The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

So we’re playing against a side who have a number of significant injuries, a third of them play for a club who haven’t played a competitive fixture since November, and there will be no crowd at the game. Scotland are still going to find a way to lose this, aren’t we?

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

I think there is an argument that Turner is not far (if at all) behind Rambo and Brown, but adding Rambo/Brown, Horne (who hasn't played in ages) and Hastings onto that bench then I think the bench looks a lot stronger (I'd argue Skinner over RGray too). But in terms of starting XV it is time for them to put up a big (statement not score differential, although it would be nice) away win.

England are still big favourites until we prove otherwise.

[Yr Alban]

So we’re playing against a side who have a number of significant injuries, a third of them play for a club who haven’t played a competitive fixture since November, and there will be no crowd at the game. Scotland are still going to find a way to lose this, aren’t we?

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

[Biffer]

So we’re playing against a side who have a number of significant injuries, a third of them play for a club who haven’t played a competitive fixture since November, and there will be no crowd at the game. Scotland are still going to find a way to lose this, aren’t we?

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

You find me a Scotsman who’s extremely confident about this and I’ll find you some unicorn shite.

[JM2K6]

So we’re playing against a side who have a number of significant injuries, a third of them play for a club who haven’t played a competitive fixture since November, and there will be no crowd at the game. Scotland are still going to find a way to lose this, aren’t we?

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

[Yr Alban]

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

That’s part of the problem, though. It’s literally two generations of players since we last won at Twickenham - Cam Redpath’s dad was 12. If you don’t fundamentally believe you can do something then you won’t. This is why Scotland can beat SA and Australia on our day but we have never beaten NZ. The players don’t believe they can.

[JM2K6]

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

That’s part of the problem, though. It’s literally two generations of players since we last won at Twickenham - Cam Redpath’s dad was 12. If you don’t fundamentally believe you can do something then you won’t. This is why Scotland can beat SA and Australia on our day but we have never beaten NZ. The players don’t believe they can.

Surely given the performances you've put on against us in recent years that's not the case? And Agent Redpath knows all our secrets

[I like neeps]

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

That’s part of the problem, though. It’s literally two generations of players since we last won at Twickenham - Cam Redpath’s dad was 12. If you don’t fundamentally believe you can do something then you won’t. This is why Scotland can beat SA and Australia on our day but we have never beaten NZ. The players don’t believe they can.

Surely given the performances you've put on against us in recent years that's not the case? And Agent Redpath knows all our secrets

2019 the game was lost and Scotland players are on record saying the plan was to win the second half and there's almost no pressure and that happened, when they could've win the game in 2 minutes they gave away two penalties and a try under the posts. I've drank enough to forget 2017!

Maybe without the boorish moneymen of South West London declaring class warfare in the stands we'll fair a bit better but the Scotland team and Twickenham is a recipe for disaster.

[Slick]

I don't think we have a number of significant injuries, we're missing a couple of players in areas of strength. Certainly can't be used as an excuse. Having said that, the Sarries gametime is a real problem and our performances in the autumn weren't exactly earth-shattering. I think Scottish players and fans are right to be extremely confident, and it's great to see it.

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

And you’ve got Jonny May to fuck things up so that puts us in a good position

[JM2K6]

England have got so many players to pick from that you don’t exactly have many areas of weakness!

I’m not sure we are confident exactly. We’re more recognising that the odds are less stacked against us than usual. We still need to turn up and play out of our skins - TBH, the only time I can recall us doing that at Twickenham was in 2019, and that was only in the second half. Ireland and Wales lost their fear of playing there years ago, but ours is as strong as ever.

Not to make this an England rugby thread, but there should be enough evidence by now that having lots of players to pick from is a blessing AND a curse in English rugby. <waves at 2004-2015>. But in those positions we do have some really excellent players who've proven themselves to be deserving of a shot at the starting position - guys like Johnny Hill, Mark Wilson, Ben Earl, Jack Willis, etc. Some positions are much less obviously easily filled!


I was being mildly troll-y re: confidence. Everyone is being a bit cagey. Except Stuart "we're definitely going to smash the English" Hogg, obv.

And you’ve got Jonny May to fuck things up so that puts us in a good position

When he runs over Stuart Hogg for his hat-trick I will cackle at the screen and remember you

[Slick]

[Shaun]

First things first, I'm a new member here so look forward to interacting with you guys, I do have a joking sense of humour though so beware

I was on Planet Rugby.net but didn't get the warmest welcome so haven't been on since, plus all the Scottish posters left allegedly.

Anyway, on to Saturday. I noticed that Mr Jones has done our team talk already by basically questioning if we believe we can win! Has he not learned yet that his trash talk is so boring and predictable!

[Slick]

First things first, I'm a new member here so look forward to interacting with you guys, I do have a joking sense of humour though so beware

I was on Planet Rugby.net but didn't get the warmest welcome so haven't been on since, plus all the Scottish posters left allegedly.

Anyway, on to Saturday. I noticed that Mr Jones has done our team talk already by basically questioning if we believe we can win! Has he not learned yet that his trash talk is so boring and predictable!

Fuck off N00b

Welcome, Shaun.

[Biffer]

First things first, I'm a new member here so look forward to interacting with you guys, I do have a joking sense of humour though so beware

I was on Planet Rugby.net but didn't get the warmest welcome so haven't been on since, plus all the Scottish posters left allegedly.

Anyway, on to Saturday. I noticed that Mr Jones has done our team talk already by basically questioning if we believe we can win! Has he not learned yet that his trash talk is so boring and predictable!

Welcome. You're right, most of the regular Scottish posters left and came here.

[westport]

Edinburgh are showing all the tries from today's 19-22 A game win over Glasgow on Faceache

[Jock42]

Has anything been said about Graham's omission? Would much rather him over Maitland, not really got any gripes other than that. Haven't seen any of Newcastle to weigh in on Grahan v Fagerson.

I've got a good feeling about this game, an actual genuine good feeling. I can't remember the last time I had that about Scotland. Might have to reinstate my old username.

[C T]

Me: After 20 years of my optimism being punched squarely in the face, I've finally learnt my lesson and fully expect a sound beating tomorrow.

Me 10mins later: That's a great team, we're going to win!

[Biffer]

Me: After 20 years of my optimism being punched squarely in the face, I've finally learnt my lesson and fully expect a sound beating tomorrow.

Me 10mins later: That's a great team, we're going to win!

I can reassure you that doesn’t change after 40 years.

[dpedin]

Looking at the teams it looks like a competitive match and you could argue many of our team are equal if not superior to theirs. I have watched Glasgow and Edinburgh games where our man has looked miles better than their opposite number and you think why can't they do that at international level when they match up? For me the big difference is the top 6 inches and we will likely lose the game because of our mental fragility, inability to handle the pressure and decision making at the key points in the match.

[Yr Alban]

First things first, I'm a new member here so look forward to interacting with you guys, I do have a joking sense of humour though so beware

I was on Planet Rugby.net but didn't get the warmest welcome so haven't been on since, plus all the Scottish posters left allegedly.

Anyway, on to Saturday. I noticed that Mr Jones has done our team talk already by basically questioning if we believe we can win! Has he not learned yet that his trash talk is so boring and predictable!

Welcome Shaun. Yes, pretty much the entire Scots contingent came over here en masse. PR may have gone back to where it was when I joined in 2005 (hardly anyone there prepared to admit to being Scottish)!

I can’t find it in myself to get angry with Eddie Jones for saying something that is blindingly obvious - that Scotland have a massive psychological hang-up about playing at Twickenham.

[dkm57]

Welcome Shaun. I also used to lurk around PR as I couldn't seem to join the bored can't have been swarm enough or something. Happy to have arrived here where the best seem to have fetched up.

As to Saturday's game I'll settle for anything better than a collective Brain Fart from our lads.

[Hellraiser]

Rumours of Rory Sutherland moving to Worcester. With the Duhan rumour also still kicking around, did I miss the news that the SRU invested in them after all?

Surely there are better clubs available for these two? Be very frustrating to see them playing for a team at that level.

The Joys of not having a development, "Province".

The Welsh had Dragons, & the Irish have Connacht, & the Italians didn't have the player depth to need more that two teams & their academies; Scotland in the era of the Pro16; need a third team to provide a tier that keeps players within the SQ net.

Connacht haven't been a development province for 15 years or more. The Pro14 title in 2016 should have put that misconception to bed.

[Tichtheid]

Welcome Shaun, I'm a relative noob here myself, but I was never really attracted to join PR, it's a bit of a cess pit from what I can see.

@Jock42, Graham didn't play for Edinburgh last week due to "personal reasons", I assume he is still not ready, though I think Toonie would probably have gone for the reliable Maitland anyway.

It's our curse isn't it, the optimism at this point in the season? I once wrote an article for a rugby blog. Do you remember the old Charlie Brown cartoons? Charlie Brown's friend Lucy would hold a football in place for Charlie and every time he tried to kick it Lucy would snatch it away at the last second and Charlie would fall on his backside.
No matter how many times Lucy snatched the ball away Charlie would still believe that he would kick it this time.

Scotland fans are the Charlie Browns of the 6N.

[robmatic]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

[Tichtheid]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

It's a weird thing that seems to stick with some players, some people still think Kinghorn is weak under a high ball because he dropped one in a pishing gale in Galway when he was 18.
I don't remember vdM dropping much if at all, but I will be very happy for England to kick possession away and especially to Big Duhan, I want him on the ball as much as possible.

[KingBlairhorn]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

Can't say I've noticed that either. Firstly he has a good leap and seems to have decent enough hands, but more importantly they had better hope their kicking game is on point with that tactic as I certainly wouldn't be choosing to have Duhan run return ball at my outside backs all afternoon.

He doesn't have any great kicking game (or certainly doesn't use it if he does) so perhaps their thought is a tactical territory one, but with Duhan making hard meters and Hogg mopping up behind and punting it 60m+, I still don't see it being a great tactical choice.

[clydecloggie]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

[Biffer]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

That's a very good description of our yearly experience.

[Jock42]

@Jock42, Graham didn't play for Edinburgh last week due to "personal reasons", I assume he is still not ready, though I think Toonie would probably have gone for the reliable Maitland anyway.

OK, suppose I'll have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully Graham is in a place to get back in soon.

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

tenor (36).gif (47.71 KiB) Viewed 811 times

[I like neeps]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

The Pro14 doesn't have kickers as good as Farrell and chasers as good as Watson, May, Daly. This is a really very big test for IrnDu.

[Tichtheid]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

The Pro14 doesn't have kickers as good as Farrell and chasers as good as Watson, May, Daly. This is a really very big test for IrnDu.

I agree that this will be a big test, but I'd say that Sexton is probably the best field kicker in the game, Biggar isn't far behind.
Keith Earls is, imo, the best chaser in the sport, with Conway just as good, Larmour is pretty good too.

edit - I'd forgotten that Biggar plays at Saints right enough

[Slick]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

That's a very good description of our yearly experience.

And IrnDu - hadn't heard that before

[JM2K6]

Me: After 20 years of my optimism being punched squarely in the face, I've finally learnt my lesson and fully expect a sound beating tomorrow.

Me 10mins later: That's a great team, we're going to win!

We've got a special offer on Quins membership, right up your alley

[Biffer]

That's probably just a bit of psychological warfare to phrase it that way.

But nullifying McMerwe's threat by constantly turning him around to chase chips in behind seems like a good tactic to me. Although obviously England being of the 'pummel yes think no' persuasion will probably kick deep again and again. If Russell, Redpath, Hogg and McMerwe can exploit the resulting broken fields, we could be dancing come 6.30 on Saturday.

Obviously, we won't be.

But it's my solemn duty as a Scotland fan to be simultaneously optimistic and despairing on the Friday before game 1 of the 6N. If only Schroedinger had been a Scottish rugby fan, we wouldn't have needed the nonsense with the cat.

That's a very good description of our yearly experience.

And IrnDu - hadn't heard that before

Think a friend of mine has a tshirt with that on - works very well in Edinburgh colours!

[Biffer]

Me: After 20 years of my optimism being punched squarely in the face, I've finally learnt my lesson and fully expect a sound beating tomorrow.

Me 10mins later: That's a great team, we're going to win!

We've got a special offer on Quins membership, right up your alley

I'd never be allowed back to London Scottish again.

[Yr Alban]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

It's a weird thing that seems to stick with some players, some people still think Kinghorn is weak under a high ball because he dropped one in a pishing gale in Galway when he was 18.
I don't remember vdM dropping much if at all, but I will be very happy for England to kick possession away and especially to Big Duhan, I want him on the ball as much as possible.

Chris Paterson missed one tackle in a game v Ireland around 2005, and was labelled as a weak defender forever after. An entirely unjustified reputation that I think cost him at least one Lions tour.

[Tattie]

I have seen elsewhere the idea that England will be targeting Duhan with the high ball as this is a weakness. Obviously they will be kicking the leather off the ball regardless, but is Duhan actually that bad at fielding it? I can't say I've noticed it when he's turning out for Edinburgh, and it's not like Pro14 teams are averse to kicking the ball.

It's a weird thing that seems to stick with some players, some people still think Kinghorn is weak under a high ball because he dropped one in a pishing gale in Galway when he was 18.
I don't remember vdM dropping much if at all, but I will be very happy for England to kick possession away and especially to Big Duhan, I want him on the ball as much as possible.

Chris Paterson missed one tackle in a game v Ireland around 2005, and was labelled as a weak defender forever after. An entirely unjustified reputation that I think cost him at least one Lions tour.

Shag one sheep!

[KingBlairhorn]

It's a weird thing that seems to stick with some players, some people still think Kinghorn is weak under a high ball because he dropped one in a pishing gale in Galway when he was 18.
I don't remember vdM dropping much if at all, but I will be very happy for England to kick possession away and especially to Big Duhan, I want him on the ball as much as possible.

Chris Paterson missed one tackle in a game v Ireland around 2005, and was labelled as a weak defender forever after. An entirely unjustified reputation that I think cost him at least one Lions tour.

Shag one sheep!

Therein speaks the voice of experience

[Tattie]

Chris Paterson missed one tackle in a game v Ireland around 2005, and was labelled as a weak defender forever after. An entirely unjustified reputation that I think cost him at least one Lions tour.

Shag one sheep!

Therein speaks the voice of experience

I've been in Aberdeen too long

[Yr Alban]

It's a weird thing that seems to stick with some players, some people still think Kinghorn is weak under a high ball because he dropped one in a pishing gale in Galway when he was 18.
I don't remember vdM dropping much if at all, but I will be very happy for England to kick possession away and especially to Big Duhan, I want him on the ball as much as possible.

Chris Paterson missed one tackle in a game v Ireland around 2005, and was labelled as a weak defender forever after. An entirely unjustified reputation that I think cost him at least one Lions tour.

Shag one sheep!

That’s the point though - missing one tackle DOESN’T make you a bad defender! But it was brought up endlessly for the next two tours. It made about as much sense as it would have if Scotland had stopped picking him due to a tendency to kidney injuries.

[Slick]

I’m too bloody old for this, but found myself lying in bed at 5am thinking of a back line like this:

Finn
IrnDu (hehe)
Redpath
Jones
Darcy
Hoggy

I mean, it’s just gorgeous