The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Jock42]

Bradbury got players player of the season award.

Would think he is pissing against the wind in terms of a RWC spot but deserves a training squad call up.

I've just seen its announced this afternoon. He's always looked good when I've seen him but haven't seen much of Bristol.

[Jock42]

I'm back to being unconvinced with Townsend. I fully expect that come October he'll remain the only Scotland coach to not have made the QF.

[clydecloggie]

I'm back to being unconvinced with Townsend. I fully expect that come October he'll remain the only Scotland coach to not have made the QF.

OTOH, making the QF would be a major feather in his cap and possibly the best ever RWC run for Scotland, given who they're up against.

It's not happening of course, I will remain completely chilled out about the RWC as there is no hope.

[Jock42]

I'm back to being unconvinced with Townsend. I fully expect that come October he'll remain the only Scotland coach to not have made the QF.

OTOH, making the QF would be a major feather in his cap and possibly the best ever RWC run for Scotland, given who they're up against.

It's not happening of course, I will remain completely chilled out about the RWC as there is no hope.

Indeed and in that instance I'd be more supportive of his extension. I don't understand the timing, or length, give him the WC to achieve something.

[I like neeps]

No real surprises. No Bradbury though.

[Biffer]

We were chatting about this a few weeks ago on this thread, the concept of refs coaching players through a game is infuriating. ‘Hands off’ is an acknowledgement a penalty offence has occurred as they are using their hands in the ruck. It’s up to the players to know when the ruck has formed. Equally ‘off your feet’, if a player is off their feet they should know. I recognise of course that it is a very thin line, but maybe discouraging the relentless slowing of ball would help solve many other issues in rugby, most notably the ‘need’ for running clear outs from 10m+ that are a) exceptionally dangerous and b) causing a lot of red cards.

On the other side, shouting ‘back foot’ or shooing players backward is also interfering with the game. Perhaps the offside line needs to be moved back from the ruck (say 1m from hindmost foot or the goal line) as at the moment it is too easy to kill momentum and refs seem unable to see/ref the constant encroachment.

It doesn't need to be changed, it just needs to be enforced.

[clydecloggie]

No real surprises. No Bradbury though.

No Fraser Brown. No Rory Hutchinson. No player no-one knew was SQ. Which is probably the biggest surprise.

[Yr Alban]

Mixed feelings about Toony. Feel it’s a bit of an odd time to give him an extension. One might think that waiting to see what happens at the RWC would make sense. On the other hand, we probably weren’t likely to get someone significantly better right now.

It’s not really Toony’s fault that we won’t make the QFs this time. That’s down to the utterly ridiculous decision to do the draw 3 years before the tournament and our resultant group of death. Last time is on him though.

[Yr Alban]

No real surprises. No Bradbury though.

No Fraser Brown. No Rory Hutchinson. No player no-one knew was SQ. Which is probably the biggest surprise.

Toony’s extension probably means there is no way back for Hutch. Which is a shame, but it’s clear that his face just doesn’t fit.

[Big D]

Bennett and Hutchison probably could have had a place in the training squad but at 41 players there aren't many who will miss out when it is cut to 33 or what ever the number is given there will be wastage through inevitable injuries and/or suspension.

There might only be a 2 or 3 backs that drop out from those named.

[Big D]

Bradbury got players player of the season award.

Would think he is pissing against the wind in terms of a RWC spot but deserves a training squad call up.

Back row is ridiculously competitive, and with Fagerson and Dempsey in position it will be difficult for Bradbury to make his way back in. Still think he deserves to be in the training squad and play one or two of the warm ups - who knows if he hits the right form at the right time. Currently I'd say the back rows in the RWC squad would be Ritchie, Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge and one of Watson or Crosbie, with Skinner likely in as a lock/6 hybrid (especially because Jonny Gray is most likely out of contention).

My thinking was I'd rather Bradbury was the on call 3rd number 8 should one of Fagerson or Dempsey break.

I have said it for a while but I wouldn't take Watson. Taking two specialist 7s who are a 7 and nothing else is a luxury and means scrimping elsewhere.

[clydecloggie]

Bennett and Hutchison probably could have had a place in the training squad but at 41 players there aren't many who will miss out when it is cut to 33 or what ever the number is given there will be wastage through inevitable injuries and/or suspension.

There might only be a 2 or 3 backs that drop out from those named.

Four SHs named, so Jamie Dobie most likely will drop out.
Five centres, but it's much more competitive - Stafford McDowall is the new name but has been ridiculously good for Glasgow. There is no way they'll all stay in.
Russell and Kinghorn are certainties so will be interesting to see if Hastings stays in.

In the forwards, apparently Johnny Mathews isn't SQ? Can't imagine he'd be left out if he was.

[Big D]

Bennett and Hutchison probably could have had a place in the training squad but at 41 players there aren't many who will miss out when it is cut to 33 or what ever the number is given there will be wastage through inevitable injuries and/or suspension.

There might only be a 2 or 3 backs that drop out from those named.

Four SHs named, so Jamie Dobie most likely will drop out.
Five centres, but it's much more competitive - Stafford McDowall is the new name but has been ridiculously good for Glasgow. There is no way they'll all stay in.
Russell and Kinghorn are certainties so will be interesting to see if Hastings stays in.

In the forwards, apparently Johnny Mathews isn't SQ? Can't imagine he'd be left out if he was.

Matthews must be SQ, his maw is a weegie.

Dobie and Hastings or Healy will definitely drop out. Maybe a centre or back 3 too.

I'm still not convinced by Steyn at the top level but accept I am in the minority.

[Jock42]

Bennett and Hutchison probably could have had a place in the training squad but at 41 players there aren't many who will miss out when it is cut to 33 or what ever the number is given there will be wastage through inevitable injuries and/or suspension.

There might only be a 2 or 3 backs that drop out from those named.

Four SHs named, so Jamie Dobie most likely will drop out.
Five centres, but it's much more competitive - Stafford McDowall is the new name but has been ridiculously good for Glasgow. There is no way they'll all stay in.
Russell and Kinghorn are certainties so will be interesting to see if Hastings stays in.

In the forwards, apparently Johnny Mathews isn't SQ? Can't imagine he'd be left out if he was.

Matthews must be SQ, his maw is a weegie.

Dobie and Hastings or Healy will definitely drop out. Maybe a centre or back 3 too.

I'm still not convinced by Steyn at the top level but accept I am in the minority.

I agree about Steyn, he is a capable stand in but well down the list for me when you have Graham, VDM, Kinghorn, Hogg and Smith with the likes of Jones and Hastings also able to cover the back 3. He's also well done the centre stand in list but appreciate he can cover that too.

[Tichtheid]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

[Biffer]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

That is a definite surprise. Will surely get himself a new club. Pretty sure Berghan will as well, purely because he's a TH

[robmatic]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

Same for me about Johnson, but I suppose centre is an area of relative strength for Glasgow and it's elsewhere they are short of numbers (e.g. back 3).

[robmatic]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

That is a definite surprise. Will surely get himself a new club. Pretty sure Berghan will as well, purely because he's a TH

I'd rather have Berghan at Embra than De Bruin.

[clydecloggie]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

Same for me about Johnson, but I suppose centre is an area of relative strength for Glasgow and it's elsewhere they are short of numbers (e.g. back 3).

he's 4th choice in Glasgow and didn't make the Scotland RWC training squad - his stock has fallen.

[Big D]

Adamson didn't make officiating panel for the RWC. Not surprising.

Hopefully Davidson makes next one. She has potential as a ref.

[Yr Alban]

Bennett and Hutchison probably could have had a place in the training squad but at 41 players there aren't many who will miss out when it is cut to 33 or what ever the number is given there will be wastage through inevitable injuries and/or suspension.

There might only be a 2 or 3 backs that drop out from those named.

Four SHs named, so Jamie Dobie most likely will drop out.
Five centres, but it's much more competitive - Stafford McDowall is the new name but has been ridiculously good for Glasgow. There is no way they'll all stay in.
Russell and Kinghorn are certainties so will be interesting to see if Hastings stays in.

In the forwards, apparently Johnny Mathews isn't SQ? Can't imagine he'd be left out if he was.

The problem with Matthews is who do you drop?

Brown has been dropped already.

Ashman? He is clearly the future at hooker for Scotland.

Cherry? He’s proven himself as an ultra-reliable squad option when called upon, and has the best darts.

McInally? Drop him and suddenly the group looks inexperienced.

[Slick]

Glasgow leavers

https://glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-war ... 3-leavers/

I’m a bit surprised that Sam Johnson is being let go

Same for me about Johnson, but I suppose centre is an area of relative strength for Glasgow and it's elsewhere they are short of numbers (e.g. back 3).

he's 4th choice in Glasgow and didn't make the Scotland RWC training squad - his stock has fallen.

I don’t understand his demise at all. In all honesty I’d still have him as Scotlands 12.

Jonny Matthew’s has been scoring plenty of tries but I’m not sure his all round game is good enough for the step up.

I don’t think BK will be going as a 10, I’d expect Finn, Hastings and the Irish guy to all go

[Tichtheid]

Same for me about Johnson, but I suppose centre is an area of relative strength for Glasgow and it's elsewhere they are short of numbers (e.g. back 3).

he's 4th choice in Glasgow and didn't make the Scotland RWC training squad - his stock has fallen.

I don’t understand his demise at all. In all honesty I’d still have him as Scotlands 12.

Jonny Matthew’s has been scoring plenty of tries but I’m not sure his all round game is good enough for the step up.

I don’t think BK will be going as a 10, I’d expect Finn, Hastings and the Irish guy to all go

We've taken two tens to the last three world cups, I think we'll take Finn and Hastings with BK as the "break glass in case of emergency" cover - he may well be first choice fullback by September.
Healy will have his chance to state his case over the summer, so he may make the squad. In any event with the competition being in France an injury replacement can be there in a matter of hours.

[charltom]

Agreed. And taking Horne (or indeed Dobie) as one of three scrum-halves provides cover at wing if needed, given the amount of time they have spent there this season, so taking five back three players isn't an issue at all.

[Yr Alban]

Have just seen that Tom Jordan has copped a 5-week ban and will miss the Challenge Cup final. They went in at the highest level of sanction (10 weeks) on the grounds that it was intentional, and reduced to 5 for remorse etc.

Seems very harsh indeed. Comment already made on Twitter that it’s amazing that this involves foul play on an Irish international by a non-Irish player.

[Biffer]

Have just seen that Tom Jordan has copped a 5-week ban and will miss the Challenge Cup final. They went in at the highest level of sanction (10 weeks) on the grounds that it was intentional, and reduced to 5 for remorse etc.

Seems very harsh indeed. Comment already made on Twitter that it’s amazing that this involves foul play on an Irish international by a non-Irish player.

But Irish twitter is in meltdown that it's too soft a penalty and he's getting to count Super six games in the suspension. Because none of their players ever get away with anything

[Dogbert]

Have just seen that Tom Jordan has copped a 5-week ban and will miss the Challenge Cup final. They went in at the highest level of sanction (10 weeks) on the grounds that it was intentional, and reduced to 5 for remorse etc.

Seems very harsh indeed. Comment already made on Twitter that it’s amazing that this involves foul play on an Irish international by a non-Irish player.

But Irish twitter is in meltdown that it's too soft a penalty and he's getting to count Super six games in the suspension. Because none of their players ever get away with anything

It's all of a bit of a moot point anyway since he picked up an injury just before the card

[Yr Alban]

Have just seen that Tom Jordan has copped a 5-week ban and will miss the Challenge Cup final. They went in at the highest level of sanction (10 weeks) on the grounds that it was intentional, and reduced to 5 for remorse etc.

Seems very harsh indeed. Comment already made on Twitter that it’s amazing that this involves foul play on an Irish international by a non-Irish player.

But Irish twitter is in meltdown that it's too soft a penalty and he's getting to count Super six games in the suspension. Because none of their players ever get away with anything

Well, quite. If the ban is a number of weeks, surely it makes no difference whether he counts Super 6 games?

The part I think is harsh is that they started at the top level.

[Biffer]

Have just seen that Tom Jordan has copped a 5-week ban and will miss the Challenge Cup final. They went in at the highest level of sanction (10 weeks) on the grounds that it was intentional, and reduced to 5 for remorse etc.

Seems very harsh indeed. Comment already made on Twitter that it’s amazing that this involves foul play on an Irish international by a non-Irish player.

But Irish twitter is in meltdown that it's too soft a penalty and he's getting to count Super six games in the suspension. Because none of their players ever get away with anything

Well, quite. If the ban is a number of weeks, surely it makes no difference whether he counts Super 6 games?

The part I think is harsh is that they started at the top level.

I don’t actually care,I just like watching Irish twitter go into meltdown

[Tichtheid]

It’s been pointed put on the Weedgie board that the graphic on these decisions is counter-intuitive, a tick means it didn’t happen and a cross means it did.
So it wasn’t intentional but it was deemed reckless and Murray did get injured.

Of the 31 red cards shown for illegal tackles across the URC, Challenge Cup and Premiership this season, this is the only one that was adjudged as being highest entry level

[Blackmac]

But Irish twitter is in meltdown that it's too soft a penalty and he's getting to count Super six games in the suspension. Because none of their players ever get away with anything

Well, quite. If the ban is a number of weeks, surely it makes no difference whether he counts Super 6 games?

The part I think is harsh is that they started at the top level.

I don’t actually care,I just like watching Irish twitter go into meltdown

It's actually incredible how seriously they take it all during their rants as well. I saw one of their Rugby websites with the headline "Murray left in bits after horror tackle", followed by loads of the mad twats suggesting he should be banned for years, and one or two suggesting he should be kicked out of the game altogether to make an example.

[Biffer]

Well, quite. If the ban is a number of weeks, surely it makes no difference whether he counts Super 6 games?

The part I think is harsh is that they started at the top level.

I don’t actually care,I just like watching Irish twitter go into meltdown

It's actually incredible how seriously they take it all during their rants as well. I saw one of their Rugby websites with the headline "Murray left in bits after horror tackle", followed by loads of the mad twats suggesting he should be banned for years, and one or two suggesting he should be kicked out of the game altogether to make an example.

And yet not one of them will admit to O’Mahoney being a dirty bastard.

[weegie01]

It's all of a bit of a moot point anyway since he picked up an injury just before the card.

He felt tweaks in his hamstring but is actually OK.

He is pretty upset about this. He is an aggressive player and has always been a bit close to the edge (and should probably have been carded earlier in the season). But there was no malice and he was just trying to make a tackle he was struggling to get into position to make.

[robmatic]

It's all of a bit of a moot point anyway since he picked up an injury just before the card.

He felt tweaks in his hamstring but is actually OK.

He is pretty upset about this. He is an aggressive player and has always been a bit close to the edge (and should probably have been carded earlier in the season). But there was no malice and he was just trying to make a tackle he was struggling to get into position to make.

Yeah, fair to say this will be a learning experience for him in his first season of playing at the top level. He didn't seem to be moving across comfortably to make the tackle anyway

[Slick]

he's 4th choice in Glasgow and didn't make the Scotland RWC training squad - his stock has fallen.

I don’t understand his demise at all. In all honesty I’d still have him as Scotlands 12.

Jonny Matthew’s has been scoring plenty of tries but I’m not sure his all round game is good enough for the step up.

I don’t think BK will be going as a 10, I’d expect Finn, Hastings and the Irish guy to all go

We've taken two tens to the last three world cups, I think we'll take Finn and Hastings with BK as the "break glass in case of emergency" cover - he may well be first choice fullback by September.
Healy will have his chance to state his case over the summer, so he may make the squad. In any event with the competition being in France an injury replacement can be there in a matter of hours.

Yup, probably right although I do expect Hogg to still be starting games

[Slick]

It's all of a bit of a moot point anyway since he picked up an injury just before the card.

He felt tweaks in his hamstring but is actually OK.

He is pretty upset about this. He is an aggressive player and has always been a bit close to the edge (and should probably have been carded earlier in the season). But there was no malice and he was just trying to make a tackle he was struggling to get into position to make.

Yeah, fair to say this will be a learning experience for him in his first season of playing at the top level. He didn't seem to be moving across comfortably to make the tackle anyway

He was always going to miss the Toulon game anyway wasn’t he?

Vindictive Irish is just adding a new layer on their unstoppable march to being the most unlikeable rugby nation

[Tichtheid]

'sonians off to a quick start at Meggetland - 14 nil up after as many minutes

[Tichtheid]

Boroughmuir get one back right away.

[Jock42]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 4542195937

[clydecloggie]

Mr Healy starting 10 for a team that beats Leinster. No bad.