The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

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.

Have to say that none of those particularly worry me. What does, is the new wide players coming into the squad that seem to have startling pace which I don't think we have, with the possible exception of BK.

[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.

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

We've swapped in a different Curry. Ben's likely to start at 7 ahead of Earl (bench). Tom's struggled in the last 18 months so not sure it's much of a difference.

[JM2K6]

Cheers guys - I'm sure you'll be happy to see Cole start for us! I guess I was looking to see what you thought your own weaknesses were - we don't actually know the England team yet so hard to say much about them yet and there's any number of disastrous selections that could happen.

Pace is an interesting one, Watson's lively and OHC isn't slow but there's no Radwan-level speedster in the squad afaik. It's not something I'd have chosen as an area of advantage anyway.

England look like they'll have a strong bench - presumably Earl, Ribbans, Sinckler, Marcus Smith - is that something Scotland are comfortable with or is it a potential weakness?

[Tichtheid]

Cheers guys - I'm sure you'll be happy to see Cole start for us! I guess I was looking to see what you thought your own weaknesses were - we don't actually know the England team yet so hard to say much about them yet and there's any number of disastrous selections that could happen.

Pace is an interesting one, Watson's lively and OHC isn't slow but there's no Radwan-level speedster in the squad afaik. It's not something I'd have chosen as an area of advantage anyway.

England look like they'll have a strong bench - presumably Earl, Ribbans, Sinckler, Marcus Smith - is that something Scotland are comfortable with or is it a potential weakness?

Smith is the one that bothers me, it's not often, if ever, you'll see a Scotland pack bully their English counterparts, and unless we keep him going backwards he poses a real threat, even then he can produce the goods, as he did in Paris the other week.

His goal kicking is the only one at a higher percentage success rate than Russell of any of the 6N kickers (95% v 93%), so we'll have to be clean and accurate all game.

[JM2K6]

Cheers guys - I'm sure you'll be happy to see Cole start for us! I guess I was looking to see what you thought your own weaknesses were - we don't actually know the England team yet so hard to say much about them yet and there's any number of disastrous selections that could happen.

Pace is an interesting one, Watson's lively and OHC isn't slow but there's no Radwan-level speedster in the squad afaik. It's not something I'd have chosen as an area of advantage anyway.

England look like they'll have a strong bench - presumably Earl, Ribbans, Sinckler, Marcus Smith - is that something Scotland are comfortable with or is it a potential weakness?

Smith is the one that bothers me, it's not often, if ever, you'll see a Scotland pack bully their English counterparts, and unless we keep him going backwards he poses a real threat, even then he can produce the goods, as he did in Paris the other week.

His goal kicking is the only one at a higher percentage success rate than Russell of any of the 6N kickers (95% v 93%), so we'll have to be clean and accurate all game.

Yeah it's quite mad but also unsustainable - I'm sure it'll come down to saner levels soon. Having said that, kickers these days are phenomenal and it's crazy how many of them land touchline kicks with regularity.

[Slick]

Cheers guys - I'm sure you'll be happy to see Cole start for us! I guess I was looking to see what you thought your own weaknesses were - we don't actually know the England team yet so hard to say much about them yet and there's any number of disastrous selections that could happen.

Pace is an interesting one, Watson's lively and OHC isn't slow but there's no Radwan-level speedster in the squad afaik. It's not something I'd have chosen as an area of advantage anyway.

England look like they'll have a strong bench - presumably Earl, Ribbans, Sinckler, Marcus Smith - is that something Scotland are comfortable with or is it a potential weakness?

Ahh fair enough, for some reason I thought some real speedsters had come in.

It will be interesting to see if it really was all Eddie's fault or if they just aren't very good, my suspicion is that it lies somewhere in the middle. One criticism was that they didn't seem to know what to do when it all fell to shit and I'm not sure there has been time to remedy that yet, either physically or mentally. I don't want to get into a shitfight about it, but I just don't think this England group are as good as they or many of their supporters think.

In saying that, I don't expect to win really. We will make too many mistakes and stupid decisions to win at Twickenham.

[dpedin]

My biggest concern is us picking a team that can get over the gain line around the rucks and mauls. We often pick the likes of Richie and Watson who are great tacklers and jacklers but not the biggest carriers of the ball into contact. For me I would start Crosbie at 6 with Fagerson at 8 and Richie at 7. Both Crosbie and Fagerson are in great form, aggressive and good carriers into contact and Richie is just a pain in the arse wherever he plays across the back row. Gilchrist and Gray Snr for the 2nd row as we need to secure our line out and Gray is best in the business, Hopefully Schoo will bring his form and carrying into the game and with Cherry/Turner and hopefully Fagerson we can make inroads. Watson and Dempsey on the bench for last 20 mins will create havoc when legs are tired. If we fail to get fast ruck ball going forward then Russell will struggle and we will end up playing Englands choice of slow kicking game.

Embra beat Sarries by big aggressive carries into their pack, getting beyond the gain line, pulling in their fringe defenders and creating space wider out in midfield. We need to do the same and target attacking Tuilagi (assuming he is playing) who whilst being a good carrier is a hopeless defender and is often flat footed and leaves gaps on his outside shoulder. With Russell hopefully getting fast ball and pulling the strings we can create space attacking their midfield gaps. For this we need our SH to play quick ball, whoever is picked needs to keep the pace up, all of them are capable of doing this. I would be tempted to go with a club partnership of Jones and Tuipulotu in midfield but could live with Harris at 13. Back 3 is most difficult choice but hopefully Hogg is fit to play and I would have Kinghorn and Steyn on the wings - Kinghorn because he is good under the high ball and kicking from defensive positions.

[Big D]

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.

Mental capacity of some. The number of infuriating penalties they give away is unbelievable. Well, it isn't unbelievable because we know it's coming but you get the point.

Our forwards never bully anyone in international rugby even though there may be an opportunity at times.

The aerial game. Borthwick will want them to kick. Some of your guys are very good in the air. Ours can be hit and miss.

[Tichtheid]

The aerial game. Borthwick will want them to kick. Some of your guys are very good in the air. Ours can be hit and miss.

Our best in the air is all of five foot nine (according to player stats, but I don't believe it, maybe in long studs) and he's injured anyway.

He's also our best attacking weapon, so we're taking a bit of a knife to a gun fight, as they say.

[TartanBear]

Lads getting isolated and turned over after a break. That’s been a frustration in the past, but perhaps less so in the Autumn. Totally agree with whoever talked about accuracy at the breakdown. If Scotland turn up, it should be a great contest\game.

[Jock42]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

[charltom]

That's a good thing.

[Slick]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

Just saw that. Presumably Mish not then?

[Jock42]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

Just saw that. Presumably Mish not then?

Got to assume he's on the bench at most, Ritchiewill def be starting. Maybe 6/2 with him and Dempsey/Fagerson

[robmatic]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

He has been on such good form this season, and especially against Saracens in both games.

[Biffer]

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.

Mental capacity of some. The number of infuriating penalties they give away is unbelievable. Well, it isn't unbelievable because we know it's coming but you get the point.

Our forwards never bully anyone in international rugby even though there may be an opportunity at times.

The aerial game. Borthwick will want them to kick. Some of your guys are very good in the air. Ours can be hit and miss.

Exactly. My number one concern every time is the top six inches.

[Slick]

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.

Mental capacity of some. The number of infuriating penalties they give away is unbelievable. Well, it isn't unbelievable because we know it's coming but you get the point.

Our forwards never bully anyone in international rugby even though there may be an opportunity at times.

The aerial game. Borthwick will want them to kick. Some of your guys are very good in the air. Ours can be hit and miss.

Exactly. My number one concern every time is the top six inches.

I’m letting myself believe that our forwards will go down there absolutely not fearing their pack. Fully expect dumb penalties thought which will make it even more infuriating

[Biffer]

It's the dumb mistakes and also for me the whole not beating a man harder when they're on the back foot. All Scottish teams suffer from it - when, metaphorically, we have the opposition down, we don't make sure they don't get back up. In fact we more often give them a hand up and let them come back at us.

[Big D]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

It's a good thing. Shows you can play well and get a chance.

[Jock42]

Thistle pod guys suggesting Crosbie starting.

It's a good thing. Shows you can play well and get a chance.

100% I think coaches rely too much on the tried and tested than on form. I get the reasons a lot of the time.

[westport]

Scotland team to face England in the Guinness Six Nations opener on Saturday, 4 February at Twickenham, kick-off 4.45pm, live on STV and ITV
15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) 96 caps

14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 5 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) 65 caps
9. Ben White (London Irish) 9 caps

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 16 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 30 caps
3. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 50 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 69 caps
5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – Vice Captain – 59 caps
6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 36 caps
7. Luke Crosbie (Edinburgh Rugby) 2 caps
8. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps

Replacements

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 57 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 25 caps
18. Simon Berghan (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
19. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) 72 caps
20. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 18 caps
22. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 38 caps
23. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 39 caps

[Slick]

where is this from?

[Big D]

where is this from?

Was released at 8.30 from SRU

[Slick]

where is this from?

Was released at 8.30 from SRU

Oh. I think I like it.

[Dogbert]

Well. Thats a statement

Told you Ben White would start, with Horne benching

[SomersetJock]

Really pleased with the team selected, definitely gone for players in form this time. Crosbie has been brilliant recently and deserves his spot. Love watching Hamish play but no player should be guaranteed a start.

Also pleased to see Jones and Sione starting in the Centres, am a fan of Harris’s but that partnership is working well this season.

Only changes I would have preferred would have been Zander over Berghan. And Sutherland over Bhati, I’m assuming Zander isn’t quite ready, have I missed something on Sutherlands form/injury status ?

[Big D]

A team picked mostly on form so no real complaints. Still would've liked Maitland over Steyn but it's close.

Don't see Harris as an impact player on the bench. Feels like the coaches are scared to discard their defensive comfort blanket.

[westport]

Really pleased with the team selected, definitely gone for players in form this time. Crosbie has been brilliant recently and deserves his spot. Love watching Hamish play but no player should be guaranteed a start.

Also pleased to see Jones and Sione starting in the Centres, am a fan of Harris’s but that partnership is working well this season.

Only changes I would have preferred would have been Zander over Berghan. And Sutherland over Bhati, I’m assuming Zander isn’t quite ready, have I missed something on Sutherlands form/injury status ?

Zander is over in Spain and according to Toony will be ready for next week

[Slick]

A team picked mostly on form so no real complaints. Still would've liked Maitland over Steyn but it's close.

Don't see Harris as an impact player on the bench. Feels like the coaches are scared ro discard their defensive comfort blanket.

Steyn has been good the last few weeks to be fair

Agree re Harris, it feels like he either starts or not in the squad. I'd hate us to take a lead then try and defend it by bringing him on.

Looks like we are going to go after their scrum in the first half

[Tichtheid]

I don't see it with Steyn, but Kinghorn hasn't been pulling up trees in the last couple of months. I'll happily be proven wrong if Steyn plays well. I like Smith a lot and would have liked to see him start.

Skinner is a bit hard done by.

I'm chuffed for Crosbie though, he's earned his jersey. We've got four decent lineout options with him in the side, I just hope Turner can hit them.

[Dogbert]

Steyn is there to play to a game plan

He has a better defence that both Duhan and Kinghorn. great under a high ball , and I can see England putting up as lot of high balls on Saurday

He can pass - which puts him ahead of Duhan , He doesn't drift in and out of games , or throw wild passes

He rarely gets turned over , and is good at presenting clean ball

He doesn't have the raw pace of Duhan or Blair but he's much better at bringing other players into the game.

[LenCohen]

If you watch Duhan doing passing drills in the warm up...it's quite something. But he is in the lucky position that his best option is almost always heid down and charge.

[robmatic]

I don't see it with Steyn, but Kinghorn hasn't been pulling up trees in the last couple of months. I'll happily be proven wrong if Steyn plays well. I like Smith a lot and would have liked to see him start.

Skinner is a bit hard done by.

I'm chuffed for Crosbie though, he's earned his jersey. We've got four decent lineout options with him in the side, I just hope Turner can hit them.

That's the issue with Turner, great in the loose but can definitely be wobbly when it comes to throwing.

[I like neeps]

Steyn is there to play to a game plan

He has a better defence that both Duhan and Kinghorn. great under a high ball , and I can see England putting up as lot of high balls on Saurday

He can pass - which puts him ahead of Duhan , He doesn't drift in and out of games , or throw wild passes

He rarely gets turned over , and is good at presenting clean ball

He doesn't have the raw pace of Duhan or Blair but he's much better at bringing other players into the game.

I'd definitely be interested in the argument on how Steyn isn't a better winger than Kinghorn. In his games on the wing for Edinburgh recently he's not been up to much. Kinghorn is also the best backup 10 option in camp so I think it makes sense. I'd have started Maitland and surprised he isn't there but Steyn is on great form at Glasgow.

Huwipolotu really intriguing, I didn't see that coming. Agree with not really liking Harris on the bench but who is the other option? Redpath only plays one position.

[Yr Alban]

It’s an interesting team, and not at all what we expected in many ways. Crosbie starting, White starting, Jones starting. Would have preferred Zander on the bench if not starting, but presumably he isn’t quite ready yet.

GT certainly wants to give this a go. I’ll never be entirely confident of avoiding a collapse at Twickenham though, even when it’s been 6 years since we lost there.

[Big D]

Steyn is there to play to a game plan

He has a better defence that both Duhan and Kinghorn. great under a high ball , and I can see England putting up as lot of high balls on Saurday

He can pass - which puts him ahead of Duhan , He doesn't drift in and out of games , or throw wild passes

He rarely gets turned over , and is good at presenting clean ball

He doesn't have the raw pace of Duhan or Blair but he's much better at bringing other players into the game.

I'd definitely be interested in the argument on how Steyn isn't a better winger than Kinghorn. In his games on the wing for Edinburgh recently he's not been up to much. Kinghorn is also the best backup 10 option in camp so I think it makes sense. I'd have started Maitland and surprised he isn't there but Steyn is on great form at Glasgow.

Huwipolotu really intriguing, I didn't see that coming. Agree with not really liking Harris on the bench but who is the other option? Redpath only plays one position.

Harris only plays one position too if we are being honest. Kinghorn will be back 3 cover and Harris isn't a 12.

Wing was always going to be Duhan plus one, and Maitland/Steyn are close enough in the "steady Eddie" stakes. Hopefully Graham is back soon though as he and Duhan are better finishers than any of the other options.

[charltom]

I was excited by the possibility of Huwipulotu, and now that GT has put them both in the team I find that he's sadly gone for Siones instead. I hope the numbers on their backs don't mean much.

That's a hell of a bench.

The biggest surprise of all is that the team was released early!

[Big D]

Bookies have us at 8 point underdogs.

Will be interesting to see where the money goes on that line.

[clydecloggie]

I was excited by the possibility of Huwipulotu, and now that GT has put them both in the team I find that he's sadly gone for Siones instead. I hope the numbers on their backs don't mean much.

That's a hell of a bench.

The biggest surprise of all is that the team was released early!

Siones instead of Huwipolotou is interesting - they're both essentially 13s so Toonie going for to opposite solution to Franco Smith. In attack, those numbers shouldn't mean much. Will be interesting to see if Jones can make us forget Harris' defence though.

[I like neeps]

I was excited by the possibility of Huwipulotu, and now that GT has put them both in the team I find that he's sadly gone for Siones instead. I hope the numbers on their backs don't mean much.

That's a hell of a bench.

The biggest surprise of all is that the team was released early!

Siones instead of Huwipolotou is interesting - they're both essentially 13s so Toonie going for to opposite solution to Franco Smith. In attack, those numbers shouldn't mean much. Will be interesting to see if Jones can make us forget Harris' defence though.

I don't think England will be very attack focused to be fair as it's the hardest install. Borthwick's England is going to be fix the defence and kick the leather aff it and kick chase kick chase kick chase, target the breakdown after the kick chase. Townsend will know this so maybe Jones is in there as the game breaker.

Also I think Graham has been our best attacking weapon the last year so with him out adding some threat is a good plan.