was outstanding. His box kicks were just superb. Didn't get the chance to open up but that's a gameplan thing. Really as good as I think I've seen him play.

van der Merwe was good enough chasing kicks, great hand off on Etzebeth. Tactically was great wasn't sure if he had that in him but I was very wrong.

Hogg not so good, a lot of unforced errors, wasn't rock solid at the back, didn't really get much attacking chance and a few occasions thoughts his distribution was poor - e.g. the hospital pass to Henshaw, the pass to Biggar for Henshaw's break wasn't great Biggar bailed him out. I was disappointed.

Thought Itoje was absolutely incredible. It's good to be able to support him he's an absolutely world class lock. His physicality and intelligence is just something else.

All in all wouldn't be surprised to see Sutherland and maybe Watson drop out. Would be harsh to drop Hogg for Liam Williams but I wouldn't be too surprised. Chris Harris should start 13.

Agree with most of that. Bit hard on Hogg, maybe, but you’re right about the hospital pass. I thought Williams was disappointing when he came on as well though. Nobody in red was good at securing ball in the air (except for one good take by Price, if memory serves?)

Not sure about Sutherland either, but things improved with Mako, so no complaints if he gets the nod next time. Watson is tougher, as Curry wasn’t outstanding, but he could have sold the jerseys with the daft almost-tip tackle, so I expect he’ll bench at best, again no complaints.

Regarding the parochial nature of this: I think that we get to be a wee bit precious after being shut out more or less entirely for so long. The English lads have been pretty balanced, but to be fair, they are more or less guaranteed decent representation. The Irish and Welsh have grown used to getting a larger slice of the pie at our expense, and in some cases seem to have decided it’s theirs by right. Anyway, it’s good to be able to cheer on the likes of Biggar and Itoje for a change.

You’re right about the parochial stuff. There’s a whole generation of Irish and Welsh supporters that have been brought up on a diet of their players being better than ours. Now that’s no longer true, and there’s more pressure one their guys to earn their spot, they don’t like it.

Yep, that’s how I see it. Irish fans who think rugby started in 2000, and Wales fans too young to remember how bad they were in the 80s and early 90s.

[Big D]

I tend to avoid Lions discussions because they are so parochial.

I thought Sutherland was good in defence, it looked like he was beaten at scrum time but who knows, and didn't carry really. Vunipola coming on looked better to be honest.

Hamish Watson was a very lucky boy not to be binned. It was a clear yellow in my opinion. Didn't really do much else.

Price was outstanding. His box kicks were just superb. Didn't get the chance to open up but that's a gameplan thing. Really as good as I think I've seen him play.

van der Merwe was good enough chasing kicks, great hand off on Etzebeth. Tactically was great wasn't sure if he had that in him but I was very wrong.

Hogg not so good, a lot of unforced errors, wasn't rock solid at the back, didn't really get much attacking chance and a few occasions thoughts his distribution was poor - e.g. the hospital pass to Henshaw, the pass to Biggar for Henshaw's break wasn't great Biggar bailed him out. I was disappointed.

Thought Itoje was absolutely incredible. It's good to be able to support him he's an absolutely world class lock. His physicality and intelligence is just something else.

All in all wouldn't be surprised to see Sutherland and maybe Watson drop out. Would be harsh to drop Hogg for Liam Williams but I wouldn't be too surprised. Chris Harris should start 13.

Watch the hospital pass again. It was a bit loose but Farrell could easily have taken it but deliberately chose not to, dropping his arms and stepping back from the ball. He might be excused by the suggestion that he thought Henshaw was in a better position but he wasn't and you don't abdicate your responsibility in a defensive situation.

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

To be fair to Hogg, had a couple of nice kicks and made an excellent intervention to prevent a try before his team mates gave up and let SA score any way.

[Yr Alban]

Watch the hospital pass again. It was a bit loose but Farrell could easily have taken it but deliberately chose not to, dropping his arms and stepping back from the ball. He might be excused by the suggestion that he thought Henshaw was in a better position but he wasn't and you don't abdicate your responsibility in a defensive situation.

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

To be fair to Hogg, had a couple of nice kicks and made an excellent intervention to prevent a try before his team mates gave up and let SA score any way.

As I said at the time, that was particularly rough on Hogg. He stopped the attacker and made him cough up the ball, which fell perfectly into De Klerk’s hands.

[I like neeps]

Watch the hospital pass again. It was a bit loose but Farrell could easily have taken it but deliberately chose not to, dropping his arms and stepping back from the ball. He might be excused by the suggestion that he thought Henshaw was in a better position but he wasn't and you don't abdicate your responsibility in a defensive situation.

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

Or you have two world class 15s and when one didn't have a great game you give the other one a go?

Liam Williams isn't just a teacher's pet and gets in because he's Welsh. He's an absolutely amazing player. I'm a huge fan of Hogg, I've loved watching him for Scotland - from his debut Vs Wales no player has represented our uptick in fortunes like Hogg and no player has wanted it more. I was delighted for him getting the start as I think but for a freak injury in NZ he'd probably have started that year too. But I sometimes do think Liam Williams is a better player.

[Big D]

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

Or you have two world class 15s and when one didn't have a great game you give the other one a go?

Liam Williams isn't just a teacher's pet and gets in because he's Welsh. He's an absolutely amazing player. I'm a huge fan of Hogg, I've loved watching him for Scotland - from his debut Vs Wales no player has represented our uptick in fortunes like Hogg and no player has wanted it more. I was delighted for him getting the start as I think but for a freak injury in NZ he'd probably have started that year too. But I sometimes do think Liam Williams is a better player.

Williams is excellent. But like Hogg, wasn't at his best yeaterday either.

If our game plan is the same as yesterday they are as well dropping Duhan for Williams as on a normal day Williams is better in the air.

[I like neeps]

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

Or you have two world class 15s and when one didn't have a great game you give the other one a go?

Liam Williams isn't just a teacher's pet and gets in because he's Welsh. He's an absolutely amazing player. I'm a huge fan of Hogg, I've loved watching him for Scotland - from his debut Vs Wales no player has represented our uptick in fortunes like Hogg and no player has wanted it more. I was delighted for him getting the start as I think but for a freak injury in NZ he'd probably have started that year too. But I sometimes do think Liam Williams is a better player.

Williams is excellent. But like Hogg, wasn't at his best yeaterday either.

If our game plan is the same as yesterday they are as well dropping Duhan for Williams as on a normal day Williams is better in the air.

Not sure though as Gatland does love a massive winger - North and Cuthbert were never there for their aerial prowess.

If I was SA and I'd put Mapimpi on Duhan and see what happens.

But my point is there's no shame in being dropped for Liam Williams who for the past wee while I think has been the best back 3 player in the NH. It's certainly either him or Hogg.

[JM2K6]

Williams hasn't been at his best on tour so I'm not sure there's a pressing case to start him.

[Yr Alban]

That wasn't the pass I meant I was talking first half when Henshaw got melted by PSdT.

Just wasn't Hogg's game at all. And Liam Williams is a world class player in his own right so it's a difficult selection decision.

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

Or you have two world class 15s and when one didn't have a great game you give the other one a go?

Liam Williams isn't just a teacher's pet and gets in because he's Welsh. He's an absolutely amazing player. I'm a huge fan of Hogg, I've loved watching him for Scotland - from his debut Vs Wales no player has represented our uptick in fortunes like Hogg and no player has wanted it more. I was delighted for him getting the start as I think but for a freak injury in NZ he'd probably have started that year too. But I sometimes do think Liam Williams is a better player.

I genuinely think that if your team comes through a tight game like yesterday, you keep faith with the players unless there’s a pressing reason not to (someone had a mare, someone’s out injured, someone who was injured is now available, or you’re making a tactical switch). Which is why I think Hogg starts next week. He didn’t have a mare, he just didn’t have his best game in a game in which it was hard for any outside back to shine.

Hogg and Williams are both great players. They have different strengths. Most of us will rate Hogg more highly, most of the Welsh the other way, probably because we watch more games with them in. Who is the ‘better’ player probably changes from game to game. I guess that’s to be expected.

Having said that, I still think Williams cost us the game v Wales (and therefore, potentially, the 6N title) by impeding Hogg off the ball in the last minute.

[Biffer]

I’m getting a bit sick of this Liam Williams should play because he’s better under the high ball stuff. Yes, he is better, but that doesn’t mean Hogg is bad.

But also, Hogg is a better kicker of the ball, he is a better runner in broken field and open space, he’s more of a leader and he puts the fear of God into defensive coaches. People don’t plan defensive schemes around negating Williams.

[I like neeps]

Well, if Williams starts then we’ll know that Wales Online were right and Hogg wasn’t Gatland’s preference. I think Hogg will stay though. Partly because you don’t change a winning side without good reason, partly because Williams didn’t do anything better than Hogg after he came on.

Or you have two world class 15s and when one didn't have a great game you give the other one a go?

Liam Williams isn't just a teacher's pet and gets in because he's Welsh. He's an absolutely amazing player. I'm a huge fan of Hogg, I've loved watching him for Scotland - from his debut Vs Wales no player has represented our uptick in fortunes like Hogg and no player has wanted it more. I was delighted for him getting the start as I think but for a freak injury in NZ he'd probably have started that year too. But I sometimes do think Liam Williams is a better player.

I genuinely think that if your team comes through a tight game like yesterday, you keep faith with the players unless there’s a pressing reason not to (someone had a mare, someone’s out injured, someone who was injured is now available, or you’re making a tactical switch). Which is why I think Hogg starts next week. He didn’t have a mare, he just didn’t have his best game in a game in which it was hard for any outside back to shine.

Hogg and Williams are both great players. They have different strengths. Most of us will rate Hogg more highly, most of the Welsh the other way, probably because we watch more games with them in. Who is the ‘better’ player probably changes from game to game. I guess that’s to be expected.

Having said that, I still think Williams cost us the game v Wales (and therefore, potentially, the 6N title) by impeding Hogg off the ball in the last minute.

Or he won the game for Wales as he got away with it!

Captains challenge got a lot of grief in the rainbow but it would've been good for that situation.

[Blackmac]

I’m getting a bit sick of this Liam Williams should play because he’s better under the high ball stuff. Yes, he is better, but that doesn’t mean Hogg is bad.

But also, Hogg is a better kicker of the ball, he is a better runner in broken field and open space, he’s more of a leader and he puts the fear of God into defensive coaches. People don’t plan defensive schemes around negating Williams.

On the match thread I have quoted a post I made on PR to combat their bollocks about DvM high ball frailties. In it I highlight that Williams lost both his high balls to Kolbe and Biggar knocked both his on.
The Welsh are just deluded.

[I like neeps]

Agree with most of that. Bit hard on Hogg, maybe, but you’re right about the hospital pass. I thought Williams was disappointing when he came on as well though. Nobody in red was good at securing ball in the air (except for one good take by Price, if memory serves?)

Not sure about Sutherland either, but things improved with Mako, so no complaints if he gets the nod next time. Watson is tougher, as Curry wasn’t outstanding, but he could have sold the jerseys with the daft almost-tip tackle, so I expect he’ll bench at best, again no complaints.

Regarding the parochial nature of this: I think that we get to be a wee bit precious after being shut out more or less entirely for so long. The English lads have been pretty balanced, but to be fair, they are more or less guaranteed decent representation. The Irish and Welsh have grown used to getting a larger slice of the pie at our expense, and in some cases seem to have decided it’s theirs by right. Anyway, it’s good to be able to cheer on the likes of Biggar and Itoje for a change.

You’re right about the parochial stuff. There’s a whole generation of Irish and Welsh supporters that have been brought up on a diet of their players being better than ours. Now that’s no longer true, and there’s more pressure one their guys to earn their spot, they don’t like it.

Yep, that’s how I see it. Irish fans who think rugby started in 2000, and Wales fans too young to remember how bad they were in the 80s and early 90s.

We also have lost the last 4 or 5 Vs Ireland and won like 2 in 10 years against Wales. They probably don't rate our players that highly because they never have much issue beating us.

[Yr Alban]

You’re right about the parochial stuff. There’s a whole generation of Irish and Welsh supporters that have been brought up on a diet of their players being better than ours. Now that’s no longer true, and there’s more pressure one their guys to earn their spot, they don’t like it.

Yep, that’s how I see it. Irish fans who think rugby started in 2000, and Wales fans too young to remember how bad they were in the 80s and early 90s.

We also have lost the last 4 or 5 Vs Ireland and won like 2 in 10 years against Wales. They probably don't rate our players that highly because they never have much issue beating us.

Who pissed on your chips today, neeps?

Yes, there is probably some of that. As a resident of Wales for 13 years, I should know!

The point is that we’ve all had long periods of being crap and uncompetitive. We’ve just had ours more recently.

It is annoying that our recent record against those two, in particular, hasn’t improved. We’ve lost several to Ireland because we let them bully us, and at least the last two to Wales from being in sufficiently streetwise.

[I like neeps]

Yep, that’s how I see it. Irish fans who think rugby started in 2000, and Wales fans too young to remember how bad they were in the 80s and early 90s.

We also have lost the last 4 or 5 Vs Ireland and won like 2 in 10 years against Wales. They probably don't rate our players that highly because they never have much issue beating us.

Who pissed on your chips today, neeps?

Yes, there is probably some of that. As a resident of Wales for 13 years, I should know!

The point is that we’ve all had long periods of being crap and uncompetitive. We’ve just had ours more recently.

It is annoying that our recent record against those two, in particular, hasn’t improved. We’ve lost several to Ireland because we let them bully us, and at least the last two to Wales from being in sufficiently streetwise.

I just think that's why people don't really rate our players. The English posters could be the most objective because the last 4 games with England have been really close games and we've won more than they have so they just respect the players more. Wales we beat twice and 10 years and Ireland is probably the same. The last games Vs Wales and Ireland were certainly annoying as it was as much mental as ability but still.

All I'm saying is I think if roles were reversed and we dominated Vs Wales and Ireland for a decade we'd all feel hard done by if our representation was the same as theirs.

[dpedin]

I’m getting a bit sick of this Liam Williams should play because he’s better under the high ball stuff. Yes, he is better, but that doesn’t mean Hogg is bad.

But also, Hogg is a better kicker of the ball, he is a better runner in broken field and open space, he’s more of a leader and he puts the fear of God into defensive coaches. People don’t plan defensive schemes around negating Williams.

On the match thread I have quoted a post I made on PR to combat their bollocks about DvM high ball frailties. In it I highlight that Williams lost both his high balls to Kolbe and Biggar knocked both his on.
The Welsh are just deluded.

This!

I don't think Williams caught a high ball after he came on. Watson and Daly also made a mess of a couple of kicks in the 2nd half, most of SA's threats were down our right wing. Hogg played well covering the back field, we know the SA will kick all game and he covered their kicking game well. I'm not sure what VdM did wrong that folk are suggesting he be replaced by Williams? I would suspect that SA would be delighted to see Williams instead of VdM on the wing, he hardly presents the same attacking threat that VdM does. Watson was probably more flaky under the high ball in this game but I wouldn't drop him either. For me the same back 3 start the next game with Williams or Adams on the bench.

Problem for the Lions back 3 in attack was they weren't getting much ball and that which they did get was pretty messy. Lions 10-12-13 couldn't really cope with the SA rush defence and couldn't move the ball through the hands fast enough to release the wingers. Both Watson and VdM have a pretty good chance of beating their opposite numbers in a 1-on-1 situation and SA knew that and were determined not to let them see open space. SA were pretty good in stopping the Lions go wide and in making the Lions 12 and 13 come back inside or kicking ball away.

[Blackmac]

I’m getting a bit sick of this Liam Williams should play because he’s better under the high ball stuff. Yes, he is better, but that doesn’t mean Hogg is bad.

But also, Hogg is a better kicker of the ball, he is a better runner in broken field and open space, he’s more of a leader and he puts the fear of God into defensive coaches. People don’t plan defensive schemes around negating Williams.

On the match thread I have quoted a post I made on PR to combat their bollocks about DvM high ball frailties. In it I highlight that Williams lost both his high balls to Kolbe and Biggar knocked both his on.
The Welsh are just deluded.

This!

I don't think Williams caught a high ball after he came on. Watson and Daly also made a mess of a couple of kicks in the 2nd half, most of SA's threats were down our right wing. Hogg played well covering the back field, we know the SA will kick all game and he covered their kicking game well. I'm not sure what VdM did wrong that folk are suggesting he be replaced by Williams? I would suspect that SA would be delighted to see Williams instead of VdM on the wing, he hardly presents the same attacking threat that VdM does. Watson was probably more flaky under the high ball in this game but I wouldn't drop him either. For me the same back 3 start the next game with Williams or Adams on the bench.

Problem for the Lions back 3 in attack was they weren't getting much ball and that which they did get was pretty messy. Lions 10-12-13 couldn't really cope with the SA rush defence and couldn't move the ball through the hands fast enough to release the wingers. Both Watson and VdM have a pretty good chance of beating their opposite numbers in a 1-on-1 situation and SA knew that and were determined not to let them see open space. SA were pretty good in stopping the Lions go wide and in making the Lions 12 and 13 come back inside or kicking ball away.

Jamie Roberts and Stephen Ferris both agreed this morning that the Price/VdM kick chase combination turned the game in the Lions favour.

[westport]

Finn is back training with the squad

[Yr Alban]

Finn is back training with the squad

Good to hear. I suspect he won’t be used now unless it’s because of injuries, but if Biggar gets ruled out, he’ll likely make the bench. (Not that I wish this to happen as I don’t want Farrell at 10)

[Big D]

Finn is back training with the squad

Good to hear. I suspect he won’t be used now unless it’s because of injuries, but if Biggar gets ruled out, he’ll likely make the bench. (Not that I wish this to happen as I don’t want Farrell at 10)

I honestly think that the coaches would need to think long and hard between Finn who hasn't played in a few weeks and had limited time since his last club game (1 start and one bench cameo on tour?) v Smith who is really raw but absolutely flying.

In a vacuum the choice should be Finn but the decision is a bit more nuanced than that.

[dkm57]

Finn or Marcus, anyone but 'effin Farrell

[Slick]

Finn is back training with the squad

Good to hear. I suspect he won’t be used now unless it’s because of injuries, but if Biggar gets ruled out, he’ll likely make the bench. (Not that I wish this to happen as I don’t want Farrell at 10)

I honestly think that the coaches would need to think long and hard between Finn who hasn't played in a few weeks and had limited time since his last club game (1 start and one bench cameo on tour?) v Smith who is really raw but absolutely flying.

In a vacuum the choice should be Finn but the decision is a bit more nuanced than that.

I agree to a point, but I also think that Finn could have come on on Saturday and completely closed out the game and frustrated SA with his range of kicking. His game management is way ahead of where it was a couple of years ago and I'd have complete faith in him doing that.

[SaintK]

Finn or Marcus, anyone but 'effin Farrell

Think you're going to be a tad unhappy if Biggar fails his returrn to play protocol

[Biffer]

And of course then you come across pish like this

[I like neeps]

Jamie Roberts and Stephen Ferris both agreed this morning that the Price/VdM kick chase combination turned the game in the Lions favour.

South Africa legend John Smith also praised Price. He was incredible at the weekend. Who knew he was such a good box kicker.

[SomersetJock]

Croeso i Gymru!

I was going to just buy a Now TV pass for Saturday (cancelled Sky Sports a while ago) but do you want to revive the pub idea?

Diolch Yn Fawr

Am booked up for tomorrow unfortunately, definitely up for it with the next two tests though. Was looking out for pubs which are showing the tests, can’t find any in the Bay which is a bit of a surprise, any suggestions ?

TBH I have got completely out of the habit of going to the pub. Kids just reaching the age when this might be a reasonable option! I’ll see what I can find out.

Definitely up for the match in a pub on Saturday. The missus has even offered to run me to Conwy (she is feeling guilty about dragging me away from my Somerset rugby watching gang )

Let me know a time and place and I will see you there

[dkm57]

Finn or Marcus, anyone but 'effin Farrell

Think you're going to be a tad unhappy if Biggar fails his returrn to play protocol

I know, not unhappy just disappointed. Hope Biggar makes it.

[Yr Alban]

Diolch Yn Fawr

Am booked up for tomorrow unfortunately, definitely up for it with the next two tests though. Was looking out for pubs which are showing the tests, can’t find any in the Bay which is a bit of a surprise, any suggestions ?

TBH I have got completely out of the habit of going to the pub. Kids just reaching the age when this might be a reasonable option! I’ll see what I can find out.

Definitely up for the match in a pub on Saturday. The missus has even offered to run me to Conwy (she is feeling guilty about dragging me away from my Somerset rugby watching gang )

Let me know a time and place and I will see you there

We may need to book. When it stops being mental at work (as if) I’ll ring a couple of places to see whether they will be showing the game.

[Biffer]

With Glasgow playing Exeter again this year, I hope that the Warriors management make sure that no one is admitted to the home game wearing headdresses or Native American face paint. And that if that disgraceful tomahawk chop chant starts, that anyone doing it is removed from the ground. Ground rules state clearly that any racist behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s about time clubs acted on it.

[Big D]

From what I have read Sutherland had to do an Instagram live as a fine. There were a few comments from Lions team mates trying to make him bite on Cockerill but he ignored it. Safe to assume Sutherland hasn't been too complimentary in camp.

[JM2K6]

With Glasgow playing Exeter again this year, I hope that the Warriors management make sure that no one is admitted to the home game wearing headdresses or Native American face paint. And that if that disgraceful tomahawk chop chant starts, that anyone doing it is removed from the ground. Ground rules state clearly that any racist behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s about time clubs acted on it.

And they're such cunts about it, too

[I like neeps]

Delighted for Chris Harris.

Disappointed for Price who didn't deserve to be dropped but I see the appeal of speeding up from the bench or contuining the gameplan.

Feel sorry for Watson but I think that's inevitable he had a poor showing off the bench.

[Biffer]

Delighted for Chris Harris.

Disappointed for Price who didn't deserve to be dropped but I see the appeal of speeding up from the bench or contuining the gameplan.

Feel sorry for Watson but I think that's inevitable he had a poor showing off the bench.

Delighted for Harris but I don't see the point of slowing the game down so you can speed it up later. Murray hasn't done anything on tour to deserve selection imo. Never seen the point of Mish on a bench, doesn't work for me.

[JM2K6]

Mish on the bench works better with this specific backrow than Faletau, though. We're now short any real cover for 7. And Faletau has been shit. I'm gutted Watson didn't show up in his cameo but I think it's a poor decision either way.

Pleased for Harris, even though I was misdirected by Daly's selection in the first place - I thought we'd try and offer more attacking threat. Instead we're doubling down on kick and chase and defend, with Murray's selection.

[dpedin]

Harris for Daly is good, Murray for Price is just awful decision. Daly doesn't deserve bench slot after first game, I would have had Adams there. Watson badly done by being dropped from 23, Curry wasn't up to much in first game and a swap would have made sense given Watsons form on Tour. Worried that Vunipola will be targeted in the scrum now he is starting and suspect he will struggle but Rory will come on to steady the scrum. Looks like Lions are reverting back to Gatlandball tactics this game?

[Tichtheid]

Harris for Daly is good, Murray for Price is just awful decision. Daly doesn't deserve bench slot after first game, I would have had Adams there. Watson badly done by being dropped from 23, Curry wasn't up to much in first game and a swap would have made sense given Watsons form on Tour. Worried that Vunipola will be targeted in the scrum now he is starting and suspect he will struggle but Rory will come on to steady the scrum. Looks like Lions are reverting back to Gatlandball tactics this game?

The big thing about Gatlandball and why it was so successful was the red wall that Shaun Edwards built, I don't think it works as well without Edwards.

I'm worried that doubling down on playing it tight and biffing it up in the air, it's playing the same game as the Boks we looked better last week when the game broke up.

[tc27]

Harris for Daly is good, Murray for Price is just awful decision. Daly doesn't deserve bench slot after first game, I would have had Adams there. Watson badly done by being dropped from 23, Curry wasn't up to much in first game and a swap would have made sense given Watsons form on Tour. Worried that Vunipola will be targeted in the scrum now he is starting and suspect he will struggle but Rory will come on to steady the scrum. Looks like Lions are reverting back to Gatlandball tactics this game?

The big thing about Gatlandball and why it was so successful was the red wall that Shaun Edwards built, I don't think it works as well without Edwards.

I'm worried that doubling down on playing it tight and biffing it up in the air, it's playing the same game as the Boks we looked better last week when the game broke up.

Do you really think so? Getting possession and then carrying off 9 or mauling seemed to co-incide with our most dominant period - the only time I recall us getting outside the Boks was the break from Henshaw it the first half

[Tichtheid]

Harris for Daly is good, Murray for Price is just awful decision. Daly doesn't deserve bench slot after first game, I would have had Adams there. Watson badly done by being dropped from 23, Curry wasn't up to much in first game and a swap would have made sense given Watsons form on Tour. Worried that Vunipola will be targeted in the scrum now he is starting and suspect he will struggle but Rory will come on to steady the scrum. Looks like Lions are reverting back to Gatlandball tactics this game?

The big thing about Gatlandball and why it was so successful was the red wall that Shaun Edwards built, I don't think it works as well without Edwards.

I'm worried that doubling down on playing it tight and biffing it up in the air, it's playing the same game as the Boks we looked better last week when the game broke up.

Do you really think so? Getting possession and then carrying off 9 or mauling seemed to co-incide with our most dominant period - the only time I recall us getting outside the Boks was the break from Henshaw it the first half

I thought the game in the second half was less about the speculative hoisting of the ball, less chess, though having said that the period the Lions got on top began from a Price kick and chase from vdMerwe

[westport]

According to Edinburgh site

Edinburgh Rugby have pulled off a major coup ahead of the 2021/22 season with the signing of Argentinian international backs Emiliano Boffelli and Ramiro Moyano, subject to visa and medical.

Boffelli, 26 – who can operate at centre, wing or full-back – and Moyano, 31 – a full-back / winger – will bring a significant boost to the attacking threats of the Edinburgh Rugby backline.

Moyano, who has been capped 36 times and signs from RC Toulon, will join the squad’s pre-season preparations in the coming weeks, while Boffelli, capped 31 times, will make the switch in October following the conclusion of the Rugby Championship, having just recently left Racing 92.