The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Yr Alban]

Apparently he only had one session with the Southern Knights and the players didn't know anything about him joining in and they made their feelings known and he wasn't invited back.

I am all for rehab but think it was all a bit too soon for him. Perhaps next season or the one after that, as he is still only 22, to play in the national leagues, if anyone would have him.

Ship himself around the National League in France (below ProD2). He'd get game time at a reasonable level (probably better than premiership), probably get paid a bit and be seen to be rehabilitating himself.

It’s a difficult one. If he still harbours hopes of a pro career, I can see that he has to train and play somewhere, or it could be a very long hard road back. But nowhere in Scotland (probably not in the UK) will want to give him the time of day right now. If I were his agent (assuming the agent hasn’t dropped him as well) I’d be suggesting a year or two overseas. France could work, but somewhere like SA might as well?

[Blackmac]

Apparently he only had one session with the Southern Knights and the players didn't know anything about him joining in and they made their feelings known and he wasn't invited back.

I am all for rehab but think it was all a bit too soon for him. Perhaps next season or the one after that, as he is still only 22, to play in the national leagues, if anyone would have him.

Ship himself around the National League in France (below ProD2). He'd get game time at a reasonable level (probably better than premiership), probably get paid a bit and be seen to be rehabilitating himself.

It’s a difficult one. If he still harbours hopes of a pro career, I can see that he has to train and play somewhere, or it could be a very long hard road back. But nowhere in Scotland (probably not in the UK) will want to give him the time of day right now. If I were his agent (assuming the agent hasn’t dropped him as well) I’d be suggesting a year or two overseas. France could work, but somewhere like SA might as well?

He must be able to get a gig as an analyst on ITV. They aren't too choosy.

[topofthemoon]

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

Remember also Tuipolutu plays 13 a lot for Glasgow, you could have Redpath 12 Tui 13 if Jones goes down.

It's still odd that Franco Smith plays Jones at 12 and Sione at 13, while Toonie does it the other way round - both with excellent results.

The first game they played with those numbers for Glasgow I looked back over the match and in attack they lined up Jones then Tuipulotu 6 times and Tuipulotu then Jones 21 times. In defence they always lined up Tuipulotu then Jones.

[topofthemoon]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

Bit higher - 80%. That has been driven more by Glasgow's needs than anything else I would say. He was an 88% tackler in his debut season playing in the centres, best of any Glasgow midfielder.

With where Glasgow' strength in depth lies I'm sure he will continue to play the vast majority of his games on the wing but I'm still going to maintain that centre is his best position!

[clydecloggie]

Remember also Tuipolutu plays 13 a lot for Glasgow, you could have Redpath 12 Tui 13 if Jones goes down.

It's still odd that Franco Smith plays Jones at 12 and Sione at 13, while Toonie does it the other way round - both with excellent results.

The first game they played with those numbers for Glasgow I looked back over the match and in attack they lined up Jones then Tuipulotu 6 times and Tuipulotu then Jones 21 times. In defence they always lined up Tuipulotu then Jones.

Ah, more Saffer shirt number shenanigans.

[KingBlairhorn]

There's a video going round of Leon MacDonald getting asked about the Scotland job:



Maybe the SRU are having a think before reappointing Toonie afterall.

[Biffer]

There's a video going round of Leon MacDonald getting asked about the Scotland job:



Maybe the SRU are having a think before reappointing Toonie afterall.

That sounds like he's definitely been talking to the SRU.

[robmatic]

There's a video going round of Leon MacDonald getting asked about the Scotland job:



Maybe the SRU are having a think before reappointing Toonie afterall.

That sounds like he's definitely been talking to the SRU.

Yup.

For all we know Toonie might have something lined up for after the World Cup anyway.

[C T]

There's a video going round of Leon MacDonald getting asked about the Scotland job:



Maybe the SRU are having a think before reappointing Toonie afterall.

That sounds like he's definitely been talking to the SRU.

Yup.

For all we know Toonie might have something lined up for after the World Cup anyway.

I guess an alternative is it is for some form of assistant coach.

[westport]

There's a video going round of Leon MacDonald getting asked about the Scotland job:



Maybe the SRU are having a think before reappointing Toonie afterall.

That sounds like he's definitely been talking to the SRU.

Yup.

For all we know Toonie might have something lined up for after the World Cup anyway.

Was there not a strong rumour that Toony might be shooting off to France as attack coach

[westport]

Darcy is back

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Connacht at The Sportsground in the BKT United Rugby Championship

Saturday 25 March (kick-off 3pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (27)

14. Darcy Graham (56)
13. Mark Bennett (84)
12. James Lang (35)
11. Damien Hoyland (103)

10. Blair Kinghorn (130)
9. Henry Pyrgos (80)

1. Boan Venter (42)
2. Stuart McInally (173)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (32)
4. Sam Skinner (10)
5. Grant Gilchrist (186) CAPTAIN
6. Ben Muncaster (26)
7. Connor Boyle (29)
8. Viliame Mata (112)

Replacements:

16. Dave Cherry (67)
17. Luan de Bruin (18)
18. WP Nel (184)
19. Marshall Sykes (38)
20. Glen Young (20)
21. Ben Vellacott (35)
22. Chris Dean (133)
23. Nathan Sweeney*

*potential debut

Unavailable: Angus Williams, Matt Currie, Henry Immelman, Wes Goosen, Nick Haining, Pierce Phillips, Murray McCallum, Harry Paterson, Luke Crosbie

Rest Protocol: Jamie Ritchie, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Hamish Watson

[Jock42]

Who's covering 10? Lang?

Great to see Graham back.

[KingBlairhorn]

Who's covering 10? Lang?

Great to see Graham back.

Great to see Muncaster and Boyle back too.

The SRU should be considering whether their rest protocols are fit for purpose. Watson hardly played during the 6N (10 minutes vs France, 14 vs Ireland and 50 vs Italy). He probably would have played significantly more outside of the test windows over a similar period. He did play 80 minutes against Leinster in the middle of that I suppose. He needs games though not rest IMO, he's only played 12 times this season of which only 4 were full 80s.

[KingBlairhorn]

Who's covering 10? Lang?

Nathan Sweeney is a brilliant fullback so probably him

[robmatic]

Who's covering 10? Lang?

Great to see Graham back.

Lang presumably. Where are Savala and Jaco?

[I like neeps]

McRae is a huge huge loss. Edinburgh are all over in defence.

[TheNatalShark]

McRae is a huge huge loss. Edinburgh are all over in defence.

And seemingly unable to retain in attack, losing so cheaply.

[Jock42]

Graham too eager to score there.

[dpedin]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

[TheNatalShark]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

Yeah that was one of the things that looked to me, they don't (didn't) look interested out there.

Missed the conceded score in the 2nd half, but since then seems to be some enthusiasm about the team.

[Biffer]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

I’m not really sure who’s in charge atm.

[Yr Alban]

Sad to see Embra getting another hiding. Something really isn’t right there, and I hope the next guy can fix it.

[TheNatalShark]

Only had half an eye on the weegie game, but they are looking very good, and Miotti looking great.

[Yr Alban]

Only had half an eye on the weegie game, but they are looking very good, and Miotti looking great.

They certainly seem to be laying down a marker here. 0-21 at present. Not over yet, but an impressive start - not many teams win at Thomond Park.

[TheNatalShark]

Only had half an eye on the weegie game, but they are looking very good, and Miotti looking great.

They certainly seem to be laying down a marker here. 0-21 at present. Not over yet, but an impressive start - not many teams win at Thomond Park.

That fourth try was absolute Barca rugby, just everything stuck where necessary, always a man in space and support

[Slick]

Must admit to not having seen much of Stafford McDowall and not really knowing what the hype is about, but he is some player from what I’ve seen so far in this game

[SomersetJock]

Must admit to not having seen much of Stafford McDowall and not really knowing what the hype is about, but he is some player from what I’ve seen so far in this game

Hard to believe that Danny Wilson was ready to offload the lad. He’s been brilliant all season.

What a first half that was, Munster really don’t have a clue what to do when Glasgow have the ball.

[KingBlairhorn]

Must admit to not having seen much of Stafford McDowall and not really knowing what the hype is about, but he is some player from what I’ve seen so far in this game

Brilliant as a young player and then dropped away big time under Rennie then Wilson. It just shows how much a coach can matter sometimes. See also Huw Jones.

[KingBlairhorn]

Sad to see Embra getting another hiding. Something really isn’t right there, and I hope the next guy can fix it.

Given Toonie has made noises suggesting he might stay surely the SRU haven’t pulled a rabbit out the hat and managed somehow to get Leon MacDonald for Edinburgh? They did it once before with Rennie, but MacDonald is probably even more highly rated…?

[Yr Alban]

Munster pull it back to 21-38 on 71 minutes. It says something about the mindset of the Scottish rugby supporter that I am worried Glasgow might somehow blow a 17-point lead in less than 10 minutes.

[SomersetJock]

Trimbles commentary is hilarious. hard to fathom how Munster are losing this, their players are playing so well

[Slick]

Trimbles commentary is hilarious. hard to fathom Munster are losing this, their players are playing so well

The Scottish guy with him just started taking the piss after a while. Trimble went into a monologue about the conveyor belt of incredible Irish props then 2 minutes later “well that’s the 4th scrum penalty to Glasgow as the Munster pack go backwards”

[Yr Alban]

Finished 26-38. Almost disappointing after going in at HT with a 28-0 lead, and they coughed up a TBP (but not a LBP, fortunately). But a good away win all the same.

[SomersetJock]

[quote=SomersetJock post_id=274425 time=<a href="tel:1679770752">1679770752</a> user_id=2145]
Trimbles commentary is hilarious. hard to fathom Munster are losing this, their players are playing so well

The Scottish guy with him just started taking the piss after a while. Trimble went into a monologue about the conveyor belt of incredible Irish props then 2 minutes later “well that’s the 4th scrum penalty to Glasgow as the Munster pack go backwards”
[/quote]

The Scottish guys summary in the end was really rubbing salt in the wounds, but stating facts on what happened and done in a professional way, Trimble will be lying in a darkened room licking his bollocks about now

[Yr Alban]

On a thread on Twitter about ‘if you could give one player an injury-free career, who would it be?’

Realised how many players we could ill afford to lose who were lost to injury. Simon Taylor, Thom Evans, Ross Rennie, Tom Philip, Joe Ansbro…

[LenCohen]

Taylor's problem wasn't injury, he just didn't like playing rugby. And getting pumped in most games probably didn't help.

[Yr Alban]

Taylor's problem wasn't injury, he just didn't like playing rugby. And getting pumped in most games probably didn't help.

He did seem not to have his heart in it a lot of the time, to be fair, and playing in a poor side made it worse. He did have injury problems as well though.

[clydecloggie]

Really enjoyed Glasgow yesterday, the first 40 minutes were a new high-water mark for this season. No-one goes 28-0 (and then 31-0) up against Munster at Thomond Park. And that without playing anything resembling the first XV.

Just one win now required for a home QF, possibly against Munster again, could be the Bulls or even Connacht. If successful an away semi to Leinster the probable endpoint of a good URC season. It's a shame they started so slowly or they could have challenged for a top-2 finish.

[Slick]

Really enjoyed Glasgow yesterday, the first 40 minutes were a new high-water mark for this season. No-one goes 28-0 (and then 31-0) up against Munster at Thomond Park. And that without playing anything resembling the first XV.

Just one win now required for a home QF, possibly against Munster again, could be the Bulls or even Connacht. If successful an away semi to Leinster the probable endpoint of a good URC season. It's a shame they started so slowly or they could have challenged for a top-2 finish.

Still plenty to play for and they look great

[Slick]

Cracking try by Redpath in the Bath game. Our options really are great at the moment