The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Biffer]

Shocked by Rudi Brown going, that's a real surprise. Hopefully he's been offered a contract by a club in France, follow the Bennett path. Also surprised by Hoyland and Hutchison.

We were being linked with a saffer TH a while back, from the stormers I think?

[robmatic]

Shocked by Rudi Brown going, that's a real surprise. Hopefully he's been offered a contract by a club in France, follow the Bennett path. Also surprised by Hoyland and Hutchison.

We were being linked with a saffer TH a while back, from the stormers I think?

Definitely surprised by Brown, given his age and obvious potential.

I think there must be a few faces incoming, just based on the numbers. Think we're a bit short on the LH side now?

I'm surprised that McInally isn't on the list after the Ashman signing, but maybe that's connected with the World Cup.

De Bruin must be staying, which is baffling.

[robmatic]

Surely they are going to absolutely smash a semi pro set up?

Depends how good the fringe pros in the A team really are.

It's going to be pretty interesting actually. Some of the guys playing are capped internationals and many are extremely experienced pros - if they don't utterly dominate it suggests the level in S6 is maybe higher than we might expect. If they do dominate it maybe suggests the level of movement between S6 and pro level is likely to remain small and that U20 players might still not be getting the level they require when stepping down to play in S6.

I've just turned the game on and Glasgow are losing, so that is interesting.

[Jock42]

Two year extension for Gregor incoming, also confirming they sounded out Gatland earlier in the year.

Probably the right decision for me (the Gregor part, there is no probably in it about the Gatland part)

I'm happy enough atm given he put the tombola in the garage. Having a settled team has definitely helped this 6N. I'm not sure how I'll feel if they shit the bed against SA/Ireland and they don't get out the group again though.

Unsurprised?

Aye you're probably right there.


Disappointed Hoyland is leaving, same with Brown and Hutch

[Slick]

Depends how good the fringe pros in the A team really are.

It's going to be pretty interesting actually. Some of the guys playing are capped internationals and many are extremely experienced pros - if they don't utterly dominate it suggests the level in S6 is maybe higher than we might expect. If they do dominate it maybe suggests the level of movement between S6 and pro level is likely to remain small and that U20 players might still not be getting the level they require when stepping down to play in S6.

I saw the pre-season Glasgow vs Ayr game in Inverness, I appreciate it was a pre-season match and the Glasgow team was pretty rusty but it was striking how the cohesion of the Ayr team almost enabled them to steal a famous victory. Some of the fringe Glasgow players looked very limited - Walter Fifita for instance. These A games will be interesting for sure.

Funnily enough I was speaking to a senior guy at Watsonians today and he reckoned their S6 team at the end of the last series would give the pro teams a decent game, wasn’t worried at all about the A teams.

If true, that’s very good

[KingBlairhorn]

It's going to be pretty interesting actually. Some of the guys playing are capped internationals and many are extremely experienced pros - if they don't utterly dominate it suggests the level in S6 is maybe higher than we might expect. If they do dominate it maybe suggests the level of movement between S6 and pro level is likely to remain small and that U20 players might still not be getting the level they require when stepping down to play in S6.

I saw the pre-season Glasgow vs Ayr game in Inverness, I appreciate it was a pre-season match and the Glasgow team was pretty rusty but it was striking how the cohesion of the Ayr team almost enabled them to steal a famous victory. Some of the fringe Glasgow players looked very limited - Walter Fifita for instance. These A games will be interesting for sure.

Funnily enough I was speaking to a senior guy at Watsonians today and he reckoned their S6 team at the end of the last series would give the pro teams a decent game, wasn’t worried at all about the A teams.

If true, that’s very good

Well that was interesting, I wouldn’t say that was even particularly close. Simpson is so far beyond Weir it beggars belief that he is the one getting the odd pro start. Grant Stewart was excellent and the front row generally outplayed their pro brethren.

[dkm57]

I saw the pre-season Glasgow vs Ayr game in Inverness, I appreciate it was a pre-season match and the Glasgow team was pretty rusty but it was striking how the cohesion of the Ayr team almost enabled them to steal a famous victory. Some of the fringe Glasgow players looked very limited - Walter Fifita for instance. These A games will be interesting for sure.

Funnily enough I was speaking to a senior guy at Watsonians today and he reckoned their S6 team at the end of the last series would give the pro teams a decent game, wasn’t worried at all about the A teams.

If true, that’s very good

Well that was interesting, I wouldn’t say that was even particularly close. Simpson is so far beyond Weir it beggars belief that he is the one getting the odd pro start. Grant Stewart was excellent and the front row generally outplayed their pro brethren.

Quite agree, not what I was expecting, it wasn't even really close.

Some lovely work by Bulls. Simpson outstanding, Sheddon is a big lad, reckon he'll have more than VdM in a year or two. Bulls 8 was carrying well. Bulls line speed and ferocious tackling was panicking Glasgow A.

[Slick]

I saw the pre-season Glasgow vs Ayr game in Inverness, I appreciate it was a pre-season match and the Glasgow team was pretty rusty but it was striking how the cohesion of the Ayr team almost enabled them to steal a famous victory. Some of the fringe Glasgow players looked very limited - Walter Fifita for instance. These A games will be interesting for sure.

Funnily enough I was speaking to a senior guy at Watsonians today and he reckoned their S6 team at the end of the last series would give the pro teams a decent game, wasn’t worried at all about the A teams.

If true, that’s very good

Well that was interesting, I wouldn’t say that was even particularly close. Simpson is so far beyond Weir it beggars belief that he is the one getting the odd pro start. Grant Stewart was excellent and the front row generally outplayed their pro brethren.

Just seen the result, wow, wasn’t expecting that

[I like neeps]

The differences in intensity between the Bulls and Glasgow A was quite something. Most of the Glasgow A lads looked like they'd rather be elsewhere. Considering that Franco Smith has Glasgow looking really accurate in the breakdown and ferocious in defence really not sure what the A team were doing.

I was excited by Samuel and Williamson as prospects but I'm getting a bit concerned neither will make it.

[Punter15]

Bit of a random question - does anyone know where I can find kicking stats for Hoggy and also Chris Patterson. Or any comparable stats for the two when in blue?

Thanks

Can't find % but for Internationals:
Conversions:
Hogg - 9
Paterson - 90

Penalties:
Hogg - 5
Paterson - 107

Drop Goals:
Hogg - 1
Paterson - 3

Caps:
Hogg - 100+2
Paterson - 109

Tries:
Hogg - 27
Paterson - 22

50 of Patersons caps were on the wing and 14 at FH, and one at each position for Hogg. Possibly relevant for try totals as Hogg has played in sides where wings score plenty and Hoggs try rate has slowed; Seymour (20), Maitland (15), Graham (16) and Duhan (17) have all scored more than Lamont (14), Lamont (6), Evans brothers (4), Webster (8).

Much appreciated Big D. Thanks too Slick. Daughter is studying sports science and these two came up as an example of picking a reliable if less exciting points machine over a more mercurial player that can win a game as easily as butcher one. I’m not entirely convinced by her teacher, but I did love Pogo.

[Slick]

Yeah, Patterson was a terrific, almost generational player, in a shite squad and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Would love to have seen him on the current set up

[Yr Alban]

Yeah, Patterson was a terrific, almost generational player, in a shite squad and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Would love to have seen him on the current set up

What tends to be forgotten is that he was an electric runner in his first few caps. He was a superb player who was criminally messed about.

[Slick]

Has anyone found a highlights package of the Ayr game last night? Can’t find one anywhere, which is a bit shite. Or I am

[Big D]

Yeah, Patterson was a terrific, almost generational player, in a shite squad and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Would love to have seen him on the current set up

He'd basically be a more reliable kicking version of Kinghorn. That would be his spot.

[Big D]

Bit of a random question - does anyone know where I can find kicking stats for Hoggy and also Chris Patterson. Or any comparable stats for the two when in blue?

Thanks

Can't find % but for Internationals:
Conversions:
Hogg - 9
Paterson - 90

Penalties:
Hogg - 5
Paterson - 107

Drop Goals:
Hogg - 1
Paterson - 3

Caps:
Hogg - 100+2
Paterson - 109

Tries:
Hogg - 27
Paterson - 22

50 of Patersons caps were on the wing and 14 at FH, and one at each position for Hogg. Possibly relevant for try totals as Hogg has played in sides where wings score plenty and Hoggs try rate has slowed; Seymour (20), Maitland (15), Graham (16) and Duhan (17) have all scored more than Lamont (14), Lamont (6), Evans brothers (4), Webster (8).

Much appreciated Big D. Thanks too Slick. Daughter is studying sports science and these two came up as an example of picking a reliable if less exciting points machine over a more mercurial player that can win a game as easily as butcher one. I’m not entirely convinced by her teacher, but I did love Pogo.

One thing for her to note Punter is the different standard of teams Paterson scored many of his tries against. Japan when Japan were truly shite, USA, Canada and Romania account for over half Patersons tries (http://en.espn.co.uk/statsguru/rugby/pl ... view=match).

[Biffer]

Maybe the pro teams need slightly smaller squads and more of the non playing guys pushed into super six every week. Prove you're worth the money.

[Jock42]

Has anyone found a highlights package of the Ayr game last night? Can’t find one anywhere, which is a bit shite. Or I am

I think they are putting out a highlights show on Sunday.

[westport]

Shocked by Rudi Brown going, that's a real surprise. Hopefully he's been offered a contract by a club in France, follow the Bennett path. Also surprised by Hoyland and Hutchison.

We were being linked with a saffer TH a while back, from the stormers I think?

Definitely surprised by Brown, given his age and obvious potential.

I think there must be a few faces incoming, just based on the numbers. Think we're a bit short on the LH side now?

I'm surprised that McInally isn't on the list after the Ashman signing, but maybe that's connected with the World Cup.

De Bruin must be staying, which is baffling.

IIRC Rambo has another year left on his contract.

[westport]

Has anyone found a highlights package of the Ayr game last night? Can’t find one anywhere, which is a bit shite. Or I am

The full game is on Scottish rugby youtube page and Scottish Rugby site

[Simian]

The differences in intensity between the Bulls and Glasgow A was quite something. Most of the Glasgow A lads looked like they'd rather be elsewhere. Considering that Franco Smith has Glasgow looking really accurate in the breakdown and ferocious in defence really not sure what the A team were doing.

I was excited by Samuel and Williamson as prospects but I'm getting a bit concerned neither will make it.

I only got to watch a half hour of it. From what I saw, it looked like a pretty typical scratch v settled side game. It's the same problem we had with previous attempts to get guys on the edges of the pro setups playing in similar types of competitions (Gael Force etc).

[dkm57]

Bit different today Embra A well on top after 35 minutes.

[Biffer]

Yeah. A number fo these guys being released after the season, might be their only opportunity to demonstrate they can play to try and get a contract somewhere else.

[LenCohen]

Pretty worrying when you really step back and realise that this is the second tier of Scottish rugby ie these are the best Scottish players below the tiny amount of pro Scottish players. Mental really

[Dogbert]

The very definition of a bruising encounter tonight, the Lions gave it their all , and didn’t flag even at the end.

But it’s the result that counts and the Warriors are now through to their first European cup Semi -final.

The back row was immense all night, and although Darge got MOTM – Demmo shaded it for me.

Really hope Seb is fit soon, we are really getting pretty tight for wingers. Kyle has played a lot of rugby and can do with a break, but he made some cracking tackles tonight.

Not the biggest crowd at Scotstoun tonight, and a lot of people I know already had plans on Good Friday so couldn’t make the game , even so , its one of the noisiest crowds and was a great atmosphere.

I expect there will be a far bit of squad rotation for the Scarlets game next Friday – the games are sure coming thick and fast.

[Yr Alban]

TOTM has just tweeted that the penalty Glasgow kicked late in the game last night is the first penalty they have scored in 2023. Their 11th match, and 870 minutes of play. I just can’t get my head around this stat.

[Dogbert]

TOTM has just tweeted that the penalty Glasgow kicked late in the game last night is the first penalty they have scored in 2023. Their 11th match, and 870 minutes of play. I just can’t get my head around this stat.

The shock news is TOTM actually got this wrong.

Actually only 797 minutes between pens since last pen scored by Glasgow (also by George Horne - on 30/12/22 v Edinburgh).

It just shows how much Glasgow back their catch & drive, the variation have shown this season has been fantastic - lots of hard work & effort has gone into preparation.

The Dempsey try was a thing of beauty last night

[Simian]

The Dempsey try was a thing of beauty last night

It really was!

[KingBlairhorn]

TOTM has just tweeted that the penalty Glasgow kicked late in the game last night is the first penalty they have scored in 2023. Their 11th match, and 870 minutes of play. I just can’t get my head around this stat.

The shock news is TOTM actually got this wrong.

Actually only 797 minutes between pens since last pen scored by Glasgow (also by George Horne - on 30/12/22 v Edinburgh).

It just shows how much Glasgow back their catch & drive, the variation have shown this season has been fantastic - lots of hard work & effort has gone into preparation.

The Dempsey try was a thing of beauty last night

Haha, mate, you have to be brave to say Kevin has got a stat wrong!

[topofthemoon]

TOTM has just tweeted that the penalty Glasgow kicked late in the game last night is the first penalty they have scored in 2023. Their 11th match, and 870 minutes of play. I just can’t get my head around this stat.

The shock news is TOTM actually got this wrong.

Actually only 797 minutes between pens since last pen scored by Glasgow (also by George Horne - on 30/12/22 v Edinburgh).

It just shows how much Glasgow back their catch & drive, the variation have shown this season has been fantastic - lots of hard work & effort has gone into preparation.

The Dempsey try was a thing of beauty last night

Haha, mate, you have to be brave to say Kevin has got a stat wrong!

Aye had to correct myself and update the number of minutes - I blame a combination of a late night / early morning!

9 consecutive games with no pens scored for Glasgow - never gone more than 3 in a row before.

[Dogbert]

What I find interesting is that Glasgow’s decision making at crucial points in games is getting better.

The penalty last night ( and what a kick by Horne Jnr BTW) was just what was required to keep the scoreboard moving , and take the wind out of the Lions sails.

Same with Miotti’s drop goal against Munster.

The variation of the attack off the set piece this season has been so impressive, constantly varying the point of attack , keeping the opposition guessing, this doesn’t happen by chance, this is a result of a lot of hard work and practice.

I thought Glasgow missed the hard yards of Sione Vailanu last night, but if Fagerson/ Darge and Dempsey are all fit , who rides the pine ?

Oh and Darge last night with 29 tackles, none missed, and 5 turnovers won,what were Edinburgh thinking

[Biffer]

For no particular reason, I was reminded of this tonight

[Biffer]

For no particular reason, I was reminded of this tonight

And then this

[Yr Alban]

What I find interesting is that Glasgow’s decision making at crucial points in games is getting better.

The penalty last night ( and what a kick by Horne Jnr BTW) was just what was required to keep the scoreboard moving , and take the wind out of the Lions sails.

Same with Miotti’s drop goal against Munster.

The variation of the attack off the set piece this season has been so impressive, constantly varying the point of attack , keeping the opposition guessing, this doesn’t happen by chance, this is a result of a lot of hard work and practice.

I thought Glasgow missed the hard yards of Sione Vailanu last night, but if Fagerson/ Darge and Dempsey are all fit , who rides the pine ?

Oh and Darge last night with 29 tackles, none missed, and 5 turnovers won,what were Edinburgh thinking

They weren’t. Though, to be fair, they wouldn’t be the first to offload a player who wasn’t performing elsewhere. DVDM being an obvious reverse example.

[Big D]

On the Edinburgh and Darge thing. Watson was a test Lion when he resigned. Edinburgh could have let him go but without foreseeing his injuries and drop in form it would have been a huge call (even though a couple on here suggested it). It would be unlikely a 2nd specialist 7 would see the type of game time Darge has enjoyed at Glasgow so something had to give.

If they had offloaded Watson and the reverse happened they'd have been panned too.

They could have binned Crosbie but he can play 6 and has actually played better than Watson over the last 18 months.

[robmatic]

Edinburgh had Boyle and Darge, who were both highly rated prospects in the same position at the same age. They obviously couldn't keep both and I don't remember much chat at the time about one being better than the other. For all we know they could have asked the two players who wanted to stay - Boyle is actually a pretty big Edinburgh fan I think and I can imagine him being keen to stay on.

Darge certainly wouldn't have had the same trajectory if he'd stayed simply because Glasgow were really short in the back row at the time when he moved and he went straight into the team for a run of games through necessity.

[Achahoish]

Edinburgh had Boyle and Darge, who were both highly rated prospects in the same position at the same age. They obviously couldn't keep both and I don't remember much chat at the time about one being better than the other. For all we know they could have asked the two players who wanted to stay - Boyle is actually a pretty big Edinburgh fan I think and I can imagine him being keen to stay on.

Darge certainly wouldn't have had the same trajectory if he'd stayed simply because Glasgow were really short in the back row at the time when he moved and he went straight into the team for a run of games through necessity.

iirc we had Tom Gordon at 7 who had had a stand out season prior to Darge arriving. Darge simply forced his way past Gordon in the pecking order.

[robmatic]

Edinburgh had Boyle and Darge, who were both highly rated prospects in the same position at the same age. They obviously couldn't keep both and I don't remember much chat at the time about one being better than the other. For all we know they could have asked the two players who wanted to stay - Boyle is actually a pretty big Edinburgh fan I think and I can imagine him being keen to stay on.

Darge certainly wouldn't have had the same trajectory if he'd stayed simply because Glasgow were really short in the back row at the time when he moved and he went straight into the team for a run of games through necessity.

iirc we had Tom Gordon at 7 who had had a stand out season prior to Darge arriving. Darge simply forced his way past Gordon in the pecking order.

Yes, but I think Gordon was injured at first, wasn't he? Or somebody was. Darge ended up moving across early to Glasgow for an immediate debut instead of during the close season because they needed players for the Rainbow Cup.

[topofthemoon]

The problem wasn't Edinburgh letting Darge go, the problem was Edinburgh signing both Boyle and Darge onto pro contracts out of the Academy at the same time - there was never going to be room for both of them. They should have been split up at that point (Academy promotion) and they wouldn't have wasted the best part of a season with both of them competing for the same role.

[Dogbert]

The Batman departs......

Sad to see Ryan go , but probably the right time been a great servant to Glasgow ,and a really good bloke

RYAN WILSON’s 13-year uninterrupted association with Glasgow Warriors will finish at the end of this season when the 33-year-old back-rower will leave the club.

Only Rob Harley has played more than the 220 games Wilson has featured in so far for Glasgow, with the pair having made their professional debuts together in a September 2010 clash against Leinster at Firhill.

“I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to represent this club,” said Wilson, who has also been capped 50 times by Scotland. “We’ve been so lucky to have some unbelievable players come through, but some even better men.

[Slick]

I always thought they would find some kind of position for him at the club