The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

Can someone help the weeane get his toys back in the pram.

Gray had a really bad injury and was out for a long time. He's now old enough to know what's best for him and his body.

Saying ‘he’s had time off’ to describe a long term injury is more than a bit wank.

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Toonie has history in being very difficult to convince that a player is worthy of a recall - Matt Scott finally got one more chance and was ditched for making one defensive error whilst there were howlers going on around him. Mark Bennett took a long time to get in with a shout whilst Chris Harris was first choice. Magnus Bradbury is playing well in a position we don’t have huge depth in.

For me a surprise omission is Marshall Sykes and a surprise inclusion is Ali Price

Edited to add - regarding hookers, the two lads at Edinburgh should be very experienced by the next RWC, I’ve been reading a few very positive reports on Harri Morris, him having “done a Rambo” in converting from the back row. J B-L too should be getting some game time soon.

There are a couple of youngsters at Glasgow, Fraser and Hiddleston and Richardson is only 25 atm, that’s not a bad depth to be getting on with

Oh btw, I think the youngest Tuipulotu is a hooker

[Slick]

Can someone help the weeane get his toys back in the pram.

Gray had a really bad injury and was out for a long time. He's now old enough to know what's best for him and his body.

Saying ‘he’s had time off’ to describe a long term injury is more than a bit wank.

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

[Biffer]

Saying ‘he’s had time off’ to describe a long term injury is more than a bit wank.

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

It's Townsend's job to manage that though, not come up with a public rebuke that might make the player and club less likely to want him him involved in the national set up.

[Achahoish]

Article on the BBC saying we’d have picked Gray Jr but he elected to stay with Bordeaux.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... y4wg7y021o

1, He's been coached by Townsend since he joined the Warriors in 2013, maybe he's had enough of it

2, Maybe he's really happy in France and couldn't be bothered with travelling too & fro or being away from home for November

Just sayin'

[Big D]

Saying ‘he’s had time off’ to describe a long term injury is more than a bit wank.

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

Way I see it is that Gray had a very significant injury at a terrible time for him (missed a RWC and end of club contract) and missed a lot of rugby. The club showed faith in him to offer probably a very decent contract despite the significant injury. It is understandable he wanted to get a solid block of training and games under his belt having missed a lot of rugby and currently thinks it is best he continues where he is.

It is a 30 year old, 70odd cap international in his 13th season as a professional we are talking about. I think he's earned the right for his international coach to trust him on what is best for his body.

[Tichtheid]

I remember reading a wee while back about some clubs having a quiet word with players about taking off on international duty. I don't think we ever get the full story out here.

[KingBlairhorn]

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

Way I see it is that Gray had a very significant injury at a terrible time for him (missed a RWC and end of club contract) and missed a lot of rugby. The club showed faith in him to offer probably a very decent contract despite the significant injury. It is understandable he wanted to get a solid block of training and games under his belt having missed a lot of rugby and currently thinks it is best he continues where he is.

It is a 30 year old, 70odd cap international in his 13th season as a professional we are talking about. I think he's earned the right for his international coach to trust him on what is best for his body.

Fucks sake man, there's no need for that. That's the last thing I needed to read this morning - Johnny is a young whippersnapper just making his way in the game and I'll hear nothing more about it.

I'm getting old.

[Tichtheid]

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

Way I see it is that Gray had a very significant injury at a terrible time for him (missed a RWC and end of club contract) and missed a lot of rugby. The club showed faith in him to offer probably a very decent contract despite the significant injury. It is understandable he wanted to get a solid block of training and games under his belt having missed a lot of rugby and currently thinks it is best he continues where he is.

It is a 30 year old, 70odd cap international in his 13th season as a professional we are talking about. I think he's earned the right for his international coach to trust him on what is best for his body.

Fucks sake man, there's no need for that. That's the last thing I needed to read this morning - Johnny is a young whippersnapper just making his way in the game and I'll hear nothing more about it.

I'm getting old.

I thought exactly the same - "I hear Big Richie has a wee brother who is going to be as good if not better" - was only a year or so ago wasn't it?

[Big D]

Maybe, but then he's the one that gets in the neck if his team loses. It also complicates the wider picture, we want our top players playing in the best leagues but then they get added pressure not to turn up for Scotland.

Way I see it is that Gray had a very significant injury at a terrible time for him (missed a RWC and end of club contract) and missed a lot of rugby. The club showed faith in him to offer probably a very decent contract despite the significant injury. It is understandable he wanted to get a solid block of training and games under his belt having missed a lot of rugby and currently thinks it is best he continues where he is.

It is a 30 year old, 70odd cap international in his 13th season as a professional we are talking about. I think he's earned the right for his international coach to trust him on what is best for his body.

Fucks sake man, there's no need for that. That's the last thing I needed to read this morning - Johnny is a young whippersnapper just making his way in the game and I'll hear nothing more about it.

I'm getting old.

You're not kidding, I played against a 17 year old Jonny Gray in a preseason game when I was in my mid 20s. I haven't played in 10 years.

[Dogbert]

1 Jamie Bhatti (108)
2 Johnny Matthews (78)
3 Sam Talakai (4)
4 Gregor Brown (25)
5 Richie Gray (118)
6 Matt Fagerson (116)
7 Rory Darge (52)
8 Jack Dempsey (53)

9 George Horne (122)
10 Adam Hastings (57)
11 Kyle Rowe (21)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (59)
13 Huw Jones (73)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (41)
15 Josh McKay (53)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (13)
17 Rory Sutherland (3)
18 Zander Fagerson (153)
19 Scott Cummings (130)
20 Max Williamson (24)
21 Henco Venter (24)
22 Jamie Dobie (73)
23 Tom Jordan (54)

Unavailable for selection: Nathan McBeth (knee), JP du Preez (knee), Ollie Smith (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck)

Pretty strong team for the Stormers tomorrow, be interesting to see how much time the bench will get.
Time for Hastings to show if he has what it takes to challenge Jordan for first dibs on the Glasgow 10 jersey

[Tichtheid]

Unavailable: Darcy Graham, Grant Gilchrist, Ali Price, Pierre Schoeman (all rest protocol), Mikey Jones (concussion), Javan Sebastian (shoulder), Mark Bennett (quad), Emiliano Boffelli (back), James Lang (calf), Sam Skinner (knee), Robin Hislop (knee).

[dpedin]

Way I see it is that Gray had a very significant injury at a terrible time for him (missed a RWC and end of club contract) and missed a lot of rugby. The club showed faith in him to offer probably a very decent contract despite the significant injury. It is understandable he wanted to get a solid block of training and games under his belt having missed a lot of rugby and currently thinks it is best he continues where he is.

It is a 30 year old, 70odd cap international in his 13th season as a professional we are talking about. I think he's earned the right for his international coach to trust him on what is best for his body.

Fucks sake man, there's no need for that. That's the last thing I needed to read this morning - Johnny is a young whippersnapper just making his way in the game and I'll hear nothing more about it.

I'm getting old.

You're not kidding, I played against a 17 year old Jonny Gray in a preseason game when I was in my mid 20s. I haven't played in 10 years.

My son who is 31 now had his first game for his School team against a Weegie school. Son was just in 4th year and was called up due to injuries etc to other scrum half's, he was small for his age but had good hands and pass. I couldn't go to watch, I asked him how it went, he said ok apart from this big blonde haired guy who tried to kill him every time he got the ball. Guess who?

[KingBlairhorn]

Fucking hell, TOTM sticking the boot in when we are all down:

“ This will almost certainly be the last time that you see a player born in the 1980s playing for @GlasgowWarriors, as Richie Gray runs out for the final time. ”

https://x.com/topofthemoongw/status/184 ... UZjzgAiO2Q

Read the room man. Jesus.

[robmatic]

On that theme, it is the veteran Matt Scott's 100th game and I remember being at his debut 13 years ago

[Slick]

Can someone help the weeane get his toys back in the pram.

Gray had a really bad injury and was out for a long time. He's now old enough to know what's best for him and his body.

Saying ‘he’s had time off’ to describe a long term injury is more than a bit wank.

Comes across as very stroppy and petulant from Townsend. I thought he was saying "angry" at Bordeaux at first, but then read further. He's probably saying it at both.

I reckon Gray Jnr still has something to offer and I hope this doesn't become one of those face doesn't fit any more things.

Having seen the video now he seems pissed of with the club rather than the player. The suggestion seems to be that the club have twisted his arm, which must be incredibly frustrating

[Big D]

Try and catch a clip of Hutchisons pass of his left hand after making a break. Outrageously good. Winger didn't need to break stride to to run it in.

[SaintK]

Try and catch a clip of Hutchisons pass of his left hand after making a break. Outrageously good. Winger didn't need to break stride to to run it in.

At least 20 meters at full tilt. Great pass.

[Slick]

Try and catch a clip of Hutchisons pass of his left hand after making a break. Outrageously good. Winger didn't need to break stride to to run it in.

Saw a clip earlier, didn’t realise it was him, beautiful

I tend to back up Townsend but can’t understand at all why he hasn’t been more involved

[Tichtheid]

Try and catch a clip of Hutchisons pass of his left hand after making a break. Outrageously good. Winger didn't need to break stride to to run it in.

Saw a clip earlier, didn’t realise it was him, beautiful

I tend to back up Townsend but can’t understand at all why he hasn’t been more involved

He's probably suffered because of Huwipulotu, Sam Johnson and Cam Redpath - Stafford McDowall is in the same boat

[Slick]

Try and catch a clip of Hutchisons pass of his left hand after making a break. Outrageously good. Winger didn't need to break stride to to run it in.

Saw a clip earlier, didn’t realise it was him, beautiful

I tend to back up Townsend but can’t understand at all why he hasn’t been more involved

He's probably suffered because of Huwipulotu, Sam Johnson and Cam Redpath - Stafford McDowall is in the same boat

Definitely some truth in that, but even so, feels like he has never been given a decent chance

[Jock42]

Appears normal service is being resumed with embra. Lacking the intensity of last week and discipline almost non-existent

[Jock42]

If Shane Williams calls it "very harsh" it's a fucking ridiculous decision.

[Slick]

If Shane Williams calls it "very harsh" it's a fucking ridiculous decision.

Was absolutely mad, never seen it before

[Jock42]

If Shane Williams calls it "very harsh" it's a fucking ridiculous decision.

Was absolutely mad, never seen it before

Nothing more than his pride being hurt. Bellend.

[Slick]

If Shane Williams calls it "very harsh" it's a fucking ridiculous decision.

Was absolutely mad, never seen it before

Nothing more than his pride being hurt. Bellend.

To be fair, seems like the TMO told tales

[Jock42]

I knew it would be a mistake taking the 3 for that last penalty.

[robmatic]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

[Jock42]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

And yet....

[Slick]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

Nope. Had to leave 10 mins into the 2nd half and thought the same

[Yr Alban]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

Nope. But Edinburgh seem set up to disappoint right now. I’m pleased that Glasgow have become so formidable, but as an Embra boy I find it upsetting just how underwhelming they are - and have been, for years now. With the players they have available, they should be better than this. But they turn in a mediocre performance for every good one, and that’s if we’re lucky.

[Biffer]

I know it’s early in the season, but I have a horrible feeling yesterdays game is going to be the one we look back at come seasons end and say that’s why Edinburgh aren’t in the top Half of the table.

[dpedin]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

Nope. But Edinburgh seem set up to disappoint right now. I’m pleased that Glasgow have become so formidable, but as an Embra boy I find it upsetting just how underwhelming they are - and have been, for years now. With the players they have available, they should be better than this. But they turn in a mediocre performance for every good one, and that’s if we’re lucky.

This is very reminiscent of the Solomon era except we now have better quality of players but we still play like shit! There wasnt one single backs move executed in that game by Embra, three man pods and box kicks aren't going to win many games in URC these days. This was the reason VdM left last time and he will be off again if all he is asked to do is chase box kicks. Everitt has proven to be a feckin disaster and needs hoofed from the job asap. I doubt he will last the season out, the players look completely dispirited, there is no cohesive game plan and the supporters are beginning to lose interest. The SRU need to take a hit and ship him before it gets too serious.

[Biffer]

Edinburgh should not be losing to this Ospreys team.

Nope. But Edinburgh seem set up to disappoint right now. I’m pleased that Glasgow have become so formidable, but as an Embra boy I find it upsetting just how underwhelming they are - and have been, for years now. With the players they have available, they should be better than this. But they turn in a mediocre performance for every good one, and that’s if we’re lucky.

This is very reminiscent of the Solomon era except we now have better quality of players but we still play like shit! There wasnt one single backs move executed in that game by Embra, three man pods and box kicks aren't going to win many games in URC these days. This was the reason VdM left last time and he will be off again if all he is asked to do is chase box kicks. Everitt has proven to be a feckin disaster and needs hoofed from the job asap. I doubt he will last the season out, the players look completely dispirited, there is no cohesive game plan and the supporters are beginning to lose interest. The SRU need to take a hit and ship him before it gets too serious.

The supporters aren’t turning that quick, because home form has been two bonus point wins and a two point narrow lost vs the best team in the league.

Won’t take long though, particularly if we get a solid kicking in the 1872.

[robmatic]

I know it’s early in the season, but I have a horrible feeling yesterdays game is going to be the one we look back at come seasons end and say that’s why Edinburgh aren’t in the top Half of the table.

Yeah, didn't even need sparkling rugby. That Ospreys team is very limited and if we had played with the intensity of the previous couple of the weeks it would have been a comfortable win.

[robmatic]

Can anyone more knowledgeable about the game tell me what the issue Embra were having with the breakdown yesterday was? Seemed like we were getting turned over for fun every time we did actually try and run the ball.

[Big D]

Nope. But Edinburgh seem set up to disappoint right now. I’m pleased that Glasgow have become so formidable, but as an Embra boy I find it upsetting just how underwhelming they are - and have been, for years now. With the players they have available, they should be better than this. But they turn in a mediocre performance for every good one, and that’s if we’re lucky.

This is very reminiscent of the Solomon era except we now have better quality of players but we still play like shit! There wasnt one single backs move executed in that game by Embra, three man pods and box kicks aren't going to win many games in URC these days. This was the reason VdM left last time and he will be off again if all he is asked to do is chase box kicks. Everitt has proven to be a feckin disaster and needs hoofed from the job asap. I doubt he will last the season out, the players look completely dispirited, there is no cohesive game plan and the supporters are beginning to lose interest. The SRU need to take a hit and ship him before it gets too serious.

The supporters aren’t turning that quick, because home form has been two bonus point wins and a two point narrow lost vs the best team in the league.

Won’t take long though, particularly if we get a solid kicking in the 1872.

It's four months too late already.

[Jock42]

I'm quite glad there's an international break. I'd not be able to watch another away game and I've never been at the point before where I've considered not watching a match.

[Dogbert]

So farewell to Ritchie , we often bandy around with the term Legend - but in Scotstoun that’s exactly what Ritchie was, he will be sorely missed, but every Glasgow Fan wishes him the best on what should be a lucrative end to his career. I’m sure we will see him back at Glasgow in the stands at some time in the future, like Bob Harley was against Zebre this month.

As far as the Stormers game was concerned, an efficient performance but not outstanding, the first half was far too loose from Franco’s point of view.

Musings
Glasgow have become a fully 80-minute team now.

Hastings still not fully up to speed Glasgow play at, it’s small margins – hopefully with more game time that will improve, I sometimes wonder if he still does not yet trust his body.

Jordan – I always suspected that he was more a natural 12, now I am much less sure, and that 10 really is his best position, his weaknesses, kicking from hand , and decision making have improved immeasurably since he first started at Glasgow.

Rowe, again continues to improve his game, his handling / concentration sometimes still isn’t quite up there but he impresses me more and more.

[clydecloggie]

So farewell to Ritchie , we often bandy around with the term Legend - but in Scotstoun that’s exactly what Ritchie was, he will be sorely missed, but every Glasgow Fan wishes him the best on what should be a lucrative end to his career. I’m sure we will see him back at Glasgow in the stands at some time in the future, like Bob Harley was against Zebre this month.

As far as the Stormers game was concerned, an efficient performance but not outstanding, the first half was far too loose from Franco’s point of view.

Musings
Glasgow have become a fully 80-minute team now.

Hastings still not fully up to speed Glasgow play at, it’s small margins – hopefully with more game time that will improve, I sometimes wonder if he still does not yet trust his body.

Jordan – I always suspected that he was more a natural 12, now I am much less sure, and that 10 really is his best position, his weaknesses, kicking from hand , and decision making have improved immeasurably since he first started at Glasgow.

Rowe, again continues to improve his game, his handling / concentration sometimes still isn’t quite up there but he impresses me more and more.

It's a shame his "tribute to Finn, deceive with the eyes, no look tip pass" to Sione was marginally forward - that was a great bit of play.

[Slick]

So farewell to Ritchie , we often bandy around with the term Legend - but in Scotstoun that’s exactly what Ritchie was, he will be sorely missed, but every Glasgow Fan wishes him the best on what should be a lucrative end to his career. I’m sure we will see him back at Glasgow in the stands at some time in the future, like Bob Harley was against Zebre this month.

As far as the Stormers game was concerned, an efficient performance but not outstanding, the first half was far too loose from Franco’s point of view.

Musings
Glasgow have become a fully 80-minute team now.

Hastings still not fully up to speed Glasgow play at, it’s small margins – hopefully with more game time that will improve, I sometimes wonder if he still does not yet trust his body.

Jordan – I always suspected that he was more a natural 12, now I am much less sure, and that 10 really is his best position, his weaknesses, kicking from hand , and decision making have improved immeasurably since he first started at Glasgow.

Rowe, again continues to improve his game, his handling / concentration sometimes still isn’t quite up there but he impresses me more and more.

I think Hastings is improving with every game, he’ll get there.

Still not sure if Jordan is going to be a good international player but so, so impressed with him as a person. Every single season he has been in Scotland he has improved and obviously worked bloody hard on certain aspects. For that reason alone I hope he gets at least a few successful caps. He should be used by the SRU as a model for young players.