The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Slick]

I still expect embra to lose.

We don’t need that negativity from our supporters

I found myself willing Edinburgh on most of the game and cheering when the final whistle went. I think I jumped the gun…

[Tichtheid]

We don’t need that negativity from our supporters

I found myself willing Edinburgh on most of the game and cheering when the final whistle went. I think I jumped the gun…

You can probably wear the shirt while supporting them in the final.

[Tichtheid]

Muncaster and Crosbie showed up well today

[Soapy]

Dave Cherry has been the best player on the park so far. Matt Currie has shown up well too.

I thought Skinner had a good hour or so and brought a bit of grit to the defense

[Tichtheid]

Dave Cherry has been the best player on the park so far. Matt Currie has shown up well too.

I thought Skinner had a good hour or so and brought a bit of grit to the defense

Yeah, I think the Embra pack outplayed their opponents - though Watson looks not match fit. Tom Dodd has previously played well, it must have been close between him and Watson for the bench spot.

[Tichtheid]

I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

[Tichtheid]

Right, I'm going to say something controversial here, something I've never really noticed before.

Matt Fagerson isn't a good scrummager, at least not in this game. His angles are all wrong and it could well be why Bhatti was folding in the scrum - the one at 38:54 minutes is a case in point

Does anyone know how to do gifs from Prem Sports videos?

[I like neeps]

I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

Currie and Mosese look like they'll be a great partnership in c2 years. I'd start Healy at 10 again, Thompson just doesn't threaten the line at all and shuffles along killing most attacks. 9 is a problem still but Edinburgh have the makings of a good backline.

Still they played a lot of rugby and their only try was a Schoeman broken player grubber. So we're a year or two away.

[Tichtheid]

I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

Currie and Mosese look like they'll be a great partnership in c2 years. I'd start Healy at 10 again, Thompson just doesn't threaten the line at all and shuffles along killing most attacks. 9 is a problem still but Edinburgh have the makings of a good backline.

Still they played a lot of rugby and their only try was a Schoeman broken player grubber. So we're a year or two away.

To be fair, as Barclay said every couple of minutes throughout the game, Glasgow have a very good defence - they don't commit many to the ruck at all and get back on their feet and into position immediately - they aren't an easy side to break down.
We've now played Leinster, Glasgow and the Bulls - the teams with the best defences.

We are currently 5th in the try scoring table.


There is a telling piece of information on the All Rugby site - Edinburgh are top of the league for home games and second bottom for away games. Only Dragons are worse away than us and they are bottom of the home table as well as the overall log
https://all.rugby/tournament/urc/table#google_vignette

We really need to start winning away.


Some more stats - Edinburgh are 5th in attack and have the second best defence in the league so far https://www.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2024-25

[Slick]

I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

[robmatic]

Thompson has his limitations and plays quite deep.

I'd be happy with the Healy from the start of last season, when he was playing quite a varied game, but not so much the recent Healy that has been playing like a drain.

[Tichtheid]

I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

[Slick]

I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

[charltom]

I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

[Biffer]

I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

Currie and Mosese look like they'll be a great partnership in c2 years. I'd start Healy at 10 again, Thompson just doesn't threaten the line at all and shuffles along killing most attacks. 9 is a problem still but Edinburgh have the makings of a good backline.

Still they played a lot of rugby and their only try was a Schoeman broken player grubber. So we're a year or two away.

To be fair, as Barclay said every couple of minutes throughout the game, Glasgow have a very good defence - they don't commit many to the ruck at all and get back on their feet and into position immediately - they aren't an easy side to break down.
We've now played Leinster, Glasgow and the Bulls - the teams with the best defences.

We are currently 5th in the try scoring table.


There is a telling piece of information on the All Rugby site - Edinburgh are top of the league for home games and second bottom for away games. Only Dragons are worse away than us and they are bottom of the home table as well as the overall log
https://all.rugby/tournament/urc/table#google_vignette

We really need to start winning away.


Some more stats - Edinburgh are 5th in attack and have the second best defence in the league so far https://www.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2024-25

Got to consider our four away games have been two in SA, Glasgow and Ospreys. Away games yet to come are Scarlets, Munster, Bennetton, Zebre and Connacht. Really got to aim for a few wins in that lot.

[Slick]

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

[Tichtheid]

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

I agree with that, but the one thing I'll say about Jordan is that he doesn't seem to have a ceiling - he just keeps on improving and I wouldn't put it past him to be that fly half at international level in a year or so. He needs games in a Scotland jersey, though.
He won't be starting in the 6N and the summer tour would seem the most likely time for him to get the gig.

[Slick]

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

I agree with that, but the one thing I'll say about Jordan is that he doesn't seem to have a ceiling - he just keeps on improving and I wouldn't put it past him to be that fly half at international level in a year or so. He needs games in a Scotland jersey, though.
He won't be starting in the 6N and the summer tour would seem the most likely time for him to get the gig.

100% agree, not sure I’ve ever seen a player at this level improve so much year on year, incredible really

[Tichtheid]

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

I agree with that, but the one thing I'll say about Jordan is that he doesn't seem to have a ceiling - he just keeps on improving and I wouldn't put it past him to be that fly half at international level in a year or so. He needs games in a Scotland jersey, though.
He won't be starting in the 6N and the summer tour would seem the most likely time for him to get the gig.

100% agree, not sure I’ve ever seen a player at this level improve so much year on year, incredible really

Bristol will be a really good fit for him and for his development for Scotland, I think.

[Yr Alban]

I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

[robmatic]

I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

[Achahoish]

I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

TBH After Cherry I think Hiddlestone will be hooker by the end of the 6N

[dpedin]

I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

TBH After Cherry I think Hiddlestone will be hooker by the end of the 6N

My daughter was in France at RWC and heard similar stories, also his concussion was due to him being drunk and falling down some stairs. Cant see him ever being selected for Scotland again.

[Yr Alban]

It is a shame as somehow he is our only source of reliable darts. But there it is.

[Yr Alban]

What I find strange is the odd sort of omertà that seems to surround this particular incident. Everyone ‘knows’ it happened, but despite the internet being what it is, the actual details have been successfully covered up.

[BagfordViper]

It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

[robmatic]

What I find strange is the odd sort of omertà that seems to surround this particular incident. Everyone ‘knows’ it happened, but despite the internet being what it is, the actual details have been successfully covered up.

I think part of it is probably due to the story at the time of him being out of the squad due to concussion didn't really add up. The return to play protocol takes a week or whatever and there was three weeks left, and "falling down the stairs" is already dubious, so everyone knows something happened.

[Slick]

Remember that time Stuart Hogg gave up rugby just before a WC because his body was broken

[SaintK]

It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

[Big D]

It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Rambos throwing was remarkably good considering he only transferred to hooker in 2013. Made a world cup squad within 2 years of the transition.

[Biffer]

It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Rambos throwing was remarkably good considering he only transferred to hooker in 2013. Made a world cup squad within 2 years of the transition.

And he had no specialist throwing coaching until Cockerill arrived at Edinburgh.

[Slick]

Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

[Blackmac]

Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

[Blackmac]

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

TBH After Cherry I think Hiddlestone will be hooker by the end of the 6N

My daughter was in France at RWC and heard similar stories, also his concussion was due to him being drunk and falling down some stairs. Cant see him ever being selected for Scotland again.

I heard from a very reliable source that the concussion was pretty much a result of the fracas with Dempsey. By all accounts completely out of character for Cherry as well, so it's a real shame if he is still persona non grata.

[Biffer]

Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

[Slick]

Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

I’m afraid not, this was an organic burst of enthusiasm!

A year today aff it in fact!

[Biffer]

Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

I’m afraid not, this was an organic burst of enthusiasm!

A year today aff it in fact!

Well done for staying off it, great stuff. What have you noticed most as the benefits/positives?

[Slick]

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

I’m afraid not, this was an organic burst of enthusiasm!

A year today aff it in fact!

Well done for staying off it, great stuff. What have you noticed most as the benefits/positives?

Without being flippant, everything.

Relationship and time with the kids and wife, work has been pretty much transformed, and just time to do stuff.

I’ve started sports/hobbies I’ve wanted to do for ages but never got around to, read more books than I’ve ever done.

Really the big one is health, fitter than I’ve been for a long time and mentally it has been great - anxiety has reduced massively and I don’t find myself staring at my screen at work doing nothing for hours on end.

I had a target of the year but like a lot of people now I’m here I’ll just keep going, very little desire to go back to old ways.

[SaintK]

It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Rambos throwing was remarkably good considering he only transferred to hooker in 2013. Made a world cup squad within 2 years of the transition.

My mate thought McInally was an exceptionally bright rugby player and fast learner.
He also did the same with Steve Thompson when he transitioned from flanker to hooker. Three years later Thompson won a winners medal at the RWC, as did my mate who was in Woodward's inner circle coaching team by then!!!!

[I like neeps]

I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I very much doubt if the worst of the rumours are true that he'd have a contract with the SRU.

Scotland players do seem to have a problem with the drink.