The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Biffer]

Great win, and a good atmosphere in the new stadium. Enjoyed that.

[Slick]

Shite working shifts. What a spectacle for those in the ground today. Not going to be a chore watching Embra this season.

Agreed on Vellacott and Graham. Bennett having a decent game too, as is Crosbie. Richie bit of a mixed bag but being a nuisance. Immelman looks like a solid signing so far.

Just finished watching- thought Immelmann was quite average actually.

Anyway, Vellacott superb but ran out of steam a bit in the second half. Kinghorn was a bit frustrating, when he was good he was very good but when he was bad he was bad. His range and speed of passing is brilliant though so i think id like to see him there a bit more.

Darcy is ridiculous, Bennet did well

In the pack thought Schoeman had a great game. Thought both flankers gave away far too many penalties. Mata looks very fired up!

Have to say once the subs came on it looked a real 2nd team.

All in all, very enjoyable game, stadium looked great and even more overdue that we thought. That’s a team I could get behind

[Slick]

Great win, and a good atmosphere in the new stadium. Enjoyed that.

Looked and sounded like a great day out

[Yr Alban]

So are we expecting to see Vellacott in the Scotland squad? He turned down a call-up a few years back, but when he signed for Embra it seemed to be a declaration of sorts. I wasn’t sure he would be good enough to get in, but by all accounts he has been a standout in the first couple of games, and we could do with options.

EDIT: here’s another thought - Fraser Dingwall isn’t in the 45-man England squad. I’d given him up as lost, but is it just possible he has had a change of heart? (Bevan Rodd is in the squad)

[Slick]

I see the ladies pulled off a great win against Ireland tonight to qualify for the WC playoffs

[Jock42]

Shite working shifts. What a spectacle for those in the ground today. Not going to be a chore watching Embra this season.

Agreed on Vellacott and Graham. Bennett having a decent game too, as is Crosbie. Richie bit of a mixed bag but being a nuisance. Immelman looks like a solid signing so far.

Just finished watching- thought Immelmann was quite average actually.

Wrote that at half time which I felt was better than his 2nd half.

[robmatic]

So are we expecting to see Vellacott in the Scotland squad? He turned down a call-up a few years back, but when he signed for Embra it seemed to be a declaration of sorts. I wasn’t sure he would be good enough to get in, but by all accounts he has been a standout in the first couple of games, and we could do with options.

EDIT: here’s another thought - Fraser Dingwall isn’t in the 45-man England squad. I’d given him up as lost, but is it just possible he has had a change of heart? (Bevan Rodd is in the squad)

Vellacott was already called up for the cancelled summer tests, he probably got signed with the expectation (both him and the SRU) that he would be in and around the Scotland squad. On this weekend's showing he'll be in the squad on merit, he's on better form than George Horne.

[Slick]

So are we expecting to see Vellacott in the Scotland squad? He turned down a call-up a few years back, but when he signed for Embra it seemed to be a declaration of sorts. I wasn’t sure he would be good enough to get in, but by all accounts he has been a standout in the first couple of games, and we could do with options.

EDIT: here’s another thought - Fraser Dingwall isn’t in the 45-man England squad. I’d given him up as lost, but is it just possible he has had a change of heart? (Bevan Rodd is in the squad)

Vellacott was already called up for the cancelled summer tests, he probably got signed with the expectation (both him and the SRU) that he would be in and around the Scotland squad. On this weekend's showing he'll be in the squad on merit, he's on better form than George Horne.

There was a good interview in the ST with Ewan Ashman, he was absolutely baffled why anyone would think he would play for England. Apparently he made it clear to Eddie et al that he had no interest.

[robmatic]

So are we expecting to see Vellacott in the Scotland squad? He turned down a call-up a few years back, but when he signed for Embra it seemed to be a declaration of sorts. I wasn’t sure he would be good enough to get in, but by all accounts he has been a standout in the first couple of games, and we could do with options.

EDIT: here’s another thought - Fraser Dingwall isn’t in the 45-man England squad. I’d given him up as lost, but is it just possible he has had a change of heart? (Bevan Rodd is in the squad)

Vellacott was already called up for the cancelled summer tests, he probably got signed with the expectation (both him and the SRU) that he would be in and around the Scotland squad. On this weekend's showing he'll be in the squad on merit, he's on better form than George Horne.

There was a good interview in the ST with Ewan Ashman, he was absolutely baffled why anyone would think he would play for England. Apparently he made it clear to Eddie et al that he had no interest.

I think it's a fair question for players who have gone through the English school system, they're not all Hamish Watsons who rocked up to Murrayfield as fans.

Surely Ashman needs to be playing more regularly before there's any more chat about him getting a call up?

[I like neeps]

Vellacott was already called up for the cancelled summer tests, he probably got signed with the expectation (both him and the SRU) that he would be in and around the Scotland squad. On this weekend's showing he'll be in the squad on merit, he's on better form than George Horne.

There was a good interview in the ST with Ewan Ashman, he was absolutely baffled why anyone would think he would play for England. Apparently he made it clear to Eddie et al that he had no interest.

I think it's a fair question for players who have gone through the English school system, they're not all Hamish Watsons who rocked up to Murrayfield as fans.

Surely Ashman needs to be playing more regularly before there's any more chat about him getting a call up?

Good for him to get a year in the championship. Glasgow are pretty weak at hooker and with Brown getting on its time to get Ashman to Scotstoun!

[Tichtheid]

There was a good interview in the ST with Ewan Ashman, he was absolutely baffled why anyone would think he would play for England. Apparently he made it clear to Eddie et al that he had no interest.

I think it's a fair question for players who have gone through the English school system, they're not all Hamish Watsons who rocked up to Murrayfield as fans.

Surely Ashman needs to be playing more regularly before there's any more chat about him getting a call up?

Good for him to get a year in the championship. Glasgow are pretty weak at hooker and with Brown getting on its time to get Ashman to Scotstoun!

Brown is only a year older than McInally, Glasgow have Brown, Turner, Stewart and Matthews. I wouldn't be averse to Ashman coming to Edinburgh where he was before on a short term loan.
We have McInally and Cherry who is a year younger than Rambo, McBurney and then Harrison who is 19 and on an academy contract.

[Slick]

I think it's a fair question for players who have gone through the English school system, they're not all Hamish Watsons who rocked up to Murrayfield as fans.

Surely Ashman needs to be playing more regularly before there's any more chat about him getting a call up?

Good for him to get a year in the championship. Glasgow are pretty weak at hooker and with Brown getting on its time to get Ashman to Scotstoun!

Brown is only a year older than McInally, Glasgow have Brown, Turner, Stewart and Matthews. I wouldn't be averse to Ashman coming to Edinburgh where he was before on a short term loan.
We have McInally and Cherry who is a year younger than Rambo, McBurney and then Harrison who is 19 and on an academy contract.

Funnily enough when I was watching Glasgow and Edinburgh over the weekend one thought I had was that both Brown and McInally looked a little out of sorts and wondered where the next generation was coming from. It was one of those positions that looked really solid a couple of years back but is possibly going to become an issue.

[KingBlairhorn]

Good for him to get a year in the championship. Glasgow are pretty weak at hooker and with Brown getting on its time to get Ashman to Scotstoun!

Brown is only a year older than McInally, Glasgow have Brown, Turner, Stewart and Matthews. I wouldn't be averse to Ashman coming to Edinburgh where he was before on a short term loan.
We have McInally and Cherry who is a year younger than Rambo, McBurney and then Harrison who is 19 and on an academy contract.

Funnily enough when I was watching Glasgow and Edinburgh over the weekend one thought I had was that both Brown and McInally looked a little out of sorts and wondered where the next generation was coming from. It was one of those positions that looked really solid a couple of years back but is possibly going to become an issue.

We may end with a weakened depth pool for a short time. When Brown and Rambo step back and Turner is first choice, I'm not sure we will quite have both Harrison and Ashman ready to step in. We may have a few years of guys like McBurney and Matthews benching for us as the transition is made. Both Ashman and Harrison look like they can be excellent players though. We'll go from 3 international level options to 1 and 2 solid pros IMO.

[Big D]

We may end with a weakened depth pool for a short time. When Brown and Rambo step back and Turner is first choice, I'm not sure we will quite have both Harrison and Ashman ready to step in. We may have a few years of guys like McBurney and Matthews benching for us as the transition is made. Both Ashman and Harrison look like they can be excellent players though. We'll go from 3 international level options to 1 and 2 solid pros IMO.

The concern is that at 31 and 32 the fall off could be quite quick for McInally and Brown. Both have had there share of injuries too.

I would hope Harrison gets past McBurney fairly quickly. He looks like he has the tools to come through relatively quickly over the next 18-24 months.

[KingBlairhorn]

We may end with a weakened depth pool for a short time. When Brown and Rambo step back and Turner is first choice, I'm not sure we will quite have both Harrison and Ashman ready to step in. We may have a few years of guys like McBurney and Matthews benching for us as the transition is made. Both Ashman and Harrison look like they can be excellent players though. We'll go from 3 international level options to 1 and 2 solid pros IMO.

The concern is that at 31 and 32 the fall off could be quite quick for McInally and Brown. Both have had there share of injuries too.

I would hope Harrison gets past McBurney fairly quickly. He looks like he has the tools to come through relatively quickly over the next 18-24 months.

I get that, but I think Turner is also international quality and is only 28. We'll have him and a couple of solid pros until 1 or both of Ashman and Harrison establish themselves.

[dpedin]

We may end with a weakened depth pool for a short time. When Brown and Rambo step back and Turner is first choice, I'm not sure we will quite have both Harrison and Ashman ready to step in. We may have a few years of guys like McBurney and Matthews benching for us as the transition is made. Both Ashman and Harrison look like they can be excellent players though. We'll go from 3 international level options to 1 and 2 solid pros IMO.

The concern is that at 31 and 32 the fall off could be quite quick for McInally and Brown. Both have had there share of injuries too.

I would hope Harrison gets past McBurney fairly quickly. He looks like he has the tools to come through relatively quickly over the next 18-24 months.

I get that, but I think Turner is also international quality and is only 28. We'll have him and a couple of solid pros until 1 or both of Ashman and Harrison establish themselves.

I actually think Turner is our best hooker at the moment, he would be my first pick for the AIs.

[Big D]

We may end with a weakened depth pool for a short time. When Brown and Rambo step back and Turner is first choice, I'm not sure we will quite have both Harrison and Ashman ready to step in. We may have a few years of guys like McBurney and Matthews benching for us as the transition is made. Both Ashman and Harrison look like they can be excellent players though. We'll go from 3 international level options to 1 and 2 solid pros IMO.

The concern is that at 31 and 32 the fall off could be quite quick for McInally and Brown. Both have had there share of injuries too.

I would hope Harrison gets past McBurney fairly quickly. He looks like he has the tools to come through relatively quickly over the next 18-24 months.

I get that, but I think Turner is also international quality and is only 28. We'll have him and a couple of solid pros until 1 or both of Ashman and Harrison establish themselves.

Cherry is only 30 too. But my point is still we need the younger guys coming through and challenging over the next 18-24 months.

Edinburgh have McInally and Cherry in their 30's and McBurney who was a squad player for Ulster. There is no reason that Harrison can't be looking at the next world cup as a period he can establish himself in the Edinburgh 23 for the long term.

Glasgow have Brown, Turner, Matthews and Stewart. in 18-24 months Brown will be done or nearly done and Matthews and Stewart are 28 and 26 already and good squad options but no more than that. It would be ripe for Ashman to step in there if he is up to it.

To be honest the younger guys should be looking to challenge for the world cup squad. I am not sure a 34 year old Brown and 33 year old Rambo will be amongst the first choice group and behind Turner and Cherry there isn't a lot of decent competition.

[Biffer]

Turner's throwing in can be flaky as fuck.

[robmatic]

Turner's throwing in can be flaky as fuck.

Great in the loose, if a bit excitable, but wouldn't say his throwing is reliable. There's a lot to be said for a 'solid' hooker like Cherry who always hits his jumpers.

[KingBlairhorn]

The concern is that at 31 and 32 the fall off could be quite quick for McInally and Brown. Both have had there share of injuries too.

I would hope Harrison gets past McBurney fairly quickly. He looks like he has the tools to come through relatively quickly over the next 18-24 months.

I get that, but I think Turner is also international quality and is only 28. We'll have him and a couple of solid pros until 1 or both of Ashman and Harrison establish themselves.

Cherry is only 30 too. But my point is still we need the younger guys coming through and challenging over the next 18-24 months.

Edinburgh have McInally and Cherry in their 30's and McBurney who was a squad player for Ulster. There is no reason that Harrison can't be looking at the next world cup as a period he can establish himself in the Edinburgh 23 for the long term.

Glasgow have Brown, Turner, Matthews and Stewart. in 18-24 months Brown will be done or nearly done and Matthews and Stewart are 28 and 26 already and good squad options but no more than that. It would be ripe for Ashman to step in there if he is up to it.

To be honest the younger guys should be looking to challenge for the world cup squad. I am not sure a 34 year old Brown and 33 year old Rambo will be amongst the first choice group and behind Turner and Cherry there isn't a lot of decent competition.

I think we are saying the same thing then. The depth will be poorer for a spell as Rambo/Brown drop out the picture going from Rambo/Brown/Turner to Turner/Cherry/McBurney but we should expect Ashman and possibly Harrison to knock at least one of them out of the squad by the end of that period and be firmly in place for the WC.

[I like neeps]

Problem with Ashman at Edinburgh is you then have McBurney, Ashman and Harrison who are three young promising hookers at one club whereas Glasgow only have Matthews, Stewart and Fraser. None of them are young or promising. Except Fraser who is young but currently not playing for County.

[KingBlairhorn]

Problem with Ashman at Edinburgh is you then have McBurney, Ashman and Harrison who are three young promising hookers at one club whereas Glasgow only have Matthews, Stewart and Fraser. None of them are young or promising. Except Fraser who is young but currently not playing for County.

Ashman isn't at Edinburgh, he's at Sale (currently on loan in the Championship apparently).

[KingBlairhorn]

Looks like Glasgow will have Sebastian Cancelliere available early after he did a bit of COVID rule breaking and got chucked out the squad:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58745221

[I like neeps]

Problem with Ashman at Edinburgh is you then have McBurney, Ashman and Harrison who are three young promising hookers at one club whereas Glasgow only have Matthews, Stewart and Fraser. None of them are young or promising. Except Fraser who is young but currently not playing for County.

Ashman isn't at Edinburgh, he's at Sale (currently on loan in the Championship apparently).

I was speaking hypothically.

[Big D]

Problem with Ashman at Edinburgh is you then have McBurney, Ashman and Harrison who are three young promising hookers at one club whereas Glasgow only have Matthews, Stewart and Fraser. None of them are young or promising. Except Fraser who is young but currently not playing for County.

At this stage McBurney is no more than a punt on a player the IRFU/Ulster weren't sold on keeping because he had a Scottish grandparent. By the time Ashman may become available we should have a better idea on whether he is one to keep investing time and money into.

[Big D]

Looks like Glasgow will have Sebastian Cancelliere available early after he did a bit of COVID rule breaking and got chucked out the squad:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58745221

Staying in Oz until the end of the RC apparently.

[Tichtheid]

Problem with Ashman at Edinburgh is you then have McBurney, Ashman and Harrison who are three young promising hookers at one club whereas Glasgow only have Matthews, Stewart and Fraser. None of them are young or promising. Except Fraser who is young but currently not playing for County.

At this stage McBurney is no more than a punt on a player the IRFU/Ulster weren't sold on keeping because he had a Scottish grandparent. By the time Ashman may become available we should have a better idea on whether he is one to keep investing time and money into.

The Ulster forum seemed to think McBurney was at least fourth choice for them by the time he left, he can probably thank his granny for the contract at Edinburgh.
He started 14 times in four seasons for Ulster, fewer the long he was there. It would be great if he can kick on and challenge for the shirt, it's up to him now.

[westport]

Anyone thinking about going to see Edinburgh better read this

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-club ... lFBp-TGBiI

[Biffer]

Anyone thinking about going to see Edinburgh better read this

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-club ... lFBp-TGBiI

Hate to break it to you, but that is going to apply to Glasgow and Scotland games too.

[vball]

I really see no issue in showing vaccine passport thingy on your phone. You show your ticket. This is just another step. Then again I lived in EUland and had no issue with ID Card.

[clydecloggie]

I honestly don't see the problem either.

If you don't want to get vaccinated for whatever reason, do a test and get in on a negative result - at least, that's how I understand this works.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

I honestly don't see the problem either.

If you don't want to get vaccinated for whatever reason, do a test and get in on a negative result - at least, that's how I understand this works.

Happy to show proof of vaccination (for travel, events, gigs etc). The problem is the app doesn't work! Tried to register this morning and I don't exist, apparently. Hopefully they can get it sorted sharpish. Just as well the SG said there'd be no enforcement of the rules until a fortnight from now - it's almost as if they expected problems with the roll-out...

[Dogbert]

I honestly don't see the problem either.

If you don't want to get vaccinated for whatever reason, do a test and get in on a negative result - at least, that's how I understand this works.

Happy to show proof of vaccination (for travel, events, gigs etc). The problem is the app doesn't work! Tried to register this morning and I don't exist, apparently. Hopefully they can get it sorted sharpish. Just as well the SG said there'd be no enforcement of the rules until a fortnight from now - it's almost as if they expected problems with the roll-out...

But you don't actually need the app..... - just proof of vaccination status

[S/Lt_Phillips]

I honestly don't see the problem either.

If you don't want to get vaccinated for whatever reason, do a test and get in on a negative result - at least, that's how I understand this works.

Happy to show proof of vaccination (for travel, events, gigs etc). The problem is the app doesn't work! Tried to register this morning and I don't exist, apparently. Hopefully they can get it sorted sharpish. Just as well the SG said there'd be no enforcement of the rules until a fortnight from now - it's almost as if they expected problems with the roll-out...

But you don't actually need the app..... - just proof of vaccination status

True, but this is supposed to be a convenient solution, and one which encourages (younger) people to get the vaccine. The shambles with the app is likely to do more harm than good on that front.

[Dogbert]

Glasgow Team for Saturday

Shame that Darge is out with a knock - and no Meatball ( actually happy for Thomson to start )

No Harley - even though fit

1. Jamie Bhatti (48)
2. Fraser Brown (110)
3. Murray McCallum (1)
4. Richie Gray (62)
5. Scott Cummings (79)
6. Ryan Wilson (193)
7. Thomas Gordon (37)
8. Jack Dempsey (1)

9. George Horne (67)
10. Ross Thompson (14)
11. Rufus McLean (10)
12. Sam Johnson (73)
13. Sione Tuipolotu (1)
14. Kyle Steyn (32)
15. Cole Forbes (7)

Replacements

16. George Turner (62)
17. Brad Thyer (1)
18. Murphy Walker (0)
19. Lewis Bean (6)
20. Ally Miller (0)
21. Jamie Dobie (20)
22. Pete Horne (181)
23. Stafford McDowall (28)

[Slick]

Don't know what it was that got me thinking about it this morning, but I had a flashback to the interview Darge did after the game last week and remembered thinking "he looks fucked, how do these lads do it every week". It's not good.

[KingBlairhorn]

Happy to show proof of vaccination (for travel, events, gigs etc). The problem is the app doesn't work! Tried to register this morning and I don't exist, apparently. Hopefully they can get it sorted sharpish. Just as well the SG said there'd be no enforcement of the rules until a fortnight from now - it's almost as if they expected problems with the roll-out...

But you don't actually need the app..... - just proof of vaccination status

True, but this is supposed to be a convenient solution, and one which encourages (younger) people to get the vaccine. The shambles with the app is likely to do more harm than good on that front.

In case it helps, I needed proof of vaccine to travel to Ireland to visit family. I ordered it via the NHS website (register here https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp?id=csm_login) and it arrived by first class post 2 days later. Super easy, super convenient and exceptionally efficient.

Obviously not a single person then asked to see it, but there you go!

[KingBlairhorn]

Glasgow Team for Saturday

Shame that Darge is out with a knock - and no Meatball ( actually happy for Thomson to start )

Horne covering 10, McDowall covering 12,13 and 15? Could see Thomson going the full 80.

[Biffer]

Happy to show proof of vaccination (for travel, events, gigs etc). The problem is the app doesn't work! Tried to register this morning and I don't exist, apparently. Hopefully they can get it sorted sharpish. Just as well the SG said there'd be no enforcement of the rules until a fortnight from now - it's almost as if they expected problems with the roll-out...

But you don't actually need the app..... - just proof of vaccination status

True, but this is supposed to be a convenient solution, and one which encourages (younger) people to get the vaccine. The shambles with the app is likely to do more harm than good on that front.

My id went straight through this morning. Probably just getting overloaded earlier in the week. All set up with my qr codes now.

[GrahamWa]

My id went straight through this morning. Probably just getting overloaded earlier in the week. All set up with my qr codes now.

Mine too