The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

Hastings won't get called up. He's second choice for club now so not showing any real form.

He should be. I don’t really care how he’s playing down south, he’s a class player and we need to have him involved.

This isn’t a dig at Blair but he is not the back up 10 you want on the bench in a game like yesterday and Hastings would have been ideal

In many ways Kinghorn was exactly the type of 10 we needed on the park in the second half. Can challenge the line in a physical way if needbe but also break, has a big boot and is in reasonable form. 12 minutes, 10 of them.with 14 men isn't enough time.

The whole Russell thing is a side show because people like to focus on him. The forwards (mostly) by Price were equally as shite if not more so in some cases, we have a 13 who doesn't see the bigger picture in attack to the point he misses obvious passes when he makes a half break. For whatever reason we don't commit numbers to the breakdown in attack which led to slow static ball.

Completely disagree that Kinghorn was the type of player we needed on, it needed control not breaks and a big boot, but totally agree about Russell.

I’m not going to bore again about Johnson but As you say, price was slow, Tuipulotu gave him no options and all the ball he was getting was putting him under pressure. I don’t actually blame him that much at all.

I think it’s a bit unfair on Harris, because of all the above he was being asked to provide the go forward which just isn’t his game

[Jock42]

Have only seen Hastings play once or twice this season and probably not this year but he was fine then. The issue I have is if you're saying Kinghorn is the backup 10 you've got to use him when Russell is shite. Johnson was definitely hard done by (and played well against Munster) but when you're 9 and 10 are delivering slow/shite ball nobody else has a chance - this doesn't excuse the ill discipline obviously.

[Slick]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

[KingBlairhorn]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

Measured and ultimately I would say, correct.

[Yr Alban]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

Ach, you’re probably right. The problem is that it’s a hell of a lot easier to shrug off a bad day at the office if you know your chance will come around again soon enough. If you’re a fan of England, Ireland, Wales or France, your last title wasn’t too long ago and you can just say ‘oh well, maybe next year’. But our last title was 23 years ago. We’re desperate for success and worried that if the current generation don’t deliver any then the chance may be gone. We’ve all seen too many false dawns and had our hopes crushed too many times.

This is why I can’t bear to watch 6N games live on the TV any more. It’s too painful having my hopes dashed. (For some reason it’s not as bad actually being at the game, but I haven’t been able to in recent years). One title and it would all be different - and we could have had one last year with a 2-point swing against Wales.

[KingBlairhorn]

Not to get your hopes up again but, win against France in a fortnight and the hype train is BACK!

[Jock42]

My old username is up for grabs if any of you want it.

[Yr Alban]

Not to get your hopes up again but, win against France in a fortnight and the hype train is BACK!

Strange but true. Everyone has lost a game except for France. If we turn them over it blows the whole tournament wide open. Someone else would benefit though, as we ain’t winning in Dublin

[Big D]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

I agree except for one caveat, I still think there needs to be consequences regarding lack of discipline.

[robmatic]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

I agree except for one caveat, I still think there needs to be consequences regarding lack of discipline.

It's not very beneficial having a bomb squad if they just come on and give away dumb penalties, that's for sure.

[Slick]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

I agree except for one caveat, I still think there needs to be consequences regarding lack of discipline.

Yeah agree. I can handle being beaten by a better team, or even a team just having one of those days, but the stupid, self destructive penalties and mistakes are hard to take

[Tichtheid]

After a two year hiatus the regional championships returned on Sunday at St Andrews, I've seen some footage the conditions were challenging. As someone said, I'm glad I didn't have to wash the strips.

U17
Caledonia 12 - 24 Glasgow & West
Edinburgh 17 - 29 Borders and East Lothian

U18
Edinburgh 12 - 0 East Lothian & Borders
Caledonia 27 - 17 Glasgow & West

The next round is at Melrose on Sunday with Caledonia playing Edinburgh and East Lothian & Borders play Glasgow & West

[KingBlairhorn]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

I agree except for one caveat, I still think there needs to be consequences regarding lack of discipline.

Yeah agree. I can handle being beaten by a better team, or even a team just having one of those days, but the stupid, self destructive penalties and mistakes are hard to take

We are still generally poor when we are behind. The idea was that the fresh front row would come on with us winning (handsomely) and further turn the screw. They all got a bit overexcited in my view which caused the poor decision making.

[KingBlairhorn]

Not to get your hopes up again but, win against France in a fortnight and the hype train is BACK!

Strange but true. Everyone has lost a game except for France. If we turn them over it blows the whole tournament wide open. Someone else would benefit though, as we ain’t winning in Dublin

Probably, but it will happen some time. Man for man we are better than the Wales team last week but they found a way to win.

[Tichtheid]

Not to get your hopes up again but, win against France in a fortnight and the hype train is BACK!

Strange but true. Everyone has lost a game except for France. If we turn them over it blows the whole tournament wide open. Someone else would benefit though, as we ain’t winning in Dublin

Probably, but it will happen some time. Man for man we are better than the Wales team last week but they found a way to win.

It wasn't difficult, they attacked the breakdown vigorously and killed any momentum we had by winning penalties - mostly from our poor accuracy and not cleaning out quick enough

[I like neeps]

I'm pretty sick of talking about the weekend now, but one thing that's worth mentioning (I think) is that outside our bubble almost everyone across media, social media and beyond, thinks we are fucking nuts being so hard on the team.

Away from the trolls it seems pretty universal that those without the emotional interest think we are a really good team playing fantastic rugby and can't understand the shit being given out to some of our players - Finn and Hoggy in particular. It's the 6N and shit happens.

48 hours on, I'm inclined to agree.

I agree except for one caveat, I still think there needs to be consequences regarding lack of discipline.

Yeah agree. I can handle being beaten by a better team, or even a team just having one of those days, but the stupid, self destructive penalties and mistakes are hard to take

And the stupid penalties problem has been going on for years now. Which leads me to believe the coaches either don't know what is causing it or they do but can't stop it. Not sure which is worse.

Fagerson is a repeat offender but he's not getting dropped for Javan Sebastian. Maybe you could argue Berghan and Nel play whilst Fagerson learns his lesson. But his spot isn't under threat. He's an 80 cap player if he stays fit as there just is no depth.

I would also consider dropping Finn for France. Firstly Kinghorn looked good in his cameo Vs Wales and secondly France won't have any tape on him it could be some exciting chaos.

[KingBlairhorn]

Strange but true. Everyone has lost a game except for France. If we turn them over it blows the whole tournament wide open. Someone else would benefit though, as we ain’t winning in Dublin

Probably, but it will happen some time. Man for man we are better than the Wales team last week but they found a way to win.

It wasn't difficult, they attacked the breakdown vigorously and killed any momentum we had by winning penalties - mostly from our poor accuracy and not cleaning out quick enough

You can only imagine France (and Ireland and Italy) watched the game and will now relentlessly target the exact same area hoping for the same response. The difference of course is France and Ireland have the backs to make it really hurt.

I hope Toonie has a plan.

[Begbie]

Damn

[Yr Alban]

Damn

Not ideal. But Schoeman has probably earned the starting jersey. Question is who takes the bench spot.

[Yr Alban]

I’m really glad our next game is France at home and not Italy away. We’re on a hiding to nothing in the latter fixture - only a BP win will be acceptable, and we certainly have the players to deliver it, but Italy always up their game massively against us because they (usually correctly) see it as their most winnable fixture. If we were playing them right after a performance as abject as Saturday’s then they would really scent blood in the water.

[Tichtheid]

Damn

Not ideal. But Schoeman has probably earned the starting jersey. Question is who takes the bench spot.

Bhatti is in the squad, Kebble will be called up I imagine.

I think Bhatti forced himself in front of Kebble again for Glasgow.

[KingBlairhorn]

Damn

[removed]

Not ideal. But Schoeman has probably earned the starting jersey. Question is who takes the bench spot.

Candidates are probably Kebble, Hislop or Bhatti. I think he will go with Bhatti (as he is already in the squad), but Kebble will 'travel' with the squad for the match too.

[westport]

After a two year hiatus the regional championships returned on Sunday at St Andrews, I've seen some footage the conditions were challenging. As someone said, I'm glad I didn't have to wash the strips.

U17
Caledonia 12 - 24 Glasgow & West
Edinburgh 17 - 29 Borders and East Lothian

U18
Edinburgh 12 - 0 East Lothian & Borders
Caledonia 27 - 17 Glasgow & West

The next round is at Melrose on Sunday with Caledonia playing Edinburgh and East Lothian & Borders play Glasgow & West

A friends son was playing for Edinburgh U18 and as a spectator says the conditions were miserable

[Big D]

Damn

Not ideal. But Schoeman has probably earned the starting jersey. Question is who takes the bench spot.

Bhatti is in the squad, Kebble will be called up I imagine.

I think Bhatti forced himself in front of Kebble again for Glasgow.

I think Schoeman would have started given his form but real shame about Sutherland who has no luck with injuries.

Another chance for Bhatti to step in.

[Big D]

Probably, but it will happen some time. Man for man we are better than the Wales team last week but they found a way to win.

It wasn't difficult, they attacked the breakdown vigorously and killed any momentum we had by winning penalties - mostly from our poor accuracy and not cleaning out quick enough

You can only imagine France (and Ireland and Italy) watched the game and will now relentlessly target the exact same area hoping for the same response. The difference of course is France and Ireland have the backs to make it really hurt.

I hope Toonie has a plan.

I wonder if we'll see a curve ball with Kinghorn on the wing. I wouldn't drop VdM but if we persist with the centres used so far we need some better distribution outwith Finn. By using Kinghorn we can bring him into the backline as another distributor. We will need to move France about.

I do hope at somepoint we see Hutchinson or Bennett at 13 to see how different it looks.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

It wasn't difficult, they attacked the breakdown vigorously and killed any momentum we had by winning penalties - mostly from our poor accuracy and not cleaning out quick enough

You can only imagine France (and Ireland and Italy) watched the game and will now relentlessly target the exact same area hoping for the same response. The difference of course is France and Ireland have the backs to make it really hurt.

I hope Toonie has a plan.

I wonder if we'll see a curve ball with Kinghorn on the wing. I wouldn't drop VdM but if we persist with the centres used so far we need some better distribution outwith Finn. By using Kinghorn we can bring him into the backline as another distributor. We will need to move France about.

I do hope at somepoint we see Hutchinson or Bennett at 13 to see how different it looks.

Redpath at 12 will surely help with distribution & options. Reckon it would have helped against Wales on Saturday (though Wales's aggression at the breakdown was probably a bigger impact).

When was the last time Townsend picked anyone other than Harris at 13? (Tonga notwithstanding as it was outside the international window.) Feels like he's the first name on the teamsheet, and for good reason from a defence point of view. It would be interesting to see if our defence gets more leaky and the offence more potent with someone else there.

[Slick]

Anyone seen the Matt Williams/weird Irish video doing the rounds?

[Big D]

Anyone seen the Matt Williams/weird Irish video doing the rounds?

The guy is a cockwomble who I ignore.

[Tichtheid]

After a two year hiatus the regional championships returned on Sunday at St Andrews, I've seen some footage the conditions were challenging. As someone said, I'm glad I didn't have to wash the strips.

U17
Caledonia 12 - 24 Glasgow & West
Edinburgh 17 - 29 Borders and East Lothian

U18
Edinburgh 12 - 0 East Lothian & Borders
Caledonia 27 - 17 Glasgow & West

The next round is at Melrose on Sunday with Caledonia playing Edinburgh and East Lothian & Borders play Glasgow & West

A friends son was playing for Edinburgh U18 and as a spectator says the conditions were miserable

Likewise a mate's son was playing in the U17s, he looked drookit.

[Yr Alban]

Anyone seen the Matt Williams/weird Irish video doing the rounds?

Tom English has slapped him down on Twitter. When the sportswriter, who makes a living out of portraying Scotland as either imperious or abject, tells you you’re talking shite and you were the worst Scotland coach ever, it’s time to retire from the discussion.

FFS, the guy was coach for two dreadful seasons 17 years ago and has barely held a coaching post since. Why is anyone giving him oxygen?

[Big D]

You can only imagine France (and Ireland and Italy) watched the game and will now relentlessly target the exact same area hoping for the same response. The difference of course is France and Ireland have the backs to make it really hurt.

I hope Toonie has a plan.

I wonder if we'll see a curve ball with Kinghorn on the wing. I wouldn't drop VdM but if we persist with the centres used so far we need some better distribution outwith Finn. By using Kinghorn we can bring him into the backline as another distributor. We will need to move France about.

I do hope at somepoint we see Hutchinson or Bennett at 13 to see how different it looks.

Redpath at 12 will surely help with distribution & options. Reckon it would have helped against Wales on Saturday (though Wales's aggression at the breakdown was probably a bigger impact).

When was the last time Townsend picked anyone other than Harris at 13? (Tonga notwithstanding as it was outside the international window.) Feels like he's the first name on the teamsheet, and for good reason from a defence point of view. It would be interesting to see if our defence gets more leaky and the offence more potent with someone else there.

The more I think about Redpath the more I think we should hold him back. Our forwards are likely to be under a lot of pressure v France and Ireland so it probably suits someone battle hardened and can truck it up.

Harris in defence is unquestionably positive. But his hands and awareness of what's around him in attack isn't international level. The ball dies with him too often. I reckon if he passed it more than 5 times across the two games it would be a shock. We have arguably a top 2 back 3 in thr competition and we have a 13 who doesn't pass to them. Obviously more than the 13 is responsible for getting the ball to them but he should play a part.

[Yr Alban]

If Harris is first name on the team sheet, then I reckon we need to pair him with someone who offsets the fact that he does little in attack. Redpath would be the obvious choice. If he isn’t fully fit, perhaps we should try Hutchinson, who has been on form for Northampton? Toony will doubtless pick Tuipulotu again though.

[Slick]

I wonder if we'll see a curve ball with Kinghorn on the wing. I wouldn't drop VdM but if we persist with the centres used so far we need some better distribution outwith Finn. By using Kinghorn we can bring him into the backline as another distributor. We will need to move France about.

I do hope at somepoint we see Hutchinson or Bennett at 13 to see how different it looks.

Redpath at 12 will surely help with distribution & options. Reckon it would have helped against Wales on Saturday (though Wales's aggression at the breakdown was probably a bigger impact).

When was the last time Townsend picked anyone other than Harris at 13? (Tonga notwithstanding as it was outside the international window.) Feels like he's the first name on the teamsheet, and for good reason from a defence point of view. It would be interesting to see if our defence gets more leaky and the offence more potent with someone else there.

The more I think about Redpath the more I think we should hold him back. Our forwards are likely to be under a lot of pressure v France and Ireland so it probably suits someone battle hardened and can truck it up.

Harris in defence is unquestionably positive. But his hands and awareness of what's around him in attack isn't international level. The ball dies with him too often. I reckon if he passed it more than 5 times across the two games it would be a shock. We have arguably a top 2 back 3 in thr competition and we have a 13 who doesn't pass to them. Obviously more than the 13 is responsible for getting the ball to them but he should play a part.

Who is that truckerupper though? Tuipulotu didn’t really have an impact against Wales and they were shite.

I think the point of having Johnson or Redpath at 12 is that you don’t then need to worry too much about Harris distributing. It’s also often Hogg moving in to take Harris’ position in attack

[Slick]

On a different note, do you guys regularly listen to the Thistle podcast? I haven’t really got into podcasts in general but have listened to a couple and really enjoyed them

[Jock42]

On a different note, do you guys regularly listen to the Thistle podcast? I haven’t really got into podcasts in general but have listened to a couple and really enjoyed them

Yeah. Really like them. Used to listen to the Scottish rugby pod but went off them. The rugby pod is good but quite English centric, banter decent though, 2 mates having a chaff

[Big D]

Redpath at 12 will surely help with distribution & options. Reckon it would have helped against Wales on Saturday (though Wales's aggression at the breakdown was probably a bigger impact).

When was the last time Townsend picked anyone other than Harris at 13? (Tonga notwithstanding as it was outside the international window.) Feels like he's the first name on the teamsheet, and for good reason from a defence point of view. It would be interesting to see if our defence gets more leaky and the offence more potent with someone else there.

The more I think about Redpath the more I think we should hold him back. Our forwards are likely to be under a lot of pressure v France and Ireland so it probably suits someone battle hardened and can truck it up.

Harris in defence is unquestionably positive. But his hands and awareness of what's around him in attack isn't international level. The ball dies with him too often. I reckon if he passed it more than 5 times across the two games it would be a shock. We have arguably a top 2 back 3 in thr competition and we have a 13 who doesn't pass to them. Obviously more than the 13 is responsible for getting the ball to them but he should play a part.

Who is that truckerupper though? Tuipulotu didn’t really have an impact against Wales and they were shite.

I think the point of having Johnson or Redpath at 12 is that you don’t then need to worry too much about Harris distributing. It’s also often Hogg moving in to take Harris’ position in attack

I'm not intending to watch the game again so will trust others on this, but I don't remember many plays designed for Tuipulotu's strengths off set piece ball or of decent phase play.

I wouldn't mind Johnson in. My worry, is that for all we have hopes on Redpath and maybe Hutchinson as he is playing well there at Saints, there are some things to consider before throwing them to wolves at 12.

Redpath is just back off a serious injury and had 90min international rugby experience. And crucially for me has understandably looked off the pace so far since his return.

Hutchinson has 5 caps, has never played 12 at international level (I think) and only just back in the camp. If he's been running at 12 in training but has likely been taking reps behind 3 people if at all.

France are flying and away in Ireland is always tough. Redpath will need to play these hard games at some point, I just worry that starting him now is asking an awful lot.

[Big D]

On a different note, do you guys regularly listen to the Thistle podcast? I haven’t really got into podcasts in general but have listened to a couple and really enjoyed them

Yeah. Really like them. Used to listen to the Scottish rugby pod but went off them. The rugby pod is good but quite English centric, banter decent though, 2 mates having a chaff

The thistle is decent, sometimes talk pish about the forwards but understandable as they all were backs IIRC.

[Jock42]

On a different note, do you guys regularly listen to the Thistle podcast? I haven’t really got into podcasts in general but have listened to a couple and really enjoyed them

Yeah. Really like them. Used to listen to the Scottish rugby pod but went off them. The rugby pod is good but quite English centric, banter decent though, 2 mates having a chaff

The thistle is decent, sometimes talk pish about the forwards but understandable as they all were backs IIRC.

It's a mystery to me anyway so I don't really care

[robmatic]

If Harris is first name on the team sheet, then I reckon we need to pair him with someone who offsets the fact that he does little in attack. Redpath would be the obvious choice. If he isn’t fully fit, perhaps we should try Hutchinson, who has been on form for Northampton? Toony will doubtless pick Tuipulotu again though.

Lang has been looking good at 12 for Edinburgh this season, although he does seem to get injured every 40 minutes.

[Tichtheid]

There is obviously a lot more to it than bare numbers, but my interest was piqued enough to look up the number of passes made by outside centres at the weekend.


Brex Italy 9
Marchant Eng 7
Fickou France 7
Ringrose Ireland 3
Watkin Wales 2
Harris Scotland 2