The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

I'd start Graham and Dobbie

I hope Toonie saw Hutchinson play yesterday

[Jock42]

I'd start Graham and Dobbie

I hope Toonie saw Hutchinson play yesterday

Can't understand how Taylor is included but he's not.

[Tichtheid]

I'd start Graham and Dobbie

I hope Toonie saw Hutchinson play yesterday

Can't understand how Taylor is included but he's not.

Taylor inspires a lot of respect from the guys he plays with, many of the Sarries guys have described him as the best player they've ever played with. The coaches will see stuff that we don't out here, but his injury record could well have robbed us of an all-time-great. When he has been fit Taylor looked unplayable.

Hutchinson may not be at that level, but he plays first receiver so often he can offer a point of difference at 12, much like Cameron Redpath in fact, he has excelled at 13 for Saints from what I've seen.

Matt Scott has been playing well too, Edinburgh's midfield have looked non-existent without him

[Soapy]

I'd start Graham and Dobbie

I hope Toonie saw Hutchinson play yesterday

Yep. He's too good a talent and cool head to be sitting watch Scotland on the box. Despite Saints results, he's been really impressive in that link and distribution role.

[Jock42]

I hope Toonie saw Hutchinson play yesterday

Can't understand how Taylor is included but he's not.

Taylor inspires a lot of respect from the guys he plays with, many of the Sarries guys have described him as the best player they've ever played with. The coaches will see stuff that we don't out here, but his injury record could well have robbed us of an all-time-great. When he has been fit Taylor looked unplayable.

Hutchinson may not be at that level, but he plays first receiver so often he can offer a point of difference at 12, much like Cameron Redpath in fact, he has excelled at 13 for Saints from what I've seen.

Matt Scott has been playing well too, Edinburgh's midfield have looked non-existent without him

Completely agree he was/is an excellent player but when was the last time he played a meaningful game?

Haven't seen any of Scott this season but again agree Embra are a different team.

[I like neeps]

Can't understand how Taylor is included but he's not.

Taylor inspires a lot of respect from the guys he plays with, many of the Sarries guys have described him as the best player they've ever played with. The coaches will see stuff that we don't out here, but his injury record could well have robbed us of an all-time-great. When he has been fit Taylor looked unplayable.

Hutchinson may not be at that level, but he plays first receiver so often he can offer a point of difference at 12, much like Cameron Redpath in fact, he has excelled at 13 for Saints from what I've seen.

Matt Scott has been playing well too, Edinburgh's midfield have looked non-existent without him

Completely agree he was/is an excellent player but when was the last time he played a meaningful game?

Haven't seen any of Scott this season but again agree Embra are a different team.

Probably Scotland Ireland in the Nation's cup! He was good that day to be fair.

Hutchinson is really a sublime player, love to watch him play. He is a bit boom and bust though, he's high risk.

[Yr Alban]

It still genuinely baffles me that with the depth of talent available to us at centre, we are currently fielding Lang and Harris. OK, OK, I know Harris is good defensively, and that Lang is only there because Redpath is injured. But even so, that’s Taylor, Jones, Johnson, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott unable to get a start. The final three can’t even get a sniff of a spot in the squad. I’m just waiting for us to cap Fraser Dingwall so we can leave him out as well.

[Tichtheid]

It still genuinely baffles me that with the depth of talent available to us at centre, we are currently fielding Lang and Harris. OK, OK, I know Harris is good defensively, and that Lang is only there because Redpath is injured. But even so, that’s Taylor, Jones, Johnson, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott unable to get a start. The final three can’t even get a sniff of a spot in the squad. I’m just waiting for us to cap Fraser Dingwall so we can leave him out as well.

I'd love us to capture Dingwall, but I doubt it will happen.

Bath's Ruaraidh McConnachie is another that got away, we have players available now who would be ahead of him, but he would have been a useful guy to have around.

[I like neeps]

It still genuinely baffles me that with the depth of talent available to us at centre, we are currently fielding Lang and Harris. OK, OK, I know Harris is good defensively, and that Lang is only there because Redpath is injured. But even so, that’s Taylor, Jones, Johnson, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott unable to get a start. The final three can’t even get a sniff of a spot in the squad. I’m just waiting for us to cap Fraser Dingwall so we can leave him out as well.

I think our depth in centre is a bit of a myth. Of the names here Taylor is just always injured and bad bad injuries so he lost his edge. Jones just isn't a consistently good 13 - his games for Glasgow show this: amazing Vs Leinster, poor Vs Zebre and then Nick Grigg outplayed him as he has for 3 years. There was a couple of examples of really poor passing and kicking from him too. Johnson is decent enough - probably a shade better than Lang but what does Johnson excel at? Good at everything (except kicking) great at nothing? Bennett hasn't done anything of note for years - at Edinburgh he's a solid defender but in a backline where Scott, Graham and VdM dazzle he does not. Scott I think is great at club level but he's got 39 caps now and meh. I don't understand the exile on form but if Townsend thinks we've seen enough to know what Scott is at the top level it's hard to argue. Hutchinson is very good but he's also inconsistent and quite small. He's my favourite player to watch because he makes things happen. I'd pick him but Harris is playing well so I get what Toonie is doing.

I think we have a lot of promising centres who never lived up to their potential.

[Tichtheid]

It still genuinely baffles me that with the depth of talent available to us at centre, we are currently fielding Lang and Harris. OK, OK, I know Harris is good defensively, and that Lang is only there because Redpath is injured. But even so, that’s Taylor, Jones, Johnson, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott unable to get a start. The final three can’t even get a sniff of a spot in the squad. I’m just waiting for us to cap Fraser Dingwall so we can leave him out as well.

I think our depth in centre is a bit of a myth. Of the names here Taylor is just always injured and bad bad injuries so he lost his edge. Jones just isn't a consistently good 13 - his games for Glasgow show this: amazing Vs Leinster, poor Vs Zebre and then Nick Grigg outplayed him as he has for 3 years. There was a couple of examples of really poor passing and kicking from him too. Johnson is decent enough - probably a shade better than Lang but what does Johnson excel at? Good at everything (except kicking) great at nothing? Bennett hasn't done anything of note for years - at Edinburgh he's a solid defender but in a backline where Scott, Graham and VdM dazzle he does not. Scott I think is great at club level but he's got 39 caps now and meh. I don't understand the exile on form but if Townsend thinks we've seen enough to know what Scott is at the top level it's hard to argue. Hutchinson is very good but he's also inconsistent and quite small. He's my favourite player to watch because he makes things happen. I'd pick him but Harris is playing well so I get what Toonie is doing.

I think we have a lot of promising centres who never lived up to their potential.

Scott and Bennett were both dropped for their defensive frailties, the story was that was why Bennett was let go from Glasgow after a stushie about it.

Scott has improved massively in that regard, and to be fair so has Bennett.

I don't think Taylor has lost his edge at all, when he played in the business end games for Sarries at the end of last season he looked, err, the business, likewise for Scotland.

[I like neeps]

It still genuinely baffles me that with the depth of talent available to us at centre, we are currently fielding Lang and Harris. OK, OK, I know Harris is good defensively, and that Lang is only there because Redpath is injured. But even so, that’s Taylor, Jones, Johnson, Bennett, Hutchinson and Scott unable to get a start. The final three can’t even get a sniff of a spot in the squad. I’m just waiting for us to cap Fraser Dingwall so we can leave him out as well.

I think our depth in centre is a bit of a myth. Of the names here Taylor is just always injured and bad bad injuries so he lost his edge. Jones just isn't a consistently good 13 - his games for Glasgow show this: amazing Vs Leinster, poor Vs Zebre and then Nick Grigg outplayed him as he has for 3 years. There was a couple of examples of really poor passing and kicking from him too. Johnson is decent enough - probably a shade better than Lang but what does Johnson excel at? Good at everything (except kicking) great at nothing? Bennett hasn't done anything of note for years - at Edinburgh he's a solid defender but in a backline where Scott, Graham and VdM dazzle he does not. Scott I think is great at club level but he's got 39 caps now and meh. I don't understand the exile on form but if Townsend thinks we've seen enough to know what Scott is at the top level it's hard to argue. Hutchinson is very good but he's also inconsistent and quite small. He's my favourite player to watch because he makes things happen. I'd pick him but Harris is playing well so I get what Toonie is doing.

I think we have a lot of promising centres who never lived up to their potential.

Scott and Bennett were both dropped for their defensive frailties, the story was that was why Bennett was let go from Glasgow after a stushie about it.

Scott has improved massively in that regard, and to be fair so has Bennett.

I don't think Taylor has lost his edge at all, when he played in the business end games for Sarries at the end of last season he looked, err, the business, likewise for Scotland.

He was pretty good for Scotland against Ireland but he wasn't 2017 Duncan Taylor. I don't think we can say someone who is playing Championship rugby is someone we need also. Look at England's Sarries lads. In 16/17 Taylor being the NHs best centre was my hill to die on but he isn't that guy anymore and he's also now quite old.

Bennett is pretty good defensively agree. Not Harris level and does very little in attack. I watch most Edinburgh games and he is unrecognisable from the phenom in 2014/15. He is now an average Pro14 level player and that's all really. His time at Edinburgh shows that. And I'm sure Scott is better in defence too, I don't get why he's not in the squad on form. But to play devils advocates he does have 39 caps. How many players suddenly become really good after 39 caps?

[Tichtheid]

neeps, I don't think Scott has to suddenly become really good, in attack he runs a line that no one else in a Scotland jersey seems to get right, especially off a set piece, he has pace to spare.

There is talk seemingly on the Tigers forum that Scott is running the defence line, that is where he was found to be lacking previously. Experience is all in defence, and I say that with all my midfield experience - more seriously, it is an old story that you have to learn defence.

also

I don't think we can say someone who is playing Championship rugby is someone we need also

Maitland was one of our best players against England, whilst his club team mates weren't all that for England.

[robmatic]

I think our depth in centre is a bit of a myth. Of the names here Taylor is just always injured and bad bad injuries so he lost his edge. Jones just isn't a consistently good 13 - his games for Glasgow show this: amazing Vs Leinster, poor Vs Zebre and then Nick Grigg outplayed him as he has for 3 years. There was a couple of examples of really poor passing and kicking from him too. Johnson is decent enough - probably a shade better than Lang but what does Johnson excel at? Good at everything (except kicking) great at nothing? Bennett hasn't done anything of note for years - at Edinburgh he's a solid defender but in a backline where Scott, Graham and VdM dazzle he does not. Scott I think is great at club level but he's got 39 caps now and meh. I don't understand the exile on form but if Townsend thinks we've seen enough to know what Scott is at the top level it's hard to argue. Hutchinson is very good but he's also inconsistent and quite small. He's my favourite player to watch because he makes things happen. I'd pick him but Harris is playing well so I get what Toonie is doing.

I think we have a lot of promising centres who never lived up to their potential.

Scott and Bennett were both dropped for their defensive frailties, the story was that was why Bennett was let go from Glasgow after a stushie about it.

Scott has improved massively in that regard, and to be fair so has Bennett.

I don't think Taylor has lost his edge at all, when he played in the business end games for Sarries at the end of last season he looked, err, the business, likewise for Scotland.

He was pretty good for Scotland against Ireland but he wasn't 2017 Duncan Taylor. I don't think we can say someone who is playing Championship rugby is someone we need also. Look at England's Sarries lads. In 16/17 Taylor being the NHs best centre was my hill to die on but he isn't that guy anymore and he's also now quite old.

Bennett is pretty good defensively agree. Not Harris level and does very little in attack. I watch most Edinburgh games and he is unrecognisable from the phenom in 2014/15. He is now an average Pro14 level player and that's all really. His time at Edinburgh shows that. And I'm sure Scott is better in defence too, I don't get why he's not in the squad on form. But to play devils advocates he does have 39 caps. How many players suddenly become really good after 39 caps?

I thought Bennett was excellent in attack last season but but like the rest of the backs not much is going on this season.

[Begbie]

It's funny that Harris is still not rated by many Scots yet he's being tipped for the Lions by journalists North and South of the border.

[Big D]

It's funny that Harris is still not rated by many Scots yet he's being tipped for the Lions by journalists North and South of the border.

To be fair to him, in this extended run he has been good. It is his first extended run as a starter and he has taken his chances.

[KingBlairhorn]

It's funny that Harris is still not rated by many Scots yet he's being tipped for the Lions by journalists North and South of the border.

I'm not sure if he is not rated as such, just that he isn't rated as highly as some other players. I think it is easy to be seduced by attacking players and players who look good on Youtube but who are maybe a little more variable in their performance whilst dismissing more solid players who are consistent and dependable. You can see it in other countries too - the clamour in England for Danny Cipriani is a good example for instance, he certainly produced the Hollywood moments, but he can't run a game like George Ford can.

In many ways its a similar discussion to the 'watercarrier' discussion in football - there is a certain type of dependable player who can carry out a gameplan that coaches love but fans love to hate. Darren Fletcher/Michael Carrick for Man United, Claude Makele for Real Madrid and Chelsea (although he was later appreciated), Busquets for Barca etc. They rarely produced moments of pure brilliance but without them the team struggled to tick. For me that is the role Harris currently has for Scotland.

[Slick]

It's funny that Harris is still not rated by many Scots yet he's being tipped for the Lions by journalists North and South of the border.

Another for Toony...

[clydecloggie]

It's funny that Harris is still not rated by many Scots yet he's being tipped for the Lions by journalists North and South of the border.

I'm not sure if he is not rated as such, just that he isn't rated as highly as some other players. I think it is easy to be seduced by attacking players and players who look good on Youtube but who are maybe a little more variable in their performance whilst dismissing more solid players who are consistent and dependable. You can see it in other countries too - the clamour in England for Danny Cipriani is a good example for instance, he certainly produced the Hollywood moments, but he can't run a game like George Ford can.

In many ways its a similar discussion to the 'watercarrier' discussion in football - there is a certain type of dependable player who can carry out a gameplan that coaches love but fans love to hate. Darren Fletcher/Michael Carrick for Man United, Claude Makele for Real Madrid and Chelsea (although he was later appreciated), Busquets for Barca etc. They rarely produced moments of pure brilliance but without them the team struggled to tick. For me that is the role Harris currently has for Scotland.

So Chris Harris is the new Pete Horne. I approve.

[I like neeps]

Scott and Bennett were both dropped for their defensive frailties, the story was that was why Bennett was let go from Glasgow after a stushie about it.

Scott has improved massively in that regard, and to be fair so has Bennett.

I don't think Taylor has lost his edge at all, when he played in the business end games for Sarries at the end of last season he looked, err, the business, likewise for Scotland.

He was pretty good for Scotland against Ireland but he wasn't 2017 Duncan Taylor. I don't think we can say someone who is playing Championship rugby is someone we need also. Look at England's Sarries lads. In 16/17 Taylor being the NHs best centre was my hill to die on but he isn't that guy anymore and he's also now quite old.

Bennett is pretty good defensively agree. Not Harris level and does very little in attack. I watch most Edinburgh games and he is unrecognisable from the phenom in 2014/15. He is now an average Pro14 level player and that's all really. His time at Edinburgh shows that. And I'm sure Scott is better in defence too, I don't get why he's not in the squad on form. But to play devils advocates he does have 39 caps. How many players suddenly become really good after 39 caps?

I thought Bennett was excellent in attack last season but but like the rest of the backs not much is going on this season.

Which games? I remember Scott, Duhan and Graham absolutely carving up. Don't remember Bennett really doing much. He's lost his step and outside break.

[robmatic]

He was pretty good for Scotland against Ireland but he wasn't 2017 Duncan Taylor. I don't think we can say someone who is playing Championship rugby is someone we need also. Look at England's Sarries lads. In 16/17 Taylor being the NHs best centre was my hill to die on but he isn't that guy anymore and he's also now quite old.

Bennett is pretty good defensively agree. Not Harris level and does very little in attack. I watch most Edinburgh games and he is unrecognisable from the phenom in 2014/15. He is now an average Pro14 level player and that's all really. His time at Edinburgh shows that. And I'm sure Scott is better in defence too, I don't get why he's not in the squad on form. But to play devils advocates he does have 39 caps. How many players suddenly become really good after 39 caps?

I thought Bennett was excellent in attack last season but but like the rest of the backs not much is going on this season.

Which games? I remember Scott, Duhan and Graham absolutely carving up. Don't remember Bennett really doing much. He's lost his step and outside break.

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-club ... rk-bennett

7 tries, 4 try assists, 18 clean breaks, 32 defenders beaten.

[I like neeps]

I thought Bennett was excellent in attack last season but but like the rest of the backs not much is going on this season.

Which games? I remember Scott, Duhan and Graham absolutely carving up. Don't remember Bennett really doing much. He's lost his step and outside break.

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-club ... rk-bennett

7 tries, 4 try assists, 18 clean breaks, 32 defenders beaten.

Wow fair play didn't realise he'd been that good. Also thought Edinburgh were in the champions cup. Shows what I know!

[Tichtheid]

Embra have got Racing away in the Big Cup.

No problemo.

Weegies are away to Montpellier in the Wee Cup

[Slick]

Embra have got Racing away in the Big Cup.

No problemo.

Weegies are away to Montpellier in the Wee Cup

That would have been a great weekend away

[westport]

Embra have got Racing away in the Big Cup.

No problemo.

Weegies are away to Montpellier in the Wee Cup

There are some cracking games coming up in April in both competitions

[Jock42]

Embra have got Racing away in the Big Cup.

No problemo.

Weegies are away to Montpellier in the Wee Cup

That would have been a great weekend away

Determined to go and watch racing ASAP

[Slick]

Embra have got Racing away in the Big Cup.

No problemo.

Weegies are away to Montpellier in the Wee Cup

That would have been a great weekend away

Determined to go and watch racing ASAP

Yup, think it will be my first post lockdown rugby trip

[westport]

Former Scotland and Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock is to return to his former club as Managing Director from April this year.

Current Warriors Managing Director, Nathan Bombrys, who has led the club since 2011, is staying with Scottish Rugby to take up a new role as Head of International Commercial Projects which will see him identify and develop the union’s international commercial interests working alongside its partners at PRO14, Old Glory DC and EPCR, among others.

[KingBlairhorn]

Glasgow rumoured to be signing Argentine international wing Sebastián Cancelliere. Never seen him but seems to have played at a good level.

[robmatic]

Glasgow rumoured to be signing Argentine international wing Sebastián Cancelliere. Never seen him but seems to have played at a good level.

Dunno about him but they have confirmed that they have signed Argentinian fly-half Domingo Miotti.

[KingBlairhorn]

Glasgow rumoured to be signing Argentine international wing Sebastián Cancelliere. Never seen him but seems to have played at a good level.

Dunno about him but they have confirmed that they have signed Argentinian fly-half Domingo Miotti.

Not sure what to make of that. On the one hand, there will now be two (presumably Keatley leaves) senior 10s in the squad plus Thomson. That gives a great basis for squad depth.

On the other hand we have a real risk of the order of depth being Miotti, Weir, Thomson. That not only puts Scotland's 3rd/4th choice 10 in the position of reserve when he was first choice in the prem, it also potentially leaves Thomson with very little gametime when he has looked very assured in the chances he has been given.

[dpedin]

Interesting that both teams are using the covid19 enforced interruption to reshape their squads even more so than normal. The Weegies in particular are making major changes in their backs. It is good to see the younger guys getting a chance and some exciting but risky overseas signings and lots of interesting SQ guys too. It will however take a season or two to see the impact and results. They probably have had their hands forced with the reduction in budgets and inability to make big signings or retain some high cost players and also planned that they were unlikely to get into the Big Euro Cup next season due to the disruptions caused. To me it looks like the decision has been made to use this season and next as opportunity to develop younger players and try and develop teams for the the future. Probably a very pragmatic approach but there will be some more pain on the way.

[clydecloggie]

CVC deal announced by the SRU. £365M for a 1/7th stake in the 6N. Reports that the SRU will get £45M (significantly less than RFU, IRFU, WRU and FFR btw).

Compared to what was rumoured earlier (majority or 50% stake for CVC for a similar sum of money) this sounds a bit healthier, but we'll have to see how it pans out in practice.

[robmatic]

Interesting that both teams are using the covid19 enforced interruption to reshape their squads even more so than normal. The Weegies in particular are making major changes in their backs. It is good to see the younger guys getting a chance and some exciting but risky overseas signings and lots of interesting SQ guys too. It will however take a season or two to see the impact and results. They probably have had their hands forced with the reduction in budgets and inability to make big signings or retain some high cost players and also planned that they were unlikely to get into the Big Euro Cup next season due to the disruptions caused. To me it looks like the decision has been made to use this season and next as opportunity to develop younger players and try and develop teams for the the future. Probably a very pragmatic approach but there will be some more pain on the way.

I think for Glasgow it has been a bit overdue - don't think Rennie was that focused on planning for the future and then Wilson's plans probably got scuppered initially by covid. Glasgow's new batch of signings look quite promising, at least on paper, and they have the rest of this season to give the youngsters a crack as well.

Edinburgh are being a bit more methodical in their recruitment - the mindset would be more about building on the success of last season, although reality has bitten somewhat this season.

[westport]

Six Nations Rugby has agreed to sell a stake in the tournament to the private equity firm in a deal in excess of £360 million.
They will have a 1/7th share in Six Nations Rugby, working alongside the rugby unions of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland & Wales, which will together retain a 6/7th share.
Organisers say the deal with CVC, which already has significant investment in the Gallagher Premiership and PRO14, is subject to customary regulatory approval.

[Slick]

CVC deal announced by the SRU. £365M for a 1/7th stake in the 6N. Reports that the SRU will get £45M (significantly less than RFU, IRFU, WRU and FFR btw).

Compared to what was rumoured earlier (majority or 50% stake for CVC for a similar sum of money) this sounds a bit healthier, but we'll have to see how it pans out in practice.

Why are we getting less? And less than the fucking IRFU!?

[Begbie]

Won't be long until it's the 7/8/9/10 nations

[I like neeps]

CVC deal announced by the SRU. £365M for a 1/7th stake in the 6N. Reports that the SRU will get £45M (significantly less than RFU, IRFU, WRU and FFR btw).

Compared to what was rumoured earlier (majority or 50% stake for CVC for a similar sum of money) this sounds a bit healthier, but we'll have to see how it pans out in practice.

Why are we getting less? And less than the fucking IRFU!?

Because we're less commercially valuable but a smack in the face for sure

[robmatic]

CVC deal announced by the SRU. £365M for a 1/7th stake in the 6N. Reports that the SRU will get £45M (significantly less than RFU, IRFU, WRU and FFR btw).

Compared to what was rumoured earlier (majority or 50% stake for CVC for a similar sum of money) this sounds a bit healthier, but we'll have to see how it pans out in practice.

Why are we getting less? And less than the fucking IRFU!?

Probably less international TV revenue?

[Slick]

CVC deal announced by the SRU. £365M for a 1/7th stake in the 6N. Reports that the SRU will get £45M (significantly less than RFU, IRFU, WRU and FFR btw).

Compared to what was rumoured earlier (majority or 50% stake for CVC for a similar sum of money) this sounds a bit healthier, but we'll have to see how it pans out in practice.

Why are we getting less? And less than the fucking IRFU!?

Because we're less commercially valuable but a smack in the face for sure

I suppose I forgot about the Welsh TV money.

I'm a bit angry about it though

[KingBlairhorn]

Why are we getting less? And less than the fucking IRFU!?

Because we're less commercially valuable but a smack in the face for sure

I suppose I forgot about the Welsh TV money.

I'm a bit angry about it though

I also noticed this and to be honest the logic is ludicrous. First and foremost, if the shares owned in the company are the same then who gives a shit about what each does or doesn't bring in, the value of the sold share should be the same.

Secondly, best of luck to France and England if they want to play in a two team league every year, I'm sure it will have the same commercial value as the 6N. The whole point of a tournament is that the value is in having all the games and you cannot sustain the value without all the participants.

I'm honestly gobsmacked this has happened. Look around the world of sport and there are clear examples of a few teams valuing themselves more highly than the rest ruining competitions (Scottish football, Champions League etc.) whereas where revenues are pooled (english Premier League, US sports) the leagues remain more competitive. The RFU and France receiving more will damage the competitiveness of the sport, but the WRU and the IRFU receiving more will probably cause even greater problems.