The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

Yeah I think Fiji will be Scotland only based players.

Schoeman, Turner, Fagerson, Gray, Gilchrist, Crosbie, Darge, Dempsey,
Horne, Healy, vdM, Tuipulotu, Jones, Graham, Smith
Ashman, Sutherland, Walker, Cummings, Fagerson, Thompson, McDowall, Dobie.

There are one or two who could change places like Cummings and some like Ritchie who could force their way back into the starting side, but overall it's not a bad lineup.

edit, Oh hang on, is Gray not away to France?

If so Cummings starts and pick one of Skinner, Sykes, Young or Hodgson for the pine

Gray the Elder will still be at Glasgow , Gray the younger - the strong rumour is that he is going to Bordeaux-Bègles

I was mixing my toasties there

I've been making theses mistakes all day.

[charltom]

Is the international window not only 3 weeks?

From looking at the fixtures for the other teams it looks like the Fiji game might be outside the window

Yeah I think Fiji will be Scotland only based players.

And given Fiji will presumably also lack players for the same reason, that match ought to be all right.

Who's calling lowly Australia a "scalp"?

[Biffer]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

[Biffer]

From looking at the fixtures for the other teams it looks like the Fiji game might be outside the window

Yeah I think Fiji will be Scotland only based players.

And given Fiji will presumably also lack players for the same reason, that match ought to be all right.

Who's calling lowly Australia a "scalp"?

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

[KingBlairhorn]

Yeah I think Fiji will be Scotland only based players.

And given Fiji will presumably also lack players for the same reason, that match ought to be all right.

Who's calling lowly Australia a "scalp"?

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

[Biffer]

And given Fiji will presumably also lack players for the same reason, that match ought to be all right.

Who's calling lowly Australia a "scalp"?

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

[clydecloggie]

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

Yup. Never heard Murrayfield roar like that and then go eerily quiet in the space of a few seconds.

2022 was where they messed up chance after chance, were still somehow leading after 60 but to no-one's surprise ended up losing.

We are definitely close and that first win is within reach. If we ever get to play them again.

[Slick]

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

Really? That feels like yesterday. Literally no one saw Barrett coming, at insane pace.

[Slick]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

[Tichtheid]

The '17 match was a nail biter, '22 was classic Scotland, Darcy Graham is a couple of mm away from one of the great finishes to go into the lead. We are 23 - 16 up on the hour mark, penalty then yellow card then try etc etc, it ends up 23 - 31

[SomersetJock]

It seems that Sam Warburton is upset that two of the Scotland players arrogantly wore flipflops and “swigged” beer after the match in Cardiff this year.

Absolute disgrace, should get at least a ban until after next years 6N for such reckless behaviour

I always thought he was quite reasonable until now !

[SaintK]

It seems that Sam Warburton is upset that two of the Scotland players arrogantly wore flipflops and “swigged” beer after the match in Cardiff this year.

Absolute disgrace, should get at least a ban until after next years 6N for such reckless behaviour

I always thought he was quite reasonable until now !

"Flipflops! FFS man no wonder. All modern rugby players wear sliders nowadays. Scotland players are an absolute disgrace!!!

[Tichtheid]

It seems that Sam Warburton is upset that two of the Scotland players arrogantly wore flipflops and “swigged” beer after the match in Cardiff this year.

Absolute disgrace, should get at least a ban until after next years 6N for such reckless behaviour

I always thought he was quite reasonable until now !

"Flipflops! FFS man no wonder. All modern rugby players wear sliders nowadays. Scotland players are an absolute disgrace!!!

There was a Kiwi guy I worked with for a bit whose flip-flops (or "thongs") had a bottle opener on the bottom of them so you could sit with the side of your foot on your knee and open a beer.

[Biffer]

It seems that Sam Warburton is upset that two of the Scotland players arrogantly wore flipflops and “swigged” beer after the match in Cardiff this year.

Absolute disgrace, should get at least a ban until after next years 6N for such reckless behaviour

I always thought he was quite reasonable until now !

"Flipflops! FFS man no wonder. All modern rugby players wear sliders nowadays. Scotland players are an absolute disgrace!!!

I thought sliders were mini burgers.

[Biffer]

Murrayfield to host Manchester United v Rangers on Saturday 20th July.

Are we looking for an insurance job to fund stadium redevelopment?

[SomersetJock]

It seems that Sam Warburton is upset that two of the Scotland players arrogantly wore flipflops and “swigged” beer after the match in Cardiff this year.

Absolute disgrace, should get at least a ban until after next years 6N for such reckless behaviour

I always thought he was quite reasonable until now !

"Flipflops! FFS man no wonder. All modern rugby players wear sliders nowadays. Scotland players are an absolute disgrace!!!

A lot of the lads at my local club wear those horrendous Crocs things. Should be an instant lifetime ban for that sort of thing !

[Tichtheid]

Murrayfield to host Manchester United v Rangers on Saturday 20th July.

Are we looking for an insurance job to fund stadium redevelopment?

Between that and the three Taylor Swift gigs, it must be a nice little earner for the SRU

[Jock42]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

Hes not travelling to SA due to an injury but not sure when he picked it up. I reckon Toony has Rowe ahead of him though.

[Slick]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

Hes not travelling to SA due to an injury but not sure when he picked it up. I reckon Toony has Rowe ahead of him though.

I think you are probably right, and it's difficult to argue I guess, would just hate to think he slips back from where he is

[robmatic]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Frees up Ross Thompson to come east...

[Dogbert]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Frees up Ross Thompson to come east...

That seems to be the narrative - would rather have Thompson stay at Glasgow , and Hastings go to Edinburgh

[robmatic]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

He's not even had many Embra games yet, so it will do him good getting some time in the URC, which is likely given the injury issues in the back 3 there (Chris Dean has been getting games and he's never a winger).

[robmatic]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Frees up Ross Thompson to come east...

That seems to be the narrative - would rather have Thompson stay at Glasgow , and Hastings go to Edinburgh

I am not sure Franco rates Thompson.

[Slick]

Hastings might be back in Glasgow according to rumour, and Patterson has taken a big jump up the FB pecking order

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

He's not even had many Embra games yet, so it will do him good getting some time in the URC, which is likely given the injury issues in the back 3 there (Chris Dean has been getting games and he's never a winger).

Yeah, fair enough.

Have we given up on Healy then? Must say I’d like Hastings to Edinburgh. Thompson really needs to up things a bit, think he’s done pretty well this season but doesn’t look anything more than a good pro at the moment

[LenCohen]

n

[Deveron Boy]

Think we get to keep them if we beat them this time.

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

For about 2 seconds I thought Hogg was in and a lifetime of waiting was over

[Dogbert]

Frees up Ross Thompson to come east...

That seems to be the narrative - would rather have Thompson stay at Glasgow , and Hastings go to Edinburgh

I am not sure Franco rates Thompson.

I hear that Franco actually does rate Thompson ( as did Pete Horne when he was at Glasgow ) but Franco is really quite a conservative coach , and will only introduce players really quite slowly back into the first team, especially after lengthy injury periods. That being said Franco does prefer players to have a real physical presence, but RT10 is still only 24 , and he has bulked up a bit this year

With Sione & now Shuggie on the injury list - I expect that Jordan will spend more time at 12 ( he really is a 12 & not a 10), with Stafford in 13 - may even see Steyn play 13 , with Seb & Rowe on the wings - so Thompson will get more game time.

Of course whether Thompson moves to Edinburgh is not in Franco's control anyway - Whatever the SRU wants is what will happen

[Jock42]

Did he get injured after the France game? If not, it's hugely disappointing that he didn't get another run out or bench - not suggesting he should have kept his place with BK coming back (although might change my mind now) but he deserved a back 3 cover spot at least I reckon. We have to get him games, he looks real dealish.

He's not even had many Embra games yet, so it will do him good getting some time in the URC, which is likely given the injury issues in the back 3 there (Chris Dean has been getting games and he's never a winger).

Yeah, fair enough.

Have we given up on Healy then? Must say I’d like Hastings to Edinburgh. Thompson really needs to up things a bit, think he’s done pretty well this season but doesn’t look anything more than a good pro at the moment

I'm a fan of him. Haven't seen much of Scott yet but wouldn't want his progression stifled.

[Big D]

Are we sure Hastings is any better/has greater potential than the 10s in place at Edinburgh or Glasgow?

He's started picking up injuries and from what I've seen, he hasn't been tearing up trees for Gloucester when fit.

[KingBlairhorn]

Are we sure Hastings is any better/has greater potential than the 10s in place at Edinburgh or Glasgow?

He's started picking up injuries and from what I've seen, he hasn't been tearing up trees for Gloucester when fit.

That (the injury record) is possibly why Glasgow is a good fit. For him he gets the rest time he needs to get his body working again, for Glasgow they get a very good player who will undoubtedly compete to start, for the SRU they get another 10 in the depth chart. Everyone wins. I really liked Richie Simpson for the U20s and at Super6 level but he doesn't seem to be threatening a breakthrough.

[Yr Alban]

I forgot about the 2022 NZ match - it was the tour to NZ that was cancelled in 2020 that was maybe in my mind? 2022 was Hogg getting tackled by Barrett in the last few minutes and then them scoring (a penalty?) at the other end to take the match away from us? 2017 was Cane (?) slapping the ball out of Gray's hands when we were about to score under the posts at the end. Sad times!

On Australia, we lost the last time we played them (also 2022) and have a losing record against them at home and in general. They may be in disarray but we should still consider any win against any Australian side a good win.

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

For about 2 seconds I thought Hogg was in and a lifetime of waiting was over

Literally every time I see that clip I think that maybe THIS time he’ll make it.

[Biffer]

2017 was the cover tackle from Beauden Barrett on Hogg

For about 2 seconds I thought Hogg was in and a lifetime of waiting was over

Literally every time I see that clip I think that maybe THIS time he’ll make it.

Every time I watch it I have an internal voice screaming GRUBBER KICK

[Big D]

Are we sure Hastings is any better/has greater potential than the 10s in place at Edinburgh or Glasgow?

He's started picking up injuries and from what I've seen, he hasn't been tearing up trees for Gloucester when fit.

That (the injury record) is possibly why Glasgow is a good fit. For him he gets the rest time he needs to get his body working again, for Glasgow they get a very good player who will undoubtedly compete to start, for the SRU they get another 10 in the depth chart. Everyone wins. I really liked Richie Simpson for the U20s and at Super6 level but he doesn't seem to be threatening a breakthrough.

This is one of those "if he wasn't Scottish they wouldn't sign him" type deals but it is completely understandable too. My concern is that it looks like Thomson is getting punted down the road to Edinburgh to make space for him. Given the extensive medical problems he has had recently; knee, shoulder and ankle then it has to be a concern over his durability and whether he can get back to his best. Sometimes multiple different injuries is bad luck and sometimes it is a sign the body isn't up to it.

Thomson will not fix any perceived issue at Edinburgh either. An upgrade at 12 is needed there IMO.

[Slick]

Are we sure Hastings is any better/has greater potential than the 10s in place at Edinburgh or Glasgow?

He's started picking up injuries and from what I've seen, he hasn't been tearing up trees for Gloucester when fit.

Without a doubt, when playing regularly he is the No2 10 for Scotland. But.... injuries... really hope he can get back into it, he's a good lad.

[C T]

For about 2 seconds I thought Hogg was in and a lifetime of waiting was over

Literally every time I see that clip I think that maybe THIS time he’ll make it.

Every time I watch it I have an internal voice screaming GRUBBER KICK

Interesting thing about this was it summed up Hoggy in a moment.

The absolute brilliance to make the break in the first place, followed by almost a feeling that he felt he had to do it all himself.

Hoggy of course "grew up" in the team as a standout player, so I don't blame him for think that. But I kinda get the feeling that he never fully adjusted his mindset as the team around him got better and better.

[robmatic]

Thomson will not fix any perceived issue at Edinburgh either. An upgrade at 12 is needed there IMO.

Edinburgh's issue at 10 is a pure lack of bodies. We've lost Kinghorn, Savala and Swiel this season and only having Healy and Scott to play there is a big risk.

You are probably right about 12 but at least Edinburgh can handle a couple of injuries in the centres without being screwed.

[Dogbert]

Glasgow Warriors for Cardiff

Strongest Team we can probably put out considering injuries & Scotland players out.

Interesting to see Thompson not listed , and no 10 cover on the bench, maybe RT is indeed heading to Edinburgh- but then with Franco's 6-2 split who knows

A win , or even better a 5 pointer would put some distance between 3rd & 4th

15 Josh McKay

14 Sebastian Cancelliere
13 Stafford McDowall
12 Tom Jordan
11 Kyle Steyn (Captain)

10 Duncan Weir
9 Jamie Dobie

1 Nathan McBeth
2 Johnny Matthews
3 Lucio Sordoni
4 Max Williamson
5 Alex Samuel
6 Euan Ferrie
7 Matt Fagerson
8 Jack Dempsey

Substitutes

16 Gregor Hiddleston
17 Allan Dell
18 Oli Kebble
19 Sintu Manjezi
20 Ally Miller
21 Henco Venter
22 George Horne
23 Duncan Munn

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Gregor Brown (knee), Richie Gray (bicep), Huw Jones (hand), Jack Mann (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).

[weegie01]

Fun fact in relation to Edinburgh v Glasgow 10s and 12s.

Jordan had an offer from Edinburgh before Glasgow, and was so close to accepting it he had a flat share organised. Then Glasgow stepped in with an offer and he went there.

If Hastings goes to Glasgow they will need to alter their style of play. 10 is not their principal playmaker, so Jordan is not fussed at moving to 12 from where more of the play is driven. If Hastings joins he would not be content to just act as a link moving the ball out but would expect more playmaking responsibilities. Of course, Glasgow may currently play this way purely due to the players available to them currently.

[weegie01]

Glasgow Warriors for Cardiff

Strongest Team we can probably put out considering injuries & Scotland players out.

Interesting to see Thompson not listed , and no 10 cover on the bench, maybe RT is indeed heading to Edinburgh- but then with Franco's 6-2 split who knows

A win , or even better a 5 pointer would put some distance between 3rd & 4th

15 Josh McKay

14 Sebastian Cancelliere
13 Stafford McDowall
12 Tom Jordan
11 Kyle Steyn (Captain)

10 Duncan Weir
9 Jamie Dobie

1 Nathan McBeth
2 Johnny Matthews
3 Lucio Sordoni
4 Max Williamson
5 Alex Samuel
6 Euan Ferrie
7 Matt Fagerson
8 Jack Dempsey

Substitutes

16 Gregor Hiddleston
17 Allan Dell
18 Oli Kebble
19 Sintu Manjezi
20 Ally Miller
21 Henco Venter
22 George Horne
23 Duncan Munn

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Gregor Brown (knee), Richie Gray (bicep), Huw Jones (hand), Jack Mann (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).

Munn is primarily a centre so he can come on and release Jordan or even McDowall step in to 10. Either of them can cover FB, Dobie covers wing.

[Dogbert]

Glasgow Warriors for Cardiff

Strongest Team we can probably put out considering injuries & Scotland players out.

Interesting to see Thompson not listed , and no 10 cover on the bench, maybe RT is indeed heading to Edinburgh- but then with Franco's 6-2 split who knows

A win , or even better a 5 pointer would put some distance between 3rd & 4th

15 Josh McKay

14 Sebastian Cancelliere
13 Stafford McDowall
12 Tom Jordan
11 Kyle Steyn (Captain)

10 Duncan Weir
9 Jamie Dobie

1 Nathan McBeth
2 Johnny Matthews
3 Lucio Sordoni
4 Max Williamson
5 Alex Samuel
6 Euan Ferrie
7 Matt Fagerson
8 Jack Dempsey

Substitutes

16 Gregor Hiddleston
17 Allan Dell
18 Oli Kebble
19 Sintu Manjezi
20 Ally Miller
21 Henco Venter
22 George Horne
23 Duncan Munn

Unavailable for selection: Jamie Bhatti (foot), Fraser Brown (knee), Gregor Brown (knee), Richie Gray (bicep), Huw Jones (hand), Jack Mann (ankle), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Sione Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).

Munn is primarily a centre so he can come on and release Jordan or even McDowall step in to 10. Either of them can cover FB, Dobie covers wing.

Yes of course - Jordon moves to 10 with Munn coming in at centre - looking forward to see what Munn can do