The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Kawazaki]

Telegraph reporting Fergus Burke will be called up for Scotland. Never seen him play but another option for the Finn succession plans.

Ironically, the fact that we missed out on Fin Smith (Scottish dad, Scottish name, grandfather played for Scotland and the Lions) has probably given us the chance to get Burke. The more the merrier, I say

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

[Paddington Bear]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

[Slick]

Telegraph reporting Fergus Burke will be called up for Scotland. Never seen him play but another option for the Finn succession plans.

Ironically, the fact that we missed out on Fin Smith (Scottish dad, Scottish name, grandfather played for Scotland and the Lions) has probably given us the chance to get Burke. The more the merrier, I say

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

[Tichtheid]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

That’s fair enough. I think any parent would be proud to see their son or daughter play international sport. Ryan Wilson’s father was a bit of a legend in the Scotland camp, he was always there supporting his son, even though it was through Wilson’s maternal grandparents that he qualified.

Good luck to Smith.

[Yr Alban]

Telegraph reporting Fergus Burke will be called up for Scotland. Never seen him play but another option for the Finn succession plans.

Ironically, the fact that we missed out on Fin Smith (Scottish dad, Scottish name, grandfather played for Scotland and the Lions) has probably given us the chance to get Burke. The more the merrier, I say

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

The first four things in your list are all direct consequences of his parents moving to England. It’s not as if he had a choice in any of it until he accepted an England age grade call-up.

Only very odd people don’t regard a parental qualification as entirely valid.

[Yr Alban]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

Fair play to his dad. I think I’d have been very conflicted. But I guess you don’t know how you’d feel until you’re actually in that position.

[robmatic]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

I don't find it hugely surprising. My wee boy doesn't seem very sporty so this likely won't become an issue but he is born and raised in Turkey and I would expect him to tend towards representing Turkey because of his peer environment.

[Kawazaki]

Ironically, the fact that we missed out on Fin Smith (Scottish dad, Scottish name, grandfather played for Scotland and the Lions) has probably given us the chance to get Burke. The more the merrier, I say

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

[Yr Alban]

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

‘An aggressive and unpleasant pest’ perfectly describes your presence on this thread. Nobody wants you here. Nobody has the slightest interest in what I’m sure you’re pleased to call your ‘opinion’. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

[Kawazaki]

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

‘An aggressive and unpleasant pest’ perfectly describes your presence on this thread. Nobody wants you here. Nobody has the slightest interest in what I’m sure you’re pleased to call your ‘opinion’. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

Read the room. The biggest investment the SRU make in Scottish rugby is their monthly Platinum membership subscription to Ancestry.com.

If they do cap Burke, we all know the next stage will be Townsend complaining to the press that Saracens have had the audacity to ask him to return to his club during the 6Ns rest weeks.

[charltom]

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

‘An aggressive and unpleasant pest’ perfectly describes your presence on this thread. Nobody wants you here. Nobody has the slightest interest in what I’m sure you’re pleased to call your ‘opinion’. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

Read the room. The biggest investment the SRU make in Scottish rugby is their monthly Platinum membership subscription to Ancestry.com.

If they do cap Burke, we all know the next stage will be Townsend complaining to the press that Saracens have had the audacity to ask him to return to his club during the 6Ns rest weeks.

Perhaps you should read the room.

And the room's name.

[Paddington Bear]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

I don't find it hugely surprising. My wee boy doesn't seem very sporty so this likely won't become an issue but he is born and raised in Turkey and I would expect him to tend towards representing Turkey because of his peer environment.

There’s a couple of interviews where Smith says essentially a version of that, albeit the Home Counties accented Celt is a mandatory part of any 6N experience in these parts!

[Biffer]

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

‘An aggressive and unpleasant pest’ perfectly describes your presence on this thread. Nobody wants you here. Nobody has the slightest interest in what I’m sure you’re pleased to call your ‘opinion’. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

Read the room. The biggest investment the SRU make in Scottish rugby is their monthly Platinum membership subscription to Ancestry.com.

If they do cap Burke, we all know the next stage will be Townsend complaining to the press that Saracens have had the audacity to ask him to return to his club during the 6Ns rest weeks.

This particular room is Scottish

Go and fuck yourself

[Tichtheid]

‘An aggressive and unpleasant pest’ perfectly describes your presence on this thread. Nobody wants you here. Nobody has the slightest interest in what I’m sure you’re pleased to call your ‘opinion’. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on your way out.

Read the room. The biggest investment the SRU make in Scottish rugby is their monthly Platinum membership subscription to Ancestry.com.

If they do cap Burke, we all know the next stage will be Townsend complaining to the press that Saracens have had the audacity to ask him to return to his club during the 6Ns rest weeks.

Perhaps you should read the room.

And the room's name.

Because I was never on the previous bored I never really got this thing about not being allowed to comment on another nation's thread. As far as I'm concerned he's welcome to make a fool of himself in here if he wants. It's up to us if we respond to the trolling or not.

This is 2025 and rugby at that level is a profession, dinosaurs like him are not to be taken seriously.

Other English posters have added interesting stuff to this room - no problems there

[Slick]

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

[inactionman]

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

[Tichtheid]

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

[inactionman]

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

England have had decent 10s, if not quite Dan Carter level, it's inside centres we just don't seem to develop. The last truly exceptional one was Will Greenwood (ignoring numbers on back, he'd play at 13 as well).

Russell is an outstanding player and - without wishing to jinx it - he's been remarkably robust which has hugely helped from a continuity and cohesiveness perspective. He's played pretty much all of Bath's games and has never shirked in defence. Runs of injury seem to hurt (pardon pun) 10s quite badly, arguably as the position requires match sharpness and well-tuned instinct - poor Adam Hastings is getting ruined by stop-start injuries, and George Ford has suffered quite badly over the last few years.

[I like neeps]

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

Easier to play back row than 10. 10 requires a huge amount of technique, tactical thinking etc as well as usual rugby skills.

New Zealand have had Richie Mo'unga who not Carter is unbelievable and before that Barrett who whilst flawed did have a very good 5-6 year spell, and Handre Pollard has surely been South Africa's best 10 in a long time. I don't think they struggle too much.

[Big D]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

As any parent would.

My two are unlikely to play international sport. But if they ever do represent Scotland, Northern Ireland (Ireland in some sports) or England, it would be an incredibly proud moment.

[Slick]

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

Easier to play back row than 10. 10 requires a huge amount of technique, tactical thinking etc as well as usual rugby skills.

New Zealand have had Richie Mo'unga who not Carter is unbelievable and before that Barrett who whilst flawed did have a very good 5-6 year spell, and Handre Pollard has surely been South Africa's best 10 in a long time. I don't think they struggle too much.

As an ex 10 I'd like to commend you on your observations. Also need to be terribly good looking which makes them difficult to find

[Tichtheid]

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

England have had decent 10s, if not quite Dan Carter level,

I agree with the word "decent". However, something occurs to me, when we think of great 10s we almost always think of Phil Bennett, Jiffy, Porta, Botha, these names are in every conversation on the topic. The modern rugby world is very different and guys like Ntamack or the two Smiths are pretty rare - the players now have so much less time and the best ones play flatter than a flat thing - Mark Ella was a great fly half and he was possibly the first to play really on the line.

For Neeps, I agree that Mo'unga was very good, as was Nick Evans to be fair, but the sport isn't hoaching with top class players in that position, Slick aside, obvs.

[Big D]

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Those people really need to understand the economic migration of Scots. A bit hard to invest in kids when their parents (or grandparents) have moved to England or the Southern Hemisphere for economic reasons. I don't particularly like going down the project player route like we have for a couple but selecting players who qualify through blood is entirely valid.

Saracens with Burke, Bath with Redpath etc would have known full well that they are Scottish qualified and there was a chance they would be called up and were happy to pay their wages.

[Paddington Bear]

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

England have had decent 10s, if not quite Dan Carter level, it's inside centres we just don't seem to develop. The last truly exceptional one was Will Greenwood (ignoring numbers on back, he'd play at 13 as well).

Russell is an outstanding player and - without wishing to jinx it - he's been remarkably robust which has hugely helped from a continuity and cohesiveness perspective. He's played pretty much all of Bath's games and has never shirked in defence. Runs of injury seem to hurt (pardon pun) 10s quite badly, arguably as the position requires match sharpness and well-tuned instinct - poor Adam Hastings is getting ruined by stop-start injuries, and George Ford has suffered quite badly over the last few years.

It’s a role that requires a huge amount of tactical thinking and leadership, which takes a lot more than raw talent or physicality to produce - you need a system and support around you, and a fair amount of luck. How many genuinely good 10s have the tier 2 nations ever produced? Gareth Rees is the only one off the top of my head - he’s close to collecting a bus pass. Think that speaks volumes.

On Finn specifically, he’s a very similar character and player to Cipriani in a lot of ways, not least in having a hefty blooper reel on the way to where he is now. In other systems he’d have been told to piss off by now

[Biffer]

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Those people really need to understand the economic migration of Scots. A bit hard to invest in kids when their parents (or grandparents) have moved to England or the Southern Hemisphere for economic reasons. I don't particularly like going down the project player route like we have for a couple but selecting players who qualify through blood is entirely valid.

Saracens with Burke, Bath with Redpath etc would have known full well that they are Scottish qualified and there was a chance they would be called up and were happy to pay their wages.

Imagine how angry he'd be if Damian MacKenzie and Finlay Christie had come across as well.

[Punter15]

Born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, represented England at u20, paid to play rugby by English clubs.

Yep, he's about as Scottish as most other Scottish players.

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

The guy who was banned from the other place for racists remarks thinks we're unpleasant. Brilliant.

England have led the way in poaching but just aren't very good at it and hate to see others do it better. No more than that.

[Kawazaki]

England have led the way in poaching but just aren't very good at it and hate to see others do it better. No more than that.

Can you explain this thought process?

[Biffer]

England have led the way in poaching but just aren't very good at it and hate to see others do it better. No more than that.

Can you explain this thought process?

You wouldn't understand what a thought process is given the stream of consciousness ramblings that you puke out.

[Punter15]

England have led the way in poaching but just aren't very good at it and hate to see others do it better. No more than that.

Can you explain this thought process?

The RFUs love of a 'not quite good enough Kiwi' predates our love of 'quite good but not as good as theirs Saffers'.

Love that you focus on that rather than the first line.

[Dogbert]

1872 2024 Cup winners for Racing - assuming the pitch is playable

1 Rory Sutherland (8)
2 Johnny Matthews (83)
3 Zander Fagerson (158)
4 Gregor Brown (28)
5 Scott Cummings (135)
6 Matt Fagerson (121)
7 Rory Darge (56)
8 Jack Mann (6)

9 George Horne (128)
10 Tom Jordan (60)
11 Kyle Steyn (C) (81)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (64)
13 Huw Jones (77)
14 Sebastian Cancelliere (46)
15 Josh McKay (57)

Replacements

16 Gregor Hiddleston (19)
17 Jamie Bhatti (113)
18 Sam Talakai (9)
19 Alex Samuel (25)
20 Ally Miller (32)
21 Euan Ferrie (24)
22 Jamie Dobie (78)
23 Duncan Weir (156)

Unavailable for selection: Adam Hastings (face), Stafford McDowall (suspension), JP du Preez (knee), Jare Oguntibeju (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee), Henco Venter (head), Murphy Walker (neck), Max Williamson (hand).

Dempsey, Smith , all now off the injury list.

Only one Hooker on the Bench - Has Franco lost the plot ??

[Yr Alban]

Hamish Watson, born in England, raised in England, schooled in England, learned rugby in England, never wanted to play for anyone but Scotland. Plenty of other examples.

Bore off

People are getting a bit fed up with the Scottish tactics of building their test side off the back of hard work and investment put in by other nations and clubs. You're like seagulls around the tip, a very aggressive and unpleasant pest.

Those people really need to understand the economic migration of Scots. A bit hard to invest in kids when their parents (or grandparents) have moved to England or the Southern Hemisphere for economic reasons. I don't particularly like going down the project player route like we have for a couple but selecting players who qualify through blood is entirely valid.

Saracens with Burke, Bath with Redpath etc would have known full well that they are Scottish qualified and there was a chance they would be called up and were happy to pay their wages.

I’ve posted the same a number of times before. Rugby in Scotland is a very middle class sport, aside from the Borders, who have a tiny population (though punch way above their weight!) and middle class families tend to relocate to where the work is. In UK terms, this almost always means London, or SE England anyway, and so there are always plenty of Scottish rugby families having kids in England. Then we get the usual sanctimonious guff about ‘born, schooled, learned his rugby in England’. As I pointed out earlier, if that’s where your parents move, you don’t get a lot of choice. Then either the players get snapped up by England, or if we’re lucky, they opt for us and then we get criticised for poaching.

The two rugby countries who benefit most from this sort of economic migration are England (migration within the UK, and to a lesser extent the Commonwealth) and New Zealand (who tend to get the bulk of Pacific Islander immigrants). Not coincidentally, fans of those countries are amongst the worst for complaining about ‘poaching’ whilst claiming all their players were ‘born and learned their rugby here’. Which is generally true, but glosses over how they came to be there in the first place.

Now that rugby is fully professional, these economic migrants include rugby players. Bryan Redpath’s rugby career took him to France and then to England, and Scotland nearly missed out on Cam Redpath as a result. It’s looking likely we will miss out on Reuben Logan. This is going to happen repeatedly.

[Tichtheid]

The Six Nations (or any tournament or tour) heaves into view.

Here come the Poaching comments

[Yr Alban]

I’ve worked a bit with his Dad - he couldn’t have been prouder seeing him run out for England in Rome. It’s a funny one - someone born in England to two non-English parents wanting to play for England over the other country is very much the exception to the rule, but there doesn’t seem to have ever really been any doubt in Smith’s mind as to which camp he was in.

As any parent would.

My two are unlikely to play international sport. But if they ever do represent Scotland, Northern Ireland (Ireland in some sports) or England, it would be an incredibly proud moment.

I’m sure it would be. But, assuming that this was a sport where playing for Scotland was an option, I’d also feel in my heart that I’d failed.

[Yr Alban]

Is that English people who are not enjoying the annual humping?

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

I think that truly international class 10s are rare, and world class 10s rarer still. It’s a position that requires a wide and complex skill set. We all know that Scotland struggled for years to find anyone better than a decent club player. We kept having to use one of the worst players in Scottish rugby history, and eventually we converted a scrum-half out of sheer desperation. Wales are having similar issues now.

[SomersetJock]

We are definitely not enjoying those, no.

I'm yearning for the days of Dan Parks

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

I think that truly international class 10s are rare, and world class 10s rarer still. It’s a position that requires a wide and complex skill set. We all know that Scotland struggled for years to find anyone better than a decent club player. We kept having to use one of the worst players in Scottish rugby history, and eventually we converted a scrum-half out of sheer desperation. Wales are having similar issues now.

I know bugger all about 10’s, just wanted to check I had worked out how to use the quote thingy now

[Biffer]

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

I think that truly international class 10s are rare, and world class 10s rarer still. It’s a position that requires a wide and complex skill set. We all know that Scotland struggled for years to find anyone better than a decent club player. We kept having to use one of the worst players in Scottish rugby history, and eventually we converted a scrum-half out of sheer desperation. Wales are having similar issues now.

I know bugger all about 10’s, just wanted to check I had worked out how to use the quote thingy now

Wild applause gif!

[Yr Alban]

As a wider question, it's an interesting one - when there are so many very good players in other positions, particularly the back row, why is fly half such a difficult one to find true world class? Even teams with vast resources of players like New Zealand, South Africa, France and England don't exactly churn out Dan Carters or Johnny Wilkinsons. Ireland are struggling to replace Sexton who was in place for centuries. Wales don't have anyone like Biggar, far less Jonathan Davies.

Scotland have Finn and he's been head and shoulders above anyone else in the pro era.

I think that truly international class 10s are rare, and world class 10s rarer still. It’s a position that requires a wide and complex skill set. We all know that Scotland struggled for years to find anyone better than a decent club player. We kept having to use one of the worst players in Scottish rugby history, and eventually we converted a scrum-half out of sheer desperation. Wales are having similar issues now.

I know bugger all about 10’s, just wanted to check I had worked out how to use the quote thingy now

[Kawazaki]

The RFUs love of a 'not quite good enough Kiwi' predates our love of 'quite good but not as good as theirs Saffers'.

How old is Sean Lineen nowadays?

[Tichtheid]

I know bugger all about 10’s, just wanted to check I had worked out how to use the quote thingy now

On the Glasgow team, that's about as strong as they can go, with Dempsey only just back and probably not quite match fit

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby
6m ·
Scotland international tighthead D’arcy Rae has penned a two-year extension after starting the season in impressive form for both club and country