The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Camroc2]

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

FWIW, that was Leinster's third choice OH out there tonight, until the 4th/5th choice came on. Don't disrespect the third place ranking.

At the moment, all things considered, Kinghorn is Scotland's second choice fly half right now.

Healy has to displace him, if the game plan is to play heads up rugby and attack, ie modern rugby, Healy has a fight on his hands

Oh absolutely.

What you'll get with Healy, is a typical Irish style OH. Can kick, cover, play to the line if you've go-forward ball, likes systems etc. He won't be Russell, Hogg, or even Kinghorn. Your forwards will love him.

[Camroc2]

btw, I haven't seen the game yet, but was that the younger Byrne playing for Leinster?

He's better than his brother, even if he is behind him in the pecking order

Byrne Major is with the Irish squad, and wasn't released.

Byrne minor started, replaced by Tector (last years Ireland U20 starter) with about 20 to go.

[Tichtheid]

What you'll get with Healy, is a typical Irish style OH. Can kick, cover, play to the line if you've go-forward ball, likes systems etc. He won't be Russell, Hogg, or even Kinghorn. Your forwards will love him.

This is my whole point, I've nothing against the guy and he starts with a clean slate at Edinburgh a far as I'm concerned, but the player he is in competition with has a particular set of skills - Kinghorn is the quickest guy in Scottish rugby according to the national coach, he has an eye for a gap like no one else, again according to his coaches, he is six foot five, so doesn't get intimidated by ball carriers, but at the same time he can look a bit ungainly, just because of those long levers.
Kinghorn kicks well, but he hasn't gained a full "kicking game" for a fly half yet as he was playing in the back three until 18 months ago, but he's as dangerous going forward as Finn, in a different way, it's all about pace and seeing the gap with Kinghorn, whereas with Finn it's about taking the hit and laying the ball onto someone else in space.

[robmatic]

Yup, unless urged otherwise I don't think I'll watch that, straight to delete.

We can beat Saracens, who are head and shoulder above everyone else in the Gallagher Premiership, but as soon as we go down to second choices in the tight five (and not all of today's players are second choices there) we get absolutely hammered.

There was negative talk about Savala on the league thread, he hasn't kicked on in the way I'd hoped - Kinghorn will be playing a lot of games at ten next season

The first half was fine, but everything fell apart in the second.

It's frustrating because these second stringers were looking decent enough when they played last season.

[KingBlairhorn]

Interesting debate. To pick up on one point made, I keep seeing people claiming Boff is a top class goal kicker. I have watched him kick for Edinburgh all season and I’ve seen him be passable a few times and abominable the rest. Last night he kicked at what, 60%? I wouldn’t say that was the worst performance I have seen from him this season. Unfortunately the URC stat pages aren’t working to check. I understand he kicked well for Argentina in the RC but what are his career kicking stats like?

[KingBlairhorn]

In other news, I see the rumours about Ealing Trailfinders merging with the Ospreys and playing in the URC out of London aren’t going away. Apparently negotiations are ongoing and involve the RFU. I presume London Scottish and the SRU are watching very very closely.

[KingBlairhorn]

Also, I’ve seen it rumoured that Gilcho got 3 weeks reduced to two. So available for Italy.

[SaintK]

In other news, I see the rumours about Ealing Trailfinders merging with the Ospreys and playing in the URC out of London aren’t going away. Apparently negotiations are ongoing and involve the RFU. I presume London Scottish and the SRU are watching very very closely.

London Scottish are stone cold bottom of the Championship so I'm not sure what they would bring with them.
Neither do they have the financial heft of Ealing and would need to be heavily subsidised by the SRU

[Paddington Bear]

In other news, I see the rumours about Ealing Trailfinders merging with the Ospreys and playing in the URC out of London aren’t going away. Apparently negotiations are ongoing and involve the RFU. I presume London Scottish and the SRU are watching very very closely.

London Scottish are stone cold bottom of the Championship so I'm not sure what they would bring with them.
Neither do they have the financial heft of Ealing and would need to be heavily subsidised by the SRU

Also have no ground. Basically a money pit.

[KingBlairhorn]

In other news, I see the rumours about Ealing Trailfinders merging with the Ospreys and playing in the URC out of London aren’t going away. Apparently negotiations are ongoing and involve the RFU. I presume London Scottish and the SRU are watching very very closely.

London Scottish are stone cold bottom of the Championship so I'm not sure what they would bring with them.
Neither do they have the financial heft of Ealing and would need to be heavily subsidised by the SRU

Also have no ground. Basically a money pit.

All the pro teams are money pits, Glasgow and Edinburgh to the tune of £5m+ each per year. Scottish rugby eventually needs a 3rd pro team, it’s not about which is profitable it’s about which is least unprofitable.

I’ve never been hugely convinced by the LS proposition myself as the whole ‘there are x million Scottish people in the southeast’ argument doesn’t really stand up to the scrutiny of actually travelling around that area and attending games. Someone in Greenwich is unlikely to travel to Richmond on a Friday night when it’s an almost 2 hour journey (each way), especially if it’s to see a 2nd rate Scottish team horsed by Leinster. I suppose the away crowds (South African and Irish especially) would be a big part of the equation. Nevertheless, I haven’t seen any detailed analysis of it and it seemed the SRU who have thought there was something there so to my original point, I expect they are watching what the WRU do with considerable interest.

[KingBlairhorn]

Also to add, neither Glasgow nor Edinburgh have a stadium either. Glasgow’s is an athletics ground owned by the council and Edinburgh’s is a temporary ground owned by the SRU (which is obviously somewhat better). I would think the RFU not wanting URC teams in their back yard is the bigger problem.

[Slick]

True , but I will bet you that Healy next season will be Edinburgh's first choice Ten ,

Kinghorn will be shunted to fullback or wing , and will cover 10 when Healy is unavailable

Yes

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

The thing I struggle with, with this narrative is why have the SRU gone out to get a specialist stand off, purportedly told him he is in the mix for Scotland and picked him on Scotland squads if the intention is for him to be a back up to BK? It doesn’t really make any sense.

Also, what Edinburgh desperately need is a half back that can control games and have a tactical kicking game. For all BK’s merits, that’s not him. I’ve said on several occasions that Edinburgh will be a highly entertaining middle of the table team until they have someone that can control things. My reading of this is that it’s what they have decided as well

Edit: Edinburgh have also been playing BK on the wing recently when they have perfectly decent wings not playing and, I may be wrong here, he has so far had zero time at 10 for Scotland this 6N

[Paddington Bear]

London Scottish are stone cold bottom of the Championship so I'm not sure what they would bring with them.
Neither do they have the financial heft of Ealing and would need to be heavily subsidised by the SRU

Also have no ground. Basically a money pit.

All the pro teams are money pits, Glasgow and Edinburgh to the tune of £5m+ each per year. Scottish rugby eventually needs a 3rd pro team, it’s not about which is profitable it’s about which is least unprofitable.

I’ve never been hugely convinced by the LS proposition myself as the whole ‘there are x million Scottish people in the southeast’ argument doesn’t really stand up to the scrutiny of actually travelling around that area and attending games. Someone in Greenwich is unlikely to travel to Richmond on a Friday night when it’s an almost 2 hour journey (each way), especially if it’s to see a 2nd rate Scottish team horsed by Leinster. I suppose the away crowds (South African and Irish especially) would be a big part of the equation. Nevertheless, I haven’t seen any detailed analysis of it and it seemed the SRU who have thought there was something there so to my original point, I expect they are watching what the WRU do with considerable interest.

Yeah completely agree on the business case. Even if you were to catch the Scots in SE England (which seems unlikely as most don't like rugby, most of those that do only really watch internationals and the remainder either play or watch Sarries, Quins or Irish already), and get Irish/SA travelling support, the Athletic Ground has one small stand, a bit of hard standing and then just a fence round the rest of it. I've very much enjoyed the odd Championship game I've watched there as it's pretty cheap admission and Richmond itself is a lovely spot to stick yourself down in a few pubs for a bit, with plenty of rugby people around, however it is in no way a viable place for a pro team (as Scottish, Richmond and Welsh have all found). Then you're looking at renting off a football club which will cost the earth and I can't think of one that's interested, or groundsharing with Sarries or Quins. Again, not convinced on any level.
Surely if you're going to burn cash it would be better to do it in Scotland and try again at building a team in Aberdeen?

[I like neeps]

True , but I will bet you that Healy next season will be Edinburgh's first choice Ten ,

Kinghorn will be shunted to fullback or wing , and will cover 10 when Healy is unavailable

Yes

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

Yeah I agree with this. Edinburgh didn't sign Healy, Scotland signed Healy. If Healy isn't an upgrade over Kinghorn who has some fairly unique skills then Healy isn't going to be a weekly starter. Not like anyone at Edinburgh decided he was the missing piece or anything. Scotland wanted him, Scotland got him and someone in the SRU decided Edinburgh was the place for him. Or he got the John Hardie - here's x amount, pick a club.

It's worth listening to Sione on the rugby pod a few weeks back. Talking about how he ended up in Scotland he goes in-depth on his discussions with Townsend. I assume it was the same for Healy.

[Slick]

Yes

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

Yeah I agree with this. Edinburgh didn't sign Healy, Scotland signed Healy. If Healy isn't an upgrade over Kinghorn who has some fairly unique skills then Healy isn't going to be a weekly starter. Not like anyone at Edinburgh decided he was the missing piece or anything. Scotland wanted him, Scotland got him and someone in the SRU decided Edinburgh was the place for him. Or he got the John Hardie - here's x amount, pick a club.

It's worth listening to Sione on the rugby pod a few weeks back. Talking about how he ended up in Scotland he goes in-depth on his discussions with Townsend. I assume it was the same for Healy.

So then why not send him to Glasgow who currently have a young, non SQ (yet) stand off? Why take him to Edinburgh on presumably a big wage if you have Scotlands number 2 and a couple of young back ups?

And as I said above, I think someone probably has decided he’s the missing piece. Anyway, time will tell

[Slick]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

[KingBlairhorn]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

Nah, hopefully he makes the smart decision and moves back to Glasgow where he can play 5-10 games a season for another 3-5 years. He is far too classy to be done at 30.

[I like neeps]

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

Yeah I agree with this. Edinburgh didn't sign Healy, Scotland signed Healy. If Healy isn't an upgrade over Kinghorn who has some fairly unique skills then Healy isn't going to be a weekly starter. Not like anyone at Edinburgh decided he was the missing piece or anything. Scotland wanted him, Scotland got him and someone in the SRU decided Edinburgh was the place for him. Or he got the John Hardie - here's x amount, pick a club.

It's worth listening to Sione on the rugby pod a few weeks back. Talking about how he ended up in Scotland he goes in-depth on his discussions with Townsend. I assume it was the same for Healy.

So then why not send him to Glasgow who currently have a young, non SQ (yet) stand off? Why take him to Edinburgh on presumably a big wage if you have Scotlands number 2 and a couple of young back ups?

And as I said above, I think someone probably has decided he’s the missing piece. Anyway, time will tell

I presume because Healy has some say in which club he goes to after he signs for Scotland. But as we know Healy has been publically courted by the SRU for years now, the recruitment wasn't driven by Edinburgh or Glasgow and by what was needed where. Edinburgh really don't need Kinghorn at fullback as they've got huge resource invested into a world class back 3 and he's actually been good at 10. Savala and vdw also sadly just aren't it so a backup or an option is needed.

I really think it's telling in his interview Tuipolotu didn't once discuss Glasgow when talking about his decision to come to Scotland. He didn't talk about Danny Wilson discussing his vision it was all Townsend and it's the same for Healy I reckon. I mean good luck to Healy and Edinburgh but I doubt his signing has really all that much to do with Edinburgh's long term squad planning.

[Achahoish]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

Nah, hopefully he makes the smart decision and moves back to Glasgow where he can play 5-10 games a season for another 3-5 years. He is far too classy to be done at 30.

Speaking for myself, I don't want him back. Keep developing youngsters.

[Slick]

Yeah I agree with this. Edinburgh didn't sign Healy, Scotland signed Healy. If Healy isn't an upgrade over Kinghorn who has some fairly unique skills then Healy isn't going to be a weekly starter. Not like anyone at Edinburgh decided he was the missing piece or anything. Scotland wanted him, Scotland got him and someone in the SRU decided Edinburgh was the place for him. Or he got the John Hardie - here's x amount, pick a club.

It's worth listening to Sione on the rugby pod a few weeks back. Talking about how he ended up in Scotland he goes in-depth on his discussions with Townsend. I assume it was the same for Healy.

So then why not send him to Glasgow who currently have a young, non SQ (yet) stand off? Why take him to Edinburgh on presumably a big wage if you have Scotlands number 2 and a couple of young back ups?

And as I said above, I think someone probably has decided he’s the missing piece. Anyway, time will tell

I presume because Healy has some say in which club he goes to after he signs for Scotland. But as we know Healy has been publically courted by the SRU for years now, the recruitment wasn't driven by Edinburgh or Glasgow and by what was needed where. Edinburgh really don't need Kinghorn at fullback as they've got huge resource invested into a world class back 3 and he's actually been good at 10. Savala and vdw also sadly just aren't it so a backup or an option is needed.

I really think it's telling in his interview Tuipolotu didn't once discuss Glasgow when talking about his decision to come to Scotland. He didn't talk about Danny Wilson discussing his vision it was all Townsend and it's the same for Healy I reckon. I mean good luck to Healy and Edinburgh but I doubt his signing has really all that much to do with Edinburgh's long term squad planning.

I think that’s a pretty mad take to be honest. I guess I don’t know any more than you but to suggest the SRU ask someone to come, pay good money, and don’t have a plan for what they are doing with him seems inconceivable. As does asking him where he’d prefer to play.

[Slick]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

Nah, hopefully he makes the smart decision and moves back to Glasgow where he can play 5-10 games a season for another 3-5 years. He is far too classy to be done at 30.

I don’t expect it to happen for a couple of years of course and I want him around for as long as possible but we have to start thinking about it and plan for it

[I like neeps]

So then why not send him to Glasgow who currently have a young, non SQ (yet) stand off? Why take him to Edinburgh on presumably a big wage if you have Scotlands number 2 and a couple of young back ups?

And as I said above, I think someone probably has decided he’s the missing piece. Anyway, time will tell

I presume because Healy has some say in which club he goes to after he signs for Scotland. But as we know Healy has been publically courted by the SRU for years now, the recruitment wasn't driven by Edinburgh or Glasgow and by what was needed where. Edinburgh really don't need Kinghorn at fullback as they've got huge resource invested into a world class back 3 and he's actually been good at 10. Savala and vdw also sadly just aren't it so a backup or an option is needed.

I really think it's telling in his interview Tuipolotu didn't once discuss Glasgow when talking about his decision to come to Scotland. He didn't talk about Danny Wilson discussing his vision it was all Townsend and it's the same for Healy I reckon. I mean good luck to Healy and Edinburgh but I doubt his signing has really all that much to do with Edinburgh's long term squad planning.

I think that’s a pretty mad take to be honest. I guess I don’t know any more than you but to suggest the SRU ask someone to come, pay good money, and don’t have a plan for what they are doing with him seems inconceivable. As does asking him where he’d prefer to play.

But they do have a plan. The plan is for Healy to play for or at the very least are an option for Scotland. As his immediate installation in the national squad straight from Munsters bench shows he didn't come across to be Edinburgh's first choice and earn his shirt based on his hard work at the DAM then earn a squad place. It's been two contract cycles of Townsend calling him up and selling him on the national team and then the details of the pro team is sorted out after.

[Slick]

I presume because Healy has some say in which club he goes to after he signs for Scotland. But as we know Healy has been publically courted by the SRU for years now, the recruitment wasn't driven by Edinburgh or Glasgow and by what was needed where. Edinburgh really don't need Kinghorn at fullback as they've got huge resource invested into a world class back 3 and he's actually been good at 10. Savala and vdw also sadly just aren't it so a backup or an option is needed.

I really think it's telling in his interview Tuipolotu didn't once discuss Glasgow when talking about his decision to come to Scotland. He didn't talk about Danny Wilson discussing his vision it was all Townsend and it's the same for Healy I reckon. I mean good luck to Healy and Edinburgh but I doubt his signing has really all that much to do with Edinburgh's long term squad planning.

I think that’s a pretty mad take to be honest. I guess I don’t know any more than you but to suggest the SRU ask someone to come, pay good money, and don’t have a plan for what they are doing with him seems inconceivable. As does asking him where he’d prefer to play.

But they do have a plan. The plan is for Healy to play for or at the very least are an option for Scotland. As his immediate installation in the national squad straight from Munsters bench shows he didn't come across to be Edinburgh's first choice and earn his shirt based on his hard work at the DAM then earn a squad place. It's been two contract cycles of Townsend calling him up and selling him on the national team and then the details of the pro team is sorted out after.

Ahh OK, I misunderstood you slightly.

Although in some ways that’s even crazier. Bring a guy in to be an option for the national team but put him in a team where he’s going to get very little game time - none if BK is available and none during international periods because he’s with the national team.

He’s coming to play 10 at Edinburgh

[KingBlairhorn]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

Nah, hopefully he makes the smart decision and moves back to Glasgow where he can play 5-10 games a season for another 3-5 years. He is far too classy to be done at 30.

Speaking for myself, I don't want him back. Keep developing youngsters.

Completely disagree. The value guys returning who played at the very top level can bring is huge. Richie Gray has been a brilliant example this season. The standards these guys have as well as the experiences of different environments and training methodologies is a massive opportunity for the development of young players. I hope Russell makes it back at some point too, as well as JGray. The guys who haven’t played at the absolute top though, I agree, aren’t hugely important to bring back.

[topofthemoon]

Yes

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

The thing I struggle with, with this narrative is why have the SRU gone out to get a specialist stand off, purportedly told him he is in the mix for Scotland and picked him on Scotland squads if the intention is for him to be a back up to BK? It doesn’t really make any sense.

Also, what Edinburgh desperately need is a half back that can control games and have a tactical kicking game. For all BK’s merits, that’s not him. I’ve said on several occasions that Edinburgh will be a highly entertaining middle of the table team until they have someone that can control things. My reading of this is that it’s what they have decided as well

Edit: Edinburgh have also been playing BK on the wing recently when they have perfectly decent wings not playing and, I may be wrong here, he has so far had zero time at 10 for Scotland this 6N

I don't think we're going to know for sure until next season. New coach will have an impact as well. Kinghorn was back on the wing for games when Boffelli, Graham, Hoyland and van der Merwe were missing for all 3 and Goosen and Immelman were also out for some of those fixtures. They still had all 3 stand offs available so it was the best use of resources.

[topofthemoon]

Another point on this is that Hogg, who albeit would still be in my team, is increasingly looking like he’s coming to the end of his career and BK has been outstanding coming on in the back three this 6N, with plenty of folk calling for him to start at 15.

With this being the case, and with no one else quite ready to take on the 15 position, why on Earth would we be looking to cement him at 10 for his club.

Nah, hopefully he makes the smart decision and moves back to Glasgow where he can play 5-10 games a season for another 3-5 years. He is far too classy to be done at 30.

Speaking for myself, I don't want him back. Keep developing youngsters.

Back 3 pickings are really thin. Could easily have Hogg playing 10-12 big games a season while still allowing plenty of opportunities for youngsters. 6 NSQ across the 2 pro teams as it stands so it would reduce the amount we're having to rely on imports if anything.

[Slick]

No.

The guy is third choice at Munster, he has to earn his place at Edinburgh, I really don't know why you lot are assuming he just steps in there without question.

I'm more inclined to agree with mos_eisely_, though it might have been easier to do so if it was easier to type that name.

The current best backline Edinburgh have is Vellacott, Kinghorn, van der Merwe, Dean, Bennett, Graham, Boffelli

I have not seen Healy do anything that approaches what Kinghorn can do - if we want someone who can kick a rugby ball to the touchline then we should have re-employed Weir. We already have a terrific goal kicker in Boff, so why are you assuming Healy is the guy who will make that backline sing?

The best players we have in the centres and back three thrive off broken field and pull-back passes, not chasing a forward pack up the touchline as the flyhallf makes ten metres at a time for the opposition to throw in.

The thing I struggle with, with this narrative is why have the SRU gone out to get a specialist stand off, purportedly told him he is in the mix for Scotland and picked him on Scotland squads if the intention is for him to be a back up to BK? It doesn’t really make any sense.

Also, what Edinburgh desperately need is a half back that can control games and have a tactical kicking game. For all BK’s merits, that’s not him. I’ve said on several occasions that Edinburgh will be a highly entertaining middle of the table team until they have someone that can control things. My reading of this is that it’s what they have decided as well

Edit: Edinburgh have also been playing BK on the wing recently when they have perfectly decent wings not playing and, I may be wrong here, he has so far had zero time at 10 for Scotland this 6N

I don't think we're going to know for sure until next season. New coach will have an impact as well. Kinghorn was back on the wing for games when Boffelli, Graham, Hoyland and van der Merwe were missing for all 3 and Goosen and Immelman were also out for some of those fixtures. They still had all 3 stand offs available so it was the best use of resources.

I don’t really agree with that last point. Stand off is such a pivotal position, surely you play your best option there. I accept it’s not U13’s where you just put the shit kid on the wing but there were still back 3 players available to cover that and, if you are serious about developing him there, play BK

[topofthemoon]

The thing I struggle with, with this narrative is why have the SRU gone out to get a specialist stand off, purportedly told him he is in the mix for Scotland and picked him on Scotland squads if the intention is for him to be a back up to BK? It doesn’t really make any sense.

Also, what Edinburgh desperately need is a half back that can control games and have a tactical kicking game. For all BK’s merits, that’s not him. I’ve said on several occasions that Edinburgh will be a highly entertaining middle of the table team until they have someone that can control things. My reading of this is that it’s what they have decided as well

Edit: Edinburgh have also been playing BK on the wing recently when they have perfectly decent wings not playing and, I may be wrong here, he has so far had zero time at 10 for Scotland this 6N

I don't think we're going to know for sure until next season. New coach will have an impact as well. Kinghorn was back on the wing for games when Boffelli, Graham, Hoyland and van der Merwe were missing for all 3 and Goosen and Immelman were also out for some of those fixtures. They still had all 3 stand offs available so it was the best use of resources.

I don’t really agree with that last point. Stand off is such a pivotal position, surely you play your best option there. I accept it’s not U13’s where you just put the shit kid on the wing but there were still back 3 players available to cover that and, if you are serious about developing him there, play BK

For the Zebre game they were already putting Jack Blain in the back 3 - who had 1 start in Edinburgh's previous 30 games - plus Harry Paterson from the Academy. Adding another Academy player into the back 3 wouldn't have been a better option than running with Savala at 10 - a player who has been picked for every Edinburgh squad this season bar one.

The Champions Cup matches they at least had Immelman back but it was no place for an Academy player to get exposed. The drop off from Kinghorn to Savala at 10 was significantly less than the drop from Kinghorn to Paterson or Sweeney on the wing.

[Tichtheid]

Slick, you don't bring opinions to a facts fight with topofthemoon. :-)

[Slick]

Slick, you don't bring opinions to a facts fight with topofthemoon. :-)

I had literary just come on to post that I knew I had made a mistake

[Tichtheid]

Slick, you don't bring opinions to a facts fight with topofthemoon. :-)

I had literary just come on to post that I knew I had made a mistake

lol

(the emoji lol won't post)

[Tichtheid]

On Edinburgh's, and Mike Blair's, malaise, I've said it before, I'm sure we're seeing the result of Kitty MacCrae's departure last summer.

[Jock42]

On Edinburgh's, and Mike Blair's, malaise, I've said it before, I'm sure we're seeing the result of Kitty MacCrae's departure last summer.

I'd agree. Defence was woeful on sat, and has clearly been an issue throughout, but they still look decent going forward.

[Tichtheid]

The Offside Line seems to think that the decision about Giclho's ban is being delayed due to a discussion over what matches he should miss.

I imagine that will hinge on an argument about Saturday's Edinburgh/Leinster match. Given very recent precedent, it would be quite something for that match to not be counted in any sanction.

[I like neeps]

Edinburgh A and Glasgow A to play in the super6 sprint. You'd expect (hope) both to reach the final. Will be extremely interesting to watch.

[Jock42]

Edinburgh A and Glasgow A to play in the super6 sprint. You'd expect (hope) both to reach the final. Will be extremely interesting to watch.

I dont think they can. They're only playing in the first 3 matches against their "district" rivals. A development side is also being introduced in the league later this year.

[Jock42]

Also didn't explain how selection of players eligible for both a super 6 and pro side would work. Can an Embra A player play 3 games for them then play for Heriots for example?

[westport]

Also didn't explain how selection of players eligible for both a super 6 and pro side would work. Can an Embra A player play 3 games for them then play for Heriots for example?

They just play the three games - from the bit below

After playing in the first three rounds of the competition the professional A teams step down to allow the pro-teams to continue to prioritise the business end of their season and provide opportunity to their players who have had high-level game time and are match-ready if required.

[I like neeps]

Also didn't explain how selection of players eligible for both a super 6 and pro side would work. Can an Embra A player play 3 games for them then play for Heriots for example?

Didn't realize they'd split the competition... Hmm. You'd hope they can play for both teams. I think this is quite bad news for Boroughmuir and the Knights who did use a lot of academy players who will now be under the A teams. But really exciting to watch Edinburgh A Vs Sonians/Heriots and Glasgow A Vs Ayrshire.

[KingBlairhorn]

It seems relatively clear to me. Glasgow and Edinburgh will be involved in the sprint only, not the actual super6 series. The sprint will be the usual 6 plus Edinburgh and Glasgow A. Each super6 team plays each other plus one of the A sides.

Edit to add, the development side playing in the super6 will be Scotland U20 plus a few extra talented younger guys. Very few U20 have bothered the super6 selectors but there will definitely be some impact.