Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:31 am
Tommaso/Tommy/Tam Allan's uncle John played for Scotland and then for South Africa, back when you could do such a thing.
Exactly, and Tommy was Scottish as shortbread until he wasn’t offered a pro contract here. He then started calling himself Tommaso and declared for Italy. Good for him. I’m fairly sure his order of preference would have been SA, Scotland, Italy though.
Mother a former Italian international.
Born In Italy, spent his first few years there and his first language is Italian.
Went to school in England.
Spent so much of his teenage years in SA he has a slight SA accent accent.
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:31 am
Tommaso/Tommy/Tam Allan's uncle John played for Scotland and then for South Africa, back when you could do such a thing.
Exactly, and Tommy was Scottish as shortbread until he wasn’t offered a pro contract here. He then started calling himself Tommaso and declared for Italy. Good for him. I’m fairly sure his order of preference would have been SA, Scotland, Italy though.
Mother a former Italian international.
Born In Italy, spent his first few years there and his first language is Italian.
Went to school in England.
Spent so much of his teenage years in SA he has a slight SA accent accent.
Got his first pro contract with Perpignan.
That 'Scottish as shortbread' Tommy?
Yes, that one. What I meant was that he referred to himself as Scottish and played for Scotland. When he changed allegiance he started presenting a different part of his heritage. It wasn’t a criticism, it was an observation that those of mixed heritage can choose which part they want to present.
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Thu Oct 14, 2021 3:02 pm
Patrick Harrison is to join Wasps on a "short term deal"
Wasps are apparently very short of hookers at the moment, I hope the deal really is short, he gets some game time and heads back to Edinburgh the better for the experience.
How odd. You would think there would be someone with a bit more experience available, but perhaps they have salary cap issues. They have also signed a centre from Munster I've never heard of. What a brilliant experience for Patrick though. It seems he might actually get on the bench, maybe even some gametime:
"Still only 19 years of age, Harrison will help cover Gabriel Oghre while he serves his three-game ban for a dangerous tackle against Saints. Wasps could also be without Tom Cruse if he doesn't pass HIA return to play protocols while Alfie Barbeary is out with his hamstring tear - leaving Dan Frost as Wasps' only senior option in the pivotal front row position."
They already had a couple injured, and at the weekend hey lost two in one game, one due to a head knock and the other for an offence that's led to a three game ban.
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:31 am
Tommaso/Tommy/Tam Allan's uncle John played for Scotland and then for South Africa, back when you could do such a thing.
Exactly, and Tommy was Scottish as shortbread until he wasn’t offered a pro contract here. He then started calling himself Tommaso and declared for Italy. Good for him. I’m fairly sure his order of preference would have been SA, Scotland, Italy though.
He is also Australian. People worrying about nationality are just howling in the wind who cares.
My worry is a central theme of our plan for the national team is the SQ pathways. We best not be reliant on that and plan a really good youth pathway here.
Also watching the Glasgow Zebre game and George Horne is having a stinker.
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:31 am
Tommaso/Tommy/Tam Allan's uncle John played for Scotland and then for South Africa, back when you could do such a thing.
Exactly, and Tommy was Scottish as shortbread until he wasn’t offered a pro contract here. He then started calling himself Tommaso and declared for Italy. Good for him. I’m fairly sure his order of preference would have been SA, Scotland, Italy though.
He is also Australian. People worrying about nationality are just howling in the wind who cares.
My worry is a central theme of our plan for the national team is the SQ pathways. We best not be reliant on that and plan a really good youth pathway here.
Also watching the Glasgow Zebre game and George Horne is having a stinker.
Just to be clear, I probably made the point clumsily but I 100% agree. What I was trying to say is it is entirely down to the individual to decide their nationality and they are entirely entitled to change their mind or feel many nationalities strongly. If someone qualifies and wants to play for us (or someone else), good luck to them.
Yes, Horne has been bad. Similar to Vellacott in a way. Detestation good in broken field running but not the best game manager.
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 10:31 am
Tommaso/Tommy/Tam Allan's uncle John played for Scotland and then for South Africa, back when you could do such a thing.
Exactly, and Tommy was Scottish as shortbread until he wasn’t offered a pro contract here. He then started calling himself Tommaso and declared for Italy. Good for him. I’m fairly sure his order of preference would have been SA, Scotland, Italy though.
He is also Australian. People worrying about nationality are just howling in the wind who cares.
My worry is a central theme of our plan for the national team is the SQ pathways. We best not be reliant on that and plan a really good youth pathway here.
Also watching the Glasgow Zebre game and George Horne is having a stinker.
To be fair, I think the youth pathway is working much better than it was 10/15 years ago. The issue now is finding game time for talented young players but back then there were some really mediocre players coming through onto pro contracts.
Edinburgh’s line out has been utterly demolished by the Bulls. Sheil has been pretty good though. Oddly has box kicking has been great, which was always one of the perceived weaknesses in his game.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 5:36 pm
Edinburgh’s line out has been utterly demolished by the Bulls. Sheil has been pretty good though. Oddly has box kicking has been great, which was always one of the perceived weaknesses in his game.
Thought Sheil had a dodgy opening then really came into the game and ended up looking a better option than Vellacot.
Bradbury looked like a big ball carrying 8! Thought he was MoM actually.
Edinburgh really need to close these games out, should have won that by 20.
I know I say it every week, but Jaco is holding them back.
Anyway, I’ve never been into pro rugby that much, but the SA teams joining and having now experienced mini Murrayfield I’m really getting into this.
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
No number 8 in the world is going to stand up to comparison with Big Bill in the passing stakes, possibly in every other facet of play too.
I think Bradbury is the big beast ball carrying 8 Scotland lacks, he’s also good over the ball and he’s quick, he ran away from May and Daly to score at Twickenham
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
No number 8 in the world is going to stand up to comparison with Big Bill in the passing stakes, possibly in every other facet of play too.
I think Bradbury is the big beast ball carrying 8 Scotland lacks, he’s also good over the ball and he’s quick, he ran away from May and Daly to score at Twickenham
Bradbury certainly has the attributes to be that player. He just needs to show the form. I’m still not convinced that Matt Fagerson is an 8, and although Muncaster has had some strong showings, it’s still very early days.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
To be fair to Townsend not sure what he's meant to say. Bradbury hasn't played for ages!
He was great from what I saw yesterday. I'm going to disagree with everyone though think he's better when he's not the main ball carrier.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
To be fair to Townsend not sure what he's meant to say. Bradbury hasn't played for ages!
He was great from what I saw yesterday. I'm going to disagree with everyone though think he's better when he's not the main ball carrier.
I hope it pisses him off because he has stalled in his development for the last couple of years and this may be the kick up the arse he needs. He has a lot of the attributes to make a top class international 6 or 8 but lost his way after the dodgy episode when he lost the captaincy of Embra. Since then he has had a few injuries and lost the confidence of Cockerill. An angry Bradbury might be what we need and against the bulls he was outstanding. However I still like the look of Bayliss and think he is worth a run out at 8 in the autumn, probably less aggressive than Bradbury but better hands. Just hope Bath don't destroy him first!
I have just watched the Super 6 final, and since Mallinder mentions that both Edinburgh and Glasgow are looking at Tom Jordan, I'll add that I know his agent is in talks with both. And they are not the only clubs interested.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
To be fair to Townsend not sure what he's meant to say. Bradbury hasn't played for ages!
He was great from what I saw yesterday. I'm going to disagree with everyone though think he's better when he's not the main ball carrier.
I hope it pisses him off because he has stalled in his development for the last couple of years and this may be the kick up the arse he needs. He has a lot of the attributes to make a top class international 6 or 8 but lost his way after the dodgy episode when he lost the captaincy of Embra. Since then he has had a few injuries and lost the confidence of Cockerill. An angry Bradbury might be what we need and against the bulls he was outstanding. However I still like the look of Bayliss and think he is worth a run out at 8 in the autumn, probably less aggressive than Bradbury but better hands. Just hope Bath don't destroy him first!
All this. He definitely seemed to need a kick up the arse and played on Saturday like someone who has got one. Long may it continue.
Crosbie hasn’t been mentioned much, but he also got stuck in and didn’t take a step back
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
dkm57 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:32 pm
This season's Super6 has been a bit of a revelation to me, some seriously good prospects coming through the ranks.
I’ve really enjoyed it as well, and having watched both Premiership and Super6 live, it is a big step up.
To be completely honest though I haven’t noticed many prospects that I think will take the next step up. A couple maybe, but the better players seem to be the ones on the way down rather than the way up. Early days though and definitely a good addition in my view.
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
Bradbury was close to man of the match for me on Saturday (think Mata got the official one because he got the crowd going 'ooh' with an offload on top of the graft). And he has got a fair point about the Scotland squad, Haining is in and has been injured all season.
I also really rate Bradbury as a 6 rather than as an 8 - he's imposing and puts himself about well.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:57 pm
Agreed, I though Bradbury was excellent. I’m not sure his passing was/is good enough for 8, but he makes a really good 6 when he plays like that.
Edit: actually, passing probably isn’t a core skill of an 8 these days so I take that back.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
Bradbury was close to man of the match for me on Saturday (think Mata got the official one because he got the crowd going 'ooh' with an offload on top of the graft). And he has got a fair point about the Scotland squad, Haining is in and has been injured all season.
I also really rate Bradbury as a 6 rather than as an 8 - he's imposing and puts himself about well.
I take that point, but what we lack is a big ball-carrying 8, and with Ritchie and Watson nailing down the other shirts, 8 is the one up for grabs, right now it's between Maggie, Wilson (who has been terrific for Glasgow the last year and half, Fagerson (who I think is a 7), Haining (who has always played well for Scotland), Thompson (who is great in the lineout but hasn't set the heather alight in navy blue) and probably Bayliss (who I know nothing about, to be honest)
dkm57 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:32 pm
This season's Super6 has been a bit of a revelation to me, some seriously good prospects coming through the ranks.
I’ve really enjoyed it as well, and having watched both Premiership and Super6 live, it is a big step up.
To be completely honest though I haven’t noticed many prospects that I think will take the next step up. A couple maybe, but the better players seem to be the ones on the way down rather than the way up. Early days though and definitely a good addition in my view.
The summer rugby was great as it was (a) not competing with pro teams and (b) allowed better rugby.
I think that some young guys like McLaren who for injury and other reasons showed they can cut the mustard and should get another chance.
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Oct 18, 2021 2:40 pm
Neither Dingwall nor Bevan Rodd in the latest England squad announcement...
I have watched a fair bit of Saints and genuinely don't think Dingwall is an improvement on Hutchinson or anyone we have.
I can’t say I have watched him a lot, but he seems to be very highly rated, and he is only 22. Call me cynical, but cap him once and he’s always there as an option for the future. Not even a poach really, considering he started off in our age group system.
Rodd has been in a couple of squads recently, and seems fully signed up to England. Dingwall, like Redpath, has been very vague about who he intends to represent in the long term.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
Bradbury is really pissed off about getting left out of the Scotland squad, especially as some of those named are injured. He did not even get a 'You are not being picked because.............This is what you need to work on' call which really upset him. I think that showed last night.
Bradbury was close to man of the match for me on Saturday (think Mata got the official one because he got the crowd going 'ooh' with an offload on top of the graft). And he has got a fair point about the Scotland squad, Haining is in and has been injured all season.
I also really rate Bradbury as a 6 rather than as an 8 - he's imposing and puts himself about well.
I take that point, but what we lack is a big ball-carrying 8, and with Ritchie and Watson nailing down the other shirts, 8 is the one up for grabs, right now it's between Maggie, Wilson (who has been terrific for Glasgow the last year and half, Fagerson (who I think is a 7), Haining (who has always played well for Scotland), Thompson (who is great in the lineout but hasn't set the heather alight in navy blue) and probably Bayliss (who I know nothing about, to be honest)
Totally agree, 6 might be his preferred position (no idea) and the position were he came through playing, but we desperately need a big 8 and he looked like he could do that job on Saturday.
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
Bradbury was close to man of the match for me on Saturday (think Mata got the official one because he got the crowd going 'ooh' with an offload on top of the graft). And he has got a fair point about the Scotland squad, Haining is in and has been injured all season.
I also really rate Bradbury as a 6 rather than as an 8 - he's imposing and puts himself about well.
I take that point, but what we lack is a big ball-carrying 8, and with Ritchie and Watson nailing down the other shirts, 8 is the one up for grabs, right now it's between Maggie, Wilson (who has been terrific for Glasgow the last year and half, Fagerson (who I think is a 7), Haining (who has always played well for Scotland), Thompson (who is great in the lineout but hasn't set the heather alight in navy blue) and probably Bayliss (who I know nothing about, to be honest)
Totally agree, 6 might be his preferred position (no idea) and the position were he came through playing, but we desperately need a big 8 and he looked like he could do that job on Saturday.
His position is listed as No 8 on the Edinburgh roster.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
I wouldn't say there are too many places up for grabs in the full squad. The hookers are pretty much nailed on IMO. You could argue for Kerr at Bristol, but the others have too much cash in the bank. Tightheads much the same, the only possible would be D'Arcy Rae but I'm not aware of him getting much/any gametime at Bath. Looseheads, there is potentially a shout for Bomber Hisplop who has been playing for Wasps, and Bhatti that has been playing for Glasgow, but I think the three picked are quite a bit clear of those two at present. Locks is up in the air following Cummings injury. Jonny will be back, then its pick from a long list of up-and-comers or seasoned vets. I think we will go with JGray, RGray, Cam Henderson, Gilchrist and Skinner. Skinner may also be picked in the back row. We *might* even see the return of Swinson, but I doubt it, he is probably unavailable. Back row picks itself again for me, though I worry there are essentially 5 7s there and no 6s or 8s.
Hookers: Brown, McInally, Turner
Tightheads: Fagerson, Nel, Berghan
Looseheads: Sutherland, Schoeman, Kebble
Locks: GrayJ, Skinner, xx, xx, xx (pick from GrayR, Gilchrist, Sykes, Hodgson, Alex Craig, Andrew Davidson, Henderson)
Back Row: Richie, Watson, Fagerson, Darge, Richardson
In the backs, fly half is easy IMO with Thompson there for development. Similar with 9s with Dobie in the development role. At centre beyond Harris and Johnson (who will both start) I have no idea. Redpath is injured, Jones is yet to play, Scott has been playing not sure how well, Hutchinson Toonie doesn't seem to rate, Taylor is probably out of the picture these days, Lang hasn't set the world alight, Bennett has played pretty well. I expect it might be Tuipulotu and Lang, but I would prefer Scott and Bennett/Hutchinson myself. Dingwall might also be a possible. On the wing, three pick themselves with one slot available. I think that will go to McLean with either Kinghorn or Forbes taking the utility back three player role. In my opinion that will be Kinghorn.
Fly Half: Russell, Hastings, Thompson
Scrum Half: Price, Horne, Dobie
Centre: Johnson, Harris, xx, xx
Wing: Graham, Maitland, Duhan, xx
Fullback: Hogg, xx
I think injuries and/or lack of game time for some might mean a few different picks.
Hooker - looks like Brown is injured and won't be risked. Turner is also carrying a knock? Might see Kerr or Cherry get a chance?
TH - both Fagerson and Beghan have yet to play this season, might see Kebble in here at TH but he also went off limping at the weekend
LH - might see Bhatti in here if Kebble is played at TH?
Locks - agree Cummings is a big miss but we have some good young guys to partner Gilchrist. J Gray yet to play this season?
Back rows - a plethora of riches but would like to see Bradbury brought back in and we might expect to see Bayliss get his first cap? He might be ahead of Fagerson who is also just coming back from injury and needs games.
Backs - don't disagree with summary. I fully expect to see Bennet have his career resurrected and he would be good pairing with Tuipulotu in one of the games.
Tighthead is a bit of a worry, WP is still the best scrummager we have at No3. but I'd be concerned about him starting an international match or coming off the bench after ten minutes, he's 147 you know.
As mentioned, Zander and Bergs have yet to play, I hope we see them this weekend.
I looked on the Glaws forum a week or so back for news on Alex Craig, seemingly he had an op on a torn hamstring and will be out for a while yet.
I forgot about Bayliss, definitely expect him to be in.
I think there will by necessity be a large number without any pro game time coming into this. I wouldn't be too worried about the props, fitness isn't really their thing anyway!
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:02 pm
I forgot about Bayliss, definitely expect him to be in.
I think there will by necessity be a large number without any pro game time coming into this. I wouldn't be too worried about the props, fitness isn't really their thing anyway!
TartanBear wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 2:07 pm
Think Mercer will also get a chance in the BR.
Zak Mercer? He's long since tied to England (since 2018).
Possibly meant Bayliss?
Maybe. Shame that one, Mercer would be a 50 cap international for us by now. A cautionary tale I would be discussing with every dual eligible player who might be picked for us.
Zak Mercer? He's long since tied to England (since 2018).
Possibly meant Bayliss?
Maybe. Shame that one, Mercer would be a 50 cap international for us by now. A cautionary tale I would be discussing with every dual eligible player who might be picked for us.
Zac Mercer lived his dream of playing for England on the other hand. Also it's not a very good cautionary tale: "we think England will cap you and drop you whereas for us you'll get 50 caps". As (a) you're talking your team down and (b) you're telling a player you're trying to impress you don't think they're as good as England's existing players.
Maybe. Shame that one, Mercer would be a 50 cap international for us by now. A cautionary tale I would be discussing with every dual eligible player who might be picked for us.
Zac Mercer lived his dream of playing for England on the other hand. Also it's not a very good cautionary tale: "we think England will cap you and drop you whereas for us you'll get 50 caps". As (a) you're talking your team down and (b) you're telling a player you're trying to impress you don't think they're as good as England's existing players.
I think especially in the back row we can go toe to toe with many teams, even when we got pumped and England had Richard Hill and Neil Back in their side we had Martin Leslie and Simon Taylor.
