The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[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 Ritchie Watson M.Fagerson Price Russell vdMerwe Tuipulotu Harris Kinghorn Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Berghan J.Gray Dempsey 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

Agreed re: Cherry; I had him pencilled in until I remembered how good Brown's return to the team last autumn was. Good throwing is worth a lot more than DC usually gets credit for.

I have Skinner over J.Gray too, and over Gilchrist, I just don't think Toonie will.

I'd sort of forgotten that Watson was back last weekend (oops). GT's team edited above...

[KingBlairhorn]

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.

Team I would love to see:
Schoeman Brown Fagerson
R.Gray Gilchrist
Ritchie Crosbie Fagerson
Price Russell
VdM Redpath Tuipulotu Kinghorn Hogg

Team I expect to see:
Schoeman Turner Nel
Gilchrist J.Gray
Ritchie Watson Dempsey
Price Russell
VdM Tuipulotu Harris Maitland Hogg

[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.

Team I would love to see:
Schoeman Brown Fagerson
R.Gray Gilchrist
Ritchie Crosbie Fagerson
Price Russell
VdM Redpath Tuipulotu Kinghorn Hogg

Team I expect to see:
Schoeman Turner Nel
Gilchrist J.Gray
Ritchie Watson Dempsey
Price Russell
VdM Tuipulotu Harris Maitland Hogg

I too would love to see Redpath in the team, on an individual level at least as much as Jones, but I would love to see Huwipulotu get a chance against England given they've been working well together.

[Tichtheid]

It's going to be TuipuloChris

[charltom]

It's going to be TuipuloChris

We're all predicting that.

Bring on the Tombola...?

[Slick]

Price Russell
VdM Redpath Tuipulotu Kinghorn Hogg

I mean, that looks fun, but it really shows why we need Harris for at least a smattering of defence.

[Big D]

I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Nel start but using a little realism knowing Toony favourites I would go with:

Sutherland
Brown (although Ashman really should be in the 23)
Fagerson
Gray Snr
Gilchrist - GT seems to lean on him as a leader.
Ritchie - who has a lot to prove as captain IMO.
Fagerson

Price
Russell
Maitland - I think GT might go for experience here. England away under a new coach will call for a calm head.
Harripulotu
Duhan
Hogg

If a 6/2
Turner (see point about Ashman above)
Sutherland
Nel
Gray jnr
Skinner
Dempsey
White - I know Horne has fans but after 25 caps he hasn't consistently shown anything like the level of quality needed except against dross. To be fair he probably averages <20min per cap but then again there is a reason for that too.
Kinghorn

If a 5/3 then maybe swap out Gray for Jones and Kinghorn for Healy. Although I expect Kinghorn will be involved.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Nel start but using a little realism knowing Toony favourites I would go with:

Sutherland
Brown (although Ashman really should be in the 23)
Fagerson
Gray Snr
Gilchrist - GT seems to lean on him as a leader.
Ritchie - who has a lot to prove as captain IMO.
Fagerson

Price
Russell
Maitland - I think GT might go for experience here. England away under a new coach will call for a calm head.
Harripulotu
Duhan
Hogg

If a 6/2
Turner (see point about Ashman above)
Sutherland
Nel
Gray jnr
Skinner
Dempsey
White - I know Horne has fans but after 25 caps he hasn't consistently shown anything like the level of quality needed except against dross. To be fair he probably averages <20min per cap but then again there is a reason for that too.
Kinghorn

If a 5/3 then maybe swap out Gray for Jones and Kinghorn for Healy. Although I expect Kinghorn will be involved.

I think against England, we might need 3 in the back row

I'd also put Maitland in - I've always been impressed with how aware he is defensively. And his try scoring record isn't too bad either (though not as impressive as Graham or Duhan, obvs).

Harris is likely to be the first name on Toonie's team sheet, and Tuipolotu is probably undropable based on recent performance for Glasgow. So Kinghorn for the bench meaning no cap for Healy yet.

[charltom]

I think against England, we might need 3 in the back row

And maybe one fewer Sutherland.

[clydecloggie]

I think against England, we might need 3 in the back row

And maybe one fewer Sutherland.

A back row of 2 might still win the breakdown battle against England if recent history is anything to go by. But agreed swapping one Sutherland for a Schoeman probably improves things.

[Dogbert]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

[KingBlairhorn]

Price Russell
VdM Redpath Tuipulotu Kinghorn Hogg

I mean, that looks fun, but it really shows why we need Harris for at least a smattering of defence.

Nah, you score one we score two rugby FTW

[KingBlairhorn]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

[weegie01]

Murray McCallum article

https://edinburghrugby.org/the-clubhous ... iikILxuib8

On his current deal

“It is to the end of the season. Whatever happens after that we will see.

“All I know is that I am 100 percent focused on Edinburgh and this season and putting myself in the best possible position to play rugby for this team until the end of the season at least. And then we will see.”

I thought it was confirmed he was going to Newcastle.

[I like neeps]

Would be surprised if Maitland isn't playing considering Borthwick's England are going to kick the ball more often than pass it. Going to be eyebleeding.

[Slick]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

I agree. His pass has slowed dramatically as well.

However, I also agree that he will almost definitely start for the reasons KB has given

[Big D]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

Townsend.has pretty much confirmed what he has thought of Horne by only using him very sparingly. He must have the lowest mins per cap of anyone with 25+ caps.

[Big D]

I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Nel start but using a little realism knowing Toony favourites I would go with:

Sutherland
Brown (although Ashman really should be in the 23)
Fagerson
Gray Snr
Gilchrist - GT seems to lean on him as a leader.
Ritchie - who has a lot to prove as captain IMO.
Fagerson

Price
Russell
Maitland - I think GT might go for experience here. England away under a new coach will call for a calm head.
Harripulotu
Duhan
Hogg

If a 6/2
Turner (see point about Ashman above)
Sutherland
Nel
Gray jnr
Skinner
Dempsey
White - I know Horne has fans but after 25 caps he hasn't consistently shown anything like the level of quality needed except against dross. To be fair he probably averages <20min per cap but then again there is a reason for that too.
Kinghorn

If a 5/3 then maybe swap out Gray for Jones and Kinghorn for Healy. Although I expect Kinghorn will be involved.

I think against England, we might need 3 in the back row

I'd also put Maitland in - I've always been impressed with how aware he is defensively. And his try scoring record isn't too bad either (though not as impressive as Graham or Duhan, obvs).

Harris is likely to be the first name on Toonie's team sheet, and Tuipolotu is probably undropable based on recent performance for Glasgow. So Kinghorn for the bench meaning no cap for Healy yet.

Sorry missing a Crosbie and Schoeman starts instead of Sutherland.

[Slick]

This has to be the worst team prediction thread in the history of the internet

[Jock42]

Hogg, VDM, Fagerson and Watson all fit to start on Saturday according to the Scotsman.

Choo fucking choo lads. GS starts this weekend.

[Big D]

Hogg fully fit and Exeter allowed him to stay with the national aqua over the weekend. Probably why we left Gray for them and called up Hodgson briefly to fill the gap.

[Simian]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

I don't think there's much exceptional about the support lines Horne runs, tbh. They're pretty standard 9 support lines. But he's particularly quick and incredibly fit. So he can make those support lines really count. Even when teams try to block them.

[Simian]

I don't think Price is as nailed on as starting . and even possibly not even in the 23.

I can easily see White starting with Horne as the bench option

Price has not been in form - in fact both Horne and Dobie are playing better at Glasgow at the moment, I can't see Townsend having Horne as a starter , but Horne offers a different option to either Price or White

Price was sent back to Glasgow for the Dragons game to get more game time , and frankly he was pretty disappointing

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

Townsend.has pretty much confirmed what he has thought of Horne by only using him very sparingly. He must have the lowest mins per cap of anyone with 25+ caps.

I'd certainly agree that Horne isn't a great fit for how we've played under Townsend. He looks very good when he has multiple forwards running off him, he makes good decisions about which runners to use, and he is good at using those runners as a foil to create space for him to break into. We haven't really played like that under Townsend tho.

But yeah... Price has been poor when he's played this season and was really lucky to be starting ahead of White by the end of the AIs (imo). I'm super curious to see who we go with.

[Jock42]

I think he's been poor for a couple of seasons now (bar the Lions period).

[charltom]

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

Townsend.has pretty much confirmed what he has thought of Horne by only using him very sparingly. He must have the lowest mins per cap of anyone with 25+ caps.

I'd certainly agree that Horne isn't a great fit for how we've played under Townsend. He looks very good when he has multiple forwards running off him, he makes good decisions about which runners to use, and he is good at using those runners as a foil to create space for him to break into. We haven't really played like that under Townsend tho.

But yeah... Price has been poor when he's played this season and was really lucky to be starting ahead of White by the end of the AIs (imo). I'm super curious to see who we go with.

It won't surprise me to see Cooney brought in after the first two matches.

I hope Hornito gets a chance first though, now that he is back on form.

[Jock42]

Decent interview with Toony on the Rugby Pod btw.

[clydecloggie]

I just don't see Horne as an international 9 and I don't think Townsend does either. He is excellent at many things (support lines in particular), but I don't ever see any real control from him, very harem scarem. Toonie seems to have decided he needs a controlling 9 and he sees that in Price - someone to rein it in when Finn does a Finn. Price also has significant cash in the bank with Toonie and a real relationship with Finn to exploit as well as control. White maybe on the bench with Price starting IMO.

Townsend.has pretty much confirmed what he has thought of Horne by only using him very sparingly. He must have the lowest mins per cap of anyone with 25+ caps.

I'd certainly agree that Horne isn't a great fit for how we've played under Townsend. He looks very good when he has multiple forwards running off him, he makes good decisions about which runners to use, and he is good at using those runners as a foil to create space for him to break into. We haven't really played like that under Townsend tho.

But yeah... Price has been poor when he's played this season and was really lucky to be starting ahead of White by the end of the AIs (imo). I'm super curious to see who we go with.

It's why I've wondered if he would be better suited to French rugby, as a tres petit general. His playmaking decisions are probably better than the other 9's, but that's not a USP that counts if you've got Russell at 10.

[Tichtheid]

Is Zander going to be fit?

I saw some training footage and there were live scrums happening, Sebastian was looking on, so he wasn't involved. It could have been Bergs and Nel right enough.

If we can combine the power that Embra showed against Sarries with the speed that Glasgow are generating at the breakdown we will do well, if we can get Finn on the front foot the matter of who plays scrum half becomes less important.

Toonie has drawn his horns in since the days of "fastest rugby in the world", he has been a bit of a conservative selector, I will be surprised to see anyone other than Price starting on Saturday. For me the main questions are over hooker and Zander's fitness up front, and who plays right wing.

I'd go with Cherry, as before and I'm torn between Kinghorn's pace and attacking ability and Maitland being the secure option.

I usually say, "well if we are going to lose let's not lose wondering what if", so I'll go with Kinghorn.

[robmatic]

I'm assuming Kinghorn is starting since he was rested last week, although I don't think he's looked in great nick in the last month or so. Maybe he should have had the rest sooner, instead of spewing on the pitch against Glasgow and still playing the full game.

[I like neeps]

I'm assuming Kinghorn is starting since he was rested last week, although I don't think he's looked in great nick in the last month or so. Maybe he should have had the rest sooner, instead of spewing on the pitch against Glasgow and still playing the full game.

So was Steyn and Ollie Smith. I think Duhan was fit and rested as well. I wouldn't read too much into Kinghorn not being released.

[Slick]

Is Zander going to be fit?

I saw some training footage and there were live scrums happening, Sebastian was looking on, so he wasn't involved. It could have been Bergs and Nel right enough.

If we can combine the power that Embra showed against Sarries with the speed that Glasgow are generating at the breakdown we will do well, if we can get Finn on the front foot the matter of who plays scrum half becomes less important.

Toonie has drawn his horns in since the days of "fastest rugby in the world", he has been a bit of a conservative selector, I will be surprised to see anyone other than Price starting on Saturday. For me the main questions are over hooker and Zander's fitness up front, and who plays right wing.

I'd go with Cherry, as before and I'm torn between Kinghorn's pace and attacking ability and Maitland being the secure option.

I usually say, "well if we are going to lose let's not lose wondering what if", so I'll go with Kinghorn.

Interview I read this morning with the coaches say he's in the best nick he's ever been in and ready to go. They were explaining that in days gone by if you were injured you would sit out until you were better but now there is all sorts of training to keep them up to speed and he has been doing controlled contact training for the last few weeks.

[Big D]

I'd certainly agree that Horne isn't a great fit for how we've played under Townsend. He looks very good when he has multiple forwards running off him, he makes good decisions about which runners to use, and he is good at using those runners as a foil to create space for him to break into. We haven't really played like that under Townsend tho.

But yeah... Price has been poor when he's played this season and was really lucky to be starting ahead of White by the end of the AIs (imo). I'm super curious to see who we go with.

To be fair, Scotland can't play like that. We don't have the level of ball carriers to play that way effectively. Better international defences close that space quiker too. With Horne, I think he is one of those players that is a good, very good at times club player but isn't capable of being a consistent enough international.

I'm assuming Kinghorn is starting since he was rested last week, although I don't think he's looked in great nick in the last month or so. Maybe he should have had the rest sooner, instead of spewing on the pitch against Glasgow and still playing the full game.

I think that will be the case, but with Russell and Healy having to play at the weekend, Finn's being a fairly important game against a physical team it makes sense to protect the 10 the SRU can control.

[TartanBear]

I thought Ben White had a fantastic game for Irish at the weekend, so would not be surprised to see him involved, even starting. If the predicted English centres start, then Harris will be too - they are going to be very hard to stop.

You can also see Crosbie starting; he played well against Earl (who I think is going to be fantastic for England) in the Sarries game. Would not be surprised to see the same thinking in the second row; Gilchrist and Skinner, with a Gray on the bench. Mainland starts or isn’t in the squad (Kinghorn covers more positions).

All of the above is probably wrong

[charltom]

I thought Ben White had a fantastic game for Irish at the weekend, so would not be surprised to see him involved, even starting. If the predicted English centres start, then Harris will be too - they are going to be very hard to stop.

You can also see Crosbie starting; he played well against Earl (who I think is going to be fantastic for England) in the Sarries game. Would not be surprised to see the same thinking in the second row; Gilchrist and Skinner, with a Gray on the bench. Mainland starts or isn’t in the squad (Kinghorn covers more positions).

All of the above is probably wrong

Certainly I would be astonished if Richie Gray doesn't start, given his form.

[JM2K6]

On the Huw Jones chat - honestly would've thought his crowbar nature, occasionally dogshit hands, and odd brainfarts were his biggest problem. He's a rare attacking talent but not the most rounded of players, you know what you're getting with him. He doesn't seem any worse a defender than most international centres IMO.

What are Scotland fans worried about the most for the England game? What parts of your team give you the most concern? We have no idea what to expect from our side so I figured it'd be interesting to see where Scots think England can get an advantage.

[TartanBear]

I thought Ben White had a fantastic game for Irish at the weekend, so would not be surprised to see him involved, even starting. If the predicted English centres start, then Harris will be too - they are going to be very hard to stop.

You can also see Crosbie starting; he played well against Earl (who I think is going to be fantastic for England) in the Sarries game. Would not be surprised to see the same thinking in the second row; Gilchrist and Skinner, with a Gray on the bench. Mainland starts or isn’t in the squad (Kinghorn covers more positions).

All of the above is probably wrong

Certainly I would be astonished if Richie Gray doesn't start, given his form.

Best line out second row to be sure, but Not as abrasive as the other two, which (for me) you need against the English. But you’re probably right.

[Tichtheid]

Is Zander going to be fit?

I saw some training footage and there were live scrums happening, Sebastian was looking on, so he wasn't involved. It could have been Bergs and Nel right enough.

If we can combine the power that Embra showed against Sarries with the speed that Glasgow are generating at the breakdown we will do well, if we can get Finn on the front foot the matter of who plays scrum half becomes less important.

Toonie has drawn his horns in since the days of "fastest rugby in the world", he has been a bit of a conservative selector, I will be surprised to see anyone other than Price starting on Saturday. For me the main questions are over hooker and Zander's fitness up front, and who plays right wing.

I'd go with Cherry, as before and I'm torn between Kinghorn's pace and attacking ability and Maitland being the secure option.

I usually say, "well if we are going to lose let's not lose wondering what if", so I'll go with Kinghorn.

Interview I read this morning with the coaches say he's in the best nick he's ever been in and ready to go. They were explaining that in days gone by if you were injured you would sit out until you were better but now there is all sorts of training to keep them up to speed and he has been doing controlled contact training for the last few weeks.

Was that in TOL?

I've just read it, good news.

I take the point in the article that it's a bit of a risk starting all the players who have been out - Fagerson, vd Merwe, Hogg and Watson (no mention of Jonny Gray, interestingly enough), but it will be a surprise if they are not involved in the 23. Personally I'd start all of them, though Fagerson is the most important. Ollie Smith, Maitland and Crosbie wouldn't let us down if they were to start.

[TartanBear]

On the Huw Jones chat - honestly would've thought his crowbar nature, occasionally dogshit hands, and odd brainfarts were his biggest problem. He's a rare attacking talent but not the most rounded of players, you know what you're getting with him. He doesn't seem any worse a defender than most international centres IMO.

What are Scotland fans worried about the most for the England game? What parts of your team give you the most concern? We have no idea what to expect from our side so I figured it'd be interesting to see where Scots think England can get an advantage.

Your front row, the props in particular, are ridiculous ball players. If they are getting on ball and tipping to the fast feet and power of the BR, then Scotland will struggle to defend. Steward’s kicking and aerial game - they can target Scotland (although Maitland may start for this reason). The centres. Big, strong and love a line break.

[Slick]

Is Zander going to be fit?

I saw some training footage and there were live scrums happening, Sebastian was looking on, so he wasn't involved. It could have been Bergs and Nel right enough.

If we can combine the power that Embra showed against Sarries with the speed that Glasgow are generating at the breakdown we will do well, if we can get Finn on the front foot the matter of who plays scrum half becomes less important.

Toonie has drawn his horns in since the days of "fastest rugby in the world", he has been a bit of a conservative selector, I will be surprised to see anyone other than Price starting on Saturday. For me the main questions are over hooker and Zander's fitness up front, and who plays right wing.

I'd go with Cherry, as before and I'm torn between Kinghorn's pace and attacking ability and Maitland being the secure option.

I usually say, "well if we are going to lose let's not lose wondering what if", so I'll go with Kinghorn.

Interview I read this morning with the coaches say he's in the best nick he's ever been in and ready to go. They were explaining that in days gone by if you were injured you would sit out until you were better but now there is all sorts of training to keep them up to speed and he has been doing controlled contact training for the last few weeks.

Was that in TOL?

I've just read it, good news.

I take the point in the article that it's a bit of a risk starting all the players who have been out - Fagerson, vd Merwe, Hogg and Watson (no mention of Jonny Gray, interestingly enough), but it will be a surprise if they are not involved in the 23. Personally I'd start all of them, though Fagerson is the most important. Ollie Smith, Maitland and Crosbie wouldn't let us down if they were to start.

Yup it was.

I'd start all of them I think. I accept that Watson is coming under a bit of pressure for his place from us supporters but he was very good at the weekend and so much experience for Twickenham.

[Tichtheid]

On the Huw Jones chat - honestly would've thought his crowbar nature, occasionally dogshit hands, and odd brainfarts were his biggest problem. He's a rare attacking talent but not the most rounded of players, you know what you're getting with him. He doesn't seem any worse a defender than most international centres IMO.

What are Scotland fans worried about the most for the England game? What parts of your team give you the most concern? We have no idea what to expect from our side so I figured it'd be interesting to see where Scots think England can get an advantage.

For me it's discipline and accuracy around the breakdown, but you are down a Curry aren't you?