The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Yr Alban]

Left the ground gutted we didn’t win but also very proud of the lads. This team is very good, and it’s time we believed that. The brainfarts happen to all teams, hopefully we will be seeing them less and less in the future.

Absolutely bloody knackered, great weekend over here though.

Not jealous. At all.

[Yr Alban]

By the way, give Toony another WC cycle

Yes please, not always been a fan, but seems to be more settled in style of play and more mature and an Intl coach. Not always relying on Harris and relations with Fynn seem much better now.

I’ll be honest. Not long ago I was saying he had taken us as far as he could and it was time for another coach. Now I’m reconsidering that. He seems to have figured out what our best team looks like, and for the first time in ages I’m getting the impression we are working towards something.

[Tichtheid]

I've just watched this back a few times, Fagerson is high and makes contact with the head, the ricochet from his tackle propels Jelonch into Gilchrist.

Both were far too high, we've got to get this out of the game.


The only thing in Fagerson's favour is that he attempts a wrap, but to my mind that is not reason enough to for mitigation

[Tichtheid]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

[Biffer]

By the way, give Toony another WC cycle

Yes please, not always been a fan, but seems to be more settled in style of play and more mature and an Intl coach. Not always relying on Harris and relations with Fynn seem much better now.

I’ll be honest. Not long ago I was saying he had taken us as far as he could and it was time for another coach. Now I’m reconsidering that. He seems to have figured out what our best team looks like, and for the first time in ages I’m getting the impression we are working towards something.

Got to admit I feel the same way

[Slick]

Yes please, not always been a fan, but seems to be more settled in style of play and more mature and an Intl coach. Not always relying on Harris and relations with Fynn seem much better now.

I’ll be honest. Not long ago I was saying he had taken us as far as he could and it was time for another coach. Now I’m reconsidering that. He seems to have figured out what our best team looks like, and for the first time in ages I’m getting the impression we are working towards something.

Got to admit I feel the same way

I just don’t see how anyone is going to make us better

[Big D]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

[Big D]

By the way, give Toony another WC cycle

Was thinking about GT last night. We seem to have a good coaching line up now. We've been lucky to an extent that two under performing coaches were taken off our hands (Australia and family reason (maybe sacked?)) but Mooar and Horne need to be with Scotland for the world cup.

[Slick]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

He seemed really frustrated with the ref all game

[Yr Alban]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

Did they ever look at that incident again? He was so incensed, I suspected at the time that it was a crap decision. Of course, mouthing off excessively is a bad idea either way.

[Big D]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

Did they ever look at that incident again? He was so incensed, I suspected at the time that it was a crap decision. Of course, mouthing off excessively is a bad idea either way.

Not that I saw. Was fairly clear penalty from memory but not sure what exactly he was trying to point out.

[Yr Alban]

I’ll be honest. Not long ago I was saying he had taken us as far as he could and it was time for another coach. Now I’m reconsidering that. He seems to have figured out what our best team looks like, and for the first time in ages I’m getting the impression we are working towards something.

Got to admit I feel the same way

I just don’t see how anyone is going to make us better

A few months ago, we were underperforming and I would have disagreed with you, but not so much now. I’m not sure exactly what has changed, only that it has. The unforced errors and brainless penalties seem to have receded, and we’re playing some cracking rugby in attack. Actually, in defence too. Some of the defending yesterday was absolute class, in particular the try saved when the guy was clean through and we stopped him grounding the ball.

[robmatic]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

[Big D]

Thought Schoeman had his best game in blue. Turner had a lot of good and a couple of poor points but is miles and miles ahead of Brown.

White has really taken his chance too.

What has happened to Kyle Steyns tackling? Another 50% showing. Although to be fair there were plenty missed tackles in the team yesterday.

[Big D]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

They tapped and went didn't they? We had defended their lineout well most of the day.

It didn't change the result really but it is an area Ritchie needs to work on.

[Tichtheid]

Anyway, I thought we could have won that, but the only metric that matters is the scoreboard and we didn't, just a few details, a dropped pass, a forward pass, we're nearly there.

Jamie Ritchie had a very good game

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

[dpedin]

I’m seeing criticism of Finn in various places. I don’t get it. He did some daft things but overall he was utterly brilliant- did things no other 10 would even think of.

3 years ago it would frustrate me but he is so obviously a generational talent now that I’m happy to shrug my shoulders and wait for the next bit of magic. He defines this period of Scottish rugby and we should enjoy it

Agreed.

100% - he creates and scores more than he concedes. He also scares the living bejeezus out of defences and creates so much space for others across the backline. Of course he comes with risks and the intercept pass was one of them but he would be first pick for me in every team selection.

[Slick]

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

I thought overall the ref was fine. I think some of JR's frustration was the French slowing the game down as they were knackered. I think it was after Jones' first try that they were behind the posts looking drained and then kept in a huddle for an age after the conversion went through .A lot of players going down for treatment etc.

[Tichtheid]

I wouldn't normally post the same thing in two places, but I posted this on the Glasgow bored

I have just had a look through the match stats and a couple leapt out - we had 17 handling errors compared to France's 2, also, whatever they deem "Bad Passes", we had 14 of them compared to France's 2.

The rest of the game stats are pretty much in our favour, suggesting to me that we are close, but still have to get to that next level up where we can execute our game plan under the highest pressure.

https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/report/ ... atch-stats

[Tichtheid]

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

I thought overall the ref was fine. I think some of JR's frustration was the French slowing the game down as they were knackered. I think it was after Jones' first try that they were behind the posts looking drained and then kept in a huddle for an age after the conversion went through .A lot of players going down for treatment etc.

Referees can make mistakes, and it is very frustrating as a fan when the mistakes go against our team, I don't think we've gotten to the point where we've eliminated big team refereeing or homer refereeing, but equally it didn't occur to me during that game that we were getting ridden - the penalty count was 10 against France, 9 against us.

[Biffer]

Other than the backchat that ultimately gave them an easier attempt at a BP try. As captain he needs to keep on the right side of the ref.

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

Yeah, he gave them a warning and the next time there was a penalty he just carried on. Ireland will do exactly the same when we play them so we should be making some noise about it now, so the ref for that game actually does something about it.

[Slick]

That was going to be a 5 metre lineout regardless, I would have thought.

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

Yeah, he gave them a warning and the next time there was a penalty he just carried on. Ireland will do exactly the same when we play them so we should be making some noise about it now, so the ref for that game actually does something about it.

Also, clearing out from the side. I reckon 4 out the 5 rucks leading to one of Irelands tries were clearly cleared from a player coming in from the side and it was going on all afternoon. In saying that, I also thought France's first try was directly from a ruck being blatantly cleared from the side and there were quite a few in the Welsh game so maybe refs have been told to let it go a bit for attacking teams.

[Jock42]

The kick to touch was either going to take place from about 12m out or 5m out ie no difference

We’ve been critical of captains not getting in the ref’s ear in the past

There was a lot of talk on the Weedgie bored about the ref, specifically the number of penalties France racked up in the red zone without a card
I can understand the frustration in the 78th minute of a test match where you are on top in every area bar the score board

Yeah, he gave them a warning and the next time there was a penalty he just carried on. Ireland will do exactly the same when we play them so we should be making some noise about it now, so the ref for that game actually does something about it.

Also, clearing out from the side. I reckon 4 out the 5 rucks leading to one of Irelands tries were clearly cleared from a player coming in from the side and it was going on all afternoon. In saying that, I also thought France's first try was directly from a ruck being blatantly cleared from the side and there were quite a few in the Welsh game so maybe refs have been told to let it go a bit for attacking teams.

It definitely was. Funnily enough the French TV lot never showed it again and I've still not seen it since.

That handling count us atrocious, dread to think what the missed tackle count was. That's where it was won and lost, Big D was right about have the composure.

[Slick]

Once the red cards had been evened up I genuinely didn't think we were going to lose until the messed up lineout. Always felt we were going to pull something off. Such a shame but not overly down about it.

I also think we have a genuine chance against Ireland. They looked pretty ropey defending out wide and Italy did a good job of standing up to their dull one out boshing close to the line. In a wider context this game is much more important to us going forward.

[Blackmac]

I wouldn't normally post the same thing in two places, but I posted this on the Glasgow bored

I have just had a look through the match stats and a couple leapt out - we had 17 handling errors compared to France's 2, also, whatever they deem "Bad Passes", we had 14 of them compared to France's 2.

The rest of the game stats are pretty much in our favour, suggesting to me that we are close, but still have to get to that next level up where we can execute our game plan under the highest pressure.

https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/report/ ... atch-stats

I think that is indicative of what I said about the need for a bit of composure once we got on top at about 60 minutes. The high risk game was fine as it was what was required to get back in the match but I felt it got even riskier after we got to the 21 point mark when a slightly more composed game plan was required.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Once the red cards had been evened up I genuinely didn't think we were going to lose until the messed up lineout. Always felt we were going to pull something off. Such a shame but not overly down about it.

I also think we have a genuine chance against Ireland. They looked pretty ropey defending out wide and Italy did a good job of standing up to their dull one out boshing close to the line. In a wider context this game is much more important to us going forward.

Coming back from 19-0 down was a pretty strong performance in the context (away to the #2 ranked side) - I had no expectation of that, given the number of times we've seen a Scotland team crumble in the past from that kind of position (exception being the 38-38 draw). To get to 4 points down and have France panicking and blowing like that late in the game, it seemed like a win was definitely on the cards, so it's all the more frustrating that it didn't happen. After the first red card, I'd've been happy with anything other than a complete tanking. After the second red card, I was a bit more hopeful, but still expecting to lose, given the score at the time and the way France started. The more the game went on, my hopes/expectations grew (as I'm sure everyone's did) so I was pretty cheesed off at the final whistle. As ever, it's the hope that kills you! But I have to remind myself how bad it could have been, so maybe not such a disaster after all. Scotland are definitely able to live with the big boys, and should be well-capable of pushing Ireland hard. Whether we've grown enough confidence or smarts to stop the Irish cheating* their way to another victory, remains to be seen, but I'm more confident of that after the whole of yesterday's game than I was before kick-off. (Also, as noted above, Ireland's defence outside of 12 was not amazing, and Scotland has been pretty potent at attacking in the wider channels.)

*Or, if you prefer, playing the ref and getting away with everything they can.

[Jockaline]

I wouldn't normally post the same thing in two places, but I posted this on the Glasgow bored

I have just had a look through the match stats and a couple leapt out - we had 17 handling errors compared to France's 2, also, whatever they deem "Bad Passes", we had 14 of them compared to France's 2.

The rest of the game stats are pretty much in our favour, suggesting to me that we are close, but still have to get to that next level up where we can execute our game plan under the highest pressure.

https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/report/ ... atch-stats

Easier to play more conservative with a 19 point lead, we had to take risks and those will result in errors as they will not always come off. The first quarter is where it all went wrong. Proud of the team for how they reacted even with the errors.

Edit: See the post about being more measured when we got within a score, but while we weren't out on our feet in the same way as the French, the energy and sharpness would have been suffering, although that doesn't excuse the subs and Brown in particular. It's a team game though and we win or lose as a team.

[Tichtheid]

I wouldn't normally post the same thing in two places, but I posted this on the Glasgow bored

I have just had a look through the match stats and a couple leapt out - we had 17 handling errors compared to France's 2, also, whatever they deem "Bad Passes", we had 14 of them compared to France's 2.

The rest of the game stats are pretty much in our favour, suggesting to me that we are close, but still have to get to that next level up where we can execute our game plan under the highest pressure.

https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/report/ ... atch-stats

Easier to play more conservative with a 19 point lead, we had to take risks and those will result in errors as they will not always come off. The first quarter is where it all went wrong. Proud of the team for how they reacted even with the errors.

Edit: See the post about being more measured when we got within a score, but while we weren't out on our feet in the same way as the French, the energy and sharpness would have been suffering, although that doesn't excuse the subs and Brown in particular. It's a team game though and we win or lose as a team.

Absolutely, it's why I don't like singling out particular players or incidents for opprobrium, it's a team game played over 80 minutes and we actually had enough possession, territory and momentum to win that match, we just lacked a bit of composure and/or confidence to execute and put the game away.

[Slick]

One thing that struck me during the game was the restrictions that a 6:2 split brings. That game was made for Kinghorn to come on and cause mayhem. I was shouting to get him on from half time but realised we couldn’t risk it that early because of the potential for injuries that far out.

[Tichtheid]

One thing that struck me during the game was the restrictions that a 6:2 split brings. That game was made for Kinghorn to come on and cause mayhem. I was shouting to get him on from half time but realised we couldn’t risk it that early because of the potential for injuries that far out.

Aye, but you were at Raeburn Place weren't you?

Having said that I'm not sure if he ever played for Accies, did he? He went straight to Edinburgh from school iirc.

[Slick]

One thing that struck me during the game was the restrictions that a 6:2 split brings. That game was made for Kinghorn to come on and cause mayhem. I was shouting to get him on from half time but realised we couldn’t risk it that early because of the potential for injuries that far out.

Aye, but you were at Raeburn Place weren't you?

Having said that I'm not sure if he ever played for Accies, did he? He went straight to Edinburgh from school iirc.

At one point when he dropped i high ball I said “that’s why he doesn’t start” and suddenly realised I was getting a few looks

Wiki says he only ever played junior rugby at Currie!

[mos_eisely_]

Ben Cairns brings in John Hardie as Defence and Collision coach for Heriot's. Quite a formidable coaching line up they have for the season

[Yr Alban]

Turns out that Johnny Sexton’s ‘record’ of never having lost to any Scottish team is a load of nonsense. He started for Ireland when we beat them at Croke Park in 2010. So much for that!

What is properly amazing is that we beat them with this team:

Southwell, S Lamont, De Luca, Morrison, M Evans, Parks, Cusiter, Beattie, Barclay, Brown, Kellock, Hamilton, Murray, Ford, Jacobsen

Decent pack, but at the back line.

[KingBlairhorn]

I wouldn't normally post the same thing in two places, but I posted this on the Glasgow bored

I have just had a look through the match stats and a couple leapt out - we had 17 handling errors compared to France's 2, also, whatever they deem "Bad Passes", we had 14 of them compared to France's 2.

The rest of the game stats are pretty much in our favour, suggesting to me that we are close, but still have to get to that next level up where we can execute our game plan under the highest pressure.

https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/report/ ... atch-stats

Easier to play more conservative with a 19 point lead, we had to take risks and those will result in errors as they will not always come off. The first quarter is where it all went wrong. Proud of the team for how they reacted even with the errors.

Edit: See the post about being more measured when we got within a score, but while we weren't out on our feet in the same way as the French, the energy and sharpness would have been suffering, although that doesn't excuse the subs and Brown in particular. It's a team game though and we win or lose as a team.

Absolutely, it's why I don't like singling out particular players or incidents for opprobrium, it's a team game played over 80 minutes and we actually had enough possession, territory and momentum to win that match, we just lacked a bit of composure and/or confidence to execute and put the game away.

I agree. In the heat of the moment after the loss I saw a few calls for Brown to never play for us again. We did not lose that match as a result of one overthrown lineout (I accept we did lose momentum and I was as angry as anyone else at the impact it had). Having that attitude towards a 60 cap international is a bit plum tbh.

[charltom]

Yes, a 60 cap international who was outstanding in the autumn, no less.

I would love to see Ashman given more time but I have great faith in Brown as well as Turner, even if both sometimes make mistakes. They are quality.

[Biffer]

Yes, a 60 cap international who was outstanding in the autumn, no less.

I would love to see Ashman given more time but I have great faith in Brown as well as Turner, even if both sometimes make mistakes. They are quality.

I don’t have faith in Brown. The number of times he’s been at the heart of the fuckups that have haunted us for years is too much for me.

[westport]

2024 Guinness Six Nations Fixtures

Wales v Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Saturday 3 February (kick off 4.45pm)
Scotland v France – BT Murrayfield, Saturday 10 February (kick off 2.15pm)
Scotland v England – BT Murrayfield, Saturday 24 February (kick off 4.45pm)
Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olympico, Rome, Saturday 9 March (kick off 2.15pm)
Ireland v Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday 16 March (kick off 4.45pm

[Slick]

2024 Guinness Six Nations Fixtures

Wales v Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Saturday 3 February (kick off 4.45pm)
Scotland v France – BT Murrayfield, Saturday 10 February (kick off 2.15pm)
Scotland v England – BT Murrayfield, Saturday 24 February (kick off 4.45pm)
Italy v Scotland – Stadio Olympico, Rome, Saturday 9 March (kick off 2.15pm)
Ireland v Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday 16 March (kick off 4.45pm

Nice break between Cardiff and Rome, sweet

[KingBlairhorn]

Yes, a 60 cap international who was outstanding in the autumn, no less.

I would love to see Ashman given more time but I have great faith in Brown as well as Turner, even if both sometimes make mistakes. They are quality.

Ashman is the coming man for sure but he’s a 22 year old who isn’t first choice at his club (Duhan’s brother is), we have to be realistic. Dropping him into a test match of that intensity might be a bit unfair.

We actually looked like we should be fairly well stocked at hooker over the next few years. Ashman should become a mainstay, Harrison hopefully too and the two U20 hookers look brilliant.

[Big D]

Yes, a 60 cap international who was outstanding in the autumn, no less.

I would love to see Ashman given more time but I have great faith in Brown as well as Turner, even if both sometimes make mistakes. They are quality.

I don’t have faith in Brown. The number of times he’s been at the heart of the fuckups that have haunted us for years is too much for me.

I think that is it, with Brown there is that impending feeling that the mistake is coming. And he'll inevitably be injured so we can do with getting Ashman game time.