The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Dogbert]

Good to see that Gray the Younger got a good 67 minutes in for Exeter in their win over Gloucester - and scored their first try to boot as well

[I like neeps]

Watched the last few minutes

This new SRU ticketing app is a bit much. Just took a screenshot of my tickets to send to a mate as he asked where I was sitting and got a warning that if I do that again they might cancel them!

To be fair I would expect that is fairly standard.

Probably. I’m sure it’s an age thing but I liked getting my printed tickets through the post, then we had to print them ourselves (and pay for it!) then a nice friendly app to keep them in and now one i HAVE to use, that shouts at me.

I couldn't agree more! There was a real charm and excitement to paper tickets. I still have loads as momentos. App barcodes suck.

[Big D]

Watched the last few minutes

This new SRU ticketing app is a bit much. Just took a screenshot of my tickets to send to a mate as he asked where I was sitting and got a warning that if I do that again they might cancel them!

To be fair I would expect that is fairly standard.

Probably. I’m sure it’s an age thing but I liked getting my printed tickets through the post, then we had to print them ourselves (and pay for it!) then a nice friendly app to keep them in and now one i HAVE to use, that shouts at me.

I understand that view point. I think the app worked remarkably well in the NIs, seemed very few teething issues.

[Dogbert]

Yes , I know is the Daily Mail ........, but still an interesting insight from Russells point of view

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... tions.html

Before Covid I was going out, having fun, making good money and spending a lot of money. If we’d had a big win I’d go wild. If we’d lost, I’d be picking up my spirits by having a laugh and forgetting about it. I used alcohol to deal with different scenarios, without really knowing it. I couldn’t go out for two years during Covid and I realised how much money I was saving. I didn’t really care before, because every month the money was coming in. I don’t look back and regret it because it was good fun and I was playing good rugby, but things are different now.

‘When I was living on my own I was just playing PlayStation, ordering food and playing PlayStation again. I’d stay up playing PlayStation until 2am and then sleep until midday on my day off. PlayStation was just a way to block things out. I was tired all the time, I put on weight and things eventually catch up with you.

‘The times when things blew up with Gregor were when I was frustrated by the rugby side of it. My relationship with Gregor is better than it ever has been; both of our lives have changed over the last few years. I would go out for a drink as a release because I never really switched off from rugby. Now you come back and wind Charlie, or whatever job you need to do to help out. Your mind’s not on rugby all the time. You’re looking for those reactions, a smile or a laugh, when you touch her hands or feet. It’s nice. The happier I am, the more I’m enjoying things off the field and the better I am on it."

[clydecloggie]

From last week so presumably Edinburgh's probability went south a few points on the weekend.

Glasgow near certain but will be chasing top-4. Big games against Ulster and Munster coming up still, plus the rescheduled SA away game. That leaves three games that need to deliver 15 points, and should (Zebre, Scarlets, Connacht).

[Slick]

Yes , I know is the Daily Mail ........, but still an interesting insight from Russells point of view

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... tions.html

Before Covid I was going out, having fun, making good money and spending a lot of money. If we’d had a big win I’d go wild. If we’d lost, I’d be picking up my spirits by having a laugh and forgetting about it. I used alcohol to deal with different scenarios, without really knowing it. I couldn’t go out for two years during Covid and I realised how much money I was saving. I didn’t really care before, because every month the money was coming in. I don’t look back and regret it because it was good fun and I was playing good rugby, but things are different now.

‘When I was living on my own I was just playing PlayStation, ordering food and playing PlayStation again. I’d stay up playing PlayStation until 2am and then sleep until midday on my day off. PlayStation was just a way to block things out. I was tired all the time, I put on weight and things eventually catch up with you.

‘The times when things blew up with Gregor were when I was frustrated by the rugby side of it. My relationship with Gregor is better than it ever has been; both of our lives have changed over the last few years. I would go out for a drink as a release because I never really switched off from rugby. Now you come back and wind Charlie, or whatever job you need to do to help out. Your mind’s not on rugby all the time. You’re looking for those reactions, a smile or a laugh, when you touch her hands or feet. It’s nice. The happier I am, the more I’m enjoying things off the field and the better I am on it."

That's great to hear!

[charltom]

I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

[KingBlairhorn]

Yes , I know is the Daily Mail ........, but still an interesting insight from Russells point of view

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... tions.html

Before Covid I was going out, having fun, making good money and spending a lot of money. If we’d had a big win I’d go wild. If we’d lost, I’d be picking up my spirits by having a laugh and forgetting about it. I used alcohol to deal with different scenarios, without really knowing it. I couldn’t go out for two years during Covid and I realised how much money I was saving. I didn’t really care before, because every month the money was coming in. I don’t look back and regret it because it was good fun and I was playing good rugby, but things are different now.

‘When I was living on my own I was just playing PlayStation, ordering food and playing PlayStation again. I’d stay up playing PlayStation until 2am and then sleep until midday on my day off. PlayStation was just a way to block things out. I was tired all the time, I put on weight and things eventually catch up with you.

‘The times when things blew up with Gregor were when I was frustrated by the rugby side of it. My relationship with Gregor is better than it ever has been; both of our lives have changed over the last few years. I would go out for a drink as a release because I never really switched off from rugby. Now you come back and wind Charlie, or whatever job you need to do to help out. Your mind’s not on rugby all the time. You’re looking for those reactions, a smile or a laugh, when you touch her hands or feet. It’s nice. The happier I am, the more I’m enjoying things off the field and the better I am on it."

That's great to hear!

There's a reason that football players are encouraged to settle down so young. You look around the EPL and the vast majority of the players, even those in their early to mid twenties, are married with kids. I wouldn't know for sure but I would guess that is way beyond the national averages. Why does it happen? Because managers, agents, families etc. all recognise that a young man with literally millions coming in every year and access to all the booze, gambling, narcotics, women and every other potential vice that their position brings would potentially go absolutely wild and kill their career.

It's not been so bad in rugby as the volume of money is smaller, but there have been a few for sure. As the money increases the frequency it happens might increase. I do remember at the time of the last fall out that a few of us were commenting on the fact he went out drinking on his own as a bit of a red flag and it seems that instinct was correct, so it is good to see Finn realise himself that he was on a destructive path and sort it.

[Wylie Coyote]

I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

[charltom]

I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

[GrahamWa]

I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

[Biffer]

Tackling was pretty poor all round in the autumn

[I like neeps]

I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

[dpedin]

Tackling was pretty poor all round in the autumn

Duhan is poor defensively and can't or won't kick so you will often see teams kick to his wing and gamble that he fluffs the catch or return run - he can often run laterally and away from his support so will get turned over more. Down side is that he can often catch the ball and make many yards running through the first and second defenders. If he has time he will often offload to Hogg to kick. Ironically although half his size Darcy is excellent in the air, solid defensively and can kick if required. VdM is a risk worth taking though, he wins more game than he loses for us.

[Biffer]

Tackling was pretty poor all round in the autumn

Duhan is poor defensively and can't or won't kick so you will often see teams kick to his wing and gamble that he fluffs the catch or return run - he can often run laterally and away from his support so will get turned over more. Down side is that he can often catch the ball and make many yards running through the first and second defenders. If he has time he will often offload to Hogg to kick. Ironically although half his size Darcy is excellent in the air, solid defensively and can kick if required. VdM is a risk worth taking though, he wins more game than he loses for us.

I know, the point I'm making is the quality of tackling decreased across the team.

I'm not defending vdM's defence here.

[clydecloggie]

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

[Slick]

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

I'm still not convinced, but he has been good for Glasgow.

[Big D]

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

I'm still not convinced, but he has been good for Glasgow.

That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

[robmatic]

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

Tuipulotu's Glasgow performances have been massively improved this season. Maybe the Franco Smith effect? Last season there was no evidence he even knew how to pass, this season he's flinging out high quality passes and clever kicks fairly consistently.

[Jock42]

That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

[Slick]

That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

[charltom]

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

Yeah sorry, that was REALLY badly written. What was in my head was that, when DvM is back, we know he will start, and until then (without making any judgment about his defence) the alternative candidates are IMO defensively suspect. Assuming Maitland is on the other wing, then we are talking about Kinghorn, Steyn and McConnochie. But come to think of it, Ollie Smith might be a better option than all of these; I just hadn't considered him there.

It was also badly written because I mis-spelled "damned" on my phone...

[Dogbert]

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

Tuipulotu's Glasgow performances have been massively improved this season. Maybe the Franco Smith effect? Last season there was no evidence he even knew how to pass , this season he's flinging out high quality passes and clever kicks fairly consistently.

Sorry - just no , not for Glasgow anyway , Tuipolotou was one of the few bright spots of the 2021-2022 season - go back and look at his actual perfornaces in that ( his first ) season .

Look at his "Man of the match" perfornances against Ospreys & Connacht, as well as the other matches he played in - to say that there was "no evidence that he even knew how to pass "is just bilge.

He has certainly improved his whole game this season - even though he has not actually scored any points this season so far for Glasgow

I do wonder how many Glasgow matches some posters actually watch

[mos_eisely_]

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

Yeah sorry, that was REALLY badly written. What was in my head was that, when DvM is back, we know he will start, and until then (without making any judgment about his defence) the alternative candidates are IMO defensively suspect. Assuming Maitland is on the other wing, then we are talking about Kinghorn, Steyn and McConnochie. But come to think of it, Ollie Smith might be a better option than all of these; I just hadn't considered him there.

It was also badly written because I mis-spelled "damned" on my phone...

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

Yeah sorry, that was REALLY badly written. What was in my head was that, when DvM is back, we know he will start, and until then (without making any judgment about his defence) the alternative candidates are IMO defensively suspect. Assuming Maitland is on the other wing, then we are talking about Kinghorn, Steyn and McConnochie. But come to think of it, Ollie Smith might be a better option than all of these; I just hadn't considered him there.

It was also badly written because I mis-spelled "damned" on my phone...

Duhan is with the Scotland squad and looks to be fit and taking part in training. He missed the Edinburgh Saracens match because he was getting married

[Biffer]

That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

[clydecloggie]

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

[I like neeps]

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

[clydecloggie]

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

[C T]

He's almost 30!

On this note, wee George Horne (who is still 22 in my mind) is apparently 27.

I think George Horne is actually 12

George's impression of a Haggis from 1:55 onwards

Got to admit, I did laugh a bit more than a man fast approaching 40 probably should.

[C T]

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

[Tichtheid]

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby


edit, I found the quote I'd read previously on Rugbypass,

“Huw Jones’ tackle success rate of 85% for Scotland in 2018 is the best of any international outside centre this year, ahead of Mathieu Bastareud (83%), Anton Lienert Brown (83%), Ryan Crotty (83%), Gary Ringrose (83%), Jack Goodhue (78%), Jesse Kriel (73%), Samu Kerevi (68%) and Henry Slade (57%).”

[I like neeps]

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

So why have various coaches and various clubs and the Scotland coach who oversaw his magnificent year consistently not started him?

Huw Jones is sensational in attack. There's a reason he isn't picked for club or country as often as his attacking prowess suggests. Should we just ignore that reason? Or as fans talk about pros and cons.

Same with Hutchinson, outstanding in attack but it's not like he's first name on the team sheet for even Saints now.

[Big D]

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

Twickenham away in the game we took a doing. He and Dunbar were very poor IIRC. It wasn't just the Wales game that he took flak for.

He wasn't as bad as made out but he also wasn't a good defender. Statistics on tackles made do not necessarily make a good defender. Harris often impacts the opposition without making a hit.

[Slick]

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I'll try and find it but I'm pretty sure I read an interview where he said that one of his highlights at Quins was spending time developing his defensive reads etc, and how much he felt he had improved in that area. I also remember his stats were always far more impressive than the impression we all had.

[Tichtheid]

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

So why have various coaches and various clubs and the Scotland coach who oversaw his magnificent year consistently not started him?

Huw Jones is sensational in attack. There's a reason he isn't picked for club or country as often as his attacking prowess suggests. Should we just ignore that reason? Or as fans talk about pros and cons.

Same with Hutchinson, outstanding in attack but it's not like he's first name on the team sheet for even Saints now.

talking pros and cons is fine, but when it reads like it's multiple Eyeores posting it can get a little wearing.

Chris Harris took over from Jones in the 13 berth because all-round he was better, not because Jones was shite. The Rugbypass post I found the above quote about Jones being the best international 13 in defence was from one I made on the Glasgow forum, I'd also counted up the number of tries we'd shipped with and without Jones on the park, and it made little difference - our systems were poor.

On Jones, he was shifted about at Glasgow right enough, and at Quins, but then Hastings played fullback at Glasgow too. When Jones was first flagged for us I remember reading about him being equipped to play centre, wing and fullback.

Johnson looks to be regaining some of his previous form, I don't think he's finished at international level, Glasgow are very strong in the midfield at the moment.

[Jock42]

Is the team announced tomorrow or Thursday?

[I like neeps]

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

So why have various coaches and various clubs and the Scotland coach who oversaw his magnificent year consistently not started him?

Huw Jones is sensational in attack. There's a reason he isn't picked for club or country as often as his attacking prowess suggests. Should we just ignore that reason? Or as fans talk about pros and cons.

Same with Hutchinson, outstanding in attack but it's not like he's first name on the team sheet for even Saints now.

talking pros and cons is fine, but when it reads like it's multiple Eyeores posting it can get a little wearing.

Chris Harris took over from Jones in the 13 berth because all-round he was better, not because Jones was shite. The Rugbypass post I found the above quote about Jones being the best international 13 in defence was from one I made on the Glasgow forum, I'd also counted up the number of tries we'd shipped with and without Jones on the park, and it made little difference - our systems were poor.

On Jones, he was shifted about at Glasgow right enough, and at Quins, but then Hastings played fullback at Glasgow too. When Jones was first flagged for us I remember reading about him being equipped to play centre, wing and fullback.

Johnson looks to be regaining some of his previous form, I don't think he's finished at international level, Glasgow are very strong in the midfield at the moment.

Jones was also shifted about a lot at Quins, it's multiple coaches within the clubs that don't see him as the first name on the teamsheet his Scotland breakthrough would suggest.

No doubt he was a victim of Taylor's dysfunctional defence. I actually think Harris wasn't picked as he's all-round better as he's still a limited attacking player but he was defensively very good. It's no surprise in Japan he didn't look good at all (or under Taylor's defence more generally). He's now the lynchpin of the new defensive system which is why he's picked now as he's still at best functional in attack. But you pick him because he's so good on defence. Hutchinson, Jones, Bennett last season, Nick Grigg in Rennie's best Glasgow season all are better to significantly better in attack at 13.

I'm curious to see if we do move on from Harris at 13 what the defence looks like.

[charltom]

Team I would love to see:
Schoeman Ashman Z.Fagerson R.Gray Skinner M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Horne Russell vdMerwe Jones Tuipulotu Maitland Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Nel Gilchrist Crosbie Price Kinghorn Harris)

Team I expect to see:
Schoeman Turner Nel R.Gray Gilchrist M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Price Russell vdMerwe Tuipulotu Harris Kinghorn Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Berghan J.Gray Crosbie Horne Healy Smith)

I realise the team I would love to see benefits from a hoped-for return to play for ZF.

Of the differences, the key one to me is Sione at 13 vs. at 12. I can't see Toonie doing it.

[charltom]

Is the team announced tomorrow or Thursday?

Pretty sure it's always two days before the match (so Thursday) and a little after 1pm.

[Tichtheid]

Team I would love to see:
Schoeman Ashman Z.Fagerson R.Gray Skinner M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Horne Russell vdMerwe Jones Tuipulotu Maitland Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Nel Gilchrist Crosbie Price Kinghorn Harris)

Team I expect to see:
Schoeman Turner Nel R.Gray Gilchrist M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Price Russell vdMerwe Tuipulotu Harris Kinghorn Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Berghan J.Gray Crosbie Horne Healy Smith)

I realise the team I would love to see benefits from a hoped-for return to play for ZF.

Of the differences, the key one to me is Sione at 13 vs. at 12. I can't see Toonie doing it.

Cherry is the best thrower we have, I'd like to see him and Ashman, but I expect to see Brown and Turner, with Turner probably starting.

I'd have Skinner over J. Gray, his abrasiveness has made a huge difference at Edinburgh.

Watson v Crosbie is a big decision, the form of the latter over the experience of the former