The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

Such a poor 5min for Edinburgh.

Forwards and Vellacott overly slow in the Benneton 5. One ruck was well over a 5 count with the ball available to the 9. Then a poor defensive set to concede a try.

[Yr Alban]

I reckon Embra lost this game when they had a dozen phases of possession on the try line, and came away with nothing. That would have taken them two scores clear. Now it’s a 2-point game and I am struggling to see them holding out.

And another scrum pen to Benneton ruining good field position. We’re losing this.

[I like neeps]

Mosese had a good game but that's a 3 week ban.

[Big D]

Idiotic by Tuipulotu. Just daft and inexcusable.

[Jock42]

Such a poor 5min for Edinburgh.

Forwards and Vellacott overly slow in the Benneton 5. One ruck was well over a 5 count with the ball available to the 9. Then a poor defensive set to concede a try.

Didn't look like a team who've just had 3 weeks off.

Or maybe they do and spent it on the lash.

[Big D]

I know I've been banging on about this for about a year but Edinburgh are not a well coached team.

[Tichtheid]

I don't know why I'm disappointed, it happens so fucking often.

[Jock42]

Fuck sake. Utterly turgid shite, yet another contrast from the last match.

[Biffer]

Fuck sake. How to bollox it

Fucking shite.

[Biffer]

Idiotic by Tuipulotu. Just daft and inexcusable.

Yeah. Pointless, unnecessary and frankly really fucking stupid. But our coaching staff will out an arm round him and reassure him rather than give him a bollocking. His brother might tell him though. Hopefully.

[dkm57]

Utter lunacy and unnecessary by the younger Tuipulotu hope his brother puts him right.

[Biffer]

If we'd held on there we'd be in a really good position. We have the easiest run in in the competition - Dragons at home, Lions at home, Sharks at home, Zebre away, Connacht away, Ulster at home. If we cock this up people need binning. Or shooting

[Biffer]

Don't know if it's just me, but the Edinburgh rugby posts from after the game and halftime aren't showing up anymore. Some opinions were being expressed

[Slick]

Utter lunacy and unnecessary by the younger Tuipulotu hope his brother puts him right.

What did he do?

[dkm57]

He was second tackler plenty of time to adjust but went in with his shoulder straight to head with tucked arm. Never anything else but a red.

[Jock42]

Utter lunacy and unnecessary by the younger Tuipulotu hope his brother puts him right.

What did he do?

Shoulder to the head, no attempt to wrap.

[Yr Alban]

I don't know why I'm disappointed, it happens so fucking often.

Indeed. This was a winnable match and Edinburgh were in a position to build a lead Benetton would have found it hard to overcome. But they shat the bed, couldn’t score, and were (entirely predictably) punished for it.

[dpedin]

I don't know why I'm disappointed, it happens so fucking often.

Indeed. This was a winnable match and Edinburgh were in a position to build a lead Benetton would have found it hard to overcome. But they shat the bed, couldn’t score, and were (entirely predictably) punished for it.

Bottled it .... again! The last few minutes showed up the poor preparation and poor mental attitude - should have been an easy line out take and then a minute or two of three man pods in their half, recycling and then kick out to win the game. Bog standard for almost any pro team ... apart from Edinburgh. Cant see them making the top 8 now, they will bottle it against teams who are more up for it and more resilient when the going gets tough. Cant see, not want to see, Everitt surviving of more of this next year.

[KingBlairhorn]

I don't know why I'm disappointed, it happens so fucking often.

Indeed. This was a winnable match and Edinburgh were in a position to build a lead Benetton would have found it hard to overcome. But they shat the bed, couldn’t score, and were (entirely predictably) punished for it.

Bottled it .... again! The last few minutes showed up the poor preparation and poor mental attitude - should have been an easy line out take and then a minute or two of three man pods in their half, recycling and then kick out to win the game. Bog standard for almost any pro team ... apart from Edinburgh. Cant see them making the top 8 now, they will bottle it against teams who are more up for it and more resilient when the going gets tough. Cant see, not want to see, Everitt surviving of more of this next year.

So annoying, the difference between 5th a d 13th is one win at the moment, it’s such a tight fight for the playoff spots. That was a game they had to win. They are fortunate to still have an easyish run-in but that was one of the winnable games and they had already done most of the work.

[Big D]

They'll sneak the play offs, lose a playoff game and many will see that as an ok season and be happy for it to carry on.

One post of TOL was basically saying "ach is it's ok no-one expected Edinburgh to win anyway".

[robmatic]

They had done well to get themselves in a good position with 20 mins to go. I thought Thompson was playing the conditions well, and the only issue was the lineout being a shitshow.

That Tuipolotu red card was an absolute killer though.

[I like neeps]

They had done well to get themselves in a good position with 20 mins to go. I thought Thompson was playing the conditions well, and the only issue was the lineout being a shitshow.

That Tuipolotu red card was an absolute killer though.

I thought they played well until being on Benneton's line and getting pushed back 10 metres at least through poor pick and go body positions and brainless lack of control. Then Mosese's red finished them off.

Ashman really is unplayable until he can throw.

[Wylie Coyote]

They had done well to get themselves in a good position with 20 mins to go. I thought Thompson was playing the conditions well, and the only issue was the lineout being a shitshow.

That Tuipolotu red card was an absolute killer though.

I thought they played well until being on Benneton's line and getting pushed back 10 metres at least through poor pick and go body positions and brainless lack of control. Then Mosese's red finished them off.

Ashman really is unplayable until he can throw.

I just do not understand Ashman. If you have a clear weakness in a core skill for your position to my mind that weakness is the sole thing you work at. I don't understand how a problem like this can continue for years. If he could throw he would be a solid first choice, given how flakey he is he is at risk of missing out of a Scottish squad entirely. I find myself cheering when a team with him in it wins a lineout. Any opposition coach worth his salt will instruct his players to complete at every lineout he throws into, kick for territory etc as lineouts become an easy way to get possession & territory. Leave all the flashy stuff, the other skills to one side. If he nailed his throws Edinburgh would've won that game comfortably. Likewise any up and coming hooker - make sure your super skill is accurate darts and you'll not be short of contract offers. It is like a scrum half who can't pass, or a number 8 who doesn't like to carry the ball or a fullback entirely unable to catch a high ball. You work on that skill until it is up to scratch and ultimately becomes a strength.

[KingBlairhorn]

They had done well to get themselves in a good position with 20 mins to go. I thought Thompson was playing the conditions well, and the only issue was the lineout being a shitshow.

That Tuipolotu red card was an absolute killer though.

I thought they played well until being on Benneton's line and getting pushed back 10 metres at least through poor pick and go body positions and brainless lack of control. Then Mosese's red finished them off.

Ashman really is unplayable until he can throw.

I just do not understand Ashman. If you have a clear weakness in a core skill for your position to my mind that weakness is the sole thing you work at. I don't understand how a problem like this can continue for years. If he could throw he would be a solid first choice, given how flakey he is he is at risk of missing out of a Scottish squad entirely. I find myself cheering when a team with him in it wins a lineout. Any opposition coach worth his salt will instruct his players to complete at every lineout he throws into, kick for territory etc as lineouts become an easy way to get possession & territory. Leave all the flashy stuff, the other skills to one side. If he nailed his throws Edinburgh would've won that game comfortably. Likewise any up and coming hooker - make sure your super skill is accurate darts and you'll not be short of contract offers. It is like a scrum half who can't pass, or a number 8 who doesn't like to carry the ball or a fullback entirely unable to catch a high ball. You work on that skill until it is up to scratch and ultimately becomes a strength.

Does Edinburgh have a full time throwing coach? I would be unsurprised if they don't. Does Scotland for that matter? It's been a systemic problem in Scottish rugby for 20+ years now. Genuinely, who is the last hooker we had you could rely on to make his throws? Gordon Bulloch?

Ross Ford was a third prop, Scott Lawson I can't really remember, Dougie Hall maybe? Recent props have all been ropey at times to ropey all the time (Brown, Rambo, Turner) with the exception of Cherry who hits his darts but seems to be significantly weaker in lots of other bits of his game.

[Biffer]

I thought they played well until being on Benneton's line and getting pushed back 10 metres at least through poor pick and go body positions and brainless lack of control. Then Mosese's red finished them off.

Ashman really is unplayable until he can throw.

I just do not understand Ashman. If you have a clear weakness in a core skill for your position to my mind that weakness is the sole thing you work at. I don't understand how a problem like this can continue for years. If he could throw he would be a solid first choice, given how flakey he is he is at risk of missing out of a Scottish squad entirely. I find myself cheering when a team with him in it wins a lineout. Any opposition coach worth his salt will instruct his players to complete at every lineout he throws into, kick for territory etc as lineouts become an easy way to get possession & territory. Leave all the flashy stuff, the other skills to one side. If he nailed his throws Edinburgh would've won that game comfortably. Likewise any up and coming hooker - make sure your super skill is accurate darts and you'll not be short of contract offers. It is like a scrum half who can't pass, or a number 8 who doesn't like to carry the ball or a fullback entirely unable to catch a high ball. You work on that skill until it is up to scratch and ultimately becomes a strength.

Does Edinburgh have a full time throwing coach? I would be unsurprised if they don't. Does Scotland for that matter? It's been a systemic problem in Scottish rugby for 20+ years now. Genuinely, who is the last hooker we had you could rely on to make his throws? Gordon Bulloch?

Ross Ford was a third prop, Scott Lawson I can't really remember, Dougie Hall maybe? Recent props have all been ropey at times to ropey all the time (Brown, Rambo, Turner) with the exception of Cherry who hits his darts but seems to be significantly weaker in lots of other bits of his game.

Cockerill was outraged that McInally hadn't been provided with a throwing coach during his career. He made sure one was put in place but I'd bet that has now lapsed.

[SaintK]

I just do not understand Ashman. If you have a clear weakness in a core skill for your position to my mind that weakness is the sole thing you work at. I don't understand how a problem like this can continue for years. If he could throw he would be a solid first choice, given how flakey he is he is at risk of missing out of a Scottish squad entirely. I find myself cheering when a team with him in it wins a lineout. Any opposition coach worth his salt will instruct his players to complete at every lineout he throws into, kick for territory etc as lineouts become an easy way to get possession & territory. Leave all the flashy stuff, the other skills to one side. If he nailed his throws Edinburgh would've won that game comfortably. Likewise any up and coming hooker - make sure your super skill is accurate darts and you'll not be short of contract offers. It is like a scrum half who can't pass, or a number 8 who doesn't like to carry the ball or a fullback entirely unable to catch a high ball. You work on that skill until it is up to scratch and ultimately becomes a strength.

Does Edinburgh have a full time throwing coach? I would be unsurprised if they don't. Does Scotland for that matter? It's been a systemic problem in Scottish rugby for 20+ years now. Genuinely, who is the last hooker we had you could rely on to make his throws? Gordon Bulloch?

Ross Ford was a third prop, Scott Lawson I can't really remember, Dougie Hall maybe? Recent props have all been ropey at times to ropey all the time (Brown, Rambo, Turner) with the exception of Cherry who hits his darts but seems to be significantly weaker in lots of other bits of his game.

Cockerill was outraged that McInally hadn't been provided with a throwing coach during his career. He made sure one was put in place but I'd bet that has now lapsed.

Yep. It's a mate of mine
He works with the hookers in the Scottish squad when they're in camp and with Glasgow.. For some reason Edinburgh declined his help!!!

[Yr Alban]

As you say, Ashman has all the skills except one - and it’s by far the most important. We have now arrived a situation where we actually have several good players in contention for the hooker shirt, and none of them can bloody throw a decent dart. Hence why Cherry started every game of the 6N. He doesn’t have the all-round game of the others, but at least he can hit his bloody jumpers.

[KingBlairhorn]

Does Edinburgh have a full time throwing coach? I would be unsurprised if they don't. Does Scotland for that matter? It's been a systemic problem in Scottish rugby for 20+ years now. Genuinely, who is the last hooker we had you could rely on to make his throws? Gordon Bulloch?

Ross Ford was a third prop, Scott Lawson I can't really remember, Dougie Hall maybe? Recent props have all been ropey at times to ropey all the time (Brown, Rambo, Turner) with the exception of Cherry who hits his darts but seems to be significantly weaker in lots of other bits of his game.

Cockerill was outraged that McInally hadn't been provided with a throwing coach during his career. He made sure one was put in place but I'd bet that has now lapsed.

Yep. It's a mate of mine
He works with the hookers in the Scottish squad when they're in camp and with Glasgow.. For some reason Edinburgh declined his help!!!

Didn't have the right FP tie.

[SaintK]

Cockerill was outraged that McInally hadn't been provided with a throwing coach during his career. He made sure one was put in place but I'd bet that has now lapsed.

Yep. It's a mate of mine
He works with the hookers in the Scottish squad when they're in camp and with Glasgow.. For some reason Edinburgh declined his help!!!

Didn't have the right FP tie.

He was there under Cockerill and for most of Blairs tenure. Don't think he's been in once under Everitt, not sure what the story is though usually forwards coach insecurity.
Dave Rennie has continued to use him both with the Australian team where he also mentored Geoff Parling who he worked with both with Tigers and England and flies him out to Japan to work with Kobe Steelers 3 times per season!
Nice work if you can get it!!!!

[Jock42]

Yep. It's a mate of mine
He works with the hookers in the Scottish squad when they're in camp and with Glasgow.. For some reason Edinburgh declined his help!!!

Didn't have the right FP tie.

He was there under Cockerill and for most of Blairs tenure. Don't think he's been in once under Everitt, not sure what the story is though usually forwards coach insecurity.
Dave Rennie has continued to use him both with the Australian team where he also mentored Geoff Parling who he worked with both with Tigers and England and flies him out to Japan to work with Kobe Steelers 3 times per season!
Nice work if you can get it!!!!

Hmmmm. Forwards coach is former hooker Steve Lawrie

[Big D]

Didn't have the right FP tie.

He was there under Cockerill and for most of Blairs tenure. Don't think he's been in once under Everitt, not sure what the story is though usually forwards coach insecurity.
Dave Rennie has continued to use him both with the Australian team where he also mentored Geoff Parling who he worked with both with Tigers and England and flies him out to Japan to work with Kobe Steelers 3 times per season!
Nice work if you can get it!!!!

Hmmmm. Forwards coach is former hooker Steve Lawrie

I'm all for promoting young Scots coaches. That being said, has he improved any Edinburgh forward beyond what could be considered "natural" progression through turning pro, getting more game time etc?

[I like neeps]

Speaking off Scottish forwards coaches John Dalziel Lions forwards coach. Good on him.

[Big D]

Speaking off Scottish forwards coaches John Dalziel Lions forwards coach. Good on him.

That's awesome for him. Done the hard yards Melrose > U20s > London Scottish > 7s > Glasgow > national side.

Would be one of the options to replace Everitt at Edinburgh.

[Tichtheid]

He was there under Cockerill and for most of Blairs tenure. Don't think he's been in once under Everitt, not sure what the story is though usually forwards coach insecurity.
Dave Rennie has continued to use him both with the Australian team where he also mentored Geoff Parling who he worked with both with Tigers and England and flies him out to Japan to work with Kobe Steelers 3 times per season!
Nice work if you can get it!!!!

Hmmmm. Forwards coach is former hooker Steve Lawrie

I'm all for promoting young Scots coaches. That being said, has he improved any Edinburgh forward beyond what could be considered "natural" progression through turning pro, getting more game time etc?

That's an impossible question to answer, to the point that I'm not sure it's even a valid question as there is no way of answering it.

Having said that, Saint has spoken about his friend before and I find it astonishing that Edinburgh have turned down his help - even if Lawrie was on hand to watch what he's doing and learning how to use those methods or adapting them.

I'd also say that Ashman's darts have been very poor in the last couple of months, but I don't recall him being that bad before now. There was a great hue and cry about the Glasgow hookers and one in particular being left out of the Scotland squad but to be honest their throwing has been somewhere been honking and below average

[westport]

Gilcho signs for another year

[Tichtheid]

Mosese Tuipulotu is suspended for three weeks with the option of reducing it to two by doing the "Tackle School" thing

[Blackmac]

Mosese Tuipulotu is suspended for three weeks with the option of reducing it to two by doing the "Tackle School" thing

Possibly a silly question but how do they implement this "infamous" tackle school. Is there a video they watch or do they actually have to go somewhere and be coached.

[Tichtheid]

Mosese Tuipulotu is suspended for three weeks with the option of reducing it to two by doing the "Tackle School" thing

Possibly a silly question but how do they implement this "infamous" tackle school. Is there a video they watch or do they actually have to go somewhere and be coached.

I think it's an online quiz on the laptop or something equally silly for professional players


Embra going full pelt v Dragons tomorrow



Unavailable: Ewan Ashman (rest), Mark Bennett, Emiliano Boffellli, Connor Boyle, Luke Crosbie, Tom Dodd, Ben Healy, Paul Hill, Jamie Hodgson, Ben Muncaster, Harry Paterson, Matt Scott, Sam Skinner (rest), Mosese Tuipulotu (suspended), Lewis Wells.

[Jock42]

Still waiting to see Scott get some meaningful game time.

[Yr Alban]

Just seen something about John Dalziel linking up with the Lions coaching team and being surprised that the other members showed real respect for the Scotland players. It tells you something about how severe and prolonged our slump was, that even now we think people will think less of our players purely for being Scottish.