The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[robmatic]

No luck for Mark Bennett, him and Fraser Brown are out of the squad for the autumn internationals due to injury.

Bradbury and Cherry replace them.

[Tichtheid]

No luck for Mark Bennett, him and Fraser Brown are out of the squad for the autumn internationals due to injury.

Bradbury and Cherry replace them.

If there were only going to be three hookers then Cherry was probably always going to be next can off the rank behind Rambo, Brown and Turner, I really rate him he has been very consistent for both Edinburgh and in his international appearances, it's always great to see players capped in later part of their careers.
Having said that Kerr has been in good form recently.

Bennett's had rotten luck with injury, it's interesting to see Bradbury called up rather than a replacement for Bennett, it's good though, shows Toonie is watching and taking note when players put their hand up in their performances, Maggie has demanded selection over the last couple of games.

[Slick]

No luck for Mark Bennett, him and Fraser Brown are out of the squad for the autumn internationals due to injury.

Bradbury and Cherry replace them.

If there were only going to be three hookers then Cherry was probably always going to be next can off the rank behind Rambo, Brown and Turner, I really rate him he has been very consistent for both Edinburgh and in his international appearances, it's always great to see players capped in later part of their careers.
Having said that Kerr has been in good form recently.

Bennett's had rotten luck with injury, it's interesting to see Bradbury called up rather than a replacement for Bennett, it's good though, shows Toonie is watching and taking note when players put their hand up in their performances, Maggie has demanded selection over the last couple of games.

Agree with all of this, I actually think Cherry was a bit unlucky as his performances for Scotland were excellent.

[robmatic]

No luck for Mark Bennett, him and Fraser Brown are out of the squad for the autumn internationals due to injury.

Bradbury and Cherry replace them.

If there were only going to be three hookers then Cherry was probably always going to be next can off the rank behind Rambo, Brown and Turner, I really rate him he has been very consistent for both Edinburgh and in his international appearances, it's always great to see players capped in later part of their careers.
Having said that Kerr has been in good form recently.

Bennett's had rotten luck with injury, it's interesting to see Bradbury called up rather than a replacement for Bennett, it's good though, shows Toonie is watching and taking note when players put their hand up in their performances, Maggie has demanded selection over the last couple of games.

Agree with all of this, I actually think Cherry was a bit unlucky as his performances for Scotland were excellent.

Think he's probably got the best darts out of the hookers in the squad as well.

[Yr Alban]

No luck for Mark Bennett, him and Fraser Brown are out of the squad for the autumn internationals due to injury.

Bradbury and Cherry replace them.

If there were only going to be three hookers then Cherry was probably always going to be next can off the rank behind Rambo, Brown and Turner, I really rate him he has been very consistent for both Edinburgh and in his international appearances, it's always great to see players capped in later part of their careers.
Having said that Kerr has been in good form recently.

Bennett's had rotten luck with injury, it's interesting to see Bradbury called up rather than a replacement for Bennett, it's good though, shows Toonie is watching and taking note when players put their hand up in their performances, Maggie has demanded selection over the last couple of games.

Great for Bradbury. Odd that Toony calls up a BR to replace a centre though. You’d sort of think this would open the door for Hutchinson, but Toony really seems to dislike him.

[I like neeps]

Unless we have to have a specific number of players? I note Bayliss is injured at Bath so maybe Bradbury is his cover and we have so many centres in the squad anyway? Who knows!

I think we'll see Hastings 10 Russell 12 again as we have four 10s in the squad.

[Biffer]

If there were only going to be three hookers then Cherry was probably always going to be next can off the rank behind Rambo, Brown and Turner, I really rate him he has been very consistent for both Edinburgh and in his international appearances, it's always great to see players capped in later part of their careers.
Having said that Kerr has been in good form recently.

Bennett's had rotten luck with injury, it's interesting to see Bradbury called up rather than a replacement for Bennett, it's good though, shows Toonie is watching and taking note when players put their hand up in their performances, Maggie has demanded selection over the last couple of games.

Agree with all of this, I actually think Cherry was a bit unlucky as his performances for Scotland were excellent.

Think he's probably got the best darts out of the hookers in the squad as well.

I’d agree with that, although I’ve not seen much of Ashman

[Big D]

I am not sure Cherry deserved being overlooked for Rambo and Brown in the first place. They have been very average in the games I have seen them in and Turner and Cherry didn't do anything wrong really in the 6N, in fact bar one wobble they were good IIRC.

Townsend needs to ask himself (and Dalziel) whether Brown will make it to the world cup at 34 years old. He is regularly injured, picks up knocks during games and has generally been unavailable over the last year for Scotland.

[I like neeps]

I am not sure Cherry deserved being overlooked for Rambo and Brown in the first place. They have been very average in the games I have seen them in and Turner and Cherry didn't do anything wrong really in the 6N, in fact bar one wobble they were good IIRC.

Townsend needs to ask himself (and Dalziel) whether Brown will make it to the world cup at 34 years old. He is regularly injured, picks up knocks during games and has generally been unavailable over the last year for Scotland.

Turner absolutely did something wrong in the six nations! The lineout Vs Ireland was probably why we lost that game - how many did we lose again wasn't it 7 or 8?

Cherry was unlucky he's been very functional but I appreciate why coaches maybe go for the upside of others.

[Tichtheid]

Brown is also a bit of a penalty magnet for Scotland, even with all his experience

[Wylie Coyote]

Brown is also a bit of a penalty magnet for Scotland, even with all his experience

He also seems to be afflicted with the Scottish disease of an experienced international doing something entirely inexplicable at a key moment. He is a fantastic player but I can't say I entirely trust him in a big game.

[Biffer]

Brown is also a bit of a penalty magnet for Scotland, even with all his experience

He also seems to be afflicted with the Scottish disease of an experienced international doing something entirely inexplicable at a key moment. He is a fantastic player but I can't say I entirely trust him in a big game.

Yeah, it's not that he gives away loads of penalties, he gives them away at critical times and that sometimes swings momentum against us.

[Yr Alban]

Brown is also a bit of a penalty magnet for Scotland, even with all his experience

He also seems to be afflicted with the Scottish disease of an experienced international doing something entirely inexplicable at a key moment. He is a fantastic player but I can't say I entirely trust him in a big game.

Yeah, it's not that he gives away loads of penalties, he gives them away at critical times and that sometimes swings momentum against us.

Indeed. The debacle at Twickenham three visits ago started with him getting a brainless yellow card.

I was really impressed by Cherry in the 6N. Sure, he may not offer the same in the loose, but as with a reliable kicker, a hooker who reliably hits his jumpers will win you tight games.

[Big D]

I am not sure Cherry deserved being overlooked for Rambo and Brown in the first place. They have been very average in the games I have seen them in and Turner and Cherry didn't do anything wrong really in the 6N, in fact bar one wobble they were good IIRC.

Townsend needs to ask himself (and Dalziel) whether Brown will make it to the world cup at 34 years old. He is regularly injured, picks up knocks during games and has generally been unavailable over the last year for Scotland.

Turner absolutely did something wrong in the six nations! The lineout Vs Ireland was probably why we lost that game - how many did we lose again wasn't it 7 or 8?

Cherry was unlucky he's been very functional but I appreciate why coaches maybe go for the upside of others.

That was his wobble. He was very good in the other games including beating France in the biggest game they've had since the world cup debacle.

Neither Rambo or Brown have started the season well and both are living off past glories from 18 months to 2 years ago. Rambo appears to have done a Ryan Grant and had an amazing purple patch and regressed back to average and Brown is a walking injury and ridiculous unnecessary penalty magnet.

I wouldn't be against a very similar pack to the one that started the France game for our bigger matches; Sutherland, Turner, Fagerson, Skinner, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson and Fagerson in for Haining.

[I like neeps]

I am not sure Cherry deserved being overlooked for Rambo and Brown in the first place. They have been very average in the games I have seen them in and Turner and Cherry didn't do anything wrong really in the 6N, in fact bar one wobble they were good IIRC.

Townsend needs to ask himself (and Dalziel) whether Brown will make it to the world cup at 34 years old. He is regularly injured, picks up knocks during games and has generally been unavailable over the last year for Scotland.

Turner absolutely did something wrong in the six nations! The lineout Vs Ireland was probably why we lost that game - how many did we lose again wasn't it 7 or 8?

Cherry was unlucky he's been very functional but I appreciate why coaches maybe go for the upside of others.

That was his wobble. He was very good in the other games including beating France in the biggest game they've had since the world cup debacle.

Neither Rambo or Brown have started the season well and both are living off past glories from 18 months to 2 years ago. Rambo appears to have done a Ryan Grant and had an amazing purple patch and regressed back to average and Brown is a walking injury and ridiculous unnecessary penalty magnet.

I wouldn't be against a very similar pack to the one that started the France game for our bigger matches; Sutherland, Turner, Fagerson, Skinner, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson and Fagerson in for Haining.

I'm not against Turner starting but he's not even getting in the Glasgow side currently with Matthews and Brown playing instead. And losing a match with terrible throwing is more than a wobble. Not against Cherry either but McInally is starting at 2 for Edinburgh.

Brown gives away stupid penalties but he's not a liability. If we're going back to England 2017 we all may need to move on.

[Biffer]

I am not sure Cherry deserved being overlooked for Rambo and Brown in the first place. They have been very average in the games I have seen them in and Turner and Cherry didn't do anything wrong really in the 6N, in fact bar one wobble they were good IIRC.

Townsend needs to ask himself (and Dalziel) whether Brown will make it to the world cup at 34 years old. He is regularly injured, picks up knocks during games and has generally been unavailable over the last year for Scotland.

Turner absolutely did something wrong in the six nations! The lineout Vs Ireland was probably why we lost that game - how many did we lose again wasn't it 7 or 8?

Cherry was unlucky he's been very functional but I appreciate why coaches maybe go for the upside of others.

That was his wobble. He was very good in the other games including beating France in the biggest game they've had since the world cup debacle.

Neither Rambo or Brown have started the season well and both are living off past glories from 18 months to 2 years ago. Rambo appears to have done a Ryan Grant and had an amazing purple patch and regressed back to average and Brown is a walking injury and ridiculous unnecessary penalty magnet.

I wouldn't be against a very similar pack to the one that started the France game for our bigger matches; Sutherland, Turner, Fagerson, Skinner, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson and Fagerson in for Haining.

It was always the problem with Turner at Edinburgh. His throwing could go to pieces, and too often.

[Big D]

Turner absolutely did something wrong in the six nations! The lineout Vs Ireland was probably why we lost that game - how many did we lose again wasn't it 7 or 8?

Cherry was unlucky he's been very functional but I appreciate why coaches maybe go for the upside of others.

That was his wobble. He was very good in the other games including beating France in the biggest game they've had since the world cup debacle.

Neither Rambo or Brown have started the season well and both are living off past glories from 18 months to 2 years ago. Rambo appears to have done a Ryan Grant and had an amazing purple patch and regressed back to average and Brown is a walking injury and ridiculous unnecessary penalty magnet.

I wouldn't be against a very similar pack to the one that started the France game for our bigger matches; Sutherland, Turner, Fagerson, Skinner, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson and Fagerson in for Haining.

I'm not against Turner starting but he's not even getting in the Glasgow side currently with Matthews and Brown playing instead. And losing a match with terrible throwing is more than a wobble. Not against Cherry either but McInally is starting at 2 for Edinburgh.

Brown gives away stupid penalties but he's not a liability. If we're going back to England 2017 we all may need to move on.

Ok it was more than a wobble but we didn't lose the match just because of the poor line outs. We still could have won that game. Equally one could look at the two games we lost and point the figure at Price for key mistakes in each especially given we had all the momentum going into the last 5 v Ireland. Cherry and Turner did far more good things and bad things in the 6N.

Brown regularly gives away unnecessary penalties, people cite the England game because it is the most extreme example and set the ball rolling for a disaster.

Turner (who has had concussion issues this year IIRC), Cherry and Ashman may not be starting for their clubs but the national interests are different from the club interests. We are at the start of the wind up to the RWC, it would be perfectly understandable and sensible to see what we have in the position. As things stand we aren't that strong in the front row which is a concern going into these tests.

[I like neeps]

I'm not against Turner starting but he's not even getting in the Glasgow side currently with Matthews and Brown playing instead. And losing a match with terrible throwing is more than a wobble. Not against Cherry either but McInally is starting at 2 for Edinburgh.

Brown gives away stupid penalties but he's not a liability. If we're going back to England 2017 we all may need to move on.

Ok it was more than a wobble but we didn't lose the match just because of the poor line outs. We still could have won that game. Equally one could look at the two games we lost and point the figure at Price for key mistakes in each especially given we had all the momentum going into the last 5 v Ireland. Cherry and Turner did far more good things and bad things in the 6N.

Brown regularly gives away unnecessary penalties, people cite the England game because it is the most extreme example and set the ball rolling for a disaster.

Turner (who has had concussion issues this year IIRC), Cherry and Ashman may not be starting for their clubs but the national interests are different from the club interests. We are at the start of the wind up to the RWC, it would be perfectly understandable and sensible to see what we have in the position. As things stand we aren't that strong in the front row which is a concern going into these tests.

Not sure we can say Brown set the ball rolling for disaster Vs England if we're downplaying the lineout Vs Ireland. Brown - maybe should have been red carded - in that game wasn't the only one who was all over the shop the entire team was! In a close match (or any match) you need to win the lineout. Price may never have been in position to box kick without a guard on 75 minutes in a draw, if Scotland had won some lineouts earlier in the game. I appreciate that ifs and buts are irrelevant. However, if you don't win even half of your lineouts you don't win rugby matches. Scotland won 2 of 8 Vs Ireland. 2! That's appalling. The only reason Turner wasn't dropped for the squad after that nonsense is that Scotland have no hooker depth.

I'm all for blooding young players, Ashman is Sale's fourth choice and playing in the championship currently. I don't think he should be playing for Scotland this window. It's not as if Turner and Cherry are that young either. I think it's possible Brown at 34 makes the world cup. Both Turner and Cherry will be in their 30s too and as you say Turner has concussion problems. Who is Scotland's best hooker? It's hard to say all of them have obvious flaws. I'd pick Cherry though - you trust him to get the basics right.

[Big D]

I'm not against Turner starting but he's not even getting in the Glasgow side currently with Matthews and Brown playing instead. And losing a match with terrible throwing is more than a wobble. Not against Cherry either but McInally is starting at 2 for Edinburgh.

Brown gives away stupid penalties but he's not a liability. If we're going back to England 2017 we all may need to move on.

Ok it was more than a wobble but we didn't lose the match just because of the poor line outs. We still could have won that game. Equally one could look at the two games we lost and point the figure at Price for key mistakes in each especially given we had all the momentum going into the last 5 v Ireland. Cherry and Turner did far more good things and bad things in the 6N.

Brown regularly gives away unnecessary penalties, people cite the England game because it is the most extreme example and set the ball rolling for a disaster.

Turner (who has had concussion issues this year IIRC), Cherry and Ashman may not be starting for their clubs but the national interests are different from the club interests. We are at the start of the wind up to the RWC, it would be perfectly understandable and sensible to see what we have in the position. As things stand we aren't that strong in the front row which is a concern going into these tests.

Not sure we can say Brown set the ball rolling for disaster Vs England if we're downplaying the lineout Vs Ireland. Brown - maybe should have been red carded - in that game wasn't the only one who was all over the shop the entire team was! In a close match (or any match) you need to win the lineout. Price may never have been in position to box kick without a guard on 75 minutes in a draw, if Scotland had won some lineouts earlier in the game. I appreciate that ifs and buts are irrelevant. However, if you don't win even half of your lineouts you don't win rugby matches. Scotland won 2 of 8 Vs Ireland. 2! That's appalling. The only reason Turner wasn't dropped for the squad after that nonsense is that Scotland have no hooker depth.

I'm all for blooding young players, Ashman is Sale's fourth choice and playing in the championship currently. I don't think he should be playing for Scotland this window. It's not as if Turner and Cherry are that young either. I think it's possible Brown at 34 makes the world cup. Both Turner and Cherry will be in their 30s too and as you say Turner has concussion problems. Who is Scotland's best hooker? It's hard to say all of them have obvious flaws. I'd pick Cherry though - you trust him to get the basics right.

I am not down playing the line out issues, but it was a game we still could have won, same as I wouldn't blame solely Fagerson for the Wales defeat. If we are binning players for a poor performance that heavily contributes to losing a match then the Toony Tombola would be even more mental than it is at times. Players build capital with coaches, I'd say the performance in the other games outweigh the one big negative. Brown and McInally might make the world cup, but this will be the 3rd set of international fixtures Brown has missed this year (counting the summer than never was) and it is/feels like a long time since either of them played that well in blue. And I say that as someone who would have been touting them as potential Lions 2-2.5 years ago. It has the potential to be a problem position.

I also don't specifically blame Brown for the England defeat but it is the brainfart that is most clear in peoples minds as it was the most outrageous of brainfards. We'd have been pumped that day regardless.

[Soapy]

I was really impressed by Cherry in the 6N. Sure, he may not offer the same in the loose, but as with a reliable kicker, a hooker who reliably hits his jumpers will win you tight games.

For me, Cherry looks like he's constantly focused on the job and consistently executes what is expected of him to a good level. Maybe his peak performance is not as high as some of the other hookers but his match-to-match performance is definitely more consistent and his lows are not as low. A similar mean performance but with less standard deviation?

It might be a consequence of having to constantly prove himself in order to grind his way up from 4th Division French level whereas the others (not Ashman) have stepped directly into and never moved from the Scottish pro-team environment.

Based on form over the past 2 years, he deserves to be ahead of McInally and Brown imo.

[I like neeps]

Not sure we can say Brown set the ball rolling for disaster Vs England if we're downplaying the lineout Vs Ireland. Brown - maybe should have been red carded - in that game wasn't the only one who was all over the shop the entire team was! In a close match (or any match) you need to win the lineout. Price may never have been in position to box kick without a guard on 75 minutes in a draw, if Scotland had won some lineouts earlier in the game. I appreciate that ifs and buts are irrelevant. However, if you don't win even half of your lineouts you don't win rugby matches. Scotland won 2 of 8 Vs Ireland. 2! That's appalling. The only reason Turner wasn't dropped for the squad after that nonsense is that Scotland have no hooker depth.

I'm all for blooding young players, Ashman is Sale's fourth choice and playing in the championship currently. I don't think he should be playing for Scotland this window. It's not as if Turner and Cherry are that young either. I think it's possible Brown at 34 makes the world cup. Both Turner and Cherry will be in their 30s too and as you say Turner has concussion problems. Who is Scotland's best hooker? It's hard to say all of them have obvious flaws. I'd pick Cherry though - you trust him to get the basics right.

I am not down playing the line out issues, but it was a game we still could have won, same as I wouldn't blame solely Fagerson for the Wales defeat. If we are binning players for a poor performance that heavily contributes to losing a match then the Toony Tombola would be even more mental than it is at times. Players build capital with coaches, I'd say the performance in the other games outweigh the one big negative. Brown and McInally might make the world cup, but this will be the 3rd set of international fixtures Brown has missed this year (counting the summer than never was) and it is/feels like a long time since either of them played that well in blue. And I say that as someone who would have been touting them as potential Lions 2-2.5 years ago. It has the potential to be a problem position.

I also don't specifically blame Brown for the England defeat but it is the brainfart that is most clear in peoples minds as it was the most outrageous of brainfards. We'd have been pumped that day regardless.

We did bin a player for the Wales match though. Gary Graham who was Wales' best player on the day hasn't been seen since. It wasn't Fagerson's fault. Graham came on gave away a slew of penalties, butchered what was a clear try and was totally ineffective around the park so will never play for Scotland again. One of the worst individual performances we'll ever see! And because we have back row depth can bin someone who put in such a disasterclass.

I agree it's a problem, I don't think McInally and Brown are great. I think if you merged Turner's around the field play with Cherry's set piece strength we'd have a great player. We just have 4 pretty flawed hookers.

[Jock42]

Has Harrison got a game on loan yet?

[Big D]

Not sure we can say Brown set the ball rolling for disaster Vs England if we're downplaying the lineout Vs Ireland. Brown - maybe should have been red carded - in that game wasn't the only one who was all over the shop the entire team was! In a close match (or any match) you need to win the lineout. Price may never have been in position to box kick without a guard on 75 minutes in a draw, if Scotland had won some lineouts earlier in the game. I appreciate that ifs and buts are irrelevant. However, if you don't win even half of your lineouts you don't win rugby matches. Scotland won 2 of 8 Vs Ireland. 2! That's appalling. The only reason Turner wasn't dropped for the squad after that nonsense is that Scotland have no hooker depth.

I'm all for blooding young players, Ashman is Sale's fourth choice and playing in the championship currently. I don't think he should be playing for Scotland this window. It's not as if Turner and Cherry are that young either. I think it's possible Brown at 34 makes the world cup. Both Turner and Cherry will be in their 30s too and as you say Turner has concussion problems. Who is Scotland's best hooker? It's hard to say all of them have obvious flaws. I'd pick Cherry though - you trust him to get the basics right.

I am not down playing the line out issues, but it was a game we still could have won, same as I wouldn't blame solely Fagerson for the Wales defeat. If we are binning players for a poor performance that heavily contributes to losing a match then the Toony Tombola would be even more mental than it is at times. Players build capital with coaches, I'd say the performance in the other games outweigh the one big negative. Brown and McInally might make the world cup, but this will be the 3rd set of international fixtures Brown has missed this year (counting the summer than never was) and it is/feels like a long time since either of them played that well in blue. And I say that as someone who would have been touting them as potential Lions 2-2.5 years ago. It has the potential to be a problem position.

I also don't specifically blame Brown for the England defeat but it is the brainfart that is most clear in peoples minds as it was the most outrageous of brainfards. We'd have been pumped that day regardless.

We did bin a player for the Wales match though. Gary Graham who was Wales' best player on the day hasn't been seen since. It wasn't Fagerson's fault. Graham came on gave away a slew of penalties, butchered what was a clear try and was totally ineffective around the park so will never play for Scotland again. One of the worst individual performances we'll ever see! And because we have back row depth can bin someone who put in such a disasterclass.

I agree it's a problem, I don't think McInally and Brown are great. I think if you merged Turner's around the field play with Cherry's set piece strength we'd have a great player. We just have 4 pretty flawed hookers.

That wasn't Graham's only poor performance in the 6N or in the Scotland jersey. IIRC that was the straw that broke the camels back.

Will be interesting to see which way we go.at hooker... and back up THP.

[Big D]

Has Harrison got a game on loan yet?

Aye. Looks like a wee laddie in them though.

[Jock42]

Has Harrison got a game on loan yet?

Aye. Looks like a wee laddie in them though.

Thats not so good. Looked decent in his chances for embra

[Big D]

Has Harrison got a game on loan yet?

Aye. Looks like a wee laddie in them though.

Thats not so good. Looked decent in his chances for embra

He'll be grand. He's still young.

[Tichtheid]

To be fair not a lot of 19 year old front row forwards hold their own at the highest club level.*

I saw Harrison come off the bench in his first game for Wasps and I thought he looked the part, to be honest.

*iirc Steven Kitshof had to get a note from his mum to allow him to play senior rugby,

[dpedin]

To be fair not a lot of 19 year old front row forwards hold their own at the highest club level.*

I saw Harrison come off the bench in his first game for Wasps and I thought he looked the part, to be honest.

*iirc Steven Kitshof had to get a note from his mum to allow him to play senior rugby,

Yeh - he didnt look out of place did he! I have seen him play for Embra and he looks the real deal - to cope physically is one thing but to have the balls to play there against some gnarled and hugely experienced opponents is something else. I suspect that Harrison is destined for big things, as long as he develops physically as expected and doesn't have any serious injuries in the process. To play hooker at pro level at 19 in two separate pro leagues is something else. I predict he will be our starting hooker at international level after the next RWC, he is that good.

[Big D]

To be fair not a lot of 19 year old front row forwards hold their own at the highest club level.*

I saw Harrison come off the bench in his first game for Wasps and I thought he looked the part, to be honest.

*iirc Steven Kitshof had to get a note from his mum to allow him to play senior rugby,

Yeh - he didnt look out of place did he! I have seen him play for Embra and he looks the real deal - to cope physically is one thing but to have the balls to play there against some gnarled and hugely experienced opponents is something else. I suspect that Harrison is destined for big things, as long as he develops physically as expected and doesn't have any serious injuries in the process. To play hooker at pro level at 19 in two separate pro leagues is something else. I predict he will be our starting hooker at international level after the next RWC, he is that good.

Injuries permitting he will have a long and successful career. Has all the tools and attitude to do well.

I just think he still looks exactly what he is. A young, yet to fully physically develop front rower. It isn't a knock on him, just the stage of his career he's at.

I'd have been all for him to be Edinburgh's 3rd choice hooker for the season but have tempered that a bit. Give him a year or two and he could easily be Edinburghs starter.

[Tichtheid]

[robmatic]

This is basically a practice match, right?

[Tichtheid]

This is basically a practice match, right?

Yeah, and I think an opportunity for the like of Mish and Zander to get up to speed for the games ahead, but it's good we are not taking it too lightly, the new caps have a lot of experience beside them - Schoeman isn't going to let anyone down, Bob Harley might not be world class but he is a gnarly old bastid who will show Hodgson the ropes.

Having Price and Johnson either side of Kinghorn is a good move, I can't wait to see McLean in this environment, big pitch and the game likely to open up

[weegie01]

Haining lives in the same street as one of my sons. He was in a moon boot till recently, and has not played this season. Given that, why him and not Bradbury on the bench?

[Slick]

I'd be quietly seething if I was Rory Darge

[robmatic]

Haining lives in the same street as one of my sons. He was in a moon boot till recently, and has not played this season. Given that, why him and not Bradbury on the bench?

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

[robmatic]

I'd be quietly seething if I was Rory Darge

I have seen rumours of Darge being injured.

[I like neeps]

Haining lives in the same street as one of my sons. He was in a moon boot till recently, and has not played this season. Given that, why him and not Bradbury on the bench?

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Watson and Haining both need gametime for match fitness as neither have played this year. You won't want Watson and Haining facing the Aussies without any minutes.

It's clear Townsend prefers Haining to Bradbury. And tbf to Haining he has been pretty good for Scotland.

Feel sorry for Darge but this game is a bit of a piss take anyway. Oh although Tonga are getting their french based players which is interesting.

[Big D]

This is basically a practice match, right?

There is a lot to like; Schoeman getting his cap, Ritchie finally getting to captain Scotland, McLean and Tuipulotu getting caps.

Kinghorn over Thomson is a big call, and a sign of faith they have in BK.

Watson and Price could have played for their club last week and let Darge and a young SH get a start.

Rob Harley is a good honest pro but not sure I'd have him involved beyond this game.

[robmatic]

Haining lives in the same street as one of my sons. He was in a moon boot till recently, and has not played this season. Given that, why him and not Bradbury on the bench?

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Watson and Haining both need gametime for match fitness as neither have played this year. You won't want Watson and Haining facing the Aussies without any minutes.

It's clear Townsend prefers Haining to Bradbury. And tbf to Haining he has been pretty good for Scotland.

Feel sorry for Darge but this game is a bit of a piss take anyway. Oh although Tonga are getting their french based players which is interesting.

I agree Haining has looked the part for Scotland but I doubt he's even going to be match fit for the Australia match after 20-30 minutes off the bench against Tonga and not having played for Edinburgh all season.

[Jock42]

I'm assuming the Tongans will be under strength too? Could be a tough day if not.

Bradbury must chuffed a bloke who's not played in months is ahead of him when he's in this form.