The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

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

I'm surprised Ringrose touched it more than 3x given Aki mainly hits it up!

[KingBlairhorn]

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

I listen to both. Most episodes of the Thistle, some of the Scottish Rugby pod. I like the thistle much more, they seem to have an inside track and the episodes are a reasonable length for a bus journey. I find the Scottish Rugby pod a bit long (episodes can be an hour and a half) and quite high on waffle. I like the host Cammy, and the guy who was a forward for Howe, but there is one guy who is a Glasgow fan who really gets on my nerves.

[Biffer]

I’m absolutely fine with Harris at 13 if there’s a ball player at 12. The big problem for me last weekend is that both centres were not what you describe as passing players. You can’t attack with any consistency when you have two players of the type in there. It’s not the only reason we were a bit shit (handling errors and knock ones were just awful), but it’s part of it. And that’s on Toony.

[Slick]

I’m absolutely fine with Harris at 13 if there’s a ball player at 12. The big problem for me last weekend is that both centres were not what you describe as passing players. You can’t attack with any consistency when you have two players of the type in there. It’s not the only reason we were a bit shit (handling errors and knock ones were just awful), but it’s part of it. And that’s on Toony.

This one is on Toony, I still don't get the logic really. It looked wrong and so it proved. What ball we did have against England we used OK so I don't understand the reason for the change.

Re Redpath, I'd be happy throwing him in at this stage.

[ASMO]

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.

Sink or swim, what alternative do you have? Jones maybe who seems to have drifted completely off the radar but seems to be doing ok at Quins.

[robmatic]

I’m absolutely fine with Harris at 13 if there’s a ball player at 12. The big problem for me last weekend is that both centres were not what you describe as passing players. You can’t attack with any consistency when you have two players of the type in there. It’s not the only reason we were a bit shit (handling errors and knock ones were just awful), but it’s part of it. And that’s on Toony.

Looking at the stats, there was a total of 5 passes made by Harris and Tuipulotu. That's not great.

[Big D]

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.

Sink or swim, what alternative do you have? Jones maybe who seems to have drifted completely off the radar but seems to be doing ok at Quins.

He (Redpath) isn't fully match fit to play 60min at that intensity. That's been clear in his Bath games and Saturday. He also isn't a centre who will carry straight and hard. So we are talking about throwing a not fully fit fledgling international in to a game against an in form French side with two high class centres.

I mentioned Hutchinson because he's been playing 12 for Saints but he's clearly in the squad as a 13.

Sam Johnson would do the job next week.

[Big D]

I’m absolutely fine with Harris at 13 if there’s a ball player at 12. The big problem for me last weekend is that both centres were not what you describe as passing players. You can’t attack with any consistency when you have two players of the type in there. It’s not the only reason we were a bit shit (handling errors and knock ones were just awful), but it’s part of it. And that’s on Toony.

Looking at the stats, there was a total of 5 passes made by Harris and Tuipulotu. That's not great.

6 if you include Redpath. So 160min+ of rugby and our centres combined passed less than 3 of the OCs on show over the 6N weekend.

[Biffer]

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.

Sink or swim, what alternative do you have? Jones maybe who seems to have drifted completely off the radar but seems to be doing ok at Quins.

He (Redpath) isn't fully match fit to play 60min at that intensity. That's been clear in his Bath games and Saturday. He also isn't a centre who will carry straight and hard. So we are talking about throwing a not fully fit fledgling international in to a game against an in form French side with two high class centres.

I mentioned Hutchinson because he's been playing 12 for Saints but he's clearly in the squad as a 13.

Sam Johnson would do the job next week.

Let's see how he goes at the weekend - I assume he'll be playing for Bath on Saturday

[Slick]

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.

Sink or swim, what alternative do you have? Jones maybe who seems to have drifted completely off the radar but seems to be doing ok at Quins.

He (Redpath) isn't fully match fit to play 60min at that intensity. That's been clear in his Bath games and Saturday. He also isn't a centre who will carry straight and hard. So we are talking about throwing a not fully fit fledgling international in to a game against an in form French side with two high class centres.

I mentioned Hutchinson because he's been playing 12 for Saints but he's clearly in the squad as a 13.

Sam Johnson would do the job next week.

I’d start Johnson with Redpath coming on later

[Tichtheid]

We could play peak Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and it would make no difference unless we sort out the breakdown and first phase - we want to play off good quick ball and we are just not getting it.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

We could play peak Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and it would make no difference unless we sort out the breakdown and first phase - we want to play off good quick ball and we are just not getting it.

Agreed! Let's not pick Skinner at 6 again (happy to see him in the second row though).

Christie at 6?

[Slick]

We could play peak Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and it would make no difference unless we sort out the breakdown and first phase - we want to play off good quick ball and we are just not getting it.

Agreed! Let's not pick Skinner at 6 again (happy to see him in the second row though).

Christie at 6?

We took 2 pretty big hits with regards to the breakdown against Wales with Ritchie being out and Fagerson going off sharpish.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

We could play peak Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and it would make no difference unless we sort out the breakdown and first phase - we want to play off good quick ball and we are just not getting it.

Agreed! Let's not pick Skinner at 6 again (happy to see him in the second row though).

Christie at 6?

We took 2 pretty big hits with regards to the breakdown against Wales with Ritchie being out and Fagerson going off sharpish.

Ah true, forgot about Fagerson jnr going off. General opinion is that Bradbury didn't perform as well at 8?

[Slick]

Agreed! Let's not pick Skinner at 6 again (happy to see him in the second row though).

Christie at 6?

We took 2 pretty big hits with regards to the breakdown against Wales with Ritchie being out and Fagerson going off sharpish.

Ah true, forgot about Fagerson jnr going off. General opinion is that Bradbury didn't perform as well at 8?

hard to tell to be honest

[robmatic]

We could play peak Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith and it would make no difference unless we sort out the breakdown and first phase - we want to play off good quick ball and we are just not getting it.

Agreed! Let's not pick Skinner at 6 again (happy to see him in the second row though).

Christie at 6?

We took 2 pretty big hits with regards to the breakdown against Wales with Ritchie being out and Fagerson going off sharpish.

Might not have mattered so much if we'd played 3 actual back rows. There didn't seem to be much gain in the lineout by having Skinner there either, I don't remember him taking one.

[KingBlairhorn]

The SRU have announced an additional competition to bridge the gap left by the loss of cross-border competition for the Super6 teams. They will now play a 'sprint' competition starting in April which will consist of each team playing the others once, followed by seeded top vs bottom games to decide places (i.e. 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4). I'm not clear if there is then a final after that, but I don't think so. There is also an east vs west game at the end of this part of the season with Southern Knights, Heriots and Watsonians playing for the East team and Boroughmuir (!), Ayrshire Bulls and Stirling County playing for the West team.

After that they go into the regular Super6 season same as last year.

[Biffer]

The SRU have announced an additional competition to bridge the gap left by the loss of cross-border competition for the Super6 teams. They will now play a 'sprint' competition starting in April which will consist of each team playing the others once, followed by seeded top vs bottom games to decide places (i.e. 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4). I'm not clear if there is then a final after that, but I don't think so. There is also an east vs west game at the end of this part of the season with Southern Knights, Heriots and Watsonians playing for the East team and Boroughmuir (!), Ayrshire Bulls and Stirling County playing for the West team.

After that they go into the regular Super6 season same as last year.

Good that the filler comp is happening. Really hope the cross border stuff kicks in next year, I think it'll work out to be a good development competition if that happens, and I'd like to see London Scottish and a Glasgow team in there too. It's what Glasgow Hawks were designed for, isn't it. The only clubs who made an effort towards finding a way to move towards a more sensible structure for professionalism back in the day, and they've never got the reward for it.

Like the East West game, but would have made more sense to have the three Edinburgh clubs against the others.

[I like neeps]

The SRU have announced an additional competition to bridge the gap left by the loss of cross-border competition for the Super6 teams. They will now play a 'sprint' competition starting in April which will consist of each team playing the others once, followed by seeded top vs bottom games to decide places (i.e. 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4). I'm not clear if there is then a final after that, but I don't think so. There is also an east vs west game at the end of this part of the season with Southern Knights, Heriots and Watsonians playing for the East team and Boroughmuir (!), Ayrshire Bulls and Stirling County playing for the West team.

After that they go into the regular Super6 season same as last year.

Boroughmuir have been aligned to Glasgow throughout so this does make sense they're in the East.

With covid restrictions non existent really anymore - why couldn't they get the Welsh teams involved again I wonder? Cost?

I am glad that they have brought this second competition into it. Makes a lot of sense so players won't have nine months off. The sprint competition will likely have a good few fringe Glasgow and Edinburgh players hopefully.

Good to boost infrastructure of the clubs as well.

[Biffer]

With covid restrictions non existent really anymore - why couldn't they get the Welsh teams involved again I wonder? Cost?

I'm going to go with the Welsh being dicks.

I find it's a reasonable answer to most questions.

[Jock42]

It's good they're being proactive and trying to increase games. It's a pity it's not against different opposition but it's better than nothing in the short term. I like the East v West thing, hopefully that expands as the comp does.

[Slick]

With covid restrictions non existent really anymore - why couldn't they get the Welsh teams involved again I wonder? Cost?

I'm going to go with the Welsh being dicks.

I find it's a reasonable answer to most questions.

Could they maybe look at playing North of England clubs, Newcastle 2's, Ottley, Preston Grasshoppers etc. They are always moaning about being ignored by the RFU.

[I like neeps]

The SRU have announced an additional competition to bridge the gap left by the loss of cross-border competition for the Super6 teams. They will now play a 'sprint' competition starting in April which will consist of each team playing the others once, followed by seeded top vs bottom games to decide places (i.e. 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4). I'm not clear if there is then a final after that, but I don't think so. There is also an east vs west game at the end of this part of the season with Southern Knights, Heriots and Watsonians playing for the East team and Boroughmuir (!), Ayrshire Bulls and Stirling County playing for the West team.

After that they go into the regular Super6 season same as last year.

Good that the filler comp is happening. Really hope the cross border stuff kicks in next year, I think it'll work out to be a good development competition if that happens, and I'd like to see London Scottish and a Glasgow team in there too. It's what Glasgow Hawks were designed for, isn't it. The only clubs who made an effort towards finding a way to move towards a more sensible structure for professionalism back in the day, and they've never got the reward for it.

Like the East West game, but would have made more sense to have the three Edinburgh clubs against the others.

Boroughmuir have Glasgow stage 3s which is why it makes sense to keep them west. I'd presume Tait will be in an all-stars team anyway.

Don't agree about Hawks - unless they strip maybe Heriots or Watsons of a club. The 8th super 8 team has to be Dundee or Aberdeen if the thought of a third pro team is (and I don't think it should be) one of those cities.

[I like neeps]

With covid restrictions non existent really anymore - why couldn't they get the Welsh teams involved again I wonder? Cost?

I'm going to go with the Welsh being dicks.

I find it's a reasonable answer to most questions.

Could they maybe look at playing North of England clubs, Newcastle 2's, Ottley, Preston Grasshoppers etc. They are always moaning about being ignored by the RFU.

Think that level is fully amateur though isn't it? Not sure it would work.

[Jock42]

Was the original plan to include championship sides or have I made that up?

[Biffer]

Was the original plan to include championship sides or have I made that up?

There was some thought of that I recall but I don't think they were interested. The Championship is a bit of a shitshow atm as well, no idea what's going to happen there. Might end up just being, in effect, premiership reserve teams before too long.

[Jock42]

Another tough match this week and need a big improvement from Leinster. Would have Blain on the wing and Boffelli at FB but other than that no real complaints.

[JM2K6]

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

I'm surprised Ringrose touched it more than 3x given Aki mainly hits it up!

I think the days of the ball going 9 -> 10 -> 12 -> 13 are long gone!

[Big D]

Another tough match this week and need a big improvement from Leinster. Would have Blain on the wing and Boffelli at FB but other than that no real complaints.

Hodgson retained by Scotland, which is a slight surprise.

[Slick]

Edinburgh have 2 excellent full backs and neither is playing full back,

[Tichtheid]

Edinburgh have 2 excellent full backs and neither is playing full back,

That selection is a Darcy Graham short of our first choice backline, albeit with Boffelli moving into fullback from the wing.

Kinghorn's improvement at ten will stall at some point, everyone has an off game, but I'm really excited by his progress, he's easily the best fly half at the club.

[Slick]

Edinburgh have 2 excellent full backs and neither is playing full back,

That selection is a Darcy Graham short of our first choice backline, albeit with Boffelli moving into fullback from the wing.

Kinghorn's improvement at ten will stall at some point, everyone has an off game, but I'm really excited by his progress, he's easily the best fly half at the club.

Don't disagree with any of that, but I've been so impressed with Boffelli, and not with Immelman, that it would be nice to see him playing there.

[Jock42]

Edinburgh have 2 excellent full backs and neither is playing full back,

That selection is a Darcy Graham short of our first choice backline, albeit with Boffelli moving into fullback from the wing.

Kinghorn's improvement at ten will stall at some point, everyone has an off game, but I'm really excited by his progress, he's easily the best fly half at the club.

Don't disagree with any of that, but I've been so impressed with Boffelli, and not with Immelman, that it would be nice to see him playing there.

Indeed. I'm not seeing whatever Blair is with him. I thought he was solid enough initially but he just seems stodgy now.

Blain isn't listed as injured.

[Biffer]

That selection is a Darcy Graham short of our first choice backline, albeit with Boffelli moving into fullback from the wing.

Kinghorn's improvement at ten will stall at some point, everyone has an off game, but I'm really excited by his progress, he's easily the best fly half at the club.

Don't disagree with any of that, but I've been so impressed with Boffelli, and not with Immelman, that it would be nice to see him playing there.

Indeed. I'm not seeing whatever Blair is with him. I thought he was solid enough initially but he just seems stodgy now.

Blain isn't listed as injured.

I'd be all for Boffelli at FB and Owsley on the wing just to terrify people.

[Jock42]

He actually is listed as injured.

[Dogbert]

1. Oli Kebble (68)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (118)
3. Simon Berghan (4)
4. Kiran McDonald (45)
5. Richie Gray (73)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (203)
7. Thomas Gordon (44)
8. Jack Dempsey (12)

9. George Horne (77)
10. Domingo Miotti (1)
11. Rufus McLean (18)
12. Sam Johnson (84)
13. Kyle Steyn (43)
14. Walter Fifita (1)
15. Ollie Smith (12)

16. Johnny Matthews (21)
17. Nathan McBeth (2)
18. Enrique Pieretto (29)
19. Lewis Bean (15)
20. Ally Miller (5)
21. Jamie Dobie (28)
22. Ross Thompson (26)
23. Stafford McDowall (32)

Miotti starts, he does exist

[robmatic]

Edinburgh have 2 excellent full backs and neither is playing full back,

That selection is a Darcy Graham short of our first choice backline, albeit with Boffelli moving into fullback from the wing.

Kinghorn's improvement at ten will stall at some point, everyone has an off game, but I'm really excited by his progress, he's easily the best fly half at the club.

Playing fly half away at Munster is exactly the kind of game that Kinghorn needs to get under his belt. To be honest, I'd prefer him to have performed in a few more similar games before being chosen as Russell's back up in the 6 Nations.

[robmatic]

Miotti starts, he does exist

What's the story with it taking him so long to get a game when neither Thompson or Weir have been in great form?

[Tichtheid]

1. Oli Kebble (68)
2. Fraser Brown (C) (118)
3. Simon Berghan (4)
4. Kiran McDonald (45)
5. Richie Gray (73)
6. Ryan Wilson (C) (203)
7. Thomas Gordon (44)
8. Jack Dempsey (12)

9. George Horne (77)
10. Domingo Miotti (1)
11. Rufus McLean (18)
12. Sam Johnson (84)
13. Kyle Steyn (43)
14. Walter Fifita (1)
15. Ollie Smith (12)

16. Johnny Matthews (21)
17. Nathan McBeth (2)
18. Enrique Pieretto (29)
19. Lewis Bean (15)
20. Ally Miller (5)
21. Jamie Dobie (28)
22. Ross Thompson (26)
23. Stafford McDowall (32)

Miotti starts, he does exist

Big Wattie could be a real player for Glasgow, he looked very dangerous for Tonga. Darcy Graham is a good defender but giving away about 100kg he became little more than a speed bump.

[KingBlairhorn]

Kerr could probably do a job for us. Hodgson and Sykes will win many full caps in the next few years. I'd put Muncaster in the back row, he is a beast. Carmichael had to retire last year due to ongoing concussion problems, unfortunately.
Currie at 13 for Edinburgh looks like a real prospect

Props, particularly good tight heads are like hens teeth at the moment

Berghan is starting for Glasgow this weekend. Rae plays weekly at Bath. Berghy is more than serviceable. Fagerson, Berghan and Nel is a good three. We desperately need Walker to come through.

I wonder the plan at Edinburgh actually. Nel probably has a year or two left. Then it's De Bruin - unconvincing. Don't tell me Atalifo and Williams are expected to step up. What a mess Cockers made of it in the end. Now is exactly when McCallum should have been week in week out starter.

Dan Gamble is the next cab off the rank from the Edinburgh academy and is well regarded. He is around 20/21 now I think, so realistically it might be a couple of years until he is regularly starting for Edinburgh, let alone Scotland. Zander's rise was extremely unusual in terms of his breakthrough age.

There's also Mak Wilson who is slightly older (21/22) and at Quins. I think he has benched for them once or twice now. I'm sure I heard he was back up playing in the Super6 last year, but perhaps I'm misremembering.

Murphy Walker was a loosie I think at U20 - has he converted to tighthead?

I wasn't actually aware but both Gamble and Wilson are currently (on loan?) at London Scottish. Mak Wilson starts against Nottingham tomorrow with Gamble on the bench.