The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[KingBlairhorn]

Rudi Brown is only 18 and has only just been getting picked up by Scotland u20s this season. Bit of a fast track opportunity for him this weekend!

You always have to take these things with a pinch of salt, but the SRU has him at over six four and seventeen stones +.

That is a sizeable lump of a laddie for the back row.

He was playing for Merchiston's first XV when he was 15 and was big then.

Where does he play in the BR? We seem to be producing a glut of excellent 7s (Darge, Boyle, Tait), and there are two very good 8s (Leatherbarrow and Muncaster) but I have little knowledge of top 6s breaking through.

[I like neeps]

You always have to take these things with a pinch of salt, but the SRU has him at over six four and seventeen stones +.

That is a sizeable lump of a laddie for the back row.

He was playing for Merchiston's first XV when he was 15 and was big then.

Where does he play in the BR? We seem to be producing a glut of excellent 7s (Darge, Boyle, Tait), and there are two very good 8s (Leatherbarrow and Muncaster) but I have little knowledge of top 6s breaking through.

He's an 8, my concern is a bit he's such a physical freak playing 8 when you're the biggest lad in schoolboy rugby is a bit easier. We'll see how he translates but an exciting project.

[I like neeps]

Craig Chalmers not a fan of the switch.

What is interesting is Blair confirmed it was a Scotland idea rather than an Edinburgh idea. It makes sense it was becoming obvious he probably wasn't an international class back 3 player.

[Slick]

Craig Chalmers not a fan of the switch.

What is interesting is Blair confirmed it was a Scotland idea rather than an Edinburgh idea. It makes sense it was becoming obvious he probably wasn't an international class back 3 player.

I still think he is an international class 15 who can get better. I saw that Blair also mentioned him at 13, that would interest me a lot more than 10.

[KingBlairhorn]

He was playing for Merchiston's first XV when he was 15 and was big then.

Where does he play in the BR? We seem to be producing a glut of excellent 7s (Darge, Boyle, Tait), and there are two very good 8s (Leatherbarrow and Muncaster) but I have little knowledge of top 6s breaking through.

He's an 8, my concern is a bit he's such a physical freak playing 8 when you're the biggest lad in schoolboy rugby is a bit easier. We'll see how he translates but an exciting project.

Definitely. But on the other hand, learning to use your size seems to be an issue with Scottish players. Bradbury is bigger than almost all the opposition back rows renowned for their carrying ability (i.e. Aldritt, Jelonch, Woki, Conan, Dorris, Van der Flier, Curry) but is less effective than all of them IMO. Matt Fagerson is a similar size to most of those listed, but also less effective. Scottish S&C at U20 (and below) level was an issue for years - I remember watching us in the U20 competitions maybe 5+ years ago and it was like watching a group of schoolboys turn out against full grown men. There may or may not have been a skill deficit, but there was definitely a size deficit. That is no longer the case, but it would have been when the likes of Bradbury and to a lesser extent Fagerson broke through. If they never learned to use their frame early on, perhaps that explains why they still cannot do it now?

[dpedin]

Where does he play in the BR? We seem to be producing a glut of excellent 7s (Darge, Boyle, Tait), and there are two very good 8s (Leatherbarrow and Muncaster) but I have little knowledge of top 6s breaking through.

He's an 8, my concern is a bit he's such a physical freak playing 8 when you're the biggest lad in schoolboy rugby is a bit easier. We'll see how he translates but an exciting project.

Definitely. But on the other hand, learning to use your size seems to be an issue with Scottish players. Bradbury is bigger than almost all the opposition back rows renowned for their carrying ability (i.e. Aldritt, Jelonch, Woki, Conan, Dorris, Van der Flier, Curry) but is less effective than all of them IMO. Matt Fagerson is a similar size to most of those listed, but also less effective. Scottish S&C at U20 (and below) level was an issue for years - I remember watching us in the U20 competitions maybe 5+ years ago and it was like watching a group of schoolboys turn out against full grown men. There may or may not have been a skill deficit, but there was definitely a size deficit. That is no longer the case, but it would have been when the likes of Bradbury and to a lesser extent Fagerson broke through. If they never learned to use their frame early on, perhaps that explains why they still cannot do it now?

I think that's a bit unfair on the likes of Bradbury and Matt Fagerson. I have seen both have carry well recently - M Fagerson was MotM against England for example and was easily the best back rower on the park. Bradbury has destroyed teams when playing for Edinburgh this season and was instrumental in the draw with England back in 2019. Sometimes it is the collective pack efforts that enable the big back row guys to carry the ball - tying the opposition into the mauls and rucks, carrying hard in earlier phases, etc.

I agree that our S&C for age grades has improved massively in recent years but we are fishing in a small pool and sometimes we just don't have the big guys who mature at the right age - it is better for the player to take time when building them up. I am not that keen on seeing young guys trying to bulk up too early in their teens, it isn't very good for their physical development and longer term health to get them doing heavy weights etc too young. Some guys develop the physique in mid teens, others will be later and take time to grow into their frames and I would like to think that the SRU are driven more by the players best interests then the need to bulk them up earlier than they should. We don't want to end up like SA with the use of steroids widespread within schools and colleges! England just have the huge player pool and can pick big guys at that age.

[Biffer]

He's an 8, my concern is a bit he's such a physical freak playing 8 when you're the biggest lad in schoolboy rugby is a bit easier. We'll see how he translates but an exciting project.

Definitely. But on the other hand, learning to use your size seems to be an issue with Scottish players. Bradbury is bigger than almost all the opposition back rows renowned for their carrying ability (i.e. Aldritt, Jelonch, Woki, Conan, Dorris, Van der Flier, Curry) but is less effective than all of them IMO. Matt Fagerson is a similar size to most of those listed, but also less effective. Scottish S&C at U20 (and below) level was an issue for years - I remember watching us in the U20 competitions maybe 5+ years ago and it was like watching a group of schoolboys turn out against full grown men. There may or may not have been a skill deficit, but there was definitely a size deficit. That is no longer the case, but it would have been when the likes of Bradbury and to a lesser extent Fagerson broke through. If they never learned to use their frame early on, perhaps that explains why they still cannot do it now?

I think that's a bit unfair on the likes of Bradbury and Matt Fagerson. I have seen both have carry well recently - M Fagerson was MotM against England for example and was easily the best back rower on the park. Bradbury has destroyed teams when playing for Edinburgh this season and was instrumental in the draw with England back in 2019. Sometimes it is the collective pack efforts that enable the big back row guys to carry the ball - tying the opposition into the mauls and rucks, carrying hard in earlier phases, etc.

I agree that our S&C for age grades has improved massively in recent years but we are fishing in a small pool and sometimes we just don't have the big guys who mature at the right age - it is better for the player to take time when building them up. I am not that keen on seeing young guys trying to bulk up too early in their teens, it isn't very good for their physical development and longer term health to get them doing heavy weights etc too young. Some guys develop the physique in mid teens, others will be later and take time to grow into their frames and I would like to think that the SRU are driven more by the players best interests then the need to bulk them up earlier than they should. We don't want to end up like SA with the use of steroids widespread within schools and colleges! England just have the huge player pool and can pick big guys at that age.

I'm still of the opinion our young guys don't play enough rugby and that is a key problem both for this type of player and for front rows.

[KingBlairhorn]

Edinburgh utterly rotten for the first 25+ minutes, but scramble defence was resolute. They’ve now absolutely turned it on and are 21-8 into half time.

Kinghorn has been good, Boyle excellent, Muncaster pretty good too.

[Slick]

The first 25 minutes was honestly the worst performance I have seen from a backline in pro club rugby, 9, 12 and 13 absolutely stinking.

Since 27 minutes it has been absolutely brilliant to watch with just about everything sticking. Really enjoyable game

[Tichtheid]

Edinburgh utterly rotten for the first 25+ minutes, but scramble defence was resolute. They’ve now absolutely turned it on and are 21-8 into half time.

Kinghorn has been good, Boyle excellent, Muncaster pretty good too.

Boyle looks the real deal to me, same with Muncaster.

Kinghorn is going to be a proper ten, it might take another year at least, but he is going to get there.

[Tichtheid]

The first 25 minutes was honestly the worst performance I have seen from a backline in pro club rugby, 9, 12 and 13 absolutely stinking.

Since 27 minutes it has been absolutely brilliant to watch with just about everything sticking. Really enjoyable game

Agree with all of that.

The scrum has been good.

[KingBlairhorn]

And there’s the BP, fewer than two minutes into the second half. Lovely.

[Slick]

The first 25 minutes was honestly the worst performance I have seen from a backline in pro club rugby, 9, 12 and 13 absolutely stinking.

Since 27 minutes it has been absolutely brilliant to watch with just about everything sticking. Really enjoyable game

Agree with all of that.

The scrum has been good.

Yes, scrum has been great and Boyle really good.

As I type, Kinghorn

[Slick]

Don’t know if it has happened since he has been with Scotland, but big difference with Kinghorn in this game so far is that he has stepped a metre flatter and not crabbing across. The defence is completely held by him which hasn’t been happening until now, really impressive

[KingBlairhorn]

Don’t know if it has happened since he has been with Scotland, but big difference with Kinghorn in this game so far is that he has stepped a metre flatter and not crabbing across. The defence is completely held by him which hasn’t been happening until now, really impressive

With his acceleration, pace, strength and agility it’s a very good tactic. Historically he has been a little erratic with his passing under pressure, if he can solve that his other attributes will give him a huge edge.

[KingBlairhorn]

Muncaster basically playing 8 from 6. You can tell he’s been hanging around with Mata and Kunavula though, throwing offloads every opportunity

[I like neeps]

Kinghorn on the front foot is special at 10

[Slick]

This performance from Kinghorn is actually making me a bit emotional, absolutely brilliant, so pleased for the guy. We all know he has “it” but this is special

[Slick]

Kinghorn on the front foot is special at 10

To be fair, even Immelmann looks good

[KingBlairhorn]

This performance from Kinghorn is actually making me a bit emotional, absolutely brilliant, so pleased for the guy. We all know he has “it” but this is special

This is the first time I’ve seen him put in a performance against a good side. This is a big step. If he can make that a regular occurrence and then start to turn it on against top sides then we might have a bit of a find.

[I like neeps]

This is the best I've ever seen Chris Dean play too.

[Slick]

This is the best I've ever seen Chris Dean play too.

I’m giving him a pass at the moment considering how terrible the first 25 was. But yeah, done well since

[I like neeps]

This is the best I've ever seen Chris Dean play too.

I’m giving him a pass at the moment considering how terrible the first 25 was. But yeah, done well since

I missed the first 30 minutes!

[Slick]

This performance from Kinghorn is actually making me a bit emotional, absolutely brilliant, so pleased for the guy. We all know he has “it” but this is special

This is the first time I’ve seen him put in a performance against a good side. This is a big step. If he can make that a regular occurrence and then start to turn it on against top sides then we might have a bit of a find.

Really wonder how much spending the last month with Scotland and Toony has made a difference. Not a criticism of Blair in any way at all but you have to think spending all that time with our 2 best 10’s of the last 20 years must have helped

[Slick]

This is the best I've ever seen Chris Dean play too.

I’m giving him a pass at the moment considering how terrible the first 25 was. But yeah, done well since

I missed the first 30 minutes!

It was comical

[KingBlairhorn]

This performance from Kinghorn is actually making me a bit emotional, absolutely brilliant, so pleased for the guy. We all know he has “it” but this is special

This is the first time I’ve seen him put in a performance against a good side. This is a big step. If he can make that a regular occurrence and then start to turn it on against top sides then we might have a bit of a find.

Really wonder how much spending the last month with Scotland and Toony has made a difference. Not a criticism of Blair in any way at all but you have to think spending all that time with our 2 best 10’s of the last 20 years must have helped

I don’t think Duncy Weir has been in camp mate

[Slick]

This is the first time I’ve seen him put in a performance against a good side. This is a big step. If he can make that a regular occurrence and then start to turn it on against top sides then we might have a bit of a find.

Really wonder how much spending the last month with Scotland and Toony has made a difference. Not a criticism of Blair in any way at all but you have to think spending all that time with our 2 best 10’s of the last 20 years must have helped

I don’t think Duncy Weir has been in camp mate

By the way, the reference to Blair, was Mike, not e boy himself

[KingBlairhorn]

100m from 14 carries for Muncaster tonight apparently. Ooft.

[Tichtheid]

Chris Dean had a poor start to the game, but that is very unusual for him, he is a very classy player, guys who work with him all say he is one of the best they've played with

[Slick]

It does make me wonder if a lot of these young guys coming through, who have grown up in a period of relative success for Scottish rugby, maybe don’t have the same inferiority/mental blocks that previous generations have

[Big D]

56 unanswered points is pretty special at this level even of Connacht were shite.

So many good performances. Initial thoughts are I'm not sure Crosbie and Haining should be ahead of Muncaster and Boyle when they are available for selection. Muncaster looks to the Manor born.

Morale boosting performance for Kinghorn too and how quickly have the Argentines settled? Bofelli has been great.

Back 5 in the scrum players missing, all internationals:
GG
Sykes
Hodgson
Toolis
Mata
Watson
Ritchie
Bradbury
Haining
Crosbie

And yet none of those playing looked out of place.

[Slick]

Also, we all knew it was desperately needed, but what a difference the stadium is making

[Big D]

Forgot to add. Rudi is not a small teenager.

[Tichtheid]

Forgot to add. Rudi is not a small teenager.

Beast.

With a full beard at 18.

[KingBlairhorn]

56 unanswered points is pretty special at this level even of Connacht were shite.

So many good performances. Initial thoughts are I'm not sure Crosbie and Haining should be ahead of Muncaster and Boyle when they are available for selection. Muncaster looks to the Manor born.

Morale boosting performance for Kinghorn too and how quickly have the Argentines settled? Bofelli has been great.

Back 5 in the scrum players missing, all internationals:
GG
Sykes
Hodgson
Toolis
Mata
Watson
Ritchie
Bradbury
Haining
Crosbie

And yet none of those playing looked out of place.

Muncaster is best at 8 which is a problem because Edinburgh have 4 excellent 8s in Mata, Bradbury, Kunavula and now Muncaster. It would be a travesty if we finally uncovered a hard running 8 and converted him into a 6!

There were strong rumours a while back that Bradbury has signed for Sarries. If true that would open a bit of a path for him.

[fishfoodie]

Also, we all knew it was desperately needed, but what a difference the stadium is making

It has to be good for players to hear a full throated crowd behind you; & it seems like Friday night Rugby could suit the stadium ?

Well done Edinburgh; once they got in gear Connacht couldn't get within a asses roar of them

[Big D]

From Mike Blairs comments there, he and Townsend have fancied Kinghorn at 10 for a while. Said they had talked how much of an athlete he is, but I suspect that is code for "what other positions we fancied him in".

[Big D]

56 unanswered points is pretty special at this level even of Connacht were shite.

So many good performances. Initial thoughts are I'm not sure Crosbie and Haining should be ahead of Muncaster and Boyle when they are available for selection. Muncaster looks to the Manor born.

Morale boosting performance for Kinghorn too and how quickly have the Argentines settled? Bofelli has been great.

Back 5 in the scrum players missing, all internationals:
GG
Sykes
Hodgson
Toolis
Mata
Watson
Ritchie
Bradbury
Haining
Crosbie

And yet none of those playing looked out of place.

Muncaster is best at 8 which is a problem because Edinburgh have 4 excellent 8s in Mata, Bradbury, Kunavula and now Muncaster. It would be a travesty if we finally uncovered a hard running 8 and converted him into a 6!

There were strong rumours a while back that Bradbury has signed for Sarries. If true that would open a bit of a path for him.

For Muncaster, getting him games is the important thing for now then we, well Blair, can worry about getting him time at 8. Mata has another year left too so he won't be around for ever.

Should have said in my post. Lawrie is doing decent things with the pack too.

[Tichtheid]

Shite, I've just realised that I forgot to record that game.

[Big D]

Shite, I've just realised that I forgot to record that game.

On again at 4am.