The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[I like neeps]

The Taylor out bandwagon was one we weren't jumping off :-)

It has been a good start for Tandy, bigger tests ahead now people can see what of defensive gameplan is but it is miles ahead of Taylor.

I think Tandy is helped that the attacking gameplan is no longer attack from everywhere but kick the corners and structured attack. Turnover ball is always dangerous and Scotland used to cough it up so often.

But he's definitely doing well.

One thing about that fastest rugby in the world attack from anywhere thing was that even when it worked, we had a fifteen or twenty minute sweet spot and were hanging on a bit apart from that. Look at any of the games; Calcutta Cup, Wales, Ireland, New Zealand even to an extent gibbing Australia, we ripped them apart for fifteen or twenty minutes and scored two or three tries. It was a whirlwind that disoriented teams. If we can build this dogged aggressive, hard to score against base, then letting that mayhem loose at the right time could be an incredibly exciting and successful way to play. Can we do both with the same players? Well, many of them are the same ones, so here’s hoping.

I think it's one or the other though. We conceded the fewest points and also scored the fewest. Russell and Hogg tried barely anything all game yesterday. The team selection is solid rather than expansive.

[Yr Alban]

I think Tandy is helped that the attacking gameplan is no longer attack from everywhere but kick the corners and structured attack. Turnover ball is always dangerous and Scotland used to cough it up so often.

But he's definitely doing well.

One thing about that fastest rugby in the world attack from anywhere thing was that even when it worked, we had a fifteen or twenty minute sweet spot and were hanging on a bit apart from that. Look at any of the games; Calcutta Cup, Wales, Ireland, New Zealand even to an extent gibbing Australia, we ripped them apart for fifteen or twenty minutes and scored two or three tries. It was a whirlwind that disoriented teams. If we can build this dogged aggressive, hard to score against base, then letting that mayhem loose at the right time could be an incredibly exciting and successful way to play. Can we do both with the same players? Well, many of them are the same ones, so here’s hoping.

I think it's one or the other though. We conceded the fewest points and also scored the fewest. Russell and Hogg tried barely anything all game yesterday. The team selection is solid rather than expansive.

I’m hoping that this is temporary- to tighten things up and build a winning mentality - and that once we have more solid foundations in place we can be a bit more adventurous again.

[Yr Alban]

Apparently both Russell and Hastings are looking at ‘weeks’ out according to GT.

Exactly how many weeks is a bit of a pertinent question, given we have Italy in 2, France in 3 and Fiji in 4...

[Biffer]

Two ugly wins in Wales on consecutive days.

Not pretty but I’ll take them over pretty losses every time.

[KingBlairhorn]

Two ugly wins in Wales on consecutive days.

Not pretty but I’ll take them over pretty losses every time.

That was a hugely painful watch. Edinburgh tried very, very hard to throw that away but just managed to hold on. Let's hope the failings were psychological and that is the monkey off their backs now.

[fishfoodie]

Two ugly wins in Wales on consecutive days.

Not pretty but I’ll take them over pretty losses every time.

That was a hugely painful watch. Edinburgh tried very, very hard to throw that away but just managed to hold on. Let's hope the failings were psychological and that is the monkey off their backs now.

Just think of the untold suffering that people were spared by playing both games behind closed doors ...

[robmatic]

Two ugly wins in Wales on consecutive days.

Not pretty but I’ll take them over pretty losses every time.

That was a hugely painful watch. Edinburgh tried very, very hard to throw that away but just managed to hold on. Let's hope the failings were psychological and that is the monkey off their backs now.

I surprisingly enjoyed that one actually, despite the dreadful conditions. How often do you see a substitute tighthead prop deservedly win man of the match?

They did will to close out the game despite losing three players in the first 15 minutes.

[The Party Line]

Strange times, I enjoyed both games but would be beyond solace if either had been lost.

[dkm57]

Given the truly awful conditions I think all 4 sides did well. Just glad we won both marches. Probably too much to hope that Glasgow will complete the hat-trick

[Jock42]

Two ugly wins in Wales on consecutive days.

Not pretty but I’ll take them over pretty losses every time.

That was a hugely painful watch. Edinburgh tried very, very hard to throw that away but just managed to hold on. Let's hope the failings were psychological and that is the monkey off their backs now.

Aye that last 15 min or so were excruciating but a wins a win an aw that.

Thought Shiel was ok in his cameo on the wing. WP Nel though was outstanding especially considering he only joined the team the night before.

[Biffer]

Ticket prices for the Lions v Japan match at Murrayfield next year - £85, £116, £137 & £152.

Fuck that.

[Jock42]

Struggling to see why Horne was bumped by Steele in the tombola if he's fit.

[Slick]

Johnson has started nicely

[Slick]

Ticket prices for the Lions v Japan match at Murrayfield next year - £85, £116, £137 & £152.

Fuck that.

They have misjudged their audience quite badly there!

[Jock42]

Ticket prices for the Lions v Japan match at Murrayfield next year - £85, £116, £137 & £152.

Fuck that.

They have misjudged their audience quite badly there!

I think it'll be a sell out still, assuming the border isn't closed.

[Jock42]

Good response from the weegies. Patient and never forced it.

[Jock42]

Return of the Meatball

[Yr Alban]

Well, Toony has done odd things before, but I’d have been amazed if he had dropped vdW into the starting 10 shirt v France.

[KingBlairhorn]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

[Dogbert]

Struggling to see why Horne was bumped by Steele in the tombola if he's fit.

Hmm , after the bit of a headless chicken performance last night, I can

Horne Jr is a great talent , but he really needs to work on his game management , unsurprisingly the Glasgow Pack struggled against Leinster , and Horne needs to adjust his game to whats actually happening in front of him

[Tichtheid]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Brandon Thomson is SQ, I think, after that...

I think I may be a bit long in the tooth to change positions now.

[Big D]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Would think that we will see Hogg or Lang cover Weir. Horne seems so have fallen completely out of favour.

[Yr Alban]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Brandon Thomson is SQ, I think, after that...

I think I may be a bit long in the tooth to change positions now.

I read somewhere that Brandon Thomson had played a match for SA U20s that tied him down? Is that not the case?

[Biffer]

Van der Walt is unavailable for the next three weeks. He's off to South Africa to get married (was postponed from the summer) on Friday. Flies back Sunday then two weeks quarantine. So he'll be available for the Fiji game on the 28th.

The Heid is in for France.

[Big D]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

[KingBlairhorn]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Would think that we will see Hogg or Lang cover Weir. Horne seems so have fallen completely out of favour.

I don't mind Hogg being on pitch 3rd choice cover as he was at the weekend - he should never be second choice or even worse start a game at 10 though. We have a world class fullback, let's make sure we have him on the pitch in that position!

[KingBlairhorn]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

It was horrible live - knocked Taylor clean out and he was clearly in a lot of pain. It wasn't malicious, but he should still get 6+ weeks as a deterrent to others for not keeping player safety paramount in his mind. It would not have been difficult for him to dip into that 'tackle', but he made no effort.

[KingBlairhorn]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Brandon Thomson is SQ, I think, after that...

I think I may be a bit long in the tooth to change positions now.

I read somewhere that Brandon Thomson had played a match for SA U20s that tied him down? Is that not the case?

I have also read the same, I think from ToTM which makes it an unimpeachable fact.

[Biffer]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

And yet the arseholes on Ultimate Rugby consider it a 'controversial' red card

[Jock42]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Would think that we will see Hogg or Lang cover Weir. Horne seems so have fallen completely out of favour.

I don't mind Hogg being on pitch 3rd choice cover as he was at the weekend - he should never be second choice or even worse start a game at 10 though. We have a world class fullback, let's make sure we have him on the pitch in that position!

This

[westport]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

Never saw the game, as I will not give them the money, that looks a bloody sore one

[Big D]

Given the uncertainty over who will be fit/available, what is our depth chart at 10? Something like:

Russell, Hastings, Weir, JVdW, Horne, Lang, Chamberlain

It's not outside the realms of possibility then that we could go into the first AI match with a Weir/Horne combo?

Would think that we will see Hogg or Lang cover Weir. Horne seems so have fallen completely out of favour.

I don't mind Hogg being on pitch 3rd choice cover as he was at the weekend - he should never be second choice or even worse start a game at 10 though. We have a world class fullback, let's make sure we have him on the pitch in that position!

The options really are bring Horne in from no where or Lang/Hogg. There is no way Chamberlain gets thrown in having collected skelves in his arse all season. GT would really be needing to call Horne up early this week otherwise it will be Lang/Hogg and Lang hasn't played 10 for a long time either and has been playing 13 at Quins.

It is what it is. And it is partly why I would think the SRU will start to take an interest in how little game time Chamberlain is getting if it stays the same way by the end of the season.

[robmatic]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

It was horrible live - knocked Taylor clean out and he was clearly in a lot of pain. It wasn't malicious, but he should still get 6+ weeks as a deterrent to others for not keeping player safety paramount in his mind. It would not have been difficult for him to dip into that 'tackle', but he made no effort.

He'd done the hard part getting across and was in a good position to nail Taylor legally.

[Jock42]

Would think that we will see Hogg or Lang cover Weir. Horne seems so have fallen completely out of favour.

I don't mind Hogg being on pitch 3rd choice cover as he was at the weekend - he should never be second choice or even worse start a game at 10 though. We have a world class fullback, let's make sure we have him on the pitch in that position!

The options really are bring Horne in from no where or Lang/Hogg. There is no way Chamberlain gets thrown in having collected skelves in his arse all season. GT would really be needing to call Horne up early this week otherwise it will be Lang/Hogg and Lang hasn't played 10 for a long time either and has been playing 13 at Quins.

It is what it is. And it is partly why I would think the SRU will start to take an interest in how little game time Chamberlain is getting if it stays the same way by the end of the season.

He was called into the squad the first time round as 10 cover. Now I've no idea how much he had played at 10 back then but I assumed that was part of the reason he got the nod this time.

[Biffer]

Chamberlain will be starting 10 for the next four Edinburgh games in all likelihood.

[Begbie]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

And yet the arseholes on Ultimate Rugby consider it a 'controversial' red card

The usual 'gAmEs gOnE sOfT' tits were out in force on social media. Lots of salty Welsh.

[Biffer]

In case anyone missed this:


Rumoured broken cheekbone, jaw and nose for Taylor. Should be a fairly lengthy ban, first contact is head to head, extremely reckless.

And yet the arseholes on Ultimate Rugby consider it a 'controversial' red card

The usual 'gAmEs gOnE sOfT' tits were out in force on social media. Lots of salty Welsh.

Welsh rugby twitter is a hell of a place...

[Begbie]

And yet the arseholes on Ultimate Rugby consider it a 'controversial' red card

The usual 'gAmEs gOnE sOfT' tits were out in force on social media. Lots of salty Welsh.

Welsh rugby twitter is a hell of a place...

It made for enjoyable reading after the game on Saturday. There was a few accusations that we'd bribed the ref

[KingBlairhorn]

Chamberlain will be starting 10 for the next four Edinburgh games in all likelihood.

To be fair to Cockerill, the news that Jaco is off to get married sheds a different light on the situation. Edinburgh have only two 'senior' tens. If Chamberlain had been injured in any of the 10-15 minute cameos we all (myself included) expected him to make, what then? Edinburgh would literally have had zero ten options left.

I still wouldn't be surprised to see Edinburgh take on a short-term loan option though. There must be plenty clubs down south who would be happy to get a third choice ten off their books for a few months. Leicester for instance have 5(!) senior fly-halfs. Someone like Johnny McPhillips who knows the Pro14 well, Bonilla who is an experienced club player or Zack Henry who would give a bit of versatility too would all be good pick-ups for 3 - 6 months to cover the international periods.

[Jock42]

Cardiff, Leinster, Dragons and Ulster are the next 4. Mixed bag for a pretty green fly half and even greener apprentice fly half's apprentice, whoever that will be.