The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Biffer]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Henderson is a starting lock come the 6N.

Richie Gray will probably retire, Grant Gilchrist is getting on a bit...you'd think Scott Cummings will take a shirt and make it his own, that then leaves Skinner, Jonny Gray and Henderson to fight it out?

Bit of a bold claim that Henderson will take the shirt, but we seem to be OK in the second row for the next wee while.

There's also Hodgson and Sykes coming through at Edinburgh, and no idea what the lad Samuel at Glasgow is like, but he's six foot nine and only 20.

[Tichtheid]

I was looking this up whilst others posted on the subject, but our lock stocks (ahem) are;


Richie Gray - soon to be 34
Grant Gilchrist - soon to be 33
Jonny Gray - 29
Sam Skinner - 28
Scott Cummings - 26
Callum Hunter-Hill - 26
Alex Craig - 26
Jamie Hodgson - 25
Cam Henderson - 23
Marshall Sykes - 23


I wish we had that depth at both sides of the front row

[Biffer]

I was looking this up whilst others posted on the subject, but our lock stocks (ahem) are;


Richie Gray - soon to be 34
Grant Gilchrist - soon to be 33
Jonny Gray - 29
Sam Skinner - 28
Scott Cummings - 26
Callum Hunter-Hill - 26
Alex Craig - 26
Jamie Hodgson - 25
Cam Henderson - 23
Marshall Sykes - 23


I wish we had that depth at both sides of the front row

Are you saying we're short of the barrells?

[Tichtheid]

I was looking this up whilst others posted on the subject, but our lock stocks (ahem) are;


Richie Gray - soon to be 34
Grant Gilchrist - soon to be 33
Jonny Gray - 29
Sam Skinner - 28
Scott Cummings - 26
Callum Hunter-Hill - 26
Alex Craig - 26
Jamie Hodgson - 25
Cam Henderson - 23
Marshall Sykes - 23


I wish we had that depth at both sides of the front row

Are you saying we're short of the barrells?

touché

Well played.

[Big D]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Henderson is a starting lock come the 6N.

Richie Gray will probably retire, Grant Gilchrist is getting on a bit...you'd think Scott Cummings will take a shirt and make it his own, that then leaves Skinner, Jonny Gray and Henderson to fight it out?

Bit of a bold claim that Henderson will take the shirt, but we seem to be OK in the second row for the next wee while.

I didn't say he would, just it wouldn't surprise me if he was. Won't have the world cup hangover/attrition and has the opportunity to start the club season well.

[Biffer]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Henderson is a starting lock come the 6N.

Richie Gray will probably retire, Grant Gilchrist is getting on a bit...you'd think Scott Cummings will take a shirt and make it his own, that then leaves Skinner, Jonny Gray and Henderson to fight it out?

Bit of a bold claim that Henderson will take the shirt, but we seem to be OK in the second row for the next wee while.

I didn't say he would, just it wouldn't surprise me if he was. Won't have the world cup hangover/attrition and has the opportunity to start the club season well.

Yeah, but he'll have it hanging over him that we'll be expected to repeat winning the World Cup next time.

[Simian]

Richie Gray will probably retire, Grant Gilchrist is getting on a bit...you'd think Scott Cummings will take a shirt and make it his own, that then leaves Skinner, Jonny Gray and Henderson to fight it out?

Bit of a bold claim that Henderson will take the shirt, but we seem to be OK in the second row for the next wee while.

I didn't say he would, just it wouldn't surprise me if he was. Won't have the world cup hangover/attrition and has the opportunity to start the club season well.

Yeah, but he'll have it hanging over him that we'll be expected to repeat winning the World Cup next time.

If he can’t handle that type of pressure, he doesn’t deserve the shirt

[dpedin]

I didn't say he would, just it wouldn't surprise me if he was. Won't have the world cup hangover/attrition and has the opportunity to start the club season well.

Yeah, but he'll have it hanging over him that we'll be expected to repeat winning the World Cup next time.

If he can’t handle that type of pressure, he doesn’t deserve the shirt

Hendersons English partner in the Leicester 2nd row George Martin played for England against Wales on Saturday and he was massively underwhelming. I am not sure that being a Leicester regular is a guarantee for an international starting position. Martin seems to be to have a reputation that he barely deserves, he was outplayed by the Welsh pairing on Saturday. Whilst I believe Henderson is a better player than Martin I am not sure either are shoe-ins at international level yet although Henderson certainly has more potential.

[I like neeps]

Yeah, but he'll have it hanging over him that we'll be expected to repeat winning the World Cup next time.

If he can’t handle that type of pressure, he doesn’t deserve the shirt

Hendersons English partner in the Leicester 2nd row George Martin played for England against Wales on Saturday and he was massively underwhelming. I am not sure that being a Leicester regular is a guarantee for an international starting position. Martin seems to be to have a reputation that he barely deserves, he was outplayed by the Welsh pairing on Saturday. Whilst I believe Henderson is a better player than Martin I am not sure either are shoe-ins at international level yet although Henderson certainly has more potential.

I really fail to see how George Martin's performance for England in a warm up game is relevant to Cam Henderson being a big, athletic, and aggressive lock. If you want to critique my opinion of Henderson and his game, please do so highlighting his actual playing performances.

I'm fairly sure Henderson would start for Glasgow if he'd stayed and have more Scotland caps as a result. I'm also quite confident he'd start for Edinburgh these days because as said I think Skinner is 6/10 quality. Very good at getting around the pitch and calls a reliable lineout but lacks in my mind the impact of a good international lock in the contact.

[SaintK]

Yeah, but he'll have it hanging over him that we'll be expected to repeat winning the World Cup next time.

If he can’t handle that type of pressure, he doesn’t deserve the shirt

Hendersons English partner in the Leicester 2nd row George Martin played for England against Wales on Saturday and he was massively underwhelming. I am not sure that being a Leicester regular is a guarantee for an international starting position. Martin seems to be to have a reputation that he barely deserves, he was outplayed by the Welsh pairing on Saturday. Whilst I believe Henderson is a better player than Martin I am not sure either are shoe-ins at international level yet although Henderson certainly has more potential.

You obviously don't watch much Premiership
Martin was probably the stand out forward along with Liebenberg over the second half of the season for Tigers.
Unfortunately was bigged up far too early by Jones as a teenager but is as good a prospect as Henderson for the long term. I think they are both exciting young forwards.
Not sure you noticed but all the England back five were outplayed by their opposite numbers opn Saturday, particularly when Ribbans went off.

[Simian]

Rugbyrama expecting this side to play Scotland at the weekend.

Le XV de départ probable : 15. Ramos, 14.Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villiere, 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont, 7. Ollivon, 8. Alldritt, 6. Boudehent, 5. Flament, 4. Woki, 3. Aldegheri, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille.

16. Bourgarit, 17. Gros, 18. Atonio, 19. Chalureau, 20. Cretin ou Tanga, 21. Lucu, 22. Gailleton, 23. Bielle-Biarrey.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/2023/08/08/xv- ... 385400.php

[Dogbert]

Rugbyrama expecting this side to play Scotland at the weekend.

Le XV de départ probable : 15. Ramos, 14.Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villiere, 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont, 7. Ollivon, 8. Alldritt, 6. Boudehent, 5. Flament, 4. Woki, 3. Aldegheri, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille.

16. Bourgarit, 17. Gros, 18. Atonio, 19. Chalureau, 20. Cretin ou Tanga, 21. Lucu, 22. Gailleton, 23. Bielle-Biarrey.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/2023/08/08/xv- ... 385400.php

Looks weak

[Simian]

Rugbyrama expecting this side to play Scotland at the weekend.

Le XV de départ probable : 15. Ramos, 14.Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Danty, 11. Villiere, 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont, 7. Ollivon, 8. Alldritt, 6. Boudehent, 5. Flament, 4. Woki, 3. Aldegheri, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille.

16. Bourgarit, 17. Gros, 18. Atonio, 19. Chalureau, 20. Cretin ou Tanga, 21. Lucu, 22. Gailleton, 23. Bielle-Biarrey.

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/2023/08/08/xv- ... 385400.php

Looks weak

It’s all the croissants

[Biffer]

All that infighting over Henderson seemed to camouflage me suggesting we'd win the World Cup nicely, thanks guys.

[Big D]

Thinking about Saturday, I'm not sure I'd start Finn. The other two 10s are inexperienced at international level in the position and I'm not sure starting v Georgia is food enough experience of feeling the pace and intensity of a top side.

[Simian]

All that infighting over Henderson seemed to camouflage me suggesting we'd win the World Cup nicely, thanks guys.

It also camouflaged my crap ‘joke’ endorsing your confidence!

[KingBlairhorn]

All that infighting over Henderson seemed to camouflage me suggesting we'd win the World Cup nicely, thanks guys.

It was clearly the least controversial statement in the whole exchange.

[KingBlairhorn]

Thinking about Saturday, I'm not sure I'd start Finn. The other two 10s are inexperienced at international level in the position and I'm not sure starting v Georgia is food enough experience of feeling the pace and intensity of a top side.

Healy started against Italy.

[Simian]

Thinking about Saturday, I'm not sure I'd start Finn. The other two 10s are inexperienced at international level in the position and I'm not sure starting v Georgia is food enough experience of feeling the pace and intensity of a top side.

It’s a tough one… give Healy a run in a tough game, give Finn more time to get up to his best, or give BK a run to reorient himself to playing ten (and get some more minutes under Smith’s belt). It’s a tough call.

Tbh tho, I’m more intrigued by who the two 9s will be (and which one starts) and who goes in at 7.

[charltom]

It ought to be 1st XV vs France, 2nd XV vs Georgia, with extended gametime for most replacements especially vs France, and clearly a break for White and Zander.

Therefore it ought to be (not the same as will be!):

vs France
Kinghorn Graham Jones Tuipulotu vdMerwe Russell Horne Schoeman Cherry Nel Gray Gilchrist M.Fagerson Darge Dempsey
(Bhatti Turner Sebastian Skinner Watson Dobie Redpath Smith)

vs Georgia
Smith Steyn Harris Redpath vdM Healy Price Sutherland Ashman Walker Cummings Skinner Ritchie Watson Crosbie/Bayliss
(Bhatti Turner Sebastian Gilchrist M.Fagerson Darge Dobie Kinghorn)

[Biffer]

Finn looked at his best v France in the second half.

Maybe a half against France, rested V Georgia.

[Tichtheid]

Scotland's men's team have just won gold at the youth Commonwealth Games 7s

Ya Bass

[mos_eisely_]

Zander can be available for all of the RWC

Having acknowledged mitigating factors including the player’s admission at the earliest opportunity, his remorse which was conveyed to the French player as well as shown during the hearing, and accepting that there were no aggravating factors to consider, the Committee reduced the four week entry point by one week, resulting in a sanction of three weeks (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule):

Summer Nations Series:
12 August 2023 Scotland v France
26 August 2023 Scotland v Georgia

Rugby World Cup:
10th September Scotland v South Africa

The Player may apply to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his/her sanction for a coaching intervention aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play

[clydecloggie]

A very Irish decision by the panel. It's almost as if we're seen as a Tier 1 country these days.

And on team selection, I think Toonie has hinted that he'd like to have the first XV get as much game time as possible together before the South Africa game. So definitely a similar team to last week on show in St Etienne this weekend.

[charltom]

Zander can be available for all of the RWC

Having acknowledged mitigating factors including the player’s admission at the earliest opportunity, his remorse which was conveyed to the French player as well as shown during the hearing, and accepting that there were no aggravating factors to consider, the Committee reduced the four week entry point by one week, resulting in a sanction of three weeks (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule):

Summer Nations Series:
12 August 2023 Scotland v France
26 August 2023 Scotland v Georgia

Rugby World Cup:
10th September Scotland v South Africa

The Player may apply to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his/her sanction for a coaching intervention aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play

This is a result as GT gets to remind himself that WP is actually Scotland's best tighthead, and/or to allow Walker and Sebastian to play off for the third spot, while Zander gets to back up WP vs SA.

I don't expect that to happen, of course...

[Biffer]

Zander can be available for all of the RWC

Having acknowledged mitigating factors including the player’s admission at the earliest opportunity, his remorse which was conveyed to the French player as well as shown during the hearing, and accepting that there were no aggravating factors to consider, the Committee reduced the four week entry point by one week, resulting in a sanction of three weeks (to be served as the following given the player’s upcoming schedule):

Summer Nations Series:
12 August 2023 Scotland v France
26 August 2023 Scotland v Georgia

Rugby World Cup:
10th September Scotland v South Africa

The Player may apply to take part in the Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of his/her sanction for a coaching intervention aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play

That's a huge surprise but welcome.

But ZF needs to sort this shit out.

[Tichtheid]

That is a fucking ridiculous decision, it has to be said.

They really don't give a flying fuck about head safety.

Having got that off my chest I'm glad for Scotland's sake that Fagerson is available for the the first game, but this is becoming like boxing for me. I'd hate to stop watching rugby due to the lack of care the governing bodies have for the participants.

[Biffer]

Scotland's men's team have just won gold at the youth Commonwealth Games 7s

Ya Bass

Also Ya Bass.

Lifts the gloom from our youth teams a bit

[Slick]

Thinking about Saturday, I'm not sure I'd start Finn. The other two 10s are inexperienced at international level in the position and I'm not sure starting v Georgia is food enough experience of feeling the pace and intensity of a top side.

It’s a tough one… give Healy a run in a tough game, give Finn more time to get up to his best, or give BK a run to reorient himself to playing ten (and get some more minutes under Smith’s belt). It’s a tough call.

Tbh tho, I’m more intrigued by who the two 9s will be (and which one starts) and who goes in at 7.

I’d like Finn wrapped up and sent to France immediately, if we have any hope at all, we can’t lose Finn for the SA game. He’ll be fine not playing for a few weeks IMO.

Start Healy. BK is not being considered at 10 anymore unless things go horribly wrong, and I’d like to see him get another big game at 15. In saying that, agree Smith could do with a few more minutes. Not easy being a coach it seems

[Biffer]

Tunnocks tea cakes obviously looked on as a step up on the pink wafers by the disciplinary panel

[Slick]

That is a fucking ridiculous decision, it has to be said.

They really don't give a flying fuck about head safety.

Having got that off my chest I'm glad for Scotland's sake that Fagerson is available for the the first game, but this is becoming like boxing for me. I'd hate to stop watching rugby due to the lack of care the governing bodies have for the participants.

Completely agree, crazy decision. But if that’s what it is then I guess it is welcome

[Slick]

This made me giggle

[fishfoodie]

This made me giggle

Just remember that you're a hypocritical cunt the next time you start bitching about any perceived advantage the Irish , because you lot just got an absolute gift !

[Biffer]

This made me giggle

Just remember that you're a hypocritical cunt the next time you start bitching about any perceived advantage the Irish , because you lot just got an absolute gift !

We need twenty years of this to equalise it with you.

[fishfoodie]

We need twenty years of this to equalise it with you.

Hey, World Cup year, there has to be some kind of weighting in play here for having a critical player getting a walk.

[Biffer]

We need twenty years of this to equalise it with you.

Hey, World Cup year, there has to be some kind of weighting in play here for having a critical player getting a walk.

Ok, thirty years.

[Yr Alban]

A very Irish decision by the panel. It's almost as if we're seen as a Tier 1 country these days.

And on team selection, I think Toonie has hinted that he'd like to have the first XV get as much game time as possible together before the South Africa game. So definitely a similar team to last week on show in St Etienne this weekend.

It does have a whiff of the Sexton about it, does it not?

Maybe not the decision we deserved, but certainly the one we needed. The ban for the next couple of matches also gives us a good opportunity to get Sebastian or Walker some decent experience. Nel will start v France, but I’d expect the others to get a half each v Georgia.

[Slick]

This made me giggle

Just remember that you're a hypocritical cunt the next time you start bitching about any perceived advantage the Irish , because you lot just got an absolute gift !

You must have missed my post directly above this where I said it was a crazy decision? You must have also missed all my posts on the match thread, and this one, when I said unequivocally it was a red, deserved a long ban and he was an idiot.

Best you don’t tar everyone with the Irish brush, most of
the rest of the rugby world have thick enough skin to look at things objectively.

[KingBlairhorn]

I am also pretty uncomfortable with that decision. If they need commercially to have top players available for the World Cup then just admit it and put a ban delay system in place. Player safety should always come first though, so the ban should have been the same as any other time imo.

[SomersetJock]

Can’t say Zander’s ban is sitting well with me, yes we need him but it does stink of making allowances for higher ranked teams that wouldn’t be made for others. I didn’t like this when we seemed to be on the receiving end of harsher decisions and I really don’t like it now