The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[I like neeps]

Two great 50/22s in the Edinburgh Treviso game.

[KingBlairhorn]

So…is Ben Vellacott the best player in the world right now!

[Tichtheid]

So…is Ben Vellacott the best player in the world right now!

He’s on fire.

van der Walt, on the other hand, should be fired from a cannon

[KingBlairhorn]

So…is Ben Vellacott the best player in the world right now!

He’s on fire.

van der Walt, on the other hand, should be fired from a cannon

At least 3 times he’s missed touch now, plus his brutal dismantling of the Edinburgh attack, he really hasn’t been good.

All the good attack has come through Vellacott and Lang.

[KingBlairhorn]

Jesus Christ Edinburgh. Fewer than 10 seconds on the clock with a line out in the Benneton half and they manage to fuck it up repeatedly and hand a chance at a drop goal, which is duly dispatched. Terrible game management.

[Biffer]

Garbage second half from Edinburgh, really pissed off with that.

[Big D]

Vellacott and VdW lacked any control in that game. Immelman terrible too.

[Slick]

Vellacott and VdW lacked any control in that game. Immelman terrible too.

Yup. A few experienced players needed to close that out and they didn’t.

Good for Benetton though, it’s good to see them doing well

[Biffer]

Vellacott and VdW lacked any control in that game. Immelman terrible too.

Yup. A few experienced players needed to close that out and they didn’t.

Good for Benetton though, it’s good to see them doing well

They'll get no credit for it. Anything they achieve in URC will just be dismissed by the Welsh and the Irish as 'they only have to play the scots'

[Big D]

Vellacott and VdW lacked any control in that game. Immelman terrible too.

Yup. A few experienced players needed to close that out and they didn’t.

Good for Benetton though, it’s good to see them doing well

They'll get no credit for it. Anything they achieve in URC will just be dismissed by the Welsh and the Irish as 'they only have to play the scots'

For all that, Edinburgh should have put them away comfortably. Glasgow would have romped home in that second half.

Edinburgh got in their own way.

[KingBlairhorn]

Rufus McLean will break into the Scotland squad by the end of this season and will stay there for the next decade. Baller.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

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

Sounds promising if it's working more reliably. No joy for me though - today it can't verify my identity. Perhaps if I try again when it's quieter.

[I like neeps]

Vellacott and VdW lacked any control in that game. Immelman terrible too.

Yup. A few experienced players needed to close that out and they didn’t.

Good for Benetton though, it’s good to see them doing well

They'll get no credit for it. Anything they achieve in URC will just be dismissed by the Welsh and the Irish as 'they only have to play the scots'

This makes no sense? They got plenty credit for winning the rainbow cup and they have to play Welsh and Irish sides.

[I like neeps]

Rufus McLean will break into the Scotland squad by the end of this season and will stay there for the next decade. Baller.

McLean Forbes and Steyn is an exciting back three for Glasgow. Not sure who McLean is getting in ahead of out of Hogg, Graham and VdW though.

Tuipolotu is very exciting.

[KingBlairhorn]

Rufus McLean will break into the Scotland squad by the end of this season and will stay there for the next decade. Baller.

McLean Forbes and Steyn is an exciting back three for Glasgow. Not sure who McLean is getting in ahead of out of Hogg, Graham and VdW though.

Tuipolotu is very exciting.

Squad, not team (I presume you mean VdM btw!).

I expect him to take the place of the likes of Mcguigan/Kinghorn/Hoyland in the wider squad to begin with with Maitland the most likely to lose his place in the slightly longer term.

[Slick]

Just finished watching the Glasgow game, some seriously good moments in there.

I said it last week and I’ll say it again, Sam Johnson is pure class. Arguably Scotland’s most important player over the last few seasons IMO

[westport]

Following on the discussion re hookers, on Friday Jake Kerr came on in the second half for Bristol and apart from a couple of dodgy throw ins he had a stormer

[KingBlairhorn]

Just finished watching the Glasgow game, some seriously good moments in there.

I said it last week and I’ll say it again, Sam Johnson is pure class. Arguably Scotland’s most important player over the last few seasons IMO

He’s so classy when on form. How great would it be to have him and Redpath competing for the 12 jersey for Scotland.

[KingBlairhorn]

Following on the discussion re hookers, on Friday Jake Kerr came on in the second half for Bristol and apart from a couple of dodgy throw ins he had a stormer

Great stuff. Apparently Hastings was excellent for Glos yesterday too, MOTM I believe. Another weak area we are beginning to grow some depth.

[I like neeps]

Just finished watching the Glasgow game, some seriously good moments in there.

I said it last week and I’ll say it again, Sam Johnson is pure class. Arguably Scotland’s most important player over the last few seasons IMO

He’s so classy when on form. How great would it be to have him and Redpath competing for the 12 jersey for Scotland.

Slammin Sam! I was very impressed with Tuipolotu as well. Didn't expect him to have such good distribution skills. Redpath has a hell of a battle getting the 12 shirt back at Bath as Ojomoh is looking fantastic.

On the Bears game Kerr was outstanding in the loose, his throwing is a concern. But a great performance he basically turned the game for Bristol. Bayliss was good too I think long term he'll be the starting 6 with Ritchie at 7 for Scotland.

[KingBlairhorn]

Ashman scored for Sale against Exeter yesterday too. For some reason I thought he had gone on loan to the Championship, but clearly not.

[Slick]

Ashman scored for Sale against Exeter yesterday too. For some reason I thought he had gone on loan to the Championship, but clearly not.

The report I read suggested he had as well. Maybe they get first dibs if they need him?

[Tichtheid]

Just finished watching the Glasgow game, some seriously good moments in there.

I said it last week and I’ll say it again, Sam Johnson is pure class. Arguably Scotland’s most important player over the last few seasons IMO

He’s so classy when on form. How great would it be to have him and Redpath competing for the 12 jersey for Scotland.

Slammin Sam! I was very impressed with Tuipolotu as well. Didn't expect him to have such good distribution skills. Redpath has a hell of a battle getting the 12 shirt back at Bath as Ojomoh is looking fantastic.

On the Bears game Kerr was outstanding in the loose, his throwing is a concern. But a great performance he basically turned the game for Bristol. Bayliss was good too I think long term he'll be the starting 6 with Ritchie at 7 for Scotland.

I think the 6/7 battles are going to be terrific for Scotland in the coming years, Darge looks the business, Boyle is finally getting game time. Personally I see Fagerson as more of a flanker than an 8, we could do with Bradbury stepping up this season, but he has his hands full ousting Mata.
Muncaster is a heck of carrier, but not exactly a beast in terms of size.
Crosbie hasn't been setting the heather alight recently but he is a very good player and will get back to where he was, I'm sure.
I haven't watched all of the game from Saturday yet but I hear Tom Gordon played very well.

[I like neeps]

Ashman scored for Sale against Exeter yesterday too. For some reason I thought he had gone on loan to the Championship, but clearly not.

The report I read suggested he had as well. Maybe they get first dibs if they need him?

Sale have an injury crisis as back row so their second choice hooker is covering back row and their first choice hooker (vdMs brother incidentally) is injured.

[Slick]

He’s so classy when on form. How great would it be to have him and Redpath competing for the 12 jersey for Scotland.

Slammin Sam! I was very impressed with Tuipolotu as well. Didn't expect him to have such good distribution skills. Redpath has a hell of a battle getting the 12 shirt back at Bath as Ojomoh is looking fantastic.

On the Bears game Kerr was outstanding in the loose, his throwing is a concern. But a great performance he basically turned the game for Bristol. Bayliss was good too I think long term he'll be the starting 6 with Ritchie at 7 for Scotland.

I think the 6/7 battles are going to be terrific for Scotland in the coming years, Darge looks the business, Boyle is finally getting game time. Personally I see Fagerson as more of a flanker than an 8, we could do with Bradbury stepping up this season, but he has his hands full ousting Mata.
Muncaster is a heck of carrier, but not exactly a beast in terms of size.
Crosbie hasn't been setting the heather alight recently but he is a very good player and will get back to where he was, I'm sure.
I haven't watched all of the game from Saturday yet but I hear Tom Gordon played very well.

Darge definitely looks the business but I'm not sure I'm quite as optimistic about what else is coming through. The issue is at 8, we haven't had anyone outstanding for a while and I don't see where a solution is going to come from. It's a damn shame Dempsey played for Austrailia!

[Tichtheid]

The issue is at 8, we haven't had anyone outstanding for a while and I don't see where a solution is going to come from.

I think there is time for Bradbury to get a good injury free run and stake his claim, he's still only 25 or 26, even if he's playing 6 for Edinburgh he knows what's he's doing at 8 for Scotland.

Incidentally, from what little I saw of the Glasgow game at the weekend, Ryan Wilson is carrying on his great from from last year, theough he's not the long-term option

[Slick]

The issue is at 8, we haven't had anyone outstanding for a while and I don't see where a solution is going to come from.

I think there is time for Bradbury to get a good injury free run and stake his claim, he's still only 25 or 26, even if he's playing 6 for Edinburgh he knows what's he's doing at 8 for Scotland.

Incidentally, from what little I saw of the Glasgow game at the weekend, Ryan Wilson is carrying on his great from from last year, theough he's not the long-term option

I'm desperate for Bradbury to step up, he looks every inch an international 8 - unfortunately haven't seen a massive amount as yet to suggest he is the answer. But totally agree, at that age and with a good run he can still do it.

Wilson is playing really well and is in pole position at the moment I would say.

[Slick]

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

Just did mine and it was very easy.

At least I think I did it, the app is saying it’s just for international travel!

[S/Lt_Phillips]

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

Just did mine and it was very easy.

At least I think I did it, the app is saying it’s just for international travel!

Sounds like it's worth giving it a go again then

Edit: Success!

[KingBlairhorn]

Jersey have signed Tom Pittman (21, Scottish, as far as I know uncapped at any level) direct from the Boroughmuir Bears. Jersey apparently have no recognised fly half so presumably signed to be first choice. Really great for the Super6 to have a player leave to become professional at a non-Scottish club in essentially the first year. Let's hope we see more of this over the years - there are a number like Arnott and Fantini spring immediately to mind - particularly with the Scotland age-grade caps who fail to get professional deals.

[mos_eisely_]

Darge definitely looks the business but I'm not sure I'm quite as optimistic about what else is coming through. The issue is at 8, we haven't had anyone outstanding for a while and I don't see where a solution is going to come from. It's a damn shame Dempsey played for Austrailia!

I quite like the look of Muncaster. He's only 19 so plenty of time

[robmatic]

Jersey have signed Tom Pittman (21, Scottish, as far as I know uncapped at any level) direct from the Boroughmuir Bears. Jersey apparently have no recognised fly half so presumably signed to be first choice. Really great for the Super6 to have a player leave to become professional at a non-Scottish club in essentially the first year. Let's hope we see more of this over the years - there are a number like Arnott and Fantini spring immediately to mind - particularly with the Scotland age-grade caps who fail to get professional deals.

Is Pittman Scottish? He grew up down south. Jersey also signed Watsonians prop Steven Longwell a few weeks back. It probably helps that the Super 6 games are being broadcast on the telly/internet, as that makes it a good shop window for aspiring players.

[KingBlairhorn]

Jersey have signed Tom Pittman (21, Scottish, as far as I know uncapped at any level) direct from the Boroughmuir Bears. Jersey apparently have no recognised fly half so presumably signed to be first choice. Really great for the Super6 to have a player leave to become professional at a non-Scottish club in essentially the first year. Let's hope we see more of this over the years - there are a number like Arnott and Fantini spring immediately to mind - particularly with the Scotland age-grade caps who fail to get professional deals.

Is Pittman Scottish? He grew up down south. Jersey also signed Watsonians prop Steven Longwell a few weeks back. It probably helps that the Super 6 games are being broadcast on the telly/internet, as that makes it a good shop window for aspiring players.

Not sure actually. He was tagged as Scottish on the tweet I saw, but that could be wrong.

[Yr Alban]

Jersey have signed Tom Pittman (21, Scottish, as far as I know uncapped at any level) direct from the Boroughmuir Bears. Jersey apparently have no recognised fly half so presumably signed to be first choice. Really great for the Super6 to have a player leave to become professional at a non-Scottish club in essentially the first year. Let's hope we see more of this over the years - there are a number like Arnott and Fantini spring immediately to mind - particularly with the Scotland age-grade caps who fail to get professional deals.

It’s a pretty solid start.

I was a bit dubious about the Super 6, to be honest (I still am, probably, though less) but it’s possible it will end up as a game-changer. I’m fairly sure I’ve seen Scotland’s success in the 1980s put down to being the first country in the British Isles to introduce a competitive league structure? (Apologies if I’m completely wrong about this)

[I like neeps]

Jake Kerr starts for Bristol tomorrow night. Exciting if he can make something of himself and be a Scotland option. Keeping Thacker on the bench which is good to see.

Huw Jones not in the Quins 23. Oh dear.

[Yr Alban]

Speaking of centres: does anyone else think that Fraser Dingwall’s absence from the England training squad might mean he has done a Redpath and switched back to Scotland?

I had a dig around a while back (prior to Redpath’s return to the fold) to see what the two of them had actually said in interviews, and they were both pretty non-commital. I think it was Dingwall who was asked ‘so is it England all the way from now on?’ and responded ‘I think it’s all still up in the air.’ (EDIT - it was).

[Tichtheid]

There’s definitely a pressure on younger players to commit to England, the clubs get s bung from the RFU for fielding a certain number of EQ players, no problem that btw, but I think as they become more established as first team players they can choose what is the best path for them personally.

I don’t like that we have to rely on the diaspora but that is where we are, hopefully the S6 will help in future

[robmatic]

Speaking of centres: does anyone else think that Fraser Dingwall’s absence from the England training squad might mean he has done a Redpath and switched back to Scotland?

I had a dig around a while back (prior to Redpath’s return to the fold) to see what the two of them had actually said in interviews, and they were both pretty non-commital. I think it was Dingwall who was asked ‘so is it England all the way from now on?’ and responded ‘I think it’s all still up in the air.’ (EDIT - it was).

He might have done if he's feeling comfortably established as a first team player, probably lessens the pressure in contract negotiations etc. I also wonder if players have wised up to Eddie Jones being a dick with his selection policy and that there is a chance he might just cap them once and go back to playing his favourites, regardless of form.

[C T]

Jake Kerr starts for Bristol tomorrow night. Exciting if he can make something of himself and be a Scotland option. Keeping Thacker on the bench which is good to see.

Huw Jones not in the Quins 23. Oh dear.

Time to take my medicine on Jones.

I used to think "What's going on with Glasgow? His defensive issues are being exaggerated, Why can't they find a way?" Now he's got a new club, fresh start and OK it's early days but he's struggling to get into the 23 never mind start. Now I'm thinking "What's going on with Jones?"

And of course Harris is doing a fine job at 13 for Scotland.

[Slick]

Jake Kerr starts for Bristol tomorrow night. Exciting if he can make something of himself and be a Scotland option. Keeping Thacker on the bench which is good to see.

Huw Jones not in the Quins 23. Oh dear.

Time to take my medicine on Jones.

I used to think "What's going on with Glasgow? His defensive issues are being exaggerated, Why can't they find a way?" Now he's got a new club, fresh start and OK it's early days but he's struggling to get into the 23 never mind start. Now I'm thinking "What's going on with Jones?"

And of course Harris is doing a fine job at 13 for Scotland.

He's just joined a team that has recently won the Premiership, give him a chance!