The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

He also takes a large chunk of the defensive line out shambles blame.

[Big D]

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... n-key-men/

If there is any doubt on Russell's knee then there is little point risking him. It is not a year to be messing around with a knee injury.

One last attempt at convincing Fin Smith and Tom Roebuck? Joking aside and if those three are out, I think I would go with a team of:
Schoeman
Turner
Fagerson
Skinner
Cummings
Ritchie
Watson/Crosbie
Fagerson, although Dempsey was good yesterday.
White
Kinghorn
Duhan
Huwipolotu
Steyn
Maitland

Ashman. Sutherland, Sebastian, Gray, Dempsey, Horne, Healy, Harris I suppose

[Big D]

Hogg and Russell out. Bayliss and Savala called up.

[robmatic]

Hogg and Russell out. Bayliss and Savala called up.

Savala? Jeezo.

[Slick]

Hogg and Russell out. Bayliss and Savala called up.

Savala? Jeezo.

Whit?!

[Slick]

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... n-key-men/

If there is any doubt on Russell's knee then there is little point risking him. It is not a year to be messing around with a knee injury.

One last attempt at convincing Fin Smith and Tom Roebuck? Joking aside and if those three are out, I think I would go with a team of:
Schoeman
Turner
Fagerson
Skinner
Cummings
Ritchie
Watson/Crosbie
Fagerson, although Dempsey was good yesterday.
White
Kinghorn
Duhan
Huwipolotu
Steyn
Maitland

Ashman. Sutherland, Sebastian, Gray, Dempsey, Horne, Healy, Harris I suppose

For all my misgivings I’d be starting with BK at 10 with Healy on the bench. I’d also be starting Ollie Smith at 15 assuming he’s not injured?

[Slick]

You’d think after the last 5/6 years the English lads would at least give a nod to us being the better team. But no, apparently not, just unlucky against us according to most on their thread

[Yr Alban]

It’s actually seriously frustrating - for years we’ve been saying that we are crap at playing the ref, we aren’t in his ear all the time like Ireland and Wales, and we’re losing out because of it. Now we have a captain who is actually doing it, and he’s getting penalised.

I can't remember who it was now, but last week I read from an international ref that his most formidable international captain to referee was Wee Greeg.

He used to get so much abuse from some fans, I always thought he was criminally underrated, he ran the whole show.

Good captain. Great game management. Superb kicker. Service slower than a week in the jail. I actually thought he was overrated by fans of other countries because of this. Both could be true of course.

So Hogg and Finn are out of the squad. Well, at least it’s Italy at home. I know Blair is the official backup 10, but with Hogg out too, I’d be sorely tempted to play him at 15 (potentially an upgrade given his form and Hoggy’s) and test Healy’s mettle at 10. I have rarely if ever seen him play though, so maybe it’s less risky to play Smith there and Blair at 10?

I had a thought: is Maitland injured? I’m guessing he has to be?

[Slick]

In the grand scheme of things it might end up being a blessing to see how the team go without Hoggy and Fin

[SaintK]

You’d think after the last 5/6 years the English lads would at least give a nod to us being the better team. But no, apparently not, just unlucky against us according to most on their thread

Nonsense

[Tichtheid]

No disrespect to Savala, but he will be nowhere near the test 23, they will need another fly half to run through opposition drills.

[Tichtheid]

It’s actually seriously frustrating - for years we’ve been saying that we are crap at playing the ref, we aren’t in his ear all the time like Ireland and Wales, and we’re losing out because of it. Now we have a captain who is actually doing it, and he’s getting penalised.

I can't remember who it was now, but last week I read from an international ref that his most formidable international captain to referee was Wee Greeg.

He used to get so much abuse from some fans, I always thought he was criminally underrated, he ran the whole show.

Good captain. Great game management. Superb kicker. Service slower than a week in the jail.

I read this so often at the time that I went back through a few games and counted at every breakdown how long it took him to get the ball away, he was no slower than any other international scrum half.

The thing he did do was stop and put his foot on the ball, getting our next attack organised. There were one or two times that it would have been better to just fling it out, but it was one of those memes that took off on the internet and if enough people throw enough mud it can stick.

[Yr Alban]

I can't remember who it was now, but last week I read from an international ref that his most formidable international captain to referee was Wee Greeg.

He used to get so much abuse from some fans, I always thought he was criminally underrated, he ran the whole show.

Good captain. Great game management. Superb kicker. Service slower than a week in the jail.

I read this so often at the time that I went back through a few games and counted at every breakdown how long it took him to get the ball away, he was no slower than any other international scrum half.

The thing he did do was stop and put his foot on the ball, getting our next attack organised. There were one or two times that it would have been better to just fling it out, but it was one of those memes that took off on the internet and if enough people throw enough mud it can stick.

I swear it wasn’t just my imagination. When we put anyone else in at 9, the difference was palpable. It might not have mattered that much if it had been England or Ireland, but our game plan was based around shock and awe and embracing the chaos. Any delay in getting the ball out, no matter how fractional, was going to be an issue.

[Yr Alban]

You’d think after the last 5/6 years the English lads would at least give a nod to us being the better team. But no, apparently not, just unlucky against us according to most on their thread

Let’s be fair here. They possibly were slightly unlucky on the day. On another day they might have won, but I reckon that had a lot to do with our Twickenham hoodoo being second only to our NZ hoodoo in the World Hoodoo League. We might have banished it on paper 2 years ago, but I don’t think it was banished in the players’ heads until we won in front of fans.

The way England and Scotland have played since that game has probably made a lot of people forget that it was game day #1, and England were at home and favourites.

[clydecloggie]

You’d think after the last 5/6 years the English lads would at least give a nod to us being the better team. But no, apparently not, just unlucky against us according to most on their thread

Let’s be fair here. They possibly were slightly unlucky on the day. On another day they might have won, but I reckon that had a lot to do with our Twickenham hoodoo being second only to our NZ hoodoo in the World Hoodoo League. We might have banished it on paper 2 years ago, but I don’t think it was banished in the players’ heads until we won in front of fans.

The way England and Scotland have played since that game has probably made a lot of people forget that it was game day #1, and England were at home and favourites.

Yup. It was a close game ultimately won by the fitter and more expansive team. A huge achievement by Scotland. That the chariot was damaged beyond repair does not take anything away from that win.

[Yr Alban]

Just a wee thought. Granted Ireland played France at home and us away, but the games were fairly similar. France kept tight to Ireland for longer, but lost by 13 points to our 15. We each scored one try and France conceded one more. Afterwards most people called it a classic 6N match, with Ireland making their class tell in the end. So what was so different about yesterday? Really, it was the difference in our performance between the first 50 and the last 30 minutes. Maybe we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves.

[Jock42]

https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... n-key-men/

If there is any doubt on Russell's knee then there is little point risking him. It is not a year to be messing around with a knee injury.

One last attempt at convincing Fin Smith and Tom Roebuck? Joking aside and if those three are out, I think I would go with a team of:
Schoeman
Turner
Fagerson
Skinner
Cummings
Ritchie
Watson/Crosbie
Fagerson, although Dempsey was good yesterday.
White
Kinghorn
Duhan
Huwipolotu
Steyn
Maitland

Ashman. Sutherland, Sebastian, Gray, Dempsey, Horne, Healy, Harris I suppose

For all my misgivings I’d be starting with BK at 10 with Healy on the bench. I’d also be starting Ollie Smith at 15 assuming he’s not injured?

I'd go with them too.



According to Jim Hamilton Pearce apologised to Ritchie after the game for marching him 10.

[topofthemoon]

Van der Flier's throw-ins:

1. O'Mahony at front (contested by Cummings)
2. Middle - overthrown and lost
3. POM at front (contested by Cummings)
4. Ryan middle (Scotland competing at front with Cummings)
5. POM at front (contested by Cummings)
6. Ryan at front (contested by Cummings - bad lift)
7. Baird at front (contested by Cummings)
8. Middle - overthrown and lost
9. POM at front v Cummings - underthrown and lost

If you wanted anyone in world rugby to go up for front ball to make it as easy as possible for the thrower it would be O'Mahony - ridiculously fast into the air which makes him a great target and also a menace to steal ball from the same position. Van der Flier also put the ball exactly where it needed to go for most of his throws, although getting some leeway on squint throws (it was the same in the first half though I felt so not special treatment).

The lifters were pushing POM towards the thrower to get him ahead of the Scottish jumper - couple of times might be questionable if the ball goes 5m.

[Dogbert]

Looking forward to the Italy game, firstly we need to win ( and hopefully win well )

Winning is a habit, and a good one to retain.
Despite the results Italy are no mugs , and are capable of pulling out a result.

There will need be changes due to injury, but I would keep the spine of the team that has played these 6 nations.
Personally, I would start Healy at 10 , lets see what he has to offer , same with Smith at 15.

Kinghorn to bench ,he can cover either position in case Healy or Smith have Mares.
Cummings / Skinner as locks ( if Gray the Elder isn’t fit ) same backrow as Ireland – Dempsey had his best game for Scotland , in fact probably Scotland’s best player on Sunday

On the bench
Ashman instead of Brown (again lets see what Ashman can offer and Horne instead of Price ( White and Price are very similar in style - Horne offers something different )

[Yr Alban]

I can’t see Kinghorn not starting this game. He is arguably the natural replacement for both Finn and Hoggy. I’d prefer to have him at 15, and I think that’s where he will end up, but right now putting him at 10 would mean we didn’t have to change the game plan too much, and for that reason I think Gregor will start him there.

I’d have Maitland at 15 if he’s fit.

Could make a case for multiple different back row combinations. TBH I thought Fagerson was less effective on Sunday, and I’d be tempted to have him on the bench, start Dempsey at 8 and Crosbie at 7. But suspect Toony will go with the same combo as v Ireland.

Brown HAS to be dropped - please - so Ashman to bench, and Nel if he’s available. If not, I’d like to see Sebastian have a shot after how poor Berghan was.

[Blackmac]

Just a wee thought. Granted Ireland played France at home and us away, but the games were fairly similar. France kept tight to Ireland for longer, but lost by 13 points to our 15. We each scored one try and France conceded one more. Afterwards most people called it a classic 6N match, with Ireland making their class tell in the end. So what was so different about yesterday? Really, it was the difference in our performance between the first 50 and the last 30 minutes. Maybe we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves.

That's exactly what I said after the game because I was so pissed off with some of the language being used about us being found out and humbled etc.
The first half was probably the most intense of the tournament so far and after a bad 15 to 20 minutes we got back into the game again in the last 20. Given that a number of our players were not having a great game and the stupidity of the substitutions, we pretty much stood toe to toe with the worlds best and were also the first team to deny them a bonus point. It would have been nice to pull off an upset but generally the result shows us where we are, number 5, pretty much confident of staying there, and more confidence than ever before of nicking a result against the top 4.

[Big D]

Kinghorn has been used as the back up 10, if fit he has to start.

If he isn't fit I think Maitland needs to start at 15 just to bring some experience to a relatively green back line at international level.

Edit, based on Wiki numbers it could be a backline with 101 caps heading into the weekend. Might be one of the least experienced backlines we've put out in 6N games?
White (13)
Healy (0)
Duhan (27)
Tuipulotu (15)
Jones (35)
Steyn (9)
Smith (2)/Maitland (53)

[Slick]

I can’t see Kinghorn not starting this game. He is arguably the natural replacement for both Finn and Hoggy. I’d prefer to have him at 15, and I think that’s where he will end up, but right now putting him at 10 would mean we didn’t have to change the game plan too much, and for that reason I think Gregor will start him there.

I’d have Maitland at 15 if he’s fit.

Could make a case for multiple different back row combinations. TBH I thought Fagerson was less effective on Sunday, and I’d be tempted to have him on the bench, start Dempsey at 8 and Crosbie at 7. But suspect Toony will go with the same combo as v Ireland.

Brown HAS to be dropped - please - so Ashman to bench, and Nel if he’s available. If not, I’d like to see Sebastian have a shot after how poor Berghan was.

TBF to Fagerson, he has been one of the best back rows in the tournament so far, and a bit of a revelation for us, but playing at 8.

[clydecloggie]

I can’t see Kinghorn not starting this game. He is arguably the natural replacement for both Finn and Hoggy. I’d prefer to have him at 15, and I think that’s where he will end up, but right now putting him at 10 would mean we didn’t have to change the game plan too much, and for that reason I think Gregor will start him there.

I’d have Maitland at 15 if he’s fit.

Could make a case for multiple different back row combinations. TBH I thought Fagerson was less effective on Sunday, and I’d be tempted to have him on the bench, start Dempsey at 8 and Crosbie at 7. But suspect Toony will go with the same combo as v Ireland.

Brown HAS to be dropped - please - so Ashman to bench, and Nel if he’s available. If not, I’d like to see Sebastian have a shot after how poor Berghan was.

TBF to Fagerson, he has been one of the best back rows in the tournament so far, and a bit of a revelation for us, but playing at 8.

Agree. Fagerson has been brilliant, dropping him to the bench would be wrong.

[Yr Alban]

I can’t see Kinghorn not starting this game. He is arguably the natural replacement for both Finn and Hoggy. I’d prefer to have him at 15, and I think that’s where he will end up, but right now putting him at 10 would mean we didn’t have to change the game plan too much, and for that reason I think Gregor will start him there.

I’d have Maitland at 15 if he’s fit.

Could make a case for multiple different back row combinations. TBH I thought Fagerson was less effective on Sunday, and I’d be tempted to have him on the bench, start Dempsey at 8 and Crosbie at 7. But suspect Toony will go with the same combo as v Ireland.

Brown HAS to be dropped - please - so Ashman to bench, and Nel if he’s available. If not, I’d like to see Sebastian have a shot after how poor Berghan was.

TBF to Fagerson, he has been one of the best back rows in the tournament so far, and a bit of a revelation for us, but playing at 8.

This is a fair point - it’s quite possible he was less effective because he was in a different position. Dempsey was very good though.

[Big D]

It is a tricky one. I thought Dempsey put in the best performance at 8 of our championship against the best side in the world.

[Slick]

It is a tricky one. I thought Dempsey put in the best performance at 8 of our championship against the best side in the world.

From the stand he seemed to be everywhere but difficult to tell what he was doing. Very pleased to hear he was that effective, I rate him very highly.

Yes, that does cause a selection issue!

[westport]

Glasgow Warriors have secured the services of one of rugby’s most in-form second-rowers ahead of the 2023/24 season, after Richie Gray agreed to a new contract that will keep him at Scotstoun for the foreseeable future.

[weegie01]

I have mentioned before that I know players at Super 6, pro and international level through my children. I have known some of them since minis.

I no longer live in Edinburgh, so no longer see these players socially as much as I used to. This weekend past I spent some time with players I have not seen for a while.

I was taken aback by the physiques. These were not players who had just stepped up a level and their conditioning had stepped up. One was a second year international, others had two or three years at pro or Super 6 level.

Some were a bit bigger, some were actually a wee bit smaller, but what struck me forcefully was they were all carrying what I would term hard, powerful, athletic builds as opposed to bulk for its own sake. I have seen quite a few of these chaps on the pitch, but had not noticed the changes till standing next to them.

I thought this was worth mentioning given the numerous mentions that have been made of the power and athleticism of the French. Somewhere along the line there appears to have been a change in thinking from sheer brute force, to power with athleticism. I did not have the chance to discuss this, but the change was clear.

[Biffer]

I have mentioned before that I know players at Super 6, pro and international level through my children. I have known some of them since minis.

I no longer live in Edinburgh, so no longer see these players socially as much as I used to. This weekend past I spent some time with players I have not seen for a while.

I was taken aback by the physiques. These were not players who had just stepped up a level and their conditioning had stepped up. One was a second year international, others had two or three years at pro or Super 6 level.

Some were a bit bigger, some were actually a wee bit smaller, but what struck me forcefully was they were all carrying what I would term hard, powerful, athletic builds as opposed to bulk for its own sake. I have seen quite a few of these chaps on the pitch, but had not noticed the changes till standing next to them.

I thought this was worth mentioning given the numerous mentions that have been made of the power and athleticism of the French. Somewhere along the line there appears to have been a change in thinking from sheer brute force, to power with athleticism. I did not have the chance to discuss this, but the change was clear.

I'd agree about the builds. First time I noticed it was John Barclay when he played for Edinburgh. Spoke to him in the bar and was struck by how lean he was tbh. Tall, pretty muscular but not a wasted ounce of flesh on him.

[KingBlairhorn]

Glasgow Warriors have secured the services of one of rugby’s most in-form second-rowers ahead of the 2023/24 season, after Richie Gray agreed to a new contract that will keep him at Scotstoun for the foreseeable future.

Good work. For some reason I am always astounded by his age, he seems to have been around forever but is still only 32. Glasgow could easily get 3 more years from him and conceivably up to 5. What a result that would be.

[Dogbert]

Never really been a fan of players returning to a previous club . it rarely ever seems to work out.
( Nakawara anyone )

However Richie Gray is the exception that proves the rule, he really has been playing exceptionally well since his return, possibly playing his best rugby ever for Glasgow Warriors.

It’s fascinating watching him warm up before a game, you see the other GW players warming up , having a chat, and a joke. Gray however is a study of concentration oblivious to his surroundings , and utterly mentally focused on what he is doing.

Wonder what his 2K Ergo time is these days I know he used to pull sub 6 minutes
( I never got below 6:15)

[westport]

Inter District games are coming back

https://scottishrugby.org/coaching-team ... ship-2023/

[dkm57]

Interesting, not sure how it will fit in between clubs and super6 but if it gives a wider opportunity for players to gain a greater variety of coaching, and show their stuff/be seen. More people the chance to see games and wider press awareness, it should help.

[Biffer]

Interesting, not sure how it will fit in between clubs and super6 but if it gives a wider opportunity for players to gain a greater variety of coaching, and show their stuff/be seen. More people the chance to see games and wider press awareness, it should help.

Eligibility is national leagues, not Super 6. Might be a bit of a pathway for guys to put their hand up for a Super 6 gig?

[Tichtheid]

Never really been a fan of players returning to a previous club . it rarely ever seems to work out.
( Nakawara anyone )

However Richie Gray is the exception that proves the rule, he really has been playing exceptionally well since his return, possibly playing his best rugby ever for Glasgow Warriors.

It’s fascinating watching him warm up before a game, you see the other GW players warming up , having a chat, and a joke. Gray however is a study of concentration oblivious to his surroundings , and utterly mentally focused on what he is doing.

Wonder what his 2K Ergo time is these days I know he used to pull sub 6 minutes
( I never got below 6:15)

I seem to remember that Big Richie put in an Olympic qualifying time on the rowing machine, now having looked it up, the British record is 5:39.6, so he can't have been too far away from that, which is remarkable for an athlete from another sport.

On returnees, Duhan is doing alright, I wonder what will happen with Rory Sutherland, I believe he is only contracted to Ulster till the end of this season.

[Jock42]

Inter District games are coming back

https://scottishrugby.org/coaching-team ... ship-2023/

Pity it's not 4 games but better than nothing. Good to see Bulumakau still involved in Scottish rugby.

[charltom]

Never really been a fan of players returning to a previous club . it rarely ever seems to work out.
( Nakawara anyone )

However Richie Gray is the exception that proves the rule, he really has been playing exceptionally well since his return, possibly playing his best rugby ever for Glasgow Warriors.

It’s fascinating watching him warm up before a game, you see the other GW players warming up , having a chat, and a joke. Gray however is a study of concentration oblivious to his surroundings , and utterly mentally focused on what he is doing.

Wonder what his 2K Ergo time is these days I know he used to pull sub 6 minutes
( I never got below 6:15)

I seem to remember that Big Richie put in an Olympic qualifying time on the rowing machine, now having looked it up, the British record is 5:39.6, so he can't have been too far away from that, which is remarkable for an athlete from another sport.

On returnees, Duhan is doing alright, I wonder what will happen with Rory Sutherland, I believe he is only contracted to Ulster till the end of this season.

A LOT of oarsmen go under 6 minutes on the erg, but not a lot of non-rowers. I got nowhere near, but nor do I have the almost perfect building for it that Richie has!

Not sure what you mean by Olympic qualifying time, as there is no indoor rowing at the Olympics and rowers are selected on the basis of how fast they make boats move, either on their own or in most cases in a crew.

Re: Sutherland, I've been surprised he's not been selected so far. To me, it looked like the second half was Scotland's third choice front row being tested against Ireland.

[Tichtheid]

It was just something I remember reading in the (I think) Scotsman, that Gray had been posting times that were in the ball park for those needed by British Olympic rowing team on the machines, from around the time he was in the Lions squad

Did you ever see the documentary on Steve Redgrave training to go for that momentous effort in Sidney? He practically had to be shovelled up after training on the machine, and he was managing his diabetes at the time!

Years later there was similar footage of Chris Hoy falling off the static bike and heaving his guts up. I also remember reading that Judy Murray can't watch Andy train as the pain he goes through upsets her.

The commitment needed to compete at that elite level is quite something

[dkm57]

Interesting, not sure how it will fit in between clubs and super6 but if it gives a wider opportunity for players to gain a greater variety of coaching, and show their stuff/be seen. More people the chance to see games and wider press awareness, it should help.

Eligibility is national leagues, not Super 6. Might be a bit of a pathway for guys to put their hand up for a Super 6 gig?

Yeah my post wasn't too coherent, that's what I was trying to say, quickest way to improve is to play and compete with people better than you.

Might give the guys from smaller/more remote clubs more of a chance to get noticed as well, locally I'm thinking Wigtownshire, Stewartry, Dumfries, Annan, Moffat.