The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

[clydecloggie]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

[KingBlairhorn]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

[Blackmac]

Chris Hoy - I don't know what to say, this is terribly sad, what with his wife's diagnosis as well

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/ ... -diagnosis

Absolutely gutted about this. An insane athlete and genuinely great guy. My detail had the responsibility to escort him around the Olympic Park in 2012 because he was getting mobbed everywhere. He thought it was brilliant that he was getting looked after by a load of Edinburgh cops and went out of his way to speak to us and after a day knew all our first names.

[Insane_Homer]

Terribly sad news.

[inactionman]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

[inactionman]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

[dpedin]

There are some good and some very promising players in that Edinburgh team. Tuipulotu looks like he could be every bit as good as his brother, Matt Currie made some really good breaks. Duhan is Duhan, Graham looks like he is getting back to his best. Goosen is very good at this level. Thompson is growing on me, Price played well after a couple of howlers of games.

With Boff and Paterson to come in we have some exciting individuals, but they need a pattern to play to and I don't see one at the moment. Currie and Tuipulotu were making good breaks but the lack of execution at the end of it was very frustrating.

Btw, Embra up to 6th with Connacht to play Leinster just now.

I'll happily go down one if the Wesht can put one over on The Dubs.

Thompson is a very good player. He missed most of last season with injury, played 3-4 games and did nothing wrong. He was punted along the M8 when Hastings arrived. He needs game time to build his confidence & sharpness. Having Price alongside him will help that. I'd have kept him over Hastings tbh

Edinburgh looked ok beating a poorish Cardiff side in 2nd half. They won't get away with this level of play against a decent team.

Despite Edinburgh's backs being a talented bunch if individuals they also play that way - too many times they shuffled the ball slowly along the line to Darcy and VdM without any engagement with the defence and leaving them with with two defenders to beat. Alternatively the centers threw a high loopy mis pass which had the same result. Feck knows what the backs/attack coach is doing with them but they looked very static and very predicable, compared with the Weegie attack it is like night and day!

[dpedin]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!

[SaintK]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

It's been utter gash all season. Very poor compared to the two Smiths
I like the way he just gets on with it after he makes a howler.
His passing is certainly helping Lawrence develop his game nicely

[SaintK]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!

Doris must be a shoo in for the captaincy. Russell possibly one of the VC's.

[Jock42]

I'm not as down about yesterday as most. The final phase deserted them in the first half but the intensity was much improved, weren't as 1 dimensional and showed more adventure. I'd be happy for embra to pay to keep that VDM, Price had his best game for embra, Harrison my 1st choice, Muncaster had another big performance. Hopefully they put in another shift away next week and continue this upward trajectory.

[robmatic]

I'm not as down about yesterday as most. The final phase deserted them in the first half but the intensity was much improved, weren't as 1 dimensional and showed more adventure. I'd be happy for embra to pay to keep that VDM, Price had his best game for embra, Harrison my 1st choice, Muncaster had another big performance. Hopefully they put in another shift away next week and continue this upward trajectory.

Price coming into form makes a lot of difference.

I am with you about that game. They still look a bit limited in multi-phase play but with a bit more composure in the first half they would have absolutely horsed that Cardiff team. And they still got a bonus point, which was beyond them last season.

[robmatic]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

[clydecloggie]

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

Same can be said of Gloucester and Newcastle in the Prem, which leaves 8 decent to good teams - not that different to the URC or Top14 which always has a few bottom feeders.

[Slick]

Read the Guardian report of the Quins v Bath game this morning. Apparently Finn is “arguably the nearest challenger” to Marcus Smith for the Lions jersey.

Do they all believe this shit?

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!

I think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.

Re the kicking, Finn misses the odd important touch kick but I’ve never seen it as a wider issue.

Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face

[Slick]

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

Thanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!

[Achahoish]

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!

I think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.

Re the kicking, Finn misses the odd important touch kick but I’ve never seen it as a wider issue.

Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face

It's the boy band hair flick that annoys me.

[inactionman]

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

Thanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!

I've found the better rugby coverage tends to be behind paywalls, unfortunately, even for the premiership.

Although the walrus is safely behind one, so they do have some positive uses

The guardian do ok for cricket but theyr not great for either football or rugby. I used to read Brian Moore's articles in the telegraph (about all it was good for) but can't honestly say if the Scotland coverage is any better

[Biffer]

Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face

This point cannot be overemphasised.

[Biffer]

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

Same can be said of Gloucester and Newcastle in the Prem, which leaves 8 decent to good teams - not that different to the URC or Top14 which always has a few bottom feeders.

According to Wales Online the Welsh are going to leave the URC and join the premiership, effectively. Be pretty clear which is the poorer league then.

[inactionman]

A few pundits were bigging it up as a clash of the 10s but it was more the back rows that went at it.

For the Lions I would expect Marcus Smith to tour, but can't see beyond Finn Russell as the Test start. Marcus Smith has an incredible skill set, with a running game that Russell doesn't really exhibit, but Russell is exceptional in the core flyhalf skills. Despite all this nonsense talk of 'maverick' he also brings a composure - the most notable aspect of his time at Bath is his demeanour, under Priestland in particular there was always a nervousness and a feeling of panic under pressure, but Russell just seems to soak it all up, laugh it all off and bring everyone along with him. Bath are great fun to watch over the last few seasons, it's starting to click and he's a key part of that.

The only slight blemish is Russell's kicking out of hand - just for penalty/free kicks - seems to have simply deserted him. Was this generally seen as a weak point or is he just having a case of the yips?

Smith is a good player but erratic, Russell will be first pick 10 and possibly captain/vice captain. Opponents can get at Smith both physically and mentally and throw him off his game, Russell is cool headed, a great defender and will control a game better. Ive not seen Russell's kicking th least couple of Bath games but what I have seen suggests it is just as good as Smiths. No contest in my eyes!

I think Smith is a great club player but I’ve not seen very much that convinces me he’s anymore than decent at top level. To even suggest he is in the same bracket as Finn is just silly, at this stage.

Re the kicking, Finn misses the odd important touch kick but I’ve never seen it as a wider issue.

Probably important at this point to also mentions Smiths really annoying face

Smith is highly talented but it's still building out his international career - he's not even the nailed on England starting 10 yet. Talk of lions Test starts is premature, to put it mildly

Speaking of annoying faces, i get very disproportionately irritated by Calum sheedy, and he's not even got an emo hairdo.

[Slick]

This applies to a certain genre of rugby journalist as well. The Guardian has literally zero coverage of non-Premiership club rugby: they devote more time to covering Newcastle than they do to covering the entirety of professional rugby in Scotland and Wales, which is poor for a British newspaper.

I am generally bullish about the URC but I think we have to admit that the Welsh teams and Zebre drag the quality level down a bit. The top half of the table is very competitive though and there is a genuine contest around qualifying for the playoffs and for Europe which is lacking in the Premiership.

Thanks for that re the Guardian. I started paying monthly for the app coverage and was expecting a lot more Scottish coverage (rugby, but also generally) and wrote to their help desk asking if I was doing something wrong! Won’t continue if that’s the case. Although not sure where else to go really!

I've found the better rugby coverage tends to be behind paywalls, unfortunately, even for the premiership.

Although the walrus is safely behind one, so they do have some positive uses

The guardian do ok for cricket but theyr not great for either football or rugby. I used to read Brian Moore's articles in the telegraph (about all it was good for) but can't honestly say if the Scotland coverage is any better

Yeah, having decided to pay for a newspaper im not sure what to get. I like the Guardian but as I’ve said, no Scottish stuff. I think the Times rugby is awful and Telegraph has gone too mental. Not really sure what to do!

Scotsman looks OK for my needs, any views on this?

[Jock42]

Rugby wise Scotland Rugby News is decent, 12 quid for the year.

[dpedin]

The Weegie rugby supporters site is excellent for keeping up to date with news etc, The Embra one less so as there seems to be fewer contributors who post less frequently.

[KingBlairhorn]

In England? Yes. for what it's worth, my French connections all have Finn written down in permanent marker as the starting 10 for the Lions - and think he should be tour captain as well.

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.

In what sense do you think differently?

[Tichtheid]

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.

In what sense do you think differently?

Speaking to dpedin's point about the Weedgie board being a good source of news - many of the posters there collate news items from across t'internet - there was a link to the Newcastle programme for Friday's game and it contained an interview with Tom Gordon. He thinks the Premiership is markedly slower than the URC, having current and very recent experience of both.

[SaintK]

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.

In what sense do you think differently?

Speaking to dpedin's point about the Weedgie board being a good source of news - many of the posters there collate news items from across t'internet - there was a link to the Newcastle programme for Friday's game and it contained an interview with Tom Gordon. He thinks the Premiership is markedly slower than the URC, having current and very recent experience of both.

Obviously not played against Saints or Quins then!

[Simian]

Leaving playing style and standards aside, I do envy the play-everyone-home-and-away format of the English and French leagues

[Simian]

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.

In what sense do you think differently?

Speaking to dpedin's point about the Weedgie board being a good source of news - many of the posters there collate news items from across t'internet - there was a link to the Newcastle programme for Friday's game and it contained an interview with Tom Gordon. He thinks the Premiership is markedly slower than the URC, having current and very recent experience of both.

I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.

[inactionman]

I genuinely believe the English Premiership is the poorest of the 3 big leagues in Europe by quite a margin. I have spoken to plenty others who think similarly. If I ever mention as much to my English mates they look at me like I have two heads and state with utter conviction that everyone knows their league is the best in Europe and I’m just on the windup.

I know this is kind of irrelevant to the point above as both players play in the English prem but there is a certain genre of rugby fan, either those who only watch international rugby or those of my vintage (say 35 - 60) who have never managed to shift the mindset that England dominates European rugby. It was perhaps true 10+ years ago but is now very out of date.

In what sense? The French league is very strong at the moment, but the URC is very, very mixed. I can't see how the English Premierships is actively poor in relation, except the finances which have never been right in the whole professional era. I've seen some utter dross in the URC, sadly generally involving Edinburgh, on too many occasions.

(edited as I can't fecking type)

In the sense that in my view the quality of teams, players and gameplay are all poorer. I actively watch all three leagues (not something I am sure many viewers of either the Prem or Top14 can say) and I think the URC is substantially better quality than the English Prem. The Top14 is clearly the best league in Europe, but URC is the next best in my view. Sure, the bottom ranking URC teams are typically a bit rubbish (although right now the bottom four of the URC includes a Sharks team packed with world cup winners) but that is, as others have pointed out, true of the English Prem too.

In what sense do you think differently?

The English Premiership has 8 teams who, on any given day, can beat any of the others - it's only Gloucester and the woefully under-resourced Newcastle* who struggle. The games I've watched in the URC can be very disjointed - although admittedly the Welsh teams don't really help matters there, I've watched a lot of blowouts that haven't demonstrated particular competence or quality.

I'm not going to get into the quality of teams, aside from being highly subjective (I disagree with you btw, and held both Bath and latterly Edinburgh season tickets for a good few years before family life intervened) that's really what the Champion's Cup is for, is it not? English teams seem to do alright there - two semi-finalists last year, a semi-finalist the year before. Take Leinster out of the reckoning and I'm not sure I'd say the same of the URC. If you mean 'Leinster are better than any of the English teams' then I'd agree, but I don't think you mean that. Of course, France are utterly bossing it over the last few years, but English teams are there or thereabouts at the business end. I've not seen any of the Scottish, Welsh or Italian teams up there for a while - or indeed any URC team bar Leinster aside from an occasional Munster or Ulster appearance. The saffas are an interesting addition and did OK, but a bit early to tell - although I'm not completely convinced they should be in the competition, I'll admit from a purely on-the-pitch perspective I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.



* My old hometown club Bath haven't helped here, by poaching standout young openside Guy Pepper into Bath's already loaded backrow. I worry for the long term future of newcastle, especially when their young tyros get swiped. But that's one for the England thread, not really for here.

[Tichtheid]

I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.

Maybe, Newcastle have played Bristol, Harlequins, Leicester, Sale and Exeter.

It's a subject to which I've not really given too much thought. I try to watch all three leagues and I enjoy them all, though the Top 14 can be really turgid at times and the lower half of the URC is filled with clubs that are a bit pish, including Edinburgh, same can be said of the GP

[Tichtheid]

Edinburgh Rugby has issued the following squad update ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6 fixture against Ospreys at Dunraven Brewery Field.

Glen Young (pec) – Back fit and available for selection
Angus Williams (hamstring) – Back fit and available for selection
Mark Bennett (quad) – Out until February after undergoing surgery.
Javan Sebastian (shoulder) – Timeline for recovery still to be confirmed.
Mikey Jones (concussion) – Progressing through graduated return to play protocols.
James Lang (calf) – No change to previous updates
Sam Skinner (knee) – No change to previous updates
Robin Hislop (knee) – No change to previous updates
Emiliano Boffelli (back) – No change to previous updates

[Simian]

I saw that and thought it a bit of a weird point, just because it didn’t really stack up against what I watch all too well (I’ve thought the same when guys went to France and said similar). In Gordon’s case I did wonder if his view said more about the teams he’d played for in both competitions than the competitions themselves tbh.

Maybe, Newcastle have played Bristol, Harlequins, Leicester, Sale and Exeter.

It's a subject to which I've not really given too much thought. I try to watch all three leagues and I enjoy them all, though the Top 14 can be really turgid at times and the lower half of the URC is filled with clubs that are a bit pish, including Edinburgh, same can be said of the GP

It was teams he’d played for (not against) in the two competitions I was meaning.

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby
40 minutes ago
·
Tomorrow. 10am
Edinburgh Rugby members will get pre-sale access to tickets for the opening leg of the 1872 Cup at Hampden Park.
A link will be sent to your inbox in the morning!

[I like neeps]

Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.

My main questions would be:

Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.

Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?

Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?

Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.

Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?

Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.

[Big D]

Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.

My main questions would be:

Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.

Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?

Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?

Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.

Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?

Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.

Lancaster might be a bolter. Getting game time at Racing 92 and Townsend might want a closer look.

[robmatic]

Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.

My main questions would be:

Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.

Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?

Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?

Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.

Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?

Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.

I suspect there might be a surprise SQ or two. We know they are out there.

I am not sure the Edinburgh half backs should be anywhere near the squad, but maybe Price's return to form in the last couple of games will work in his favour.

I reckon Mosese will be in as he is basically a new SRU signing.

[I like neeps]

Scotland squad being announced tomorrow apparently, I wonder if we'll see any shocks who nobody knows is SQ.

My main questions would be:

Do any of Hastings, Thompson, Healy get in the squad? Does Burke throw his hat in the ring. Russell and Jordan will be there, who else.

Surely Sykes will get a call up? Does Jonny Gray come in after becoming a regular at Bordeaux?

Speaking of the Grays anyone from Japan?

Does Mosese get in the national squad or just the A team? And how strong will the A team be.

Tight head situation will be rough, who else could there be?

Hookers - Harrison or Hiddlestone? To come in with Ashman and Matthews I presume.

Lancaster might be a bolter. Getting game time at Racing 92 and Townsend might want a closer look.

I'd be surprised, bounced around amateur and semi pro rugby until his dad signed him. Screams of nepotism.

[KingBlairhorn]

It's going to be an interesting squad in a number of positions:

Prop:
Obviously Zander and Schoeman will be there but beyond that its pretty tricky. Bhatti and Hepburn at loosie and Hurd at tighthead were call ups to the last 6N (WP also, since retired). Others who might get calls this time include McBeth who is playing fairly regularly at Glasgow, Millar-Mills who toured in the summer, Sutherland who is maybe coming back into form and maybe even Richardson or Walker as we are down to the bare bones.

Hooker:
Presumably Turner will now broadly drop out of Scotland squads except in an absolute emergency so there is one spot open (assuming Ashman and Matthews for the others). Harrison has been going well at Edinburgh, Hiddleston at Glasgow and both Robbie Smith and Dylan Richardson toured in the summer. One of those 4 will make the squad, presumably.

Lock:
Cummings and Gilchrist will be in but I expect Gray (off to Japan) and Skinner (lots of injuries) will miss out. Sykes definitely should be under consideration, as should Max Williamson and possibly Alex Samuel. Alex Craig is apparently moving to Glasgow so wouldn't surprise me to see him in too. Glen Young toured in the summer so might be there or there abouts too. Jonny, as mentioned by others, is an excellent option if he's playing regularly again (which he is).

Backrow:
Absolutely brilliant competition for places in the back row. Darge, Dempsey and Fagerson are bankers for me. Richie will be in despite his sketchy form this year and I expect we will see Bradbury back in the squad too. I expect Mish will be touch and go, he misses out for me, and Crosbie will be unlucky if he misses out too. Muncaster has been playing well but I doubt he will make it and Gregor Brown is on the fringes too. Down south the Christie injury is badly timed, but Bayliss is also a consideration.

Scrummie:
Pre-Saturday I would have said Horne, White Dobie no question with only Warr the other who could be considered, but Price was genuinely very good. It's only one game so I think he should still miss out but Gregor seems to love him. Vellacott also kicking around but not an international standard player for me.

Flyhalf:
Finn, obviously, and probably Hastings are picked. I think Jordan takes the other spot. Thompson and Healy both miss out IMO. As others have said, if Burke is interested he comes straight in to compete with Finn for top spot. Dan Lancaster is obviously interesting if he is playing in the Top14, not sure he would be an upgrade on Hastings though.

Centres:
Tuipolotu Snr, Jones, McDowall are all in the squad for sure. That leaves Redpath, Hutchinson, Tuipolotu Jnr, Steyn and Currie battling for one place. If he's fit I think Redpath gets it. Others like Scott and Bennet obviously still around but I don't think they are serious considerations when everyone is fit.

Back 3:
Darcy and Duhan of course take two wing spots and Kinghorn in at fullback. Harry Paterson, Aaron Reed, Rowe, Steyn (again) and theoretically Ollie Smith if he's back fit will fight it out for one spot. I think Rowe will get it.

I think, on the whole, outside tighthead we have a health number of players to choose from which is nice.