The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[dpedin]

Someone please explain the point of Blair Cowan being on the bench.

No idea! However I did watch him last weekend and he was the best player on the park.Mind you they were playing Leicester.

[Dogbert]

I think the most positive take on this that I can see is that none of the players on the Bench are a significant drop in quality from those starting ( well maybe Cowan , but even then ) -

We have often been able to put out 1 strong staring 15 , but previously the drop off between the starting 15 , and the bench has been our downfall

That front 5 is probably ( on paper) has the potential to be one of the strongest I have seen , and the replacement Front row is pretty damn close as well.

The second row , along with Skinner , again has the potential to be truly international class

The back row is still a work in progress

Both Scrum half's - solid

Jaco at 10 will be interesting , He's never really stood out for me , nut maybe he can make the step up to International level , and I think his style of play fits in with Toonies game plan

I'm really hoping we can see what Taylor can do at International level ( Johnson looks way short on games time ) - Harris is Harris - and we can only hope that Jones can come off the bench , and have a stormer , because he has that special spark that Russell has

Both wings are class acts .

Hogg doesn't seem to be in great form , - but Maitland covering both wings and full back , is a great option to have

[Slick]

Have the SRU really released tickets today for the Autumn games next year?

Edit: yes they have, and very decent value. They must have extended the suspension of debentures as well but I hadn’t seen anything

[Margin__Walker]

Someone please explain the point of Blair Cowan being on the bench.

No idea! However I did watch him last weekend and he was the best player on the park. Mind you they were playing Leicester.

Don't think he stood out too much at the weekend but he has had a superb year. (a distant) Second only to Willis in the premiership last season for turnovers won, despite missing a chunk of time to injury.

Nice story for him to pick up another cap or two, but he's definitely not the development option and won't be around for long.

[Begbie]

Rambo drops out of the squad to attend the birth of his child. Turner in.

[Slick]

Back in my day

[I like neeps]

Blade Thomson has to be close to worst player Scotland have had in the last decade. Can't run, his passing isn't good, doesn't do anything at the ruck, Powerpuff in contact. Just dog awful.

[Big D]

Blade Thomson has to be close to worst player Scotland have had in the last decade. Can't run, his passing isn't good, doesn't do anything at the ruck, Powerpuff in contact. Just dog awful.

And Brown the thickest. Fed up watching him give a way stupid, mind numbingly daft penalties.

[Begbie]

Blade Thomson has to be close to worst player Scotland have had in the last decade. Can't run, his passing isn't good, doesn't do anything at the ruck, Powerpuff in contact. Just dog awful.

Was just saying the same to my mate. I forgot he was on the pitch.

[Yr Alban]

Just got in. Looks like the usual script whenever we play Ireland away - stupid mistakes, stupid penalties, giving away a game that was there for the winning?

[And 1 guest]

And there is Gatlands excuse for picking no Scots in one game.

[Slick]

Just got in. Looks like the usual script whenever we play Ireland away - stupid mistakes, stupid penalties, giving away a game that was there for the winning?

Yup. We were great for the first 20 minutes then started giving away a string of moronic penalties and that was that

[TheNatalShark]

Incredible drop off after the first 30 minutes, probably one of the worst performances in the last few years, felt like 2 steps forward 5 back.

Idiotic penalties, 3 poor errors from Hogg in second half, Thomson/Cowan nothing, Gray pathetic crawling tackle on the line like a clumsy mug, Ritchie several pens and no realistic threat at the ruck.

Rough.

[Blackmac]

Close to being a disgraceful performance. It's hard to understand how a rugby team can be as stupid as Scotland. How is it possible to stay in a game when you give away so many needless penalties.

[Blackmac]

Incredible drop off after the first 30 minutes, probably one of the worst performances in the last few years, felt like 2 steps forward 5 back.

Idiotic penalties, 3 poor errors from Hogg in second half, Thomson/Cowan nothing, Gray pathetic crawling tackle on the line like a clumsy mug, Ritchie several pens and no realistic threat at the ruck.

Rough.

Forgot about Grays effort at the try. What is a 20 stone player doing throwing himself at the feet of an attacker with his back to him.

[Slick]

Gave bit of slack last week but that was pathetic. Beating that Ireland team was really important to any progress, they are not very good.

As everyone has said, moronic penalties gave it away. I’d like to see some really bold changes, Gray out, Brown out, Price out, Thompson never near a Scotland shirt again.

Also very disappointed Jones didn’t get a run out.

As aside, it seems that everyone outside Scotland is desperate for Hogg to fail. Slightest mistake and it’s pounced upon. It’s very odd

Edit: also Matt Fagerson is no where near big enough to be an international 8. I kept thinking a back had wandered into the ruck area

[ASMO]

First 30 mins flattered to deceive then Scotland sank to the bottom of the bucket without a trace.

At this rate i cannot see a single Scotland player making the Lions squad.

[SaintK]

First 30 mins flattered to deceive then Scotland sank to the bottom of the bucket without a trace.

At this rate i cannot see a single Scotland player making the Lions squad.

I've quite liked the look of Cummings in the 2nd row but he disappeared without trace before being subbed today
Richie is probably a conteneder hif stops all the penalties he gives away

[Begbie]

There's still something seriously wrong with the mental side of our game, amongst other things. We constantly make stupid decisions and have huge brain farts. We are just so mentally weak. Fuckin hell it's tedious.

[Slick]

First 30 mins flattered to deceive then Scotland sank to the bottom of the bucket without a trace.

At this rate i cannot see a single Scotland player making the Lions squad.

Don’t talk shite, a couple of weeks back and everyone was saying we would have a few in the squad and 2 or 3 starting

[Tattie]

Pretty grim stuff from the yellow card onwards. Thought the first 30 minutes was comfortable, but mentally crumbled after the first try. Do these players get coached on how to give away daft, unnecessary penalties? no other team seems to give away so many in the brainless category or do I just notice it more because it's Scotland?

IMO a few players need dropped pronto. Also thought we really missed Hamish Watson today, first name on the team sheet for me.

On the plus side, I thought Taylor did ok up to a point and apart from the obvious.

[And 1 guest]

I wish Hogg would just concentrate on playing one position. It might cut down on the try-conceding howlers if he wasn't trying to play ten as well as fullback.

On balance, fourth in the tournament is probably fair, but the manner of defeat today was depressing. Maybe Russell would have produced more points while we were on top but the capitulation after the yellow was a disgrace.

[C T]

That game was a stinger. One of those that will probably mean I'm a little more irritable that normal of the next couple of days.

First 30, there I was thinking "Have we actually become a proper rugby team?"

No, is the answer I received over the next 50. We just seem so fragile mentally. One thing goes a bit wrong and that's it. I've seen a yellow card really bring a team together, I've seen a team struggle with 14 for the 10mins. This has got to be one of the first times it's impacted a team for 30 mins. The drop off from the first 30 to the next 30, I can't even think of a word to describe it.

Ireland did pick up in that second 30 too so credit to them.

[Slick]

Pretty grim stuff from the yellow card onwards. Thought the first 30 minutes was comfortable, but mentally crumbled after the first try. Do these players get coached on how to give away daft, unnecessary penalties? no other team seems to give away so many in the brainless category or do I just notice it more because it's Scotland?

IMO a few players need dropped pronto. Also thought we really missed Hamish Watson today, first name on the team sheet for me.

On the plus side, I thought Taylor did ok up to a point and apart from the obvious.

Yup, from about 30 mins on it was obvious how much we were missing Watson.

I thought Taylor was class actually, would love to see him and Jones, dreamy..:.

Also agree with 1 guest, why is Hogg taking kick offs and drop outs, someone else can do that.

Jaco did OK for a first cap

[Yr Alban]

I don’t think I can take watching the game now. I can do without the extra stress and bad mood.

The mental thing has been by far the worst thing about watching Scotland for the last decade or so. We developed a severe losing mentality, which persisted when we actually had better players to pick from, and led to our losing games we could have won. Over the last few years I have genuinely thought on several occasions that we had sorted the problem - most recently when we ground out the result against Wales away. But the fragility creeps back every time. It’s so frustrating.

I’m starting to think that the most important thing Russell brings to our team is his self-confidence. He’s been criticised for grinning and laughing when things were going badly for us, but at least he never lets his head go down.

The worst thing of all, as it often is on these occasions, is that we actually had a decent team out today.

[Tattie]

I don’t think I can take watching the game now. I can do without the extra stress and bad mood.

The mental thing has been by far the worst thing about watching Scotland for the last decade or so. We developed a severe losing mentality, which persisted when we actually had better players to pick from, and led to our losing games we could have won. Over the last few years I have genuinely thought on several occasions that we had sorted the problem - most recently when we ground out the result against Wales away. But the fragility creeps back every time. It’s so frustrating.

I’m starting to think that the most important thing Russell brings to our team is his self-confidence. He’s been criticised for grinning and laughing when things were going badly for us, but at least he never lets his head go down.

The worst thing of all, as it often is on these occasions, is that we actually had a decent team out today.

Yeah, I thought the Wales game would be a watershed moment with the mental fragility but today, and to an extent the France game, show that that was probably no more than an occasional fluke.

Just like the Scotland fitba - grind out a huge win in the Euro playoff v Serbia, giving us hope that a corner has been turned to then meekly lose the next two vital games against the worst teams in the group missing out on promotion and an easier route to the next World Cup.

Wha's like us indeed.

[Yr Alban]

I don’t think I can take watching the game now. I can do without the extra stress and bad mood.

The mental thing has been by far the worst thing about watching Scotland for the last decade or so. We developed a severe losing mentality, which persisted when we actually had better players to pick from, and led to our losing games we could have won. Over the last few years I have genuinely thought on several occasions that we had sorted the problem - most recently when we ground out the result against Wales away. But the fragility creeps back every time. It’s so frustrating.

I’m starting to think that the most important thing Russell brings to our team is his self-confidence. He’s been criticised for grinning and laughing when things were going badly for us, but at least he never lets his head go down.

The worst thing of all, as it often is on these occasions, is that we actually had a decent team out today.

Yeah, I thought the Wales game would be a watershed moment with the mental fragility but today, and to an extent the France game, show that that was probably no more than an occasional fluke.

Just like the Scotland fitba - grind out a huge win in the Euro playoff v Serbia, giving us hope that a corner has been turned to then meekly lose the next two vital games against the worst teams in the group missing out on promotion and an easier route to the next World Cup.

Wha's like us indeed.

Yep. A good summary of the football, but at least they won the game that REALLY mattered.

We’re like Ireland used to be. On our day and with a following wind we can win big one-off games, but we don’t show up consistently and we are just as likely to struggle against an unfancied side. We are a little better off than a few years ago in that we are consistently beating Italy, and winning most games at home, but otherwise we are way too inconsistent. Maybe that’s the best we can hope for with only two pro teams, but it’s depressing as hell.

[Tattie]

I don’t think I can take watching the game now. I can do without the extra stress and bad mood.

The mental thing has been by far the worst thing about watching Scotland for the last decade or so. We developed a severe losing mentality, which persisted when we actually had better players to pick from, and led to our losing games we could have won. Over the last few years I have genuinely thought on several occasions that we had sorted the problem - most recently when we ground out the result against Wales away. But the fragility creeps back every time. It’s so frustrating.

I’m starting to think that the most important thing Russell brings to our team is his self-confidence. He’s been criticised for grinning and laughing when things were going badly for us, but at least he never lets his head go down.

The worst thing of all, as it often is on these occasions, is that we actually had a decent team out today.

Yeah, I thought the Wales game would be a watershed moment with the mental fragility but today, and to an extent the France game, show that that was probably no more than an occasional fluke.

Just like the Scotland fitba - grind out a huge win in the Euro playoff v Serbia, giving us hope that a corner has been turned to then meekly lose the next two vital games against the worst teams in the group missing out on promotion and an easier route to the next World Cup.

Wha's like us indeed.

Yep. A good summary of the football, but at least they won the game that REALLY mattered.

We’re like Ireland used to be. On our day and with a following wind we can win big one-off games, but we don’t show up consistently and we are just as likely to struggle against an unfancied side. We are a little better off than a few years ago in that we are consistently beating Italy, and winning most games at home, but otherwise we are way too inconsistent. Maybe that’s the best we can hope for with only two pro teams, but it’s depressing as hell.

Agree with all of that. God, how I would love a pro team here in Aberdeen and I know loads that feel the same, even the occasional 6 nations and World Cup rugby watchers. I think it would be a success, would take a few years to establish and build up a solid committed fan base but it would be worth it.

[I like neeps]

Might not be worth it. The cash injection from the SRU and player reallocation would significantly affect Glasgow and Edinburgh now and the future of the SRU's finances. There's very little obvious appetite for rugby in Aberdeen (very few clubs and schools play at any level). All for what? Maybe a benefit in a decade or so?

Ultimately the SRU badly made a mistake mothballing the Borders and the financial mismanagement has killed us. As well as a small rugby playing population. Scotland aren't going to regularly compete at the top of the game. Just won't happen.

[Yr Alban]

Might not be worth it. The cash injection from the SRU and player reallocation would significantly affect Glasgow and Edinburgh now and the future of the SRU's finances. There's very little obvious appetite for rugby in Aberdeen (very few clubs and schools play at any level). All for what? Maybe a benefit in a decade or so?

Ultimately the SRU badly made a mistake mothballing the Borders and the financial mismanagement has killed us. As well as a small rugby playing population. Scotland aren't going to regularly compete at the top of the game. Just won't happen.

Don’t agree TBH. The odd international that has been held in Aberdeen has had a good attendance. There’s also the fact that there is only one significant football team in the area. But it looks like we’re not going to find out.

[I like neeps]

Might not be worth it. The cash injection from the SRU and player reallocation would significantly affect Glasgow and Edinburgh now and the future of the SRU's finances. There's very little obvious appetite for rugby in Aberdeen (very few clubs and schools play at any level). All for what? Maybe a benefit in a decade or so?

Ultimately the SRU badly made a mistake mothballing the Borders and the financial mismanagement has killed us. As well as a small rugby playing population. Scotland aren't going to regularly compete at the top of the game. Just won't happen.

Don’t agree TBH. The odd international that has been held in Aberdeen has had a good attendance. There’s also the fact that there is only one significant football team in the area. But it looks like we’re not going to find out.

That's a one off international with cheap tickets. Not an mishmash of the Glasgow and Edinburgh sides currently being horsed weekly get smashed by Ulster's third team. Edinburgh can't attract fans despite BTM selling out for Scotland games - same logic.

You are right though, we'll never find out. Which I think makes the conversation more fun!

[Slick]

Thought Jaco did well yesterday - hate to say it but definitely a step up from Weir. He bounced back well from a couple of early mistakes and it was great to see how much he wanted to be involved the whole game.

In saying that, I looked at the team huddle after the game and saw Blade, Blair, Maitland, Jaco, Van der, Kebble etc and I couldn’t help wondering if I really wanted my team to look like that.

[westport]

Edinburgh have added 20-year-old pair Charlie Savala (stand-off) and Korie Winters (wing) to the wider squad ahead of Saturday’s match v La Rochelle, having been scouted and recruited by Scottish Rugby’s SQ programme.

[Slick]

Edinburgh have added 20-year-old pair Charlie Savala (stand-off) and Korie Winters (wing) to the wider squad ahead of Saturday’s match v La Rochelle, having been scouted and recruited by Scottish Rugby’s SQ programme.

Yup saw that, a dad and a grandad

[clydecloggie]

If ever that quote about hope and despair applied, it was yesterday.

First Scotland play some of their best rugby in a long time for 30 minutes, only to revert to the darkest of days for the next 50.

Then Glasgow play a honking match but snatch it at the death, only to miss the winning conversion from a spot that I'd back my 14yo son to get 10/10 on.

Despair is fine. I can handle despair. It's the hope that kills you.

Funny how the Autumn Nations Cup table ends up looking exactly like the next 6N will, in all probability. Might as well make it the 8N and copy the format.

[I like neeps]

Thought Jaco did well yesterday - hate to say it but definitely a step up from Weir. He bounced back well from a couple of early mistakes and it was great to see how much he wanted to be involved the whole game.

In saying that, I looked at the team huddle after the game and saw Blade, Blair, Maitland, Jaco, Van der, Kebble etc and I couldn’t help wondering if I really wanted my team to look like that.

At least Thomson was noticeable in the huddle!

I agree vdw was good. And I agree about the other point. But fair play to Maitland at 50 caps. I don't mind the foreign born players who come in and give it a real go. Nel, Visser, VdM will probably go down as Edinburgh rugby legends so who really cares where they came from. I also never minded Cowan but I'll never understand why he played yesterday instead of say Crosbie or Gordon. And I'll never understand how Thomson gets in. Kebble and Schoeman seem like good guys but I'm glad the criteria has been increased.

[Slick]

Thought Jaco did well yesterday - hate to say it but definitely a step up from Weir. He bounced back well from a couple of early mistakes and it was great to see how much he wanted to be involved the whole game.

In saying that, I looked at the team huddle after the game and saw Blade, Blair, Maitland, Jaco, Van der, Kebble etc and I couldn’t help wondering if I really wanted my team to look like that.

At least Thomson was noticeable in the huddle!

I agree vdw was good. And I agree about the other point. But fair play to Maitland at 50 caps. I don't mind the foreign born players who come in and give it a real go. Nel, Visser, VdM will probably go down as Edinburgh rugby legends so who really cares where they came from. I also never minded Cowan but I'll never understand why he played yesterday instead of say Crosbie or Gordon. And I'll never understand how Thomson gets in. Kebble and Schoeman seem like good guys but I'm glad the criteria has been increased.

Yeah, my comment is a bit harsh on guys like Maitland and the truth is if other much bigger nations do it we HAVE to do it. Think we have probably reached our polite limit on Saffers though..

[Begbie]

Get a load of this sack of shit

[Yr Alban]

Feck, some days I think it must be wonderful to be an England fan. They seem to lead a charmed life.

The worst part is that thanks to my parents’ jobs I was born there, and even now I get idiots telling me that must make me English. I’d sooner die than start supporting England, but if there’s an alternate universe where I did, I expect that version of me is in a better mood on weekends in the spring and autumn.

[JM2K6]

Feck, some days I think it must be wonderful to be an England fan. They seem to lead a charmed life.

The worst part is that thanks to my parents’ jobs I was born there, and even now I get idiots telling me that must make me English. I’d sooner die than start supporting England, but if there’s an alternate universe where I did, I expect that version of me is in a better mood on weekends in the spring and autumn.

I dunno why you think England fans would be happy with the rugby we've been producing this autumn!