The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

I though Bradbury was pretty poor on the defensive side of the ball last week, as was Sykes. Really want Sykes to kick on.

My recollection of that second half was that there were big gaping holes rather than missed tackles - to me that's a failure of the system. Benetton scored a couple from pick and drives, which are really difficult to defend against without losing players to yellow cards - it's just the way it's refereed, it seems to be the only part of the park where offside at a ruck is actually monitored.

[Big D]

I though Bradbury was pretty poor on the defensive side of the ball last week, as was Sykes. Really want Sykes to kick on.

My recollection of that second half was that there were big gaping holes rather than missed tackles - to me that's a failure of the system. Benetton scored a couple from pick and drives, which are really difficult to defend against without losing players to yellow cards - it's just the way it's refereed, it seems to be the only part of the park where offside at a ruck is actually monitored.

Very weak tackle attempts around the guard. Particularly through/under Sykes IIRC.

[dpedin]

I though Bradbury was pretty poor on the defensive side of the ball last week, as was Sykes. Really want Sykes to kick on.

My recollection of that second half was that there were big gaping holes rather than missed tackles - to me that's a failure of the system. Benetton scored a couple from pick and drives, which are really difficult to defend against without losing players to yellow cards - it's just the way it's refereed, it seems to be the only part of the park where offside at a ruck is actually monitored.

Very weak tackle attempts around the guard. Particularly through/under Sykes IIRC.

Agreed - standing too tall for a big man, needed to get lower to match hight of Creevy. However Creevy is a world class operator at that distance and has beaten better defenses than Embra's close up and probably better for us than giving away a yellow card penalty try?

[Blackmac]

Looks like the 6 nations ticket sale has been a bit of a cluster. Hit by a bot attack and they have no idea how many tickets have been targeted.

[Tichtheid]

My recollection of that second half was that there were big gaping holes rather than missed tackles - to me that's a failure of the system. Benetton scored a couple from pick and drives, which are really difficult to defend against without losing players to yellow cards - it's just the way it's refereed, it seems to be the only part of the park where offside at a ruck is actually monitored.

Very weak tackle attempts around the guard. Particularly through/under Sykes IIRC.

Agreed - standing too tall for a big man, needed to get lower to match hight of Creevy. However Creevy is a world class operator at that distance and has beaten better defenses than Embra's close up and probably better for us than giving away a yellow card penalty try?

I've just watched the highlights again and yeah, I think both points are true, Sykes and Bradbury should have done better but also Creevy and the Benetton pack did really well.

McCann and Sweeney have very big boots to fill tonight, it looks like the weather will probably be awful so it might be a leveller, Glaws have picked a fairly strong side from what I can see and we have nine starters out at least

[Big D]

My recollection of that second half was that there were big gaping holes rather than missed tackles - to me that's a failure of the system. Benetton scored a couple from pick and drives, which are really difficult to defend against without losing players to yellow cards - it's just the way it's refereed, it seems to be the only part of the park where offside at a ruck is actually monitored.

Very weak tackle attempts around the guard. Particularly through/under Sykes IIRC.

Agreed - standing too tall for a big man, needed to get lower to match hight of Creevy. However Creevy is a world class operator at that distance and has beaten better defenses than Embra's close up and probably better for us than giving away a yellow card penalty try?

Yeah both are true, but I do think it is an area to be better in as it wouldn't need a world class effort to beat their attempts at a tackle last week.

I feel, and this may be harsh, there is a general malaise in the squad where everyone isn't doing their job to the best of their ability often enough. If they lose a match or tries during a match because their best isn't good enough then I would have no issues with that at all. There is no reason a team full of internationals most week shouldn't have high standards and actually meet them more often than not.

[Dogbert]

URC 2024 Champions team for Sale for Saturday.

After the 'B' team win against Scarlets last Friday, Franco goes fully loaded for Sale.

Only real surprise is Jare starting, rather than Samuel ( the cupboard is a bit bare with Gray now in Japan , and JP du Preez , and Williamson on the injury list - though I hear both should be back shortly , Gregor Brown , who also can provide cover at lock - also on the injury list.

Ollie Smith now officially of the injured list , and was the 24th man last Friday, so would not be surprised to see him on the team list - possibly for the 1872 games.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

[inactionman]

URC 2024 Champions team for Sale for Saturday.

After the 'B' team win against Scarlets last Friday, Franco goes fully loaded for Sale.

Only real surprise is Jare starting, rather than Samuel ( the cupboard is a bit bare with Gray now in Japan , and JP du Preez , and Williamson on the injury list - though I hear both should be back shortly , Gregor Brown , who also can provide cover at lock - also on the injury list.

Ollie Smith now officially of the injured list , and was the 24th man last Friday, so would not be surprised to see him on the team list - possibly for the 1872 games.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Face? Poor sod just cannot catch a break.

[I like neeps]

URC 2024 Champions team for Sale for Saturday.

After the 'B' team win against Scarlets last Friday, Franco goes fully loaded for Sale.

Only real surprise is Jare starting, rather than Samuel ( the cupboard is a bit bare with Gray now in Japan , and JP du Preez , and Williamson on the injury list - though I hear both should be back shortly , Gregor Brown , who also can provide cover at lock - also on the injury list.

Ollie Smith now officially of the injured list , and was the 24th man last Friday, so would not be surprised to see him on the team list - possibly for the 1872 games.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Jare played better than Samuel last Friday. Far more impactful.

[Yr Alban]

URC 2024 Champions team for Sale for Saturday.

After the 'B' team win against Scarlets last Friday, Franco goes fully loaded for Sale.

Only real surprise is Jare starting, rather than Samuel ( the cupboard is a bit bare with Gray now in Japan , and JP du Preez , and Williamson on the injury list - though I hear both should be back shortly , Gregor Brown , who also can provide cover at lock - also on the injury list.

Ollie Smith now officially of the injured list , and was the 24th man last Friday, so would not be surprised to see him on the team list - possibly for the 1872 games.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Face? Poor sod just cannot catch a break.

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

[Jock42]

I thought Vellacott was starting?

[TheNatalShark]

Edinburgh forwards struggling to catch the ball

[SomersetJock]

I started out watching the Edinburgh match, got frustrated and despaired at Edinburgh’s handling so turned over to watch Bath. Lasted 10 minutes, Bath are even harder to watch

Thankfully Edinburgh scored just as I got back and seem to have picked up a bit

[Slick]

This Edinburgh team are very stupid

[inactionman]

I started out watching the Edinburgh match, got frustrated and despaired at Edinburgh’s handling so turned over to watch Bath. Lasted 10 minutes, Bath are even harder to watch

Thankfully Edinburgh scored just as I got back and seem to have picked up a bit

Just pulled back to within a point.

You've noticed they're playing in a storm?

[Biffer]

That’s a very soft yellow

[Slick]

That’s a pretty insane yellow

[Slick]

Potentially a bit harsh, bit to me this came directly from a shit decision and shit execution from Healy a few minutes ago. Edinburgh hadn’t touched the ball for 15 minutes and the first bit of set piece possession in a decent position and he kicks it sideways back to them

[Jock42]

He deserved it for drawing attention to the fact HE made contact with Anscombes head

[SomersetJock]

I started out watching the Edinburgh match, got frustrated and despaired at Edinburgh’s handling so turned over to watch Bath. Lasted 10 minutes, Bath are even harder to watch

Thankfully Edinburgh scored just as I got back and seem to have picked up a bit

Just pulled back to within a point.

You've noticed they're playing in a storm?

The storm would explain their maul defence getting blown back 20metres or so

[inactionman]

I started out watching the Edinburgh match, got frustrated and despaired at Edinburgh’s handling so turned over to watch Bath. Lasted 10 minutes, Bath are even harder to watch

Thankfully Edinburgh scored just as I got back and seem to have picked up a bit

Just pulled back to within a point.

You've noticed they're playing in a storm?

The storm would explain their maul defence getting blown back 20metres or so

I thought you were ribbing them for the constant drops! To be honest, you could have picked half a dozen things in that first half.

[weegie01]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

[robmatic]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

It's true that Glasgow are a much better team at the moment but their forum goers go a bit overboard whenever Edinburgh play like a typical mid-table team.

I didn't see the game but playing the kids and getting a losing bonus point away from home against a full-strength opponent is a decent outcome, I would have thought.

[Biffer]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

It's true that Glasgow are a much better team at the moment but their forum goers go a bit overboard whenever Edinburgh play like a typical mid-table team.

I didn't see the game but playing the kids and getting a losing bonus point away from home against a full-strength opponent is a decent outcome, I would have thought.

There's a small subset of Glasgow fans who are a bit dickish tbh.

[GrahamWa]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

That's strange, I can no longer get onto the shedhead forum, and not being responded to. I'll send a message to Gordon on the weeg forum to see if there is a problem with your login.

Both games were awful last night, mostly due to the weather but the amount of unforced errors was really high.

[I like neeps]

What happened to Douglas? And how did Sweeney/McConnell go?

[Dogbert]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

Actually only one poster on the Glasgow forum was posting derogatory comments on the Edinburgh performance. All the rest were posting comments on how Edinburgh played OK, considering the conditions and the relatively inexperienced team., The rest of the posts were regarding how poor the Ref was last night.

[Yr Alban]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

It's true that Glasgow are a much better team at the moment but their forum goers go a bit overboard whenever Edinburgh play like a typical mid-table team.

I didn't see the game but playing the kids and getting a losing bonus point away from home against a full-strength opponent is a decent outcome, I would have thought.

There's a small subset of Glasgow fans who are a bit dickish tbh.

Hey, it’s not often Glasgow has something to feel superior about.

[weegie01]

For some reason I can no longer post on the Glasgow Warriors forum, and my messages have not been responded to.

So I can't comment on the fact that the Gloucester Forum is quite complimentary about how a weakened Edinburgh team gave them a scare, the Glasgow forum is replete with 'how awful are Edinburgh' comments.

Actually only one poster on the Glasgow forum was posting derogatory comments on the Edinburgh performance. All the rest were posting comments on how Edinburgh played OK, considering the conditions and the relatively inexperienced team., The rest of the posts were regarding how poor the Ref was last night.

To be frank, I'd not noticed that one person had made several derogatory comments, along with a two or three others making singles. So just looking at the posts the impression was that there were many decrying Edinburgh, and few positive. I'll read more carefully in future.

[Big D]

URC 2024 Champions team for Sale for Saturday.

After the 'B' team win against Scarlets last Friday, Franco goes fully loaded for Sale.

Only real surprise is Jare starting, rather than Samuel ( the cupboard is a bit bare with Gray now in Japan , and JP du Preez , and Williamson on the injury list - though I hear both should be back shortly , Gregor Brown , who also can provide cover at lock - also on the injury list.

Ollie Smith now officially of the injured list , and was the 24th man last Friday, so would not be surprised to see him on the team list - possibly for the 1872 games.

1 Jamie Bhatti (109)
2 Gregor Hiddleston (15)
3 Zander Fagerson (154)
4 Jare Oguntibeju (1)
5 Scott Cummings (131)
6 Matt Fagerson (117)
7 Rory Darge (53)
8 Henco Venter (26)

9 George Horne (124)
10 Tom Jordan (56)
11 Kyle Rowe (23)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (C) (60)
13 Huw Jones (74)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (43)
15 Josh McKay (55)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (80)
17 Rory Sutherland (4)
18 Sam Talakai (6)
19 Alex Samuel (21)
20 Ally Miller (30)
21 Jack Mann (2)
22 Jamie Dobie (74)
23 Duncan Weir (153)

Unavailable for selection: Gregor Brown (chest), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Jack Dempsey (shoulder), Euan Ferrie (foot), Adam Hastings (face), Nathan McBeth (calf), JP du Preez (knee), Kyle Steyn (leg), Sione Vailanu (knee), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Face? Poor sod just cannot catch a break.

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

Wouldn't be a massive shock to see Burke called up too at some point.

[Big D]

Sublime try and ridiculous decision to come in at the side. Horne in the thick of it tonight.

[Big D]

Very good 1st half.

Young lock is very raw but definitely has potential.

[KingBlairhorn]

Andy Goode desperately hoping the TMO is watching the feed with him on Comms trying to get Cummings a yellow card. It probably was a yellow card though, tbf

[Tichtheid]

Andy Goode desperately hoping the TMO is watching the feed with him on Comms trying to get Cummings a yellow card. It probably was a yellow card though, tbf

He's not exactly objective in his comms

[SomersetJock]

I suddenly feel that the money I pay to Premier sports is an absolute bargain having listened to Ryan Wilson savagely wind up Andy Goode for 80 mins

[Slick]

Was only watching bits of the game on my phone but looked like a full on encounter with Glasgow wel deserving on a comprehensive win.

Good team, great to watch

[Slick]

Andy Goode desperately hoping the TMO is watching the feed with him on Comms trying to get Cummings a yellow card. It probably was a yellow card though, tbf

I saw it and looked away assuming it was yellow, was quite surprised to check back a few minutes later and not see a wee yellow square on the scoreboard

[Yr Alban]

Face? Poor sod just cannot catch a break.

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

Wouldn't be a massive shock to see Burke called up too at some point.

Ah, the irony. We could call up a NZ-born player with a Scottish grandparent, because we couldn’t persuade the guy with actual Scottish parents, and whose granddad was a Scottish Lion, to throw his lot in with us.

[KingBlairhorn]

Face? Poor sod just cannot catch a break.

Either cheekbone or jaw. Have seen both mentioned. He’s had surgery. Will miss 6N, reportedly.

Handy that Tom Jordan is qualified now. Won’t be an issue for us providing both Russell and Jordan can stay fit. If not… that’s more of an issue.

Wouldn't be a massive shock to see Burke called up too at some point.

I’m not sure he’d take the call up. He’s also English qualified, playing for England is a) much more lucrative, b) means you can continue to get good EQ contracts and c) frankly gives you more chance of winning things, current form notwithstanding.

[SaintK]

Andy Goode desperately hoping the TMO is watching the feed with him on Comms trying to get Cummings a yellow card. It probably was a yellow card though, tbf

I saw it and looked away assuming it was yellow, was quite surprised to check back a few minutes later and not see a wee yellow square on the scoreboard

Stone cold yellow. Ref and TMO were only looking at the other Glasgow player.