The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

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.

I Think this is quite exciting actually. Shame there isn't an exiles team but I guess it would be a logistical nightmare these days.

Would be great if they thought about a fairly central ground, play 2 matches and make it a real day out for families etc.

[Tichtheid]

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.

I Think this is quite exciting actually. Shame there isn't an exiles team but I guess it would be a logistical nightmare these days.

Would be great if they thought about a fairly central ground, play 2 matches and make it a real day out for families etc.

I can see the argument for that, otoh, this is an opportunity to get representative rugby out of the central belt and into places which haven't seen games like this for a long time, eg is was good that U20s played in Inverness and Gala, but I think those days are done now, with Minifield being the adopted home ground.

[dkm57]

Anyone else concerned we might fk it up on Saturday.

Would like to see
Bench
Horne instead of Price
Sutherland, Ashman/Cherry, WP

[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.

I Think this is quite exciting actually. Shame there isn't an exiles team but I guess it would be a logistical nightmare these days.

Would be great if they thought about a fairly central ground, play 2 matches and make it a real day out for families etc.

Aye but I'd be more excited if you played each district with a final. Like Tichtheid says move the matches around a bit too. One in Inverness, one in Perth/Dundee/Stirling.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Anyone else concerned we might fk it up on Saturday.

Would like to see
Bench
Horne instead of Price
Sutherland, Ashman/Cherry, WP

Always!

I think if the forwards and the defence can keep the discipline and performance seen so far, then Italy won't get too many chances. I wonder what our attack will look like without Russell though. BK might get more space to attack if Italy are focussing on the midfield, so hopefully the back row and White will stay sharp to get on his shoulder. (This is assuming BK starts at 10 of course.) If/when Healy comes on, who knows, I hear he's more of a controlling 10 and kicks more. Which will at least be a change for the Italy defence to adapt to, but also for our backs to adapt to as well.

Having said that, I am relatively confident of a win. Yes, France made us look off the pace for the first 20 mins and Ireland made us look rattled and disorganised for 20 mins, but for the rest of the tournament, Scotland have looked about as good as at any time in the last 20 years. We should be good enough to beat Italy at home.

[clydecloggie]

Scottish Rugby put out a picture of Ben Healy at training on their socials, usually a reliable indicator that said player is featuring on the weekend.

[robmatic]

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 don't think he was great last season, but this season he has definitely been revitalised.

[Tichtheid]

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Darcy Graham retweeted a nailbiting end to the Premiership final at the weekend there.

Hawick 14 - 18 down to Currie, 80 minutes on the clock

[Biffer]

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.

I Think this is quite exciting actually. Shame there isn't an exiles team but I guess it would be a logistical nightmare these days.

Would be great if they thought about a fairly central ground, play 2 matches and make it a real day out for families etc.

Well, the two games are in Inverness and Galashiels and they’re looking for bids for a ground to play the two finals atm.

I think this might be a toe in the water to see if it’s popular and expand it in future years.

[Slick]

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.

You absolute bastard, Tichtheid. This post inspired me to get on the rower after a looooong time away and I can barely move now

[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.

You absolute bastard, Tichtheid. This post inspired me to get on the rower after a looooong time away and I can barely move now

Did you go sub 6 mins?

I had a love/hate relationship with the Concept 2 machines at the gym

[westport]

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

I Think this is quite exciting actually. Shame there isn't an exiles team but I guess it would be a logistical nightmare these days.

Would be great if they thought about a fairly central ground, play 2 matches and make it a real day out for families etc.

Well, the two games are in Inverness and Galashiels and they’re looking for bids for a ground to play the two finals atm.

I think this might be a toe in the water to see if it’s popular and expand it in future years.

I agree with you about dipping the toe and hopefully it will expand to more games, spread all over, with a big finals day in one place.

[Slick]

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.

You absolute bastard, Tichtheid. This post inspired me to get on the rower after a looooong time away and I can barely move now

Did you go sub 6 mins?

I had a love/hate relationship with the Concept 2 machines at the gym

No. Had to give the machine to someone else after 15 minutes

[Yr Alban]

Anyone else concerned we might fk it up on Saturday.

Would like to see
Bench
Horne instead of Price
Sutherland, Ashman/Cherry, WP

Well, obvs.

We should have enough to deal with Italy at home, though. I’d be more worried if we had been our usual erratic selves, but bar 15 mins v France and 15 mins v Ireland we have genuinely been playing some great rugby.

I’m not worried about being without Hogg. A bit worried about being without Finn. Significantly worried about being without Richie Gray - I don’t know why, but our lineout only ever seems to work with him in it.

[Blackmac]

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.

You absolute bastard, Tichtheid. This post inspired me to get on the rower after a looooong time away and I can barely move now

Did you go sub 6 mins?

I had a love/hate relationship with the Concept 2 machines at the gym

If I'm being pedantic there isn't such a thing as an Olympic qualification mark on a rower. It's used as a training marker and most GB squad members would be expected to be in the 5:45 to 5:50 times. If I recall correctly Martin Johnson rowed 5:52. I rowed Concept 2's for decades and came 16th in the UK championships back in the 90's under the old 2500m mark, but I only ever went under 6 min once for 2k and that was after a 4 month training schedule.

[Tichtheid]

You absolute bastard, Tichtheid. This post inspired me to get on the rower after a looooong time away and I can barely move now

Did you go sub 6 mins?

I had a love/hate relationship with the Concept 2 machines at the gym

If I'm being pedantic there isn't such a thing as an Olympic qualification mark on a rower. It's used as a training marker and most GB squad members would be expected to be in the 5:45 to 5:50 times. If I recall correctly Martin Johnson rowed 5:52. I rowed Concept 2's for decades and came 16th in the UK championships back in the 90's under the old 2500m mark, but I only ever went under 6 min once for 2k and that was after a 4 month training schedule.

You are being pedantic, in the documentary I referenced the rowers were supposed to reach certain times to get into the British squad

[Yr Alban]

Scottish Rugby put out a picture of Ben Healy at training on their socials, usually a reliable indicator that said player is featuring on the weekend.

I’ve just seen it (and wondered who it was for a moment). However, there’s also a pic of Cam Redpath. I can’t believe that Toony will start him when Huwpilotu has lit up the tournament.

[Blackmac]

Did you go sub 6 mins?

I had a love/hate relationship with the Concept 2 machines at the gym

If I'm being pedantic there isn't such a thing as an Olympic qualification mark on a rower. It's used as a training marker and most GB squad members would be expected to be in the 5:45 to 5:50 times. If I recall correctly Martin Johnson rowed 5:52. I rowed Concept 2's for decades and came 16th in the UK championships back in the 90's under the old 2500m mark, but I only ever went under 6 min once for 2k and that was after a 4 month training schedule.

You are being pedantic, in the documentary I referenced the rowers were supposed to reach certain times to get into the British squad

Yeah, that's not something that would happen. As I said, whilst it's a marker for their training regime, indoor rowing ability does not automatically translate to rowing. Neither Pinsent or Redgrave were great on the ergo.
When I joined the polis, the current Scottish men's sculling champion was on my training intake. I could beat him on the ergo quite comfortably so he persuaded me to go go to his rowing club in Glasgow. Needless to say I was appalling on the water.

[Dogbert]

Actuall Pinsent was very good on the Ergo

He held the British 2K open record for 11 years - so not too shabby

Redgrave also held the 2K world record in 1996 for the 30-39 Hwt divison in 5.46.8 ( only a couple of seconds behind Greg Serle in the 19-29 Hwt divison)

[Tichtheid]

If I'm being pedantic there isn't such a thing as an Olympic qualification mark on a rower. It's used as a training marker and most GB squad members would be expected to be in the 5:45 to 5:50 times. If I recall correctly Martin Johnson rowed 5:52. I rowed Concept 2's for decades and came 16th in the UK championships back in the 90's under the old 2500m mark, but I only ever went under 6 min once for 2k and that was after a 4 month training schedule.

You are being pedantic, in the documentary I referenced the rowers were supposed to reach certain times to get into the British squad

Yeah, that's not something that would happen. As I said, whilst it's a marker for their training regime, indoor rowing ability does not automatically translate to rowing. Neither Pinsent or Redgrave were great on the ergo.
When I joined the polis, the current Scottish men's sculling champion was on my training intake. I could beat him on the ergo quite comfortably so he persuaded me to go go to his rowing club in Glasgow. Needless to say I was appalling on the water.

Whit, the British rowing team coaches wouldn't set minimum standards for indoor training for their rowers?

[Yr Alban]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

[Yr Alban]

I expected us to start with BK10 as it’s as close as we have to like for like. Thought Maitland might be 15 but he’s gone for Smith. Backs otherwise as expected.

In the forwards, no Richie, sadly, but that was probably inevitable. I approve of Skinner in there. Big call keeping Dempsey in - not sure Mish did that much when he came on though. I’d have brought Crosbie back in. Bench much stronger - thank Christ no Brown or Berghan. Those are our current best 6 front rowers in the squad. Interesting that Healy and Redpath only really cover one position, but there’s a whole lot of versatility in the starting backs.

[westport]

Surprised with Smith coming in but good luck to him. Good to see Posh Boy in beside Jonny and thank goodness Brown and Berghan are nowhere in sight. Would have though wee George might have got the bench spot.

[Yr Alban]

Surprised with Smith coming in but good luck to him. Good to see Posh Boy in beside Jonny and thank goodness Brown and Berghan are nowhere in sight. Would have though wee George might have got the bench spot.

One might observe that we won our first two games with Crosbie as starting 7 and Horne coming off the bench. Not sure why we changed it.

[Wylie Coyote]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

Pretty happy with that to be honest. Glad to see Ollie Smith getting another run out, also good to see Redpath, Ashman and Sutherland on the bench. My concerns are the lineout withouth R Gray and goalkicking though with Healy on the bench we should be able to address that if it is a problem. Hope this team stands up and delivers a convincing performance to finish the 6N on a high.

[westport]

Surprised with Smith coming in but good luck to him. Good to see Posh Boy in beside Jonny and thank goodness Brown and Berghan are nowhere in sight. Would have though wee George might have got the bench spot.

One might observe that we won our first two games with Crosbie as starting 7 and Horne coming off the bench. Not sure why we changed it.

With you 100% I feel really sorry them both but especially for Luke

[dpedin]

Surprised with Smith coming in but good luck to him. Good to see Posh Boy in beside Jonny and thank goodness Brown and Berghan are nowhere in sight. Would have though wee George might have got the bench spot.

One might observe that we won our first two games with Crosbie as starting 7 and Horne coming off the bench. Not sure why we changed it.

Agree 100% - he does a lot of the donkey work and makes others look good, He never takes a step backwards and makes yards in close. Watson hasn't shown any form for months. Also agree about Horne, against the Italians this would have been ideal for him coming on with 20 left and running their tiring pack ragged sniping around the fringe defences and running good support lines to keep game fast. Good to see Ashman on bench and old warhorse Nel back for a cameo. I think this might be a more interesting game than folk are expecting!

[Jock42]

I'll stick my agreement in as well. For as good as white has been there's maybe an argument to play him and Healy together fir a more controlled finish after BK and Horne have tired them bit it's a moot point.

[Big D]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

Some good changes with the bench still looking very strong by our standards. Dempsey over Fagerson is debateable but Dempsey was very good on Sunday. I do wonder whether they decided Nel couldn't go twice in 6 days so prioritised this one for him?

Feel like there is a bit of teflon about Jonny Gray. High tackle count with few dominant hits and doesn't carry as well as Cummings. Still not sure what Watson and Price have done to be ahead of Crosbie and Horne. Those two certainly aren't form picks.

Good squad all being said given the four that are missing. No excuses on Saturday.

[Big D]

So Kinghorn likely covering wing/fb from 10? Can't think they'd move Huwipulotu both out one for an injury?

If so, I hate your supposed preferred choice at 10 potentially moving after 2min due to an injury.

[Yr Alban]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

Some good changes with the bench still looking very strong by our standards. Dempsey over Fagerson is debateable but Dempsey was very good on Sunday. I do wonder whether they decided Nel couldn't go twice in 6 days so prioritised this one for him?

Feel like there is a bit of teflon about Jonny Gray. High tackle count with few dominant hits and doesn't carry as well as Cummings. Still not sure what Watson and Price have done to be ahead of Crosbie and Horne. Those two certainly aren't form picks.

Good squad all being said given the four that are missing. No excuses on Saturday.

If they felt Nel couldn’t do two games in 6 days, surely they would have prioritised the Ireland game?

[Slick]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

Pretty happy with that to be honest. Glad to see Ollie Smith getting another run out, also good to see Redpath, Ashman and Sutherland on the bench. My concerns are the lineout withouth R Gray and goalkicking though with Healy on the bench we should be able to address that if it is a problem. Hope this team stands up and delivers a convincing performance to finish the 6N on a high.

Yes, going into an 6N game without a goalkicker is, err, brave.

I hope M Fagerson being demoted to the bench, having been a stand out so far, for an Aussie, doesn't cause internal issues. I know it's all team Scotland etc, but it must rankle a bit.

Also very pleased to see Smith getting a run out. Mish has a lot to prove.

[TartanBear]

Perhaps Mish is selected because they need a specialist 7 to contest turnovers. Scotland was turned over a lot last week (by wingers…). Dempsey was good, and there’s an argument M Fagerson should start ahead of Richie…. I’ve not watched the game back, but I did think at the time I thought some of the turnovers may have been because the Scottish lads were either making breaks that got them slightly isolated (from a tiring support, in the second half), or that they were making good metres in the contact and giving the defence a chance to get their hands on the ball (legally or otherwise) just ahead of the support.

The lack of a goal kicker is presumably fine because the team will be told to win penalties in front of, and score tries under, the posts.

[Big D]

15. Smith
14. Steyn
13. Jones
12. Tuipulotu
11. Duhan
10. BK
9. White
8. Dempsey
7. Mish
6. Ritchie
5. Jonny
4. Skinner
3. Zander
2. Turner
1. Schoeman

Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath

(Can’t remember how to post pics)

Some good changes with the bench still looking very strong by our standards. Dempsey over Fagerson is debateable but Dempsey was very good on Sunday. I do wonder whether they decided Nel couldn't go twice in 6 days so prioritised this one for him?

Feel like there is a bit of teflon about Jonny Gray. High tackle count with few dominant hits and doesn't carry as well as Cummings. Still not sure what Watson and Price have done to be ahead of Crosbie and Horne. Those two certainly aren't form picks.

Good squad all being said given the four that are missing. No excuses on Saturday.

If they felt Nel couldn’t do two games in 6 days, surely they would have prioritised the Ireland game?

Probably but he may have been carrying a niggle that made that decision easier. Just thinking of reasons to pick Berghan ahead of him tbh and I couldn't come up with anything.

[charltom]

I think it was part of a wider plan for the RWC.

This Saturday it's the 1st and 2nd front rows. Last weekend was the 1st and 3rd front rows because Toonie wanted to see if the 3rd front row could handle Ireland or if he would be forced to go with the 1st and 2nd front rows in the fourth match of the World Cup.

He has his answer. So he now has to consider starting the second match of the RWC with his 3rd choice front row, and the 2nd (or first) choices on the bench.

He'll need to keep the 1st and 2nd front rows as fresh as he can for when they face Ireland in match four.

[charltom]

If I were selecting front rows for the RWC then, assuming no injuries, they would now be:

vs. SA Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Tonga Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson)
vs. Romania Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Ireland Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)

Brown's in there because he provides cover at 7 as well as hooker.

[clydecloggie]

If I were selecting front rows for the RWC then, assuming no injuries, they would now be:

vs. SA Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Tonga Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson)
vs. Romania Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Ireland Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)

Brown's in there because he provides cover at 7 as well as hooker.

Will they take 9 front rows though? I know squads have been expanded by 1 to allow 6 props to travel, but do squads normally include 2 or 3 hookers?

[clydecloggie]

And on Saturday's team - a bit miffed that Matt Fagerson has been dropped to the bench, not because Dempsey doesn't deserve it, but because Mish comes in on very little recent form.

I would have picked Horne over Price as well, his game would be perfect against Italy in the final quarter.

But great to see Healy and Redpath among the subs. Let's hope Kinghorn kicks well!

[Biffer]

If I were selecting front rows for the RWC then, assuming no injuries, they would now be:

vs. SA Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Tonga Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson)
vs. Romania Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Ireland Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)

Brown's in there because he provides cover at 7 as well as hooker.

McInally could equally well cover back row and we've seen Turner do it in the past as well.

[charltom]

If I were selecting front rows for the RWC then, assuming no injuries, they would now be:

vs. SA Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Tonga Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson)
vs. Romania Bhatti/Brown/Walker (Suz/Ashman/Nel)
vs. Ireland Schoeman/Turner/Fagerson (bench Suz/Ashman/Nel)

Brown's in there because he provides cover at 7 as well as hooker.

Will they take 9 front rows though? I know squads have been expanded by 1 to allow 6 props to travel, but do squads normally include 2 or 3 hookers?

Squads are now 33 so as to allow three sets of front rows to travel. You then still have the remains of two XVs available.

Flexibility might allow other choices, e.g. Brown covering 7 could allow 3 scrum-halves to go (or might simply add to back row stocks), Kinghorn covering 10-11-14-15 might more probably do likewise etc.