The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[I like neeps]

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.

I agree. It's why the academy stage 3 should have some kind of a draft so players are selected on base of need = gametime, the coaches rate them highly = gametime, or not stockpiling of players at positions the pro teams are very strong = less gametime.

I appreciate where possible players are in wherever is closest geographically but still doesn't really make sense from a development pov

[weegie01]

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.

I agree. It's why the academy stage 3 should have some kind of a draft so players are selected on base of need = gametime, the coaches rate them highly = gametime, or not stockpiling of players at positions the pro teams are very strong = less gametime.

I appreciate where possible players are in wherever is closest geographically but still doesn't really make sense from a development pov

Although players are default aligned with the club whose academy they came through, there is nothing stopping the other making an offer. Glasgow could have taken either Darge or Boyle from the academy. The players themselves expected one of them to head west. Glasgow showed no interest so it was a case of Edinburgh or nothing. Cockerill was not best pleased the issues were clear. I do not know why the SRU did not put their foot down and tell Glasgow to take one.

[I like neeps]

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.

I agree. It's why the academy stage 3 should have some kind of a draft so players are selected on base of need = gametime, the coaches rate them highly = gametime, or not stockpiling of players at positions the pro teams are very strong = less gametime.

I appreciate where possible players are in wherever is closest geographically but still doesn't really make sense from a development pov

Although players are default aligned with the club whose academy they came through, there is nothing stopping the other making an offer. Glasgow could have taken either Darge or Boyle from the academy. The players themselves expected one of them to head west. Glasgow showed no interest so it was a case of Edinburgh or nothing. Cockerill was not best pleased the issues were clear. I do not know why the SRU did not put their foot down and tell Glasgow to take one.

Very interesting insight thanks weegie. The talent ID of Darge is very odd as almost immediately in the rainbow cup he was Scotland's best performer. He'd always been highly rated playing 3 years of u20s although moved to 8 to accommodate Boyle.

That reads as if Glasgow didn't offer him a pro contract. Do you know why they did in the end? And I assume academies don't select who is stage 3 and instead are given players in stage 3 so why weren't Glasgow just given him in the academy? I assume (could be wrongly) the pro team coaches aren't watch Scotland u18 and u20 matches.

It really was a complete farce Glasgow had Ioane and Lokotui on short term deals and not a young Scot.

[weegie01]

I’m also surprised by Brown, I wonder if he has something lined up because he is that unusual thing in Scottish rugby, an absolute giant specimen. He seemed to have the skills too, so quite disappointed if he falls out the game.

Going to Southern Knights whilst he looks for a pro deal somewhere.

[weegie01]

Very interesting insight thanks weegie. The talent ID of Darge is very odd as almost immediately in the rainbow cup he was Scotland's best performer. He'd always been highly rated playing 3 years of u20s although moved to 8 to accommodate Boyle.

That reads as if Glasgow didn't offer him a pro contract. Do you know why they did in the end? And I assume academies don't select who is stage 3 and instead are given players in stage 3 so why weren't Glasgow just given him in the academy? I assume (could be wrongly) the pro team coaches aren't watch Scotland u18 and u20 matches.

It really was a complete farce Glasgow had Ioane and Lokotui on short term deals and not a young Scot.

As I recall it was a mess with certain people playing silly buggers as Rennie and Cockerill had this 'keep away from my players' thing going on. Eventually someone in the SRU put their foot down. When one had to move, it was Cockerill's decision to keep Boyle. Who knows how he'd have gone with the same opportunities Darge has ahd.

[I like neeps]

Very interesting insight thanks weegie. The talent ID of Darge is very odd as almost immediately in the rainbow cup he was Scotland's best performer. He'd always been highly rated playing 3 years of u20s although moved to 8 to accommodate Boyle.

That reads as if Glasgow didn't offer him a pro contract. Do you know why they did in the end? And I assume academies don't select who is stage 3 and instead are given players in stage 3 so why weren't Glasgow just given him in the academy? I assume (could be wrongly) the pro team coaches aren't watch Scotland u18 and u20 matches.

It really was a complete farce Glasgow had Ioane and Lokotui on short term deals and not a young Scot.

As I recall it was a mess with certain people playing silly buggers as Rennie and Cockerill had this 'keep away from my players' thing going on. Eventually someone in the SRU put their foot down. When one had to move, it was Cockerill's decision to keep Boyle. Who knows how he'd have gone with the same opportunities Darge has ahd.

I don't think as well, Darge was class from game 1 for Glasgow (which was like a week after he signed). Boyle is fairly good for Edinburgh but nowhere near the phenom that is Darge.

I just don't think the SRU are helping academy players by sorting geographically and not by positional requirement though. For example - Edinburgh need 9s and centres and currently have none in their academy (although Scott seems to now be a centre) whereas for some reason Glasgow have 2 9s (oh and they also have Horne, Price, Dobie) and 2 centres when they have 4 international class centres in their pro squad. The opportunities just aren't going to be there and they are at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh have 5 back three academy players to supplement their all star back 3 who have Goosen and Kinghorn (next year) in reserve. Glasgow meanwhile are playing Dobie on the wing.

[Blackmac]

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

Speaking of TOTM, has anyone any news about Frillage. It would be good to know how his recovery is progressing.

[Slick]

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

Speaking of TOTM, has anyone any news about Frillage. It would be good to know how his recovery is progressing.

Strange, was thinking the same over the weekend. Seen him out and about a couple of times but didn’t say hello

[Biffer]

WP has signed a one year extension at Edinburgh.

Says it will 'probably' be his last year of professional rugby.

Go on yersel big fella.

[Dogbert]

Franco rotating the Team for the first Scarlets game , some if it being enforced due to further injuries to Sione T & Demmo , hopefully Seb will be ready for the next game,

Hopefully Home advantage will be too strong for the Scarlets , will be interesting to see what team Scarlets send up , they will be more interested in the Challenge cup fixture in a couple of weeks

Glasgow Warriors

15 Huw Jones
14 Kyle Steyn
13 Stafford McDowall
12 Sam Johnson
11 Cole Forbes

10 Tom Jordan
9 Ali Price

1 Jamie Bhatti
2 Johnny Matthews
3 Zander Fagerson
4 JP du Preez
5 Lewis Bean
6 Ryan Wilson
7 Matt Fagerson
8 Sione Vailanu

Substitutes

16 Fraser Brown
17 Nathan McBeth
18 Simon Berghan
19 Richie Gray
20 Scott Cummings
21 Rory Darge
22 Jamie Dobie
23 Domingo Miotti

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (back), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Josh McKay (foot), Enrique Pieretto (chest), Ross Thompson (foot), Sione Tuipulotu (shoulder)

[robmatic]

WP has signed a one year extension at Edinburgh.

Says it will 'probably' be his last year of professional rugby.

Go on yersel big fella.

I feel old. I remember him coming over as just a young fella.

[Blackmac]

WP has signed a one year extension at Edinburgh.

Says it will 'probably' be his last year of professional rugby.

Go on yersel big fella.

I feel old. I remember him coming over as just a young fella.

He's always looked about 48 though.

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Ospreys at DAM Health Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday 15 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (29)

14. Darcy Graham (58)
13. Mark Bennett (86)
12. James Lang (37)
11. Damien Hoyland (104)

10. Blair Kinghorn (132)
9. Ben Vellacott (37)

1. Pierre Schoeman (96)
2. Dave Cherry (69)
3. WP Nel (186)
4. Marshall Sykes (40)
5. Sam Skinner (12)
6. Jamie Ritchie (96) CAPTAIN
7. Hamish Watson (138)
8. Viliame Mata (114)

Replacements

16. Stuart McInally (175)
17. Boan Venter (44)
18. Luan de Bruin (20)
19. Jamie Hodgson (52)
20. Connor Boyle (30)
21. Henry Pyrgos (82)
22. Chris Dean (134)
23. Duhan van der Merwe (73)

Unavailable: Jack Blain, Luke Crosbie, Matt Currie, Grant Gilchrist, Wes Goosen, Nick Haining, Henry Immelman, Ben Muncaster, Harry Paterson.

[dkm57]

That's a strong looking squad so how come Edinburgh are struggling?

[weegie01]

That's a strong looking squad so how come Edinburgh are struggling?

The are not paying attention when I offer advice from the stands.

[dkm57]

That's a strong looking squad so how come Edinburgh are struggling?

The are not paying attention when I offer advice from the stands.

[Slick]

Not sure which game to watch later, might have to be switching between

[Biffer]

WP has signed a one year extension at Edinburgh.

Says it will 'probably' be his last year of professional rugby.

Go on yersel big fella.

I feel old. I remember him coming over as just a young fella.

You and me both. Black mac is right though he hasn't changed. Great servant, fab player, shame his injury year coincided with a Lions tour as he would have been right in about the test side in 2017

[KingBlairhorn]

That non-try there in the Glasgow game is why refs coaching players is so shit. Marginal as fuck but all actions directly result from a ref who can’t shut his mouth and let the rugby happen. I’d be pretty salty about that if I was a Scarlets fan, but I’d be fucking raging as a Glasgow fan of the try was given. A true lose-lose situation.

[dkm57]

Brown's darts are still rancid.

[Slick]

That non-try there in the Glasgow game is why refs coaching players is so shit. Marginal as fuck but all actions directly result from a ref who can’t shut his mouth and let the rugby happen. I’d be pretty salty about that if I was a Scarlets fan, but I’d be fucking raging as a Glasgow fan of the try was given. A true lose-lose situation.

This, good post

[Slick]

Dobie has to get more game time. If he isn’t going to get it at Glasgow then get him to Edinburgh. There is a very, very classy player being held back imo

[KingBlairhorn]

Dobie has to get more game time. If he isn’t going to get it at Glasgow then get him to Edinburgh. There is a very, very classy player being held back imo

Easily the best pass off the deck in Scotland IMO; straight as an arrow and hugely accurate. He has a lovely box kick and an eye for a gap too, what’s not to like.

[Dogbert]

Truly atrocious conditions tonight – I’m sure I saw the boys in the East end stand building an Ark at Half time but in the end we ground out a result, and booked a home quarterfinal with a game to spare.

Fagerson (snr) was probably the pick of the bunch , but Sione made good metres – reminds me a lot of Josh Strauss at his best.

Great send off to the Batman in what could be his final appearance.

Both initial half backs weren’t great tonight , some of Prices decision making and kicking wasn’t great , and the same could be said of Jordan, actually this game was made for Thomson who has the best kicking game of any 10 in Scotland at the moment, such a shame he has had such a injury affected season.

Dobie was certainly better than Price when he came on , and a suspect we may see him start next week against Connacht.

As for Dobie getting game time , he’s had more starts that Price this season , and more starts than Jones / Johnson/ Darge / Cummings / both Fagersons. Sure Glasgow have a decent strength at Scrum half at the moment , but with Horne /Price pretty much guaranteed to be on International duty he is bound to get game time at Glasgow ,

He’s an integral part of Franco’s plans to get Glasgow where he wants them to be.

[Slick]

Truly atrocious conditions tonight – I’m sure I saw the boys in the East end stand building an Ark at Half time but in the end we ground out a result, and booked a home quarterfinal with a game to spare.

Fagerson (snr) was probably the pick of the bunch , but Sione made good metres – reminds me a lot of Josh Strauss at his best.

Great send off to the Batman in what could be his final appearance.

Both initial half backs weren’t great tonight , some of Prices decision making and kicking wasn’t great , and the same could be said of Jordan, actually this game was made for Thomson who has the best kicking game of any 10 in Scotland at the moment, such a shame he has had such a injury affected season.

Dobie was certainly better than Price when he came on , and a suspect we may see him start next week against Connacht.

As for Dobie getting game time , he’s had more starts that Price this season , and more starts than Jones / Johnson/ Darge / Cummings / both Fagersons. Sure Glasgow have a decent strength at Scrum half at the moment , but with Horne /Price pretty much guaranteed to be on International duty he is bound to get game time at Glasgow ,

He’s an integral part of Franco’s plans to get Glasgow where he wants them to be.

Fair enough re Dobie starting, hadn’t realised that at all. It’s definitely an impression a few people have that he isn’t being given a chance to progress as much as he should

[dkm57]

Maybe just me but I was relieved when Price went off but thought they'd blown it when Brown replaced Matthews.

To me Price is maybe 4th or 5th behind the other 9s Scotland have available.

[dpedin]

That non-try there in the Glasgow game is why refs coaching players is so shit. Marginal as fuck but all actions directly result from a ref who can’t shut his mouth and let the rugby happen. I’d be pretty salty about that if I was a Scarlets fan, but I’d be fucking raging as a Glasgow fan of the try was given. A true lose-lose situation.

This, good post

TV replays showed the Scarlets guy was offside before ball came out of ruck, all the ball needs to be clearly behind the rearmost foot of the last guy in the ruck. However the replays didnt have the sound on - I am sure that the ref shouted 'still in' or similar as the Scarlets guys was already a yard off side then almost immediately the Scarlets guy picked the ball up and the ref shouted play on! I suspect the replay and the decision was because the ref knew he had cocked it up and this was a get out.

[Dogbert]

Maybe just me but I was relieved when Price went off but thought they'd blown it when Brown replaced Matthews.

To me Price is maybe 4th or 5th behind the other 9s Scotland have available.

Of course it was Brown who scored the try that won the game though ...

As Disco has pointed out

Fraser Brown is the first forward to score tries in 5 consecutive appearances for Glasgow during the pro era.

v Dragons (2) 28/1/23;
v Ulster 17/2/23;
v Zebre 3/3/23;
v Munster 25/3/23.
v Scarlets 14/4/23

That's a pretty good strike rate

[Jock42]

Typical. Embra all over Ospreys.

[Jock42]

Normal service resumed

[Slick]

Anyone else having problems streaming from Viaplay?

[Big D]

This will be a yellow but it's more of a roll made to look worse by the position of the jacker.

[Big D]

That's a very harsh if it is a red imo.

[Big D]

Classic big man fouling a wee man meaning head contact
Unfortunate but yellow probably right.

[fishfoodie]

26 - 7 HT in Galway

[Jock42]

Graham is back

[GrahamWa]

Anyone else having problems streaming from Viaplay?

My viaplay interface on the web and my mates through firestick was freezing every 2 minutes or so. I ended up watching it via the SkyGo app on my laptop which isn't the best for live TV but better than their interface last night. Hopefully it was a one off cause generally it's been pretty good this season.

[Yr Alban]

Typical that Embra start playing well when there is nothing left for them to play for. Ah well!

[robmatic]

Typical that Embra start playing well when there is nothing left for them to play for. Ah well!

It's definitely frustrating. They were able to pretty easily put away Ospreys but where has that ability been the past few months?

[Big D]

Edinburgh put them away but the Ospreys were very poor. Partly due to Edinburgh playing well but partly due to being pish.