The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[clydecloggie]

Cam Redpath is in the Bath 23 this weekend.

Oh FFS.

Does that mean it's Sione at 12 (please no!)? Or Finn (fun!)? I'd be surprised if Harris and Bennett were both picked...

My bet would be Tuipulotu to start.

Bennett hasn't played at 12 much, has he?

Finn 10, Kinghorn 12

But more likely Tuipolotou trucking it up while Harris is scouting for defensive duties in a midfield to scare the ABs senseless.

[Yr Alban]

Cam Redpath is in the Bath 23 this weekend.

I just saw this and it’s making me want to punch holes in the walls.

Cam finally makes it through a Scotland game unscathed and so Toony sends him back to Bath to sit on the bench.

So what the feck is he doing now? The options for 12 would seem to be Johnson (hasn’t been on form for ages), Tuipilotu (please no), or Finn (tried before and didn’t really work).

I suspect it may be Finn at 12. Toony knows we need our best players out there and that we need a front line kicker, but he can’t put Finn in at 10 because that would mean losing face. So his solution is to play our best 10 at 12. Brilliant!

If he does do this then it will be a classic take of the abused becoming the abuser. Toony’s own career was blighted by the SRU’s obsession with turning him into a 12. Despite him being the starting 10 on a winning Lions tour.

[Tichtheid]

Fuck it, I'm going

Horne, Kinghorn,
Russell, Bennett
vd Merwe, Smith, Graham

[clydecloggie]

Cam Redpath is in the Bath 23 this weekend.

I just saw this and it’s making me want to punch holes in the walls.

Cam finally makes it through a Scotland game unscathed and so Toony sends him back to Bath to sit on the bench.

So what the feck is he doing now? The options for 12 would seem to be Johnson (hasn’t been on form for ages), Tuipilotu (please no), or Finn (tried before and didn’t really work).

I suspect it may be Finn at 12. Toony knows we need our best players out there and that we need a front line kicker, but he can’t put Finn in at 10 because that would mean losing face. So his solution is to play our best 10 at 12. Brilliant!

If he does do this then it will be a classic take of the abused becoming the abuser. Toony’s own career was blighted by the SRU’s obsession with turning him into a 12. Despite him being the starting 10 on a winning Lions tour.

Even without him putting Finn at 12 this weekend, that is just the bit of the story I don't get. How can someone with that precise experience treat his own world-class 10 this way.

Sure, Finn can be a hard guy to handle by all accounts, but the best coaches make things work with their best players.

In a way it's similar to what Eddie Jones is currently doing with his 10/12 combo of Smith and Farrell. Pretty much everyone can see it's a bad idea but he still does it.

[I like neeps]

Cam Redpath is in the Bath 23 this weekend.

Oh FFS.

Does that mean it's Sione at 12 (please no!)? Or Finn (fun!)? I'd be surprised if Harris and Bennett were both picked...

I think judging by the interview this week with Zondagh it'll be Kinghorn and Russell...

[westport]

BK 10 Finn 12! Has Toony been chatting to EJ

[Yr Alban]

I mean, I’m not necessarily opposed to trying this as an experiment, as we did with Hastings/Russell v Argentina a few years ago. But to do it in our first Test v NZ in ages is a ridiculous roll of the dice. It has ‘pre-prepared excuse’ written all over it.

[charltom]

It could be glorious though!

[Slick]

Cam Redpath is in the Bath 23 this weekend.

Oh FFS.

Does that mean it's Sione at 12 (please no!)? Or Finn (fun!)? I'd be surprised if Harris and Bennett were both picked...

I think judging by the interview this week with Zondagh it'll be Kinghorn and Russell...

I thought Zondagh suggested that would only happen if there were injuries or tactical subs during the game?

I don't think there is any chance he will start with it.

[I like neeps]

Oh FFS.

Does that mean it's Sione at 12 (please no!)? Or Finn (fun!)? I'd be surprised if Harris and Bennett were both picked...

I think judging by the interview this week with Zondagh it'll be Kinghorn and Russell...

I thought Zondagh suggested that would only happen if there were injuries or tactical subs during the game?

I don't think there is any chance he will start with it.

Hopefully not. You aren't beating NZ with Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres.

[Begbie]

[Tichtheid]

Palmer usually has the inside story doesn't he?

[Slick]

Palmer usually has the inside story doesn't he?

Seems to be getting reported in a few places now. So, Fin, Tuipulotu and Harris. Not terribly inspiring in the midfield, can't begin to think why Redpath has been booted. I suppose if anyone can get Tui running into gaps it's Fin.

[Tichtheid]

Seems to be getting reported in a few places now. So, Fin, Tuipulotu and Harris. Not terribly inspiring in the midfield, can't begin to think why Redpath has been booted. I suppose if anyone can get Tui running into gaps it's Fin.

He's been very good for Glasgow this season and to be fair he's had a few flashes for Scotland in the last couple of games - he should have caught a breadbasket pass to go in against Australia, mind.

[Slick]

Seems to be getting reported in a few places now. So, Fin, Tuipulotu and Harris. Not terribly inspiring in the midfield, can't begin to think why Redpath has been booted. I suppose if anyone can get Tui running into gaps it's Fin.

He's been very good for Glasgow this season and to be fair he's had a few flashes for Scotland in the last couple of games - he should have caught a breadbasket pass to go in against Australia, mind.

Yes, he has been good for Glasgow, actually very good in a couple of games. We now know he has it in him, but I still think the step up to international level is a bit much for him

[Big D]

Seems to be getting reported in a few places now. So, Fin, Tuipulotu and Harris. Not terribly inspiring in the midfield, can't begin to think why Redpath has been booted. I suppose if anyone can get Tui running into gaps it's Fin.

He's been very good for Glasgow this season and to be fair he's had a few flashes for Scotland in the last couple of games - he should have caught a breadbasket pass to go in against Australia, mind.

Yes, he has been good for Glasgow, actually very good in a couple of games. We now know he has it in him, but I still think the step up to international level is a bit much for him

He's been good at 13 for Glasgow in some games. Still a bit of a flat track bully for me at this stage. Isn't a 12.

Once, just once, I'd love to see us have a real go with an attacking centres.

Not sure the AB centres will be too concerned.

[I like neeps]

Tuipolotu and Harris are picked as they're the best defensive centers we have. This is a team picked to keep games tight.

[Big D]

Tuipolotu and Harris are picked as they're the best defensive centers we have. This is a team picked to keep games tight.

Is Tuiplotu that much better defensively than Redpath at 12? He's been solid in the prem games I have seen.

[charltom]

Will Kinghorn be at 15 then in place of the not-exactly-in-form Hogg? Would be daft, given he's only been playing at 10 for a while now. Kinghorn being excluded would be unfair - he hasn't put a foot wrong other than his goalkicking.

Or is the idea to keep the game tight for 60 minutes, then bring BK on at 10 and move Finn to 12 (and add Bennett at 13) for a crazy last 20? That could be fun.

My guess though is that GT's mindset is to try and avoid a trouncing on Sunday rather than to try and inflict one.

[Big D]

English has mentioned a surprise up front. Might be Crosbie for Watson.

[I like neeps]

Tuipolotu and Harris are picked as they're the best defensive centers we have. This is a team picked to keep games tight.

Is Tuiplotu that much better defensively than Redpath at 12? He's been solid in the prem games I have seen.

I haven't watched too much Bath this season but Tuipolotu is a punchy defender. Sometimes a bit out of position last year but I believe he's improved.

The problem with Tuipolotu and Harris is I don't think either are getting into too many other Tier1 nations. Not that I think Redpath, Hutch, Bennett are the first name on their teamsheets either but I feel they're a bit more frightening. You don't really need to gameplan for Tuipolotu and Harris as it's basically they'll run straight and hard and can't pass very well.

[Slick]

Will Kinghorn be at 15 then in place of the not-exactly-in-form Hogg? Would be daft, given he's only been playing at 10 for a while now. Kinghorn being excluded would be unfair - he hasn't put a foot wrong other than his goalkicking.

Or is the idea to keep the game tight for 60 minutes, then bring BK on at 10 and move Finn to 12 (and add Bennett at 13) for a crazy last 20? That could be fun.

My guess though is that GT's mindset is to try and avoid a trouncing on Sunday rather than to try and inflict one.

Think thats a bit generous, but he has done fine. It would be completely mad to throw him in at 15 though. I have to hope that Toony has made it clear to BK right from the beginning that he is being groomed as a 2nd or 3rd 10, not number 1, and that he sees him as a utility player. Otherwise the whole project has been a bit pointless really and incredibly unfair

[robmatic]

Tuipolotu and Harris are picked as they're the best defensive centers we have. This is a team picked to keep games tight.

Is Tuiplotu that much better defensively than Redpath at 12? He's been solid in the prem games I have seen.

I haven't watched too much Bath this season but Tuipolotu is a punchy defender. Sometimes a bit out of position last year but I believe he's improved.

The problem with Tuipolotu and Harris is I don't think either are getting into too many other Tier1 nations. Not that I think Redpath, Hutch, Bennett are the first name on their teamsheets either but I feel they're a bit more frightening. You don't really need to gameplan for Tuipolotu and Harris as it's basically they'll run straight and hard and can't pass very well.

Tuipulotu has added a lot to his game for Glasgow this season but him and Harris are probably the two least effective distributors out of the candidates. It does seem a more negative selection than anything else.

[robmatic]

Will Kinghorn be at 15 then in place of the not-exactly-in-form Hogg? Would be daft, given he's only been playing at 10 for a while now. Kinghorn being excluded would be unfair - he hasn't put a foot wrong other than his goalkicking.

Or is the idea to keep the game tight for 60 minutes, then bring BK on at 10 and move Finn to 12 (and add Bennett at 13) for a crazy last 20? That could be fun.

My guess though is that GT's mindset is to try and avoid a trouncing on Sunday rather than to try and inflict one.

Think thats a bit generous, but he has done fine. It would be completely mad to throw him in at 15 though. I have to hope that Toony has made it clear to BK right from the beginning that he is being groomed as a 2nd or 3rd 10, not number 1, and that he sees him as a utility player. Otherwise the whole project has been a bit pointless really and incredibly unfair

It's probably not the game for it with all the off-field drama but I don't think Hogg should be undroppable in his current form. I don't think Kinghorn is far off from starting at 15 for Scotland, even if he isn't playing there for Edinburgh.

[Slick]

Is Tuiplotu that much better defensively than Redpath at 12? He's been solid in the prem games I have seen.

I haven't watched too much Bath this season but Tuipolotu is a punchy defender. Sometimes a bit out of position last year but I believe he's improved.

The problem with Tuipolotu and Harris is I don't think either are getting into too many other Tier1 nations. Not that I think Redpath, Hutch, Bennett are the first name on their teamsheets either but I feel they're a bit more frightening. You don't really need to gameplan for Tuipolotu and Harris as it's basically they'll run straight and hard and can't pass very well.

Tuipulotu has added a lot to his game for Glasgow this season but him and Harris are probably the two least effective distributors out of the candidates. It does seem a more negative selection than anything else.

Yup. I think we can agree that whoever of the 3 is at 10 they have great distribution skills, and that we have a brilliant back 3 so seems a bit odd to pick our 2 worst distributors in the middle.

[Slick]

Will Kinghorn be at 15 then in place of the not-exactly-in-form Hogg? Would be daft, given he's only been playing at 10 for a while now. Kinghorn being excluded would be unfair - he hasn't put a foot wrong other than his goalkicking.

Or is the idea to keep the game tight for 60 minutes, then bring BK on at 10 and move Finn to 12 (and add Bennett at 13) for a crazy last 20? That could be fun.

My guess though is that GT's mindset is to try and avoid a trouncing on Sunday rather than to try and inflict one.

Think thats a bit generous, but he has done fine. It would be completely mad to throw him in at 15 though. I have to hope that Toony has made it clear to BK right from the beginning that he is being groomed as a 2nd or 3rd 10, not number 1, and that he sees him as a utility player. Otherwise the whole project has been a bit pointless really and incredibly unfair

It's probably not the game for it with all the off-field drama but I don't think Hogg should be undroppable in his current form. I don't think Kinghorn is far off from starting at 15 for Scotland, even if he isn't playing there for Edinburgh.

I'd agree with that. I do think Hogg should be given a couple of games to get up to speed but I certainly wouldn't be disappointed with BK at 15 and, as you say, if he is our utility player, he needs time there.

[Slick]

That NZ side looks very attacking

[Tichtheid]

Doddie Weir will have the team's back on Sunday, literally.

This choked me up a little.

https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

[I like neeps]

That NZ side looks very attacking

Starting Finlay Christie, the final insult.

[vball]

Doddie Weir will have the team's back on Sunday, literally.

This choked me up a little.

https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

Yip same for me. First met the big lad at a friend's house along with Carl Hogg when they just broke into Melrose team - what a bunch of lads they were. Further on I remember introducing him to my future my wife (small lass) and putting her up in the cupboards above the bar in Melrose club rooms. My niece, who through her Dad is a true Scot, has 3 treasured photos - 1 with her and Doddie, and 1 each of Doddie with her 2 kids.

He is what I hope I am - a Borderer through and through. Take as good as you get, be there for others and, life is for living, so cheer up.

I will be bubbling on Sunday for sure.

[Tichtheid]

Doddie Weir will have the team's back on Sunday, literally.

This choked me up a little.

https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

Yip same for me. First met the big lad at a friend's house along with Carl Hogg when they just broke into Melrose team - what a bunch of lads they were. Further on I remember introducing him to my future my wife (small lass) and putting her up in the cupboards above the bar in Melrose club rooms. My niece, who through her Dad is a true Scot, has 3 treasured photos - 1 with her and Doddie, and 1 each of Doddie with her 2 kids.

He is what I hope I am - a Borderer through and through. Take as good as you get, be there for others and, life is for living, so cheer up.

I will be bubbling on Sunday for sure.

Whit a man he is, big guy, huge personality with a beautifully horrendous taste in suits.

Is it really five years since Doddie carried the match ball on to the pitch?
Kieran Read did something I didn't think was possible in that he went even higher in my estimation with the way greeted and talked to Doddie.

I've since lost a friend and former team mate to this horrible disease; Doddie's efforts are going a long way to help find a cure.

[Yr Alban]

I really can’t figure out the selection at all (assuming rumours true). Our best attacking weapon is our back 3. So we go into this game with two centres who don’t distribute, and send the one who can back to his club. Make it make sense.

[charltom]

English has mentioned a surprise up front. Might be Crosbie for Watson.

I'd expect it to be Ashman starting with a back row of Fagerson, Ritchie and Dempsey. Which of course means that's not a surprise. So Walker to start?

[charltom]

Or is the idea to keep the game tight for 60 minutes, then bring BK on at 10 and move Finn to 12 (and add Bennett at 13) for a crazy last 20? That could be fun.

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced it'll be this - a plan for Russell Tuipolotu Harris to turn into Kinghorn Russell Bennett and completely change the gameplan.

Looking forward to being disappointed by the actual selection soon..

[charltom]

I do like the look of this... can I buy it?
https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

[Tichtheid]

Why are we always so late with the announcement?

[Jock42]

I do like the look of this... can I buy it?
https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

They're missing a trick if they don't sell that with some proceeds going to the charity.

[Tichtheid]

I do like the look of this... can I buy it?
https://scottishrugby.org/scotland-to-t ... ll-blacks/

They're missing a trick if they don't sell that with some proceeds going to the charity.

There have been lots of requests on pussbook for the jersey to be sold with the tartan with a share to go to Doddie’s foundation

[I like neeps]

Why are we always so late with the announcement?

Townsend trying to throw teams preparation off?

[charltom]

Less than two days to go now. What a drag the late announcement is. When does it have to be done by?

Perhaps GT hasn't made up his mind yet.