The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

Rory Hutchinson is right now Scotland's best back. Basically unstoppable at saints.

And again. He's so much fun to watch.

And again. He's too good.

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.

Ehh? That makes no sense

[I like neeps]

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.

Ehh? That makes no sense

No? Johnson, Tuipolotu, Harris. All three are crashers. Especially Tuipolotu - the Tuipolotu experiment was purely because Townsend wanted a direct carrying 12.

[Soapy]

Rory Hutchinson is right now Scotland's best back. Basically unstoppable at saints.

And again. He's so much fun to watch.

And again. He's too good.

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.

The odd thing is that Cameron Redpath seems to be Townsend's first choice and he's far from a crash ball player. Hutchinson is surely the closest alternative to CR yet Townsend goes with bashers instead. His selection strategy and tactical approach are indecipherable.

[Slick]

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.

Ehh? That makes no sense

No? Johnson, Tuipolotu, Harris. All three are crashers. Especially Tuipolotu - the Tuipolotu experiment was purely because Townsend wanted a direct carrying 12.

Johnson is not a crasher, not by a long way. The whole problem with the Tuipolotu selection was that he was which completely unbalanced the back line. Johnson picks some terrific lines but can not be called a crash ball centre.

[Big D]

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.

The odd thing is that Cameron Redpath seems to be Townsend's first choice and he's far from a crash ball player. Hutchinson is surely the closest alternative to CR yet Townsend goes with bashers instead. His selection strategy and tactical approach are indecipherable.

Redpath and Hutchinson have the best all round skillset available to us but one is permacrocked and the other can't buy a game despite showing the best form of any 12 over the last year. He isn't far off being eligible for England again (10 months). Not that I'd expect him to turn.

[Big D]

Edinburgh missed a chance yesterday to gain a leg up on their competition 8 points from the SA tour would have been excellent. 5 is still good but definitely could have been better.

[I like neeps]

Ehh? That makes no sense

No? Johnson, Tuipolotu, Harris. All three are crashers. Especially Tuipolotu - the Tuipolotu experiment was purely because Townsend wanted a direct carrying 12.

Johnson is not a crasher, not by a long way. The whole problem with the Tuipolotu selection was that he was which completely unbalanced the back line. Johnson picks some terrific lines but can not be called a crash ball centre.

I think he can be - it's not like crash ball centres are all 2012 Jamie Roberts who just run straight. A crash ball 12 is there to run hard lines and set the next phase with front foot quick ball and that's what Johnson is in there to do. He can distribute quite well but not in the same league as Hutchinson and Redpath.

[KingBlairhorn]

Has anyone else noticed that Premier Sports have something called ‘stories’ on google. If you search for something related to the match (I.e. Glasgow warriors) it gives you a live score but also allows you to watch all the tries.

I’ve never seen anything like it before, very innovative and probably a good way to entice the odd subscriber.

I had a search for that and couldn't find anything. Can you post the web address?

I don’t think so, it appears at the top of a google search next to the live score when a game is live. It doesn’t seem to exist afterward. I’ll try to remember to post next time there’s a live game.

[dpedin]

Edinburgh missed a chance yesterday to gain a leg up on their competition 8 points from the SA tour would have been excellent. 5 is still good but definitely could have been better.

Agree - Bennet getting held up over the line was disappointing. We only started playing in the last 15 mins and looked like we were going to win. However good learning curve for the guys and hopefully install confidence in them.

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Surely Hutch gets the summer tour because Gregor rewards excellent form (wasn't that the reason Vellacott got in the 6N team?) plus he can play 15 which is q bonus with Hogg likely rested.

Also, I saw on Twitter that Chile is looking likely to be June 25 and will be against a Scotland A team so we could see players like Fraser Dingwall, Charlie Chapman etc getting announced in the squad so they can be officially "captured " and poached from Eddie, unless he names them in their tour to Australia seeing as he doesn't have an A match to officially capture them.

All I want though is Hutch to play so he's out off Eddie's reach.

[Big D]

Surely Hutch gets the summer tour because Gregor rewards excellent form (wasn't that the reason Vellacott got in the 6N team?) plus he can play 15 which is q bonus with Hogg likely rested.

Also, I saw on Twitter that Chile is looking likely to be June 25 and will be against a Scotland A team so we could see players like Fraser Dingwall, Charlie Chapman etc getting announced in the squad so they can be officially "captured " and poached from Eddie, unless he names them in their tour to Australia seeing as he doesn't have an A match to officially capture them.

All I want though is Hutch to play so he's out off Eddie's reach.

If I were an EQ player and I felt after speaking to him that Townsend wanted to only "capture" me in an A game I'd tell him to get fucked. It has serious career implications with their clubs now. Dingwall and Hutchinson (if Dingwall can be convinced to give up on England) probably should be the starting centres for a test v Argentina with Bennett and Johnson mixed in.

Could have a young XV for the Chile game:
With the Chile game apparently going to be an A game in June, we could have some fun with the XV.
McCallum
Cherry - probably too old for this type of game but still feel he deserves recognition. I'd have Ashman in the 23 for Argentina.
Walker
Sykes
Hodgson
Bayliss
Boyle
Muncaster
Dobie
Thomson
McLean
McDowell
Currie
Rowe
Smith

[KingBlairhorn]

Surely Hutch gets the summer tour because Gregor rewards excellent form (wasn't that the reason Vellacott got in the 6N team?) plus he can play 15 which is q bonus with Hogg likely rested.

Also, I saw on Twitter that Chile is looking likely to be June 25 and will be against a Scotland A team so we could see players like Fraser Dingwall, Charlie Chapman etc getting announced in the squad so they can be officially "captured " and poached from Eddie, unless he names them in their tour to Australia seeing as he doesn't have an A match to officially capture them.

All I want though is Hutch to play so he's out off Eddie's reach.

If I were an EQ player and I felt after speaking to him that Townsend wanted to only "capture" me in an A game I'd tell him to get fucked. It has serious career implications with their clubs now. Dingwall and Hutchinson (if Dingwall can be convinced to give up on England) probably should be the starting centres for a test v Argentina with Bennett and Johnson mixed in.

Could have a young XV for the Chile game:
With the Chile game apparently going to be an A game in June, we could have some fun with the XV.
McCallum
Cherry - probably too old for this type of game but still feel he deserves recognition. I'd have Ashman in the 23 for Argentina.
Walker
Sykes
Hodgson
Bayliss
Boyle
Muncaster
Dobie
Thomson
McLean
McDowell
Currie
Rowe
Smith

McCallum
Kerr (Jake)
Walker
Sykes
Hodgson
Crosbie
Boyle
Muncaster
Dobie
Thomson
McLean
McDowell
Dean
Rowe
Smith

Harrison, Gamble, McBeth, Cammy Henderson, Thomas Gordon, Currie, Savala, Chapman

[Jock42]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

[Slick]

Super 6 Super Sprint starting on 16th April by the looks of it.

[Biffer]

Super 6 Super Sprint starting on 16th April by the looks of it.

Yeah, they finally publish a fixture list ten days before the tournament starts. Don't help themselves, do they?

[I like neeps]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

[Slick]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

I haven't seen him play at all this season but isn't his defence still as issue?

[Oxbow]

Hutchinson's defence has been much better this season. Him and Dingwall seem to work really well as a partnership.

[I like neeps]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

I haven't seen him play at all this season but isn't his defence still as issue?

He's not Chris Harris but it's noticeably better.

[Big D]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

Different players, but team mates and has the knowledge of what happens in camp, knowing that Harris is seen as the key part of the team despite being one of the places the Scotland attack goes to die and a real favourite of the coaching staff. He's only just about to turn 23 so has time on his side too.

I think Townsend should go after the world cup, assuming nothing more comes out before that makes his role untenable. Unless they do something spectacular at the world cup. Very few coaches deserve 3 world cups. Even some of the all time great coaches haven't had 3. Dodson should be getting the shove after his contract runs out and it makes sense to have a bit of a clearing of the decks.

[Big D]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

I haven't seen him play at all this season but isn't his defence still as issue?

Not as big of one. The key thing is for me is that we have come off a 6N and AI's averaging less than 15 points against tier 1 opposition. We know we can beat Italy, Tonga and that Japan side we faced but against our other opponents trying to keep then to 14 points or less on average is a massive ask.

Back on my soap box. We presumably paid for AB Zondagh, unless Toulouse decided to be nice and let him break his contract, and our attack has been bang average. What has he actually brought to the table? Matt Taylor of the attacking world.

[Slick]

Well that's good news, thanks all.

It does feel a bit like the 2 areas we thought we had good strength in depth in, 2nd row and centre, we now find ourselves will a bunch of decent pro's who haven't kicked on or have always just been decent pros.

My instinct after the 6N is just to say fuck it and get some new young talent in the team and clear out some of the guys that seem to have just got a bit comfortable. Give it a bash for 18 months to the WC and see what we can do. Of course, probably what we do is get crushed by SA and Ireland like the last WC, but I'm feeling a bit disillusioned after the last few weeks.

[I like neeps]

If I were Dingwall I'd not be accepting any invitation from Townsend. When his centre partner is continually overlooked, when he's supposedly the form centre, it wouldn't give me the confidence to believe I'd be fairly treated.

Different players though. If I was Dingwall I'd look at Harris and see how well a stylistically very similar player has done in Townsend's set up. The real worry is players know Jones is out soon so their fortunes with England might change soon. And maybe not have confidence Townsend is there for the long term. And they'll know what actually happened with Hogg and co. Hogg does a lot of recruiting for Scotland so a pissed off Hogg isn't helpful.

Hutchinson until the end of last seasonish was on a down period of form and at 13 was in the Jones mould of really good in attack but just not yet there defensively. His move to 12 is the best for all parties as he's saints playmaker in Chief.

Different players, but team mates and has the knowledge of what happens in camp, knowing that Harris is seen as the key part of the team despite being one of the places the Scotland attack goes to die and a real favourite of the coaching staff. He's only just about to turn 23 so has time on his side too.

I think Townsend should go after the world cup, assuming nothing more comes out before that makes his role untenable. Unless they do something spectacular at the world cup. Very few coaches deserve 3 world cups. Even some of the all time great coaches haven't had 3. Dodson should be getting the shove after his contract runs out and it makes sense to have a bit of a clearing of the decks.

Yes I don't think Dingwall should declare for Scotland as England is a very real option for him at the minute. But, I do think that he fits our gameplan a lot more. Although Hutchinson is right now stylistically as a slightly better Redpath currently so let's see.

[Slick]

What’s Dingwells background? Is it a Scottish dad or something?

[SaintK]

What’s Dingwells background? Is it a Scottish dad or something?

At International level Dingwall captained the Scotland U18 side qualifying through his Scottish father. Then declared for England at U20 and captained them.
Was at Bedford School joined Saints Academy at 14.
Captains Saints when Ludlum is away.

[Big D]

What’s Dingwells background? Is it a Scottish dad or something?

At International level Dingwall captained the Scotland U18 side qualifying through his Scottish father. Then declared for England at U20 and captained them.
Was at Bedford School joined Saints Academy at 14.
Captains Saints when Ludlum is away.

Seems like a leader. Something that Scotland lack across the pitch outside two or three players.

If I were him, as much as I love Scotland I'd be reluctant to throw my lot in with us.

[Slick]

What’s Dingwells background? Is it a Scottish dad or something?

At International level Dingwall captained the Scotland U18 side qualifying through his Scottish father. Then declared for England at U20 and captained them.
Was at Bedford School joined Saints Academy at 14.
Captains Saints when Ludlum is away.

Seems like a leader. Something that Scotland lack across the pitch outside two or three players.

If I were him, as much as I love Scotland I'd be reluctant to throw my lot in with us.

Yes, he sounds like just what we need.

Cheers Saint.

[Yr Alban]

Have just seen on FB that Tom Smith has died aged 50.

[KingBlairhorn]

Have just seen on FB that Tom Smith has died aged 50.

Terrible news, far too young. He has a young family too, so awful.

[I like neeps]

Terrible, one of the greats. Thoughts with his family.

[Big D]

One of our very best ever.

I was once playing in a club under 16 tournament with maybe 12 teams at it. He went round every squad having a natter and passing on tips. Just seemed like a normal guy but when he crossed that white line he was something special.

[weegie01]

Lots of changes, most due to rotation.

Pau do not seem to be taking this seriously, but I still hope that does not backfire.

I'm struggling to make this due to a funeral, and not televised, which is a bugger.

[Jock42]

You can buy if for £4.50 on the EPCR website.

Typical of a team I support with such strength in 1 area, the backrow, and they're still having to scrabble about to field players there.

[Tichtheid]

You can buy if for £4.50 on the EPCR website.

Typical of a team I support with such strength in 1 area, the backrow, and they're still having to scrabble about to field players there.

In a cutting my nose off to spite my face gesture, I've refused to pay to watch these games, I already have a BT Sport subscription (and Premium Sports) and it seems like a pickpocketing exercise on the part of EPCR to ask for a further £4.50 per game on top of what they'd already negotiated with broadcasters BT Sports

I am being asked to pay extra to watch my team in the lower competition, the one where we see a fourth of fifth string side, whilst I can watch other teams in full-on selection in the premier event under my current subscription.

[weegie01]

You can buy if for £4.50 on the EPCR website.

Typical of a team I support with such strength in 1 area, the backrow, and they're still having to scrabble about to field players there.

I'd forgotten about that. Thanks.

[walletoraccess]

Melrose 7's tomorrow
A charity match taster tonight - followed by Knights v Boroughmuir pre season warm up

For the 7's tonight
Doddie’s three sons will be captaining the teams in a 7-a-side charity match this Friday night.

The match to be played at the Greenyards will see Hamish, Angus and Ben joining the likes of Freddie Tuilagi,Sam Tui`tupau, Iwan Tukalo, Tom Varndell, David Hilton, Fergus Thompson, Scott Lawson, Rob Vickers, Opeta Palapoi, Ally Hogg, Allan Bateman, Rowen Shepherd, Craig Joiner & Adam Roxburgh just to name a few.

[KingBlairhorn]

You can buy if for £4.50 on the EPCR website.

Typical of a team I support with such strength in 1 area, the backrow, and they're still having to scrabble about to field players there.

In a cutting my nose off to spite my face gesture, I've refused to pay to watch these games, I already have a BT Sport subscription (and Premium Sports) and it seems like a pickpocketing exercise on the part of EPCR to ask for a further £4.50 per game on top of what they'd already negotiated with broadcasters BT Sports

I am being asked to pay extra to watch my team in the lower competition, the one where we see a fourth of fifth string side, whilst I can watch other teams in full-on selection in the premier event under my current subscription.

Completely agree with this - they are trying to sell it to you twice. They are, somewhat topically, acting immorally if not illegally.

[mos_eisely_]

You can buy if for £4.50 on the EPCR website.

Typical of a team I support with such strength in 1 area, the backrow, and they're still having to scrabble about to field players there.

In a cutting my nose off to spite my face gesture, I've refused to pay to watch these games, I already have a BT Sport subscription (and Premium Sports) and it seems like a pickpocketing exercise on the part of EPCR to ask for a further £4.50 per game on top of what they'd already negotiated with broadcasters BT Sports

I am being asked to pay extra to watch my team in the lower competition, the one where we see a fourth of fifth string side, whilst I can watch other teams in full-on selection in the premier event under my current subscription.

Completely agree with this - they are trying to sell it to you twice. They are, somewhat topically, acting immorally if not illegally.

Apart from most Challenge Cup games were never broadcast anyway, BT on showed one a round, so it does provide a way to watch games that would otherwise not be seen except for limited highlights.

[KingBlairhorn]

In a cutting my nose off to spite my face gesture, I've refused to pay to watch these games, I already have a BT Sport subscription (and Premium Sports) and it seems like a pickpocketing exercise on the part of EPCR to ask for a further £4.50 per game on top of what they'd already negotiated with broadcasters BT Sports

I am being asked to pay extra to watch my team in the lower competition, the one where we see a fourth of fifth string side, whilst I can watch other teams in full-on selection in the premier event under my current subscription.

Completely agree with this - they are trying to sell it to you twice. They are, somewhat topically, acting immorally if not illegally.

Apart from most Challenge Cup games were never broadcast anyway, BT on showed one a round, so it does provide a way to watch games that would otherwise not be seen except for limited highlights.

Yeh, but the ones that weren't picked were shown for free on the EPCR website. They sold the games to BT for a fee and people subscribed to the service that was supposed to show them in good faith expecting them to be there or otherwise free on the EPCR website, they did not expect an additional charge to be added to watch those that BT decided not to broadcast. It is dishonest and as a result I (and clearly others) have no interest in paying.

[robmatic]

Completely agree with this - they are trying to sell it to you twice. They are, somewhat topically, acting immorally if not illegally.

Apart from most Challenge Cup games were never broadcast anyway, BT on showed one a round, so it does provide a way to watch games that would otherwise not be seen except for limited highlights.

Yeh, but the ones that weren't picked were shown for free on the EPCR website. They sold the games to BT for a fee and people subscribed to the service that was supposed to show them in good faith expecting them to be there or otherwise free on the EPCR website, they did not expect an additional charge to be added to watch those that BT decided not to broadcast. It is dishonest and as a result I (and clearly others) have no interest in paying.

I dunno, if you are an Edinburgh fan (or a fan of any non-English club) the odds have never been that great that your games in the diddy cup will be broadcast.