The Official Scottish Rugby Thread
I'm assuming it's a reference to Stephen Ferris (ex-Ulster and Irish-rugby pundit) constantly bigging up Irish sides.
I thought your comment was very apt, tbh. How many internationals were in that Edinburgh side today?
I haven't watched the game yet, but I read somewhere that Edinburgh haven't won in Dublin for 18 years, unless there was a huge change in form today was not going to be the day to turn that record around. Edinburgh played poorly in the first two games, bringing a new coach and drip feeding players hungover (not drunk, but in terms of physical and mental energy) from the RWC is not going to make for a great start to the campaign. We pulled out two wins against lesser sides, but against even Leinster 2s in Dublin it's going to be a big ask - how many internationalists lost to Connacht last weekend? It's the same thing but without the new coach who doesn't know these guys.
Unless we think the Scottish internationalists are shit, plus Boff and Big Bill, then the players are not really the problem at Edinburgh, but there is a problem in terms of how they are prepared. From what I read about Everitt at Sharks he sounds very much like an Edinburgh coach, worryingly so.
I'm of the "Happy Clappy everything is going to be great" side of things, but even I have my limits of blind optimism.
Yeah, Glasgow were rotten last week, for sure. With the Edinburgh game today though, I wasn't really referring to the fact that they lost. Like you say, not many sides win in Dublin. It was just such a dreadful performance.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:50 pm
I haven't watched the game yet, but I read somewhere that Edinburgh haven't won in Dublin for 18 years, unless there was a huge change in form today was not going to be the day to turn that record around. Edinburgh played poorly in the first two games, bringing a new coach and drip feeding players hungover (not drunk, but in terms of physical and mental energy) from the RWC is not going to make for a great start to the campaign. We pulled out two wins against lesser sides, but against even Leinster 2s in Dublin it's going to be a big ask - how many internationalists lost to Connacht last weekend? It's the same thing but without the new coach who doesn't know these guys.
Unless we think the Scottish internationalists are shit, plus Boff and Big Bill, then the players are not really the problem at Edinburgh, but there is a problem in terms of how they are prepared. From what I read about Everitt at Sharks he sounds very much like an Edinburgh coach, worryingly so.
I'm of the "Happy Clappy everything is going to be great" side of things, but even I have my limits of blind optimism.
They were pish for 50-60 minutes until they looked a bit more comfortable, Leinster looked a bit disinterested too. Your point about the internationals is a good one. They'd have lost the last 2 matches last season imo and came pretty close to taking 2 points today. I hope he's building something there but it's going to be a longer process with all these lads coming back a bit at a time. The team hasn't had a proper preseason for new systems to bed in and it definitely showed today.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:50 pm
I haven't watched the game yet, but I read somewhere that Edinburgh haven't won in Dublin for 18 years, unless there was a huge change in form today was not going to be the day to turn that record around. Edinburgh played poorly in the first two games, bringing a new coach and drip feeding players hungover (not drunk, but in terms of physical and mental energy) from the RWC is not going to make for a great start to the campaign. We pulled out two wins against lesser sides, but against even Leinster 2s in Dublin it's going to be a big ask - how many internationalists lost to Connacht last weekend? It's the same thing but without the new coach who doesn't know these guys.
Unless we think the Scottish internationalists are shit, plus Boff and Big Bill, then the players are not really the problem at Edinburgh, but there is a problem in terms of how they are prepared. From what I read about Everitt at Sharks he sounds very much like an Edinburgh coach, worryingly so.
I'm of the "Happy Clappy everything is going to be great" side of things, but even I have my limits of blind optimism.
Would be a cracking move for him. Toulon not what they were but more money, experience different cultures and lifestyle and an opportunity to see what he can do outside of the SRU system/control.
Dan Biggar enjoying himself down there
They've also expressed great interest in Lewis Ludlum and for some unfathomable reason Kyle Sinckler!!!
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KingBlairhorn
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Two things,
1. When did Grahamslaw sign for Bristol? Presumably when Jersey went bust…? Great if he gets a game there.
2. Looked on twitter and most seem baffled, front row were doing fine. Seems it’s tactical, the Boks did that for a while (played their replacements first and the first choice for the last 50 mins). If there is an injury the replacements are allowed back on.
Edinburgh didn't have the best of luck, which doesn't really help when you are playing in Dublin. But then they were also pretty inaccurate at times, with Healy not having a good game, and were pretty laboured in attack and didn't get much reward for their possession in the first half.
Aye. Assume he got the gig after Jersey went bust.KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 05, 2023 4:46 pmTwo things,
1. When did Grahamslaw sign for Bristol? Presumably when Jersey went bust…? Great if he gets a game there.
2. Looked on twitter and most seem baffled, front row were doing fine. Seems it’s tactical, the Boks did that for a while (played their replacements first and the first choice for the last 50 mins). If there is an injury the replacements are allowed back on.
Update on the Edinburgh squad and when everyone is due to return
https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... 4ZtU_KXPAA
https://edinburghrugby.org/news-and-fea ... 4ZtU_KXPAA
Maybe it's Steele's injury, but still a bit odd to rush off and sign a B&I Lion on an emergency basis when your 2nd choice player in the position is injured.
Seen a suggestion that Vellacott pulling out of the last game for personal reasons has a fair bit to do with it.... Did he?Jock42 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 09, 2023 10:43 amI agree. Who's first choice now, Price or co capt Vellacott?
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
Aye, Shiel started with young lad Paterson on bench (don't think he got on).
Apparently Vellacott's new baby was in hospital. I hope this doesn't mean it was something serious.
On Price’s arrival in the capital, Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “Ali [Price] is a Test Lion and brings to the club a wealth of experience at the very top level of international rugby. We’re delighted to welcome him to Edinburgh and I’m sure he’ll be eager to get started straight away.
“We’re blessed to have a really strong group of nines at the club, who all have unique strengths and abilities. Scott [Steele] unfortunately continues to work his way back from a hip injury that has kept him side lined since October, which was also a factor in this move.
“We’re blessed to have a really strong group of nines at the club, who all have unique strengths and abilities. Scott [Steele] unfortunately continues to work his way back from a hip injury that has kept him side lined since October, which was also a factor in this move.
I really hope not too. The very sudden nature of the move suggests strongly that they don’t expect one of Edinburgh’s current 9s to be playing any time soon, though.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
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clydecloggie
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Will be really weird to see Ali Price in Edinbrugh kit. And, yes, please let it not be due to serious issues in Vellacott's young family.
Players only suddenly move between Edinburgh and Glasgow in this way if there is an issue. There are probably four realistic scenarios:
1. Steele's injury is worse than they are letting on and "returning to training" doesn't mean close to playing and Vellacott's personal issue requires a leave of absence. I have seen stories his young child is very ill, I really hope that is bollocks.
2. Price had an issue with Smith over something like playing time. This seems very unlikely.
3. The SRU have decided under direction from GT to parachute Price in over a co-captain after 3 league games without doing it straight from the RWC or making the move rather than signing Steele. Would be typical SRU nonsense given 9 hasn't been a major issue so far.
4. Price has been told he isn't getting a new deal, or told the SRU he isn't wanting a new deal and this have been made as a short term fix as Edinburgh may offer him a deal. Glasgow said "Glasgow Warriors thanks Ali Price for his service over the past ten years" which doesn't sound like they are in a hurry to keep him.
There more to this than will ever publicly be said and the statement is protecting someone.
1. Steele's injury is worse than they are letting on and "returning to training" doesn't mean close to playing and Vellacott's personal issue requires a leave of absence. I have seen stories his young child is very ill, I really hope that is bollocks.
2. Price had an issue with Smith over something like playing time. This seems very unlikely.
3. The SRU have decided under direction from GT to parachute Price in over a co-captain after 3 league games without doing it straight from the RWC or making the move rather than signing Steele. Would be typical SRU nonsense given 9 hasn't been a major issue so far.
4. Price has been told he isn't getting a new deal, or told the SRU he isn't wanting a new deal and this have been made as a short term fix as Edinburgh may offer him a deal. Glasgow said "Glasgow Warriors thanks Ali Price for his service over the past ten years" which doesn't sound like they are in a hurry to keep him.
There more to this than will ever publicly be said and the statement is protecting someone.
My gut feeling is that no.4 above is definitely a factor as it is this time of year deals start getting discussed with a bit of 3 and hopefully nothing to do with 1. The reality is, that while some players don't have a choice about being moved on, Price would have some sway if he didn't want a move. The early/mid season move is something a Dobie or Shiel type would be forced into, not a 60odd cap Lion who is currently Scotland's first choice 9.
Surprising ( or perhaps not ) how little reaction there has been from Glasgow Supporters. The vast majority are surprised at the move, but wish him well at Edinburgh
Townsend may see him as first(ish) choice, for Scotland, but most people at Glasgow I've spoken to, see him very much as a third choice behind Scrappy & Dobie, I get the feeling that that the perception is that his best days are behind him
The only concern would be during internationals where if both Horne and Dobie were on duty , then it would leave Glasgow ,somewhat light.
Townsend may see him as first(ish) choice, for Scotland, but most people at Glasgow I've spoken to, see him very much as a third choice behind Scrappy & Dobie, I get the feeling that that the perception is that his best days are behind him
The only concern would be during internationals where if both Horne and Dobie were on duty , then it would leave Glasgow ,somewhat light.
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