The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

An interview with a couple of the bairns in preparation for tomorrow evening

[Jock42]

Steve Diamond taking over at Embra until end of season.

[I like neeps]

Steve Diamond taking over at Embra until end of season.

Wow that is surprising! Wonder how this affects the new head coach recruitment. Interesting to see how he goes, I think he's a bit of a dinosaur in the cockers mould but that gets immediate results. I do also think he is interested in youth development.

[Jock42]

Steve Diamond taking over at Embra until end of season.

Wow that is surprising! Wonder how this affects the new head coach recruitment. Interesting to see how he goes, I think he's a bit of a dinosaur in the cockers mould but that gets immediate results. I do also think he is interested in youth development.

Problem is, it feels like Embra have had that immediate affect a few times over the years.

I'd imagine he must be the forerunner of the 3 man shortlist (Blackett and Leon Mcdonald at Blues) or Blair is absolutely hating life.

[Tichtheid]

Where are you reading this?
It’s not on the club’s social media yet

[Jock42]

[I like neeps]

Steve Diamond taking over at Embra until end of season.

Wow that is surprising! Wonder how this affects the new head coach recruitment. Interesting to see how he goes, I think he's a bit of a dinosaur in the cockers mould but that gets immediate results. I do also think he is interested in youth development.

Problem is, it feels like Embra have had that immediate affect a few times over the years.

I'd imagine he must be the forerunner of the 3 man shortlist (Blackett and Leon Mcdonald at Blues) or Blair is absolutely hating life.

MacDonald was mentioned for Scotland wasn't he? Doubt he's considering Edinburgh.

[Biffer]

Not sure how I feel about Diamond. Suggests Blair is totally done with the head coach gig.

[Tichtheid]

Wow, the story on the Rugby Pass site via Jock's link says that Diamond wants Mike Blair to stay on as attack coach and he will bring Nick Easter as defence coach.

[Jock42]

There's obviously more to it than the bare stats but looking at Newcastles points/tries against its not great.

[Slick]

Not sure how I feel about Diamond. Suggests Blair is totally done with the head coach gig.

I'd be pretty happy with him to be honest, I don't think he is a complete dinosaur and has had decent success with limited budgets.

Would be interested in Brazils take.

[I like neeps]

There's obviously more to it than the bare stats but looking at Newcastles points/tries against its not great.

Easter is at Chinnor currently. Left Newcastle to join Worcester with Diamond and then was made redundant and ended up at Chinnor.

[Tichtheid]

I’m willing to give anything a go, Blair is obviously not happy and our results are really poor, we’ve lost ten from fifteen games and those we’ve won have been against teams with equally poor records

[Jock42]

There's obviously more to it than the bare stats but looking at Newcastles points/tries against its not great.

Easter is at Chinnor currently. Left Newcastle to join Worcester with Diamond and then was made redundant and ended up at Chinnor.

Ah ok

[Big D]

Makes a lot of sense.

Firstly the club needs to look after their employees and MB clearly seems to be unhappy in the HC role. So take him out of the fire so to speak.

Diamond can help set discipline and help with forwards while allowing MB to keep the attack sharp which is what he is good at.

If Ashman is a key target then Diamond may help with recruiting him.

It gives a dry run on whether Diamond will be any good. If not bin him at the end of the season.

[Jock42]

I really hope they retain MB. Even though this season has been shite they've played some great attacking rugby. Can't be many teams scoring TBPs against Leinster.

[Big D]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64879804

Imagine playing rock, paper, scissors and it leading to you living and a friend dying.

A well deserved 100th Scotland test cap got Hogg at the weekend.

Not many Scots have league titles in two comps, a European Cup win, 3 Lions tours, his countries record try scorer, and over 100 international caps (including his Lions caps).

Gets some deserved stick, even more undeserved stick and Scotland will miss him when he's gone.

[Yr Alban]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64879804

Imagine playing rock, paper, scissors and it leading to you living and a friend dying.

A well deserved 100th Scotland test cap got Hogg at the weekend.

Not many Scots have league titles in two comps, a European Cup win, 3 Lions tours, his countries record try scorer, and over 100 international caps (including his Lions caps).

Gets some deserved stick, even more undeserved stick and Scotland will miss him when he's gone.

He’s only 30. I’m hoping his retirement will be a good few years off yet! He has the record for tries scored now, but I want him to power past 30.

The rock/paper/scissors thing must be a huge weight to carry, especially for a 16-year-old. I’ve always wondered why he did the W thing every time he scored. Now I know.

[Tichtheid]

Scotland team to face Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday 12 March at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh, kick-off 3pm GMT – live on BBC One

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – Vice-Captain – 99 caps
14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 14 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 26 caps

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) 68 caps
9. Ben White (London Irish) 12 caps

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 19 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 56 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 72 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) – Vice-Captain – 75 caps
6. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
7. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 39 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps

Replacements

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 60 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps
18. Simon Berghan (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps
20. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 55 caps
21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps
22. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 41 caps
23. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 41 caps


Not entirely surprising that Cummings is brought in, he's a starter when fit. Perhaps a bit more surprising is leaving WP Nel out of the side, maybe he's taken a knock?

[Big D]

Scotland team to face Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday 12 March at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh, kick-off 3pm GMT – live on BBC One

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – Vice-Captain – 99 caps
14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 14 caps
11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 26 caps

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) 68 caps
9. Ben White (London Irish) 12 caps

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 19 caps
2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 56 caps
4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 72 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Exeter Chiefs) – Vice-Captain – 75 caps
6. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 31 caps
7. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) – Captain – 39 caps
8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps

Replacements

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 60 caps
17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 28 caps
18. Simon Berghan (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps
19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps
20. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 55 caps
21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps
22. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 41 caps
23. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby) 41 caps


Not entirely surprising that Cummings is brought in, he's a starter when fit. Perhaps a bit more surprising is leaving WP Nel out of the side, maybe he's taken a knock?

Interesting not to go with a 7 for this game even if Ritchie can play there. Dempsey has played well but not sure that will help at the breakdown where we are going to need to slow them down if we can.

Steyn needs to be much better in defence this game. Over a small sample size, but still three 6N games, he has missed a high % of tackles and their wings are good.

I don't see the point in Harris on the bench. To stem the tide if they start pumping us?

Cummings has had very little international rugby over the last 18 months (one sub appearance and the last Argentinian tour start?) will be interesting to see how he goes as the three second rows have been very good this 6N bar one tackle. Starting to look stronger in that area at the top end of the position group again.

[Biffer]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64879804

Imagine playing rock, paper, scissors and it leading to you living and a friend dying.

A well deserved 100th Scotland test cap got Hogg at the weekend.

Not many Scots have league titles in two comps, a European Cup win, 3 Lions tours, his countries record try scorer, and over 100 international caps (including his Lions caps).

Gets some deserved stick, even more undeserved stick and Scotland will miss him when he's gone.

He’s only 30. I’m hoping his retirement will be a good few years off yet! He has the record for tries scored now, but I want him to power past 30.

The rock/paper/scissors thing must be a huge weight to carry, especially for a 16-year-old. I’ve always wondered why he did the W thing every time he scored. Now I know.

I want another couple of 6Ns out of him at least. 32 isn't that old for a full back. Next RWC might be pushing it though.

[Slick]

Hmm, first time this 6N I’ve got a few issues…

M Fagerson has been superb so switching him to 7 and not having a proper open side seems very odd.

No Nel is surprising

Would have preferred Skinner starting, bit surprised to see him not involved at all.

Glad they have gone to 5:3 but Harris seems a bit daft on the bench

In Toony we trust, I guess

[Biffer]

Hmm, first time this 6N I’ve got a few issues…

M Fagerson has been superb so switching him to 7 and not having a proper open side seems very odd.

No Nel is surprising

Would have preferred Skinner starting, bit surprised to see him not involved at all.

Glad they have gone to 5:3 but Harris seems a bit daft on the bench

In Toony we trust, I guess

Fagerson is playing 6, Ritchie has played plenty of open side.

Agree with the rest although 20 minutes of Cummings could be very effective.

[inactionman]

Lost track of whether he's fit or not - let's face it, he's had enough injury problems to last him a career already - but where does Redapth fit in pecking order?

[Jock42]

I expect Harris is just (meant to be) covering centre with Kinghorn back 3, he's only playing 10 if the shite hits the fan. In that circumstance it makes more sense. Just playing devils advocate before people start screeching at me.

[Conspicuous]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

[Slick]

Hmm, first time this 6N I’ve got a few issues…

M Fagerson has been superb so switching him to 7 and not having a proper open side seems very odd.

No Nel is surprising

Would have preferred Skinner starting, bit surprised to see him not involved at all.

Glad they have gone to 5:3 but Harris seems a bit daft on the bench

In Toony we trust, I guess

Fagerson is playing 6, Ritchie has played plenty of open side.

Agree with the rest although 20 minutes of Cummings could be very effective.

Good point, still feels a bit of an odd one

[Slick]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

Never had a good Indian in Edinburgh (except the brunch at Dishoom) so as good as anywhere…

[inactionman]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

Not sure about that neck of woods, I'm afraid - although I'd say there aren't that many decent central Indian restaurants so you may want to get on a bus/taxi.

Desi Pakwan at the foot of Leith Walk is decent - if very simple - and is BYO. I lived just round the corner and there tended to be a decent set of Scotland fans there on matchdays. The tram will eventually pretty much stop at the door, but it's not running yet so it'll need to be a bus

Voujon in Newington is also good, but this is really getting a bit far from where you're stopping if you're Lothian Road way.

eta: link to Desi Pakwan:
https://desipakwanonline.com/

[inactionman]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

Never had a good Indian in Edinburgh (except the brunch at Dishoom) so as good as anywhere…

curry brunch? That must have been a very good night!

[Big D]

I expect Harris is just (meant to be) covering centre with Kinghorn back 3, he's only playing 10 if the shite hits the fan. In that circumstance it makes more sense. Just playing devils advocate before people start screeching at me.

Just feels like we aren't really covering 12. With a Johnson or Redpath or McDowell allows 12 cover with Steyn and Tui covering 13.

I hate the idea of the 1st choice 10 being 1st replacement if there is an injury (if Finn is 12 cover).

[Tichtheid]

I expect Harris is just (meant to be) covering centre with Kinghorn back 3, he's only playing 10 if the shite hits the fan. In that circumstance it makes more sense. Just playing devils advocate before people start screeching at me.

Just feels like we aren't really covering 12. With a Johnson or Redpath or McDowell allows 12 cover with Steyn and Tui covering 13.

I hate the idea of the 1st choice 10 being 1st replacement if there is an injury (if Finn is 12 cover).

Huw Jones will be covering 12 I'd imagine

[Yr Alban]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

I can recommend Guru and the Bombay Bicycle Club. Both are around Tollcross, which is the opposite end of Lothian Rd from the place you mention, but it’s only about 10-15 minutes’ walk.

[Slick]

Hi gents I’m looking for a good Indian in Edinburgh for dinner tonight . This place looks decent and is walking distance from our hotel https://rubabedinburgh.com/Home

Anyone been there or have a better suggestion?

Never had a good Indian in Edinburgh (except the brunch at Dishoom) so as good as anywhere…

curry brunch? That must have been a very good night!

Aww mate, it’s awesome. Things like sausage and chutney wrapped in nan, incredibly spiced eggs etc. highly recommend

[KingBlairhorn]

Remembered the U20s are playing tonight, turned it on, see they are 3 tries down to nil after 15 minutes, turned it off again.

Serious work over many years will be needed to catch up. Serious work.

[Tichtheid]

Remembered the U20s are playing tonight, turned it on, see they are 3 tries down to nil after 15 minutes, turned it off again.

Serious work over many years will be needed to catch up. Serious work.

The one consolation I take is that we've always been getting battered at this level, even in the 80s and 90s when we had a pretty good record against these sides at full international level.

Our academy system and Super Six are still in their infancy but it looks like we are becoming serious about the game at that level, bringing Edinburgh & Glasgow A teams plus the U20s into the mix is a good idea.

[KingBlairhorn]

Remembered the U20s are playing tonight, turned it on, see they are 3 tries down to nil after 15 minutes, turned it off again.

Serious work over many years will be needed to catch up. Serious work.

The one consolation I take is that we've always been getting battered at this level, even in the 80s and 90s when we had a pretty good record against these sides at full international level.

Our academy system and Super Six are still in their infancy but it looks like we are becoming serious about the game at that level, bringing Edinburgh & Glasgow A teams plus the U20s into the mix is a good idea.

It’s point a minute at the moment.

They weren’t always this bad, there was a period from around 2015 until they were relegated from the world division that they largely held their own. It seems to have fallen apart since then, although maybe Ireland are a poor yardstick to measure against given how insane their system seems to be at the moment.

[Tichtheid]

Remembered the U20s are playing tonight, turned it on, see they are 3 tries down to nil after 15 minutes, turned it off again.

Serious work over many years will be needed to catch up. Serious work.

The one consolation I take is that we've always been getting battered at this level, even in the 80s and 90s when we had a pretty good record against these sides at full international level.

Our academy system and Super Six are still in their infancy but it looks like we are becoming serious about the game at that level, bringing Edinburgh & Glasgow A teams plus the U20s into the mix is a good idea.

It’s point a minute at the moment.

They weren’t always this bad, there was a period from around 2015 until they were relegated from the world division that they largely held their own. It seems to have fallen apart since then, although maybe Ireland are a poor yardstick to measure against given how insane their system seems to be at the moment.

The school system in Dublin seems to be pretty much fully professional in all but the players getting paid.

We are a long way off that, there is still a huge divide between the public schools and state schools in Scotland

These sort of results are not good for the laddies, but I'm not sure what we can do about it, we can't not play these fixtures

[I like neeps]

82-7 to Ireland.

A dark day for Scottish rugby, blimey!

[Oxbow]

Apologies for butting in, Robbie Smith has been playing really well at hooker for Saints since moving from Newcastle, good darts, solid around the pitch, a couple of tries and MotM tonight. Have Scotland ever had a look at him at all?