The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[dkm57]

FFS Glasgow - discipline moronic

[robmatic]

FFS Glasgow - discipline moronic

I only watched the last 20 minutes but it was poor stuff. Is Weir off form again?

[KingBlairhorn]

Just caught up with the Glasgow game. So poor. Yet again a Scottish team has a narrow lead and hold of the ball in the opposition 22 and manage to concede penalty after penalty right down to the other end of the ground to lose. Just shockingly amateur.

[KingBlairhorn]

Mike Adamson reffing Edinburgh dragons. I thought the Pro xx/URC had stopped doing that and only used neutral refs now…? From the perspective of the week Adamson has had since the SA game, it seems poorly thought through to put him in the position of reffing a home union team the very next week!

Also, Edinburgh playing like vintage Glasgow, Glasgow playing like ‘vintage’ Edinburgh. Ironic.

[Big D]

Good BP win.

[Slick]

Good BP win.

It was. They looked good throughout without ever pulling away

[Slick]

Bofelli looks like a good signing!

[Big D]

Good BP win.

It was. They looked good throughout without ever pulling away

Still lacking some precision at times. The ball hit the deck of passes too often but the game plan looks to be there.

Big game next week v Benneton.

[dpedin]

Weegies were just awful and managed to throw away a game they were lucky to be leading up to the 80th minute and then manage to give away penalty after penalty to lose in 82nd minute. Just unprofessional. With the calibre of player they have they should be doing so much better. Horne was very very poor at 9 and the whole team suffered as a result. They missed Price who tends to manage the game very well for them.

Embra were actually very good tonight and but for a couple of unlucky moments that allowed Dragons in were in control most of the game. Given the team was a real mix of experienced, youngsters and some new signings they were very cohesive and played smart rugby throughout. Blair making a huge difference.

[Tichtheid]

Weegies were just awful and managed to throw away a game they were lucky to be leading up to the 80th minute and then manage to give away penalty after penalty to lose in 82nd minute. Just unprofessional. With the calibre of player they have they should be doing so much better. Horne was very very poor at 9 and the whole team suffered as a result. They missed Price who tends to manage the game very well for them.

Embra were actually very good tonight and but for a couple of unlucky moments that allowed Dragons in were in control most of the game. Given the team was a real mix of experienced, youngsters and some new signings they were very cohesive and played smart rugby throughout. Blair making a huge difference.

The Embra pack was very good, the two young locks, the back row, the new guy McBurney, WP is my hero, but I thought Venter was superb, he battered his prop in the tight and got through a ton of work in the loose, and not just covering ground, he made a difference in what he did.
He could be huge player for us as second choice to Schoey

[KingBlairhorn]

After watching Glasgow shit the bed in the last few minutes, it was somewhat redeeming to see Edinburgh do the opposite and win the BP with the clock red.

Huge games from Crosbie, Bradbury and Hoyland.

Whisper it, but maybe this whole Kinghorn at 10 thing isn’t totally crazy…

[Slick]

After watching Glasgow shit the bed in the last few minutes, it was somewhat redeeming to see Edinburgh do the opposite and win the BP with the clock red.

Huge games from Crosbie, Bradbury and Hoyland.

Whisper it, but maybe this whole Kinghorn at 10 thing isn’t totally crazy…

Really? I thought that he looked like a fish out of water again- I didn’t see the whole match as I was cooking and in and out.

I have actually been thinking that with Bofelli (?) having such a good game suddenly Kinghorn is in a really difficult position as he can’t continue at 10 and he will potentially become number 2 at 15.

Just to reiterate, I hope not, but I do think he’s in danger of getting really squeezed

[Tichtheid]

After watching Glasgow shit the bed in the last few minutes, it was somewhat redeeming to see Edinburgh do the opposite and win the BP with the clock red.

Huge games from Crosbie, Bradbury and Hoyland.

Whisper it, but maybe this whole Kinghorn at 10 thing isn’t totally crazy…

Really? I thought that he looked like a fish out of water again- I didn’t see the whole match as I was cooking and in and out.

I have actually been thinking that with Bofelli (?) having such a good game suddenly Kinghorn is in a really difficult position as he can’t continue at 10 and he will potentially become number 2 at 15.

Just to reiterate, I hope not, but I do think he’s in danger of getting really squeezed

Kinghorn was a mixed bag, he looks ungainly at times, it's just his height, I think.

As per usual for him when he made a mistake he looked like the kid at school rugby practice who was more at home with the history books, but when he gets it right he looks not just professional, he looks international class, fast accurate, unstoppable. He's a conundrum.

[KingBlairhorn]

Definitely a mixed bag, but given it was his 3rd (?) professional start at 10, it was promising. When he does something excellent, it is genuinely excellent. I felt yesterday his not so good moments weren’t horrendous. His passing is better than I thought, and his running game is unsurprisingly very good.

[Yr Alban]

Good result for Embra. Shocking one for Glasgow, who started with 12 full Scotland internationalists, 2 players who were in the AI squad, and Jack Dempsey.

[Slick]

Definitely a mixed bag, but given it was his 3rd (?) professional start at 10, it was promising. When he does something excellent, it is genuinely excellent. I felt yesterday his not so good moments weren’t horrendous. His passing is better than I thought, and his running game is unsurprisingly very good.

Yes, the reports I’ve seen in the paper have said he had some really good moments - as I said, I was in and out of the match.

My issue is that he just doesn’t look natural there (I don’t mean in terms of height etc) and I’m not sure that is something that can be learnt at this stage. He receives the ball standing still, crabs over a bit then telegraphs what’s coming. The pass is invariably lovely but I don’t think he really interests the defence.

I’m saying all that, we all agree he is a top class player so let’s see how he develops and he is certainly not doing a terrible job as he learns

[dkm57]

Glasgow were awful against a Benetton side who are no ones bunnies these days.

Edinburgh were very good, impressed by pretty much the whole team.

[robmatic]

Definitely a mixed bag, but given it was his 3rd (?) professional start at 10, it was promising. When he does something excellent, it is genuinely excellent. I felt yesterday his not so good moments weren’t horrendous. His passing is better than I thought, and his running game is unsurprisingly very good.

We can't complain too much about the experiment given that we are winning and the known quantity of Jaco is injured anyway. I am more bothered about him starting at 10 for Scotland before he's had the learning experiences of a windy night in Newport or getting steamrollered by the likes of Leinster.

[Big D]

Definitely a mixed bag, but given it was his 3rd (?) professional start at 10, it was promising. When he does something excellent, it is genuinely excellent. I felt yesterday his not so good moments weren’t horrendous. His passing is better than I thought, and his running game is unsurprisingly very good.

Yes, the reports I’ve seen in the paper have said he had some really good moments - as I said, I was in and out of the match.

My issue is that he just doesn’t look natural there (I don’t mean in terms of height etc) and I’m not sure that is something that can be learnt at this stage. He receives the ball standing still, crabs over a bit then telegraphs what’s coming. The pass is invariably lovely but I don’t think he really interests the defence.

I’m saying all that, we all agree he is a top class player so let’s see how he develops and he is certainly not doing a terrible job as he learns

I think he helps create space without having to try, which is where JVdW struggles. Teams know Blair is a threat with ball in hand and has long enough arms to slip an offload which creates space for the back 5.

I have my long term doubts but until Savala and/or Chamberlain come through I'm happy to take this as far as it'll go.

[I like neeps]

Definitely a mixed bag, but given it was his 3rd (?) professional start at 10, it was promising. When he does something excellent, it is genuinely excellent. I felt yesterday his not so good moments weren’t horrendous. His passing is better than I thought, and his running game is unsurprisingly very good.

Yes, the reports I’ve seen in the paper have said he had some really good moments - as I said, I was in and out of the match.

My issue is that he just doesn’t look natural there (I don’t mean in terms of height etc) and I’m not sure that is something that can be learnt at this stage. He receives the ball standing still, crabs over a bit then telegraphs what’s coming. The pass is invariably lovely but I don’t think he really interests the defence.

I’m saying all that, we all agree he is a top class player so let’s see how he develops and he is certainly not doing a terrible job as he learns

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

Saying that, I think he looks much better at 10 then you do. I think Edinburgh's dramatic upturn in attacking play is mostly Mike Blair driven but Kinghorn is making quote good decisions and a run kick pass threat.

[Tichtheid]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player.

Hrmm, Mike Blair and Gregor Townsend seem to disagree with that.

You don't move someone who isn't top class to fly half.

[I like neeps]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player.

Hrmm, Mike Blair and Gregor Townsend seem to disagree with that.

You don't move someone who isn't top class to fly half.

You move players who have the attributes to play 10 to 10. You don't move exclusively "top class" players to 10. If you do we've wasted Hogg's career at 15 not 10. Can't wait for Redpath to make the switch. How about moving Ali Price out one? He's top class. Shouldn't waste Matt Currie at 13 - he looks top class too so let's get him at 10 now and not waste any time.

[weegie01]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

Saying that, I think he looks much better at 10 then you do. I think Edinburgh's dramatic upturn in attacking play is mostly Mike Blair driven but Kinghorn is making quote good decisions and a run kick pass threat.

When Kinghorn broke through it was clear he had all the weapons to be an absolutely top class player. Opposition teams were terrified of him, and supporters of rival teams envied us for having him. When he debuted in the Scotland team he looked to the manner born.

Then he lost his way in the 'I'm too good to be dropped' way that seems to bedevil good young Scots, and really was not putting the work in. Cockerill told him that he was not worth what he was being paid and he needed to sort himself out. He appears to making steps back towards what he once promised to be.

Let's not forget that Kinghorn was a 10 all the way till he was moved to 15 at U20. There were definite elements of 'put the best back in the team at 10', but whilst clearly at a lower level, to is where he learned his trade. Having said that, I am still not convinced he is a better 10 than 15, and the devastating runs he was making from 15 in the early days stick in my memory.

[Tichtheid]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player.

Hrmm, Mike Blair and Gregor Townsend seem to disagree with that.

You don't move someone who isn't top class to fly half.

You move players who have the attributes to play 10 to 10. You don't move exclusively "top class" players to 10. If you do we've wasted Hogg's career at 15 not 10. Can't wait for Redpath to make the switch. How about moving Ali Price out one? He's top class. Shouldn't waste Matt Currie at 13 - he looks top class too so let's get him at 10 now and not waste any time.

Both Blair and Townsend seem to think Kinghorn is good enough to play ten for Edinburgh and Scotland, not necessarily as first choice for Scotland, but the versatility will help the Scotland squad at the world cup, but who knows where this will lead?

Blair talked in the press about Kinghorn having that un-coachable X factor, being able to see things before other players do.

As for the attributes to play ten professionally and internationally in a top ten side, imo those attributes include the aforementioned vision, having a good kicking game from hand and from the ground, Kinghorn has that. They need pace, Toonie said Kinghorn was the quickest player in the Scotland squad.
They need a hard flat pass, Kinghorn has that, he makes mistakes with his passing a couple of times a game, but as has been said the weekend there was only his 3rd or 4th start at ten.
They need to be able to run a game, this is early doors, he looks more capable of it than I thought was possible, but he did play there at school, if anything this move will improve him immeasurably, he's admitted himself that he lost focus sometimes, he can't do that at ten. I read somewhere that he has that Johnnie Beattie thing about him, everything came far too easily to him, he never had to work or try very hard.

I thought Boffeli had a very good debut, Kinghorn has had even better performances for Edinburgh, this seems to get over looked because of a loss of form in a backline that was starved of possession and ideas for so long.
Blair's Edinburgh are a completely different team to Cockerill's, there were more back moves and cohesion on Saturday in that backline than we every saw in season after season with Cockers.

Going back to Kinghorn, at ten he looks to me like he has that thing that the very best do, he looks like he has plenty of time when he gets the ball.

[I like neeps]

Hrmm, Mike Blair and Gregor Townsend seem to disagree with that.

You don't move someone who isn't top class to fly half.

You move players who have the attributes to play 10 to 10. You don't move exclusively "top class" players to 10. If you do we've wasted Hogg's career at 15 not 10. Can't wait for Redpath to make the switch. How about moving Ali Price out one? He's top class. Shouldn't waste Matt Currie at 13 - he looks top class too so let's get him at 10 now and not waste any time.

Both Blair and Townsend seem to think Kinghorn is good enough to play ten for Edinburgh and Scotland, not necessarily as first choice for Scotland, but the versatility will help the Scotland squad at the world cup, but who knows where this will lead?

Blair talked in the press about Kinghorn having that un-coachable X factor, being able to see things before other players do.

As for the attributes to play ten professionally and internationally in a top ten side, imo those attributes include the aforementioned vision, having a good kicking game from hand and from the ground, Kinghorn has that. They need pace, Toonie said Kinghorn was the quickest player in the Scotland squad.
They need a hard flat pass, Kinghorn has that, he makes mistakes with his passing a couple of times a game, but as has been said the weekend there was only his 3rd or 4th start at ten.
They need to be able to run a game, this is early doors, he looks more capable of it than I thought was possible, but he did play there at school, if anything this move will improve him immeasurably, he's admitted himself that he lost focus sometimes, he can't do that at ten. I read somewhere that he has that Johnnie Beattie thing about him, everything came far too easily to him, he never had to work or try very hard.

I thought Boffeli had a very good debut, Kinghorn has had even better performances for Edinburgh, this seems to get over looked because of a loss of form in a backline that was starved of possession and ideas for so long.
Blair's Edinburgh are a completely different team to Cockerill's, there were more back moves and cohesion on Saturday in that backline than we every saw in season after season with Cockers.

Going back to Kinghorn, at ten he looks to me like he has that thing that the very best do, he looks like he has plenty of time when he gets the ball.

I agree, I think he's looking very good at 10 so far. I think he does have the attributes to be very good at 10. I have been extremely surprised how well he is doing.

I just don't think he can be described as to class after the last few years. Think he's been pretty average and nowhere near his potential or even the performances of his first few years.

[I like neeps]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

Saying that, I think he looks much better at 10 then you do. I think Edinburgh's dramatic upturn in attacking play is mostly Mike Blair driven but Kinghorn is making quote good decisions and a run kick pass threat.

When Kinghorn broke through it was clear he had all the weapons to be an absolutely top class player. Opposition teams were terrified of him, and supporters of rival teams envied us for having him. When he debuted in the Scotland team he looked to the manner born.

Then he lost his way in the 'I'm too good to be dropped' way that seems to bedevil good young Scots, and really was not putting the work in. Cockerill told him that he was not worth what he was being paid and he needed to sort himself out. He appears to making steps back towards what he once promised to be.

Let's not forget that Kinghorn was a 10 all the way till he was moved to 15 at U20. There were definite elements of 'put the best back in the team at 10', but whilst clearly at a lower level, to is where he learned his trade. Having said that, I am still not convinced he is a better 10 than 15, and the devastating runs he was making from 15 in the early days stick in my memory.

Agree Kinghorn's breakthrough season was as good as we've seen from a young player into Scotland maybe ever. I think Darge is that level currently. But he looked absolutely sensational.

A long time ago now though and those runs are nowhere to be seen. Funnily enough his running at 10 is looking a bit like it could be the good old days.

[robmatic]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

Saying that, I think he looks much better at 10 then you do. I think Edinburgh's dramatic upturn in attacking play is mostly Mike Blair driven but Kinghorn is making quote good decisions and a run kick pass threat.

When Kinghorn broke through it was clear he had all the weapons to be an absolutely top class player. Opposition teams were terrified of him, and supporters of rival teams envied us for having him. When he debuted in the Scotland team he looked to the manner born.

Then he lost his way in the 'I'm too good to be dropped' way that seems to bedevil good young Scots, and really was not putting the work in. Cockerill told him that he was not worth what he was being paid and he needed to sort himself out. He appears to making steps back towards what he once promised to be.

Let's not forget that Kinghorn was a 10 all the way till he was moved to 15 at U20. There were definite elements of 'put the best back in the team at 10', but whilst clearly at a lower level, to is where he learned his trade. Having said that, I am still not convinced he is a better 10 than 15, and the devastating runs he was making from 15 in the early days stick in my memory.

I think we are possibly forgetting some of the qualities of his fullback play as well given that for the last couple of seasons of Cockerill's Edinburgh there was a definite 'just shovel the ball to Duhan' plan and not much else going on for the backs.

It will be interesting to see how the season goes, as I think there's a lot more scope for rotation and competition among the backs compared to previously when 9, 10,11,14 and 15 were basically automatic picks.

[robmatic]

A long time ago now though and those runs are nowhere to be seen. Funnily enough his running at 10 is looking a bit like it could be the good old days.

When he gets through a gap, it's pretty devastating.

I said before, but it's a good time to be experimenting with his position as we are winning and the mindset seems to be really positive. Jaco looks a different player as well this season when he's allowed to actually have a go.

[Big D]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

To be fair Boffelli is a 25 cap Puma, it isn't like he is a Jade Te Rufe type signing coming in, he is a class signing. He'll probably prove to be Edinburgh's best back 3 player. I don't think he has ever disgraced himself as a winger on international duty. IIRC Townsend considers him one of the better defensive wingers he has available to him (I am sure I read that earlier this year). He has fallen in the jack of all trades master of none position though.

Let's not forget that Kinghorn was a 10 all the way till he was moved to 15 at U20. There were definite elements of 'put the best back in the team at 10', but whilst clearly at a lower level, to is where he learned his trade. Having said that, I am still not convinced he is a better 10 than 15, and the devastating runs he was making from 15 in the early days stick in my memory.

Was he not "only" a 10 because the Accies and Scotland 18s needed him to as the other guy could only play 15 and they needed both them on the field? At U20 IIRC several players rotated through the 10 shirt when Kingorn was about; Hastings, Hutchinson, Eastgate and Henderson which doesn't suggest they were overly confident about him as a 10.

Not directly related to the two posts above, but Kinghorn is still reasonably young (about to turn 25), still only a year older than the likes of Hodgson and Fagerson Jnr. He has already played over 100 games for Edinburgh. While some of his lack of progression is undoubtedly down to him, I do wonder if he was over played when younger because he was Edinburgh's only attacking weapon for a bit.

[I like neeps]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

To be fair Boffelli is a 25 cap Puma, it isn't like he is a Jade Te Rufe type signing coming in, he is a class signing. He'll probably prove to be Edinburgh's best back 3 player. I don't think he has ever disgraced himself as a winger on international duty. IIRC Townsend considers him one of the better defensive wingers he has available to him (I am sure I read that earlier this year). He has fallen in the jack of all trades master of none position though.

Sure but Kinghorn also has 25 caps and is only two years younger. Not sure many would claim Kinghorn is as good as Bofelli at 15. And that is the problem with his development.

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

[robmatic]

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

"We know he’s one of our best defenders on the wing given his pace, the size he is and his reads, but it’ll take a little while to get used to defending at first receiver.

I see Blair having the ability to play anywhere from 10 backwards. You could see him step up at 13."

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... necessity/

[I like neeps]

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

"We know he’s one of our best defenders on the wing given his pace, the size he is and his reads, but it’ll take a little while to get used to defending at first receiver.

I see Blair having the ability to play anywhere from 10 backwards. You could see him step up at 13."

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... necessity/

Well fair enough.

I've never been convinced by Kinghorn's tackling but I'm not the national coach. I am hoping he finds at home at 10 because it's been very enjoyable watching him at 10 for an exciting Edinburgh team. Shades of early Townsend at Glasgow what's going on with the very good attacking structures and rugby being played.

[Tichtheid]

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

"We know he’s one of our best defenders on the wing given his pace, the size he is and his reads, but it’ll take a little while to get used to defending at first receiver.

I see Blair having the ability to play anywhere from 10 backwards. You could see him step up at 13."

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... necessity/

He's mentioned as the quickest player in the squad here, this is the quote I remember, the only caveat now being that this was before Duhan joined the side, and Schoeman for that matter

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-scot ... 9207703687

[Yr Alban]

The only issue I have with Kinghorn at 10 is that I wonder who is going to put pressure on Hogg for the Scotland 15 shirt (or fill it if he gets injured). Apart from Kinghorn, assuming Maitland isn’t coming back, the backup would seem to be Cole Forbes, who is as yet untested at international level.

[Slick]

Now then, 13. That excites me!

[Tichtheid]

Now then, 13. That excites me!

Speaking of which, I thought Matt Currie looked good again at the weekend, his distribution is probably the best Edinburgh have at 13 and his defence was good - 9 tackles 1 miss.

He's still only 20, I think you have to be 20 or under in the calendar year for the to qualify for the U20s 6N and Junior World Cup - though I'm open to correction on that, plus we were relegated to the lower tier tournament, we had a really good cohort but Covid stopped us getting back up

[Big D]

I don't think Kinghorn is a top class player. I think he's pretty good but it's not great when Bofelli is an immediate improvement at 15, Kinghorn isn't much of a winger. And is now an experimental 10.

To be fair Boffelli is a 25 cap Puma, it isn't like he is a Jade Te Rufe type signing coming in, he is a class signing. He'll probably prove to be Edinburgh's best back 3 player. I don't think he has ever disgraced himself as a winger on international duty. IIRC Townsend considers him one of the better defensive wingers he has available to him (I am sure I read that earlier this year). He has fallen in the jack of all trades master of none position though.

Sure but Kinghorn also has 25 caps and is only two years younger. Not sure many would claim Kinghorn is as good as Bofelli at 15. And that is the problem with his development.

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

Yes, but all I was meaning is it isn't that much of a surprise that a current international full back comes in and is better than him. Especially with the disparity in coaching and environment they have been involved in. I am assuming Boffelli has had better coaching than Hodge and actually been in an enjoyable place to work.

If we take aside questions over player application, which is a factor too, I do wonder how much of this has been driven by poor coaching and recruitment in that Edinburgh backline over the Cockerill/Hodge era. If Van der Walt was above average I don't think we'd be having these conversations and Boffelli probably would never have been signed.

[robmatic]

Now then, 13. That excites me!

Speaking of which, I thought Matt Currie looked good again at the weekend, his distribution is probably the best Edinburgh have at 13 and his defence was good - 9 tackles 1 miss.

He's still only 20, I think you have to be 20 or under in the calendar year for the to qualify for the U20s 6N and Junior World Cup - though I'm open to correction on that, plus we were relegated to the lower tier tournament, we had a really good cohort but Covid stopped us getting back up

Currie looks a real prospect. Bennett looked in good nick before the AIs but Currie looks a very capable understudy and offers a lot more than JJ etc.

[Slick]

Now then, 13. That excites me!

Speaking of which, I thought Matt Currie looked good again at the weekend, his distribution is probably the best Edinburgh have at 13 and his defence was good - 9 tackles 1 miss.

He's still only 20, I think you have to be 20 or under in the calendar year for the to qualify for the U20s 6N and Junior World Cup - though I'm open to correction on that, plus we were relegated to the lower tier tournament, we had a really good cohort but Covid stopped us getting back up

He’s 20! Bloody hell.

Must admit I didn’t know much about him but also thought he played well the bits I saw. I will take a keener interest!

[I like neeps]

To be fair Boffelli is a 25 cap Puma, it isn't like he is a Jade Te Rufe type signing coming in, he is a class signing. He'll probably prove to be Edinburgh's best back 3 player. I don't think he has ever disgraced himself as a winger on international duty. IIRC Townsend considers him one of the better defensive wingers he has available to him (I am sure I read that earlier this year). He has fallen in the jack of all trades master of none position though.

Sure but Kinghorn also has 25 caps and is only two years younger. Not sure many would claim Kinghorn is as good as Bofelli at 15. And that is the problem with his development.

I would be very surprised if Townsend said that. He's said Kinghorn is the quickest winger maybe.

Yes, but all I was meaning is it isn't that much of a surprise that a current international full back comes in and is better than him. Especially with the disparity in coaching and environment they have been involved in. I am assuming Boffelli has had better coaching than Hodge and actually been in an enjoyable place to work.

If we take aside questions over player application, which is a factor too, I do wonder how much of this has been driven by poor coaching and recruitment in that Edinburgh backline over the Cockerill/Hodge era. If Van der Walt was above average I don't think we'd be having these conversations and Boffelli probably would never have been signed.

Cockerill had many failings. One of the biggest is his coaching style lacks what is now widely accepted in sports. External motivators such as bear crawls for dropping balls isn't effective and internal motivation is the name of the game. If players aren't internally motivated that's a sign of a bad player. And yes backs coaching but individually Graham and vdm because much much better players so doesn't wash for me. Scott also improved.

Also, I'm going to assume Kinghorn is and was one of the highest paid players in the squad. Paid to be one of the stars and he was not.

Not sure about VdW, I think if Kinghorn developed as expected Bofelli likely isn't signed. But he didn't, so Bofelli is here and a better option at 15. In VdW's appearance at 10 this year Vs the Stormers he was himself good. If Blair or a better coach appeared 3 years ago who knows what would've happened. What did happen was Kinghorn went from being one of the best attacking players and one of the most exciting players to the league to neither of those things. And he shouldn't blame anyone but himself, he has every single gift in the box.