NPR

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:57 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:14 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jan 28, 2023 4:55 pm Watched the last few minutes

This new SRU ticketing app is a bit much. Just took a screenshot of my tickets to send to a mate as he asked where I was sitting and got a warning that if I do that again they might cancel them!

To be fair I would expect that is fairly standard.

Probably. I’m sure it’s an age thing but I liked getting my printed tickets through the post, then we had to print them ourselves (and pay for it!) then a nice friendly app to keep them in and now one i HAVE to use, that shouts at me.

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:57 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:14 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jan 28, 2023 4:55 pm Watched the last few minutes

This new SRU ticketing app is a bit much. Just took a screenshot of my tickets to send to a mate as he asked where I was sitting and got a warning that if I do that again they might cancel them!

To be fair I would expect that is fairly standard.

Probably. I’m sure it’s an age thing but I liked getting my printed tickets through the post, then we had to print them ourselves (and pay for it!) then a nice friendly app to keep them in and now one i HAVE to use, that shouts at me.

Dogbert wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 8:49 pm Yes , I know is the Daily Mail ........, but still an interesting insight from Russells point of view

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... tions.html

Before Covid I was going out, having fun, making good money and spending a lot of money. If we’d had a big win I’d go wild. If we’d lost, I’d be picking up my spirits by having a laugh and forgetting about it. I used alcohol to deal with different scenarios, without really knowing it. I couldn’t go out for two years during Covid and I realised how much money I was saving. I didn’t really care before, because every month the money was coming in. I don’t look back and regret it because it was good fun and I was playing good rugby, but things are different now.

‘When I was living on my own I was just playing PlayStation, ordering food and playing PlayStation again. I’d stay up playing PlayStation until 2am and then sleep until midday on my day off. PlayStation was just a way to block things out. I was tired all the time, I put on weight and things eventually catch up with you.

‘The times when things blew up with Gregor were when I was frustrated by the rugby side of it. My relationship with Gregor is better than it ever has been; both of our lives have changed over the last few years. I would go out for a drink as a release because I never really switched off from rugby. Now you come back and wind Charlie, or whatever job you need to do to help out. Your mind’s not on rugby all the time. You’re looking for those reactions, a smile or a laugh, when you touch her hands or feet. It’s nice. The happier I am, the more I’m enjoying things off the field and the better I am on it."

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:43 am

Dogbert wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 8:49 pm Yes , I know is the Daily Mail ........, but still an interesting insight from Russells point of view

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... tions.html

Before Covid I was going out, having fun, making good money and spending a lot of money. If we’d had a big win I’d go wild. If we’d lost, I’d be picking up my spirits by having a laugh and forgetting about it. I used alcohol to deal with different scenarios, without really knowing it. I couldn’t go out for two years during Covid and I realised how much money I was saving. I didn’t really care before, because every month the money was coming in. I don’t look back and regret it because it was good fun and I was playing good rugby, but things are different now.

‘When I was living on my own I was just playing PlayStation, ordering food and playing PlayStation again. I’d stay up playing PlayStation until 2am and then sleep until midday on my day off. PlayStation was just a way to block things out. I was tired all the time, I put on weight and things eventually catch up with you.

‘The times when things blew up with Gregor were when I was frustrated by the rugby side of it. My relationship with Gregor is better than it ever has been; both of our lives have changed over the last few years. I would go out for a drink as a release because I never really switched off from rugby. Now you come back and wind Charlie, or whatever job you need to do to help out. Your mind’s not on rugby all the time. You’re looking for those reactions, a smile or a laugh, when you touch her hands or feet. It’s nice. The happier I am, the more I’m enjoying things off the field and the better I am on it."

That's great to hear!

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:44 pm I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

Wylie Coyote wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:21 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:44 pm I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

Wylie Coyote wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:21 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:44 pm I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

Wylie Coyote wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:21 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 1:44 pm I would love to see Toonie pick Tuipulotu at 13 this Saturday, given he has been excelling there this season. People assume he'll have him at 12 with Harris at 13. But having Redpath or Jones inside him would be great, and I recall Harris can play on the wing so I would like to see him at 14. I imagine Maitland will be on the other wing until DnD are back.

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Biffer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:12 pm Tackling was pretty poor all round in the autumn

dpedin wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

Biffer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:12 pm Tackling was pretty poor all round in the autumn

Duhan is poor defensively and can't or won't kick so you will often see teams kick to his wing and gamble that he fluffs the catch or return run - he can often run laterally and away from his support so will get turned over more. Down side is that he can often catch the ball and make many yards running through the first and second defenders. If he has time he will often offload to Hogg to kick. Ironically although half his size Darcy is excellent in the air, solid defensively and can kick if required. VdM is a risk worth taking though, he wins more game than he loses for us.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

Wylie Coyote wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:21 pm

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:22 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:26 pm

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:22 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

I'm still not convinced, but he has been good for Glasgow.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:22 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:50 pm
That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:23 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:50 pm
That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

GrahamWa wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:34 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

Wylie Coyote wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:21 pm

An increasingly slow, 32 year old Harris on the wing would be an epically bad selection. He wouldn't feature in my team but is a fixture for Townsend unfortunately.

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:16 pm

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:22 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:17 pm

I don't think Harris has played wing since the very early days at Falcons. Also playing on the wing you're extremely involved in the kicking game which is more important than tackling etc which Harris obviously won't be too good at.

It'll be Tuipolotu and Harris in the centres I think. Maybe Huw Jones as a nice surprise.

As tempting as it must be to go Huwipolotou, it's highly likely to be Tuipolotou and Harris.

It's...remarkable...that Tuipolotou is a certainty with not the slightest hint of controversy about it as it's barely one season since he was derided as a nice club-level player who clearly wouldn't be able to make the step up to international level. A position that was difficult to argue with.

Tuipulotu's Glasgow performances have been massively improved this season. Maybe the Franco Smith effect? Last season there was no evidence he even knew how to pass , this season he's flinging out high quality passes and clever kicks fairly consistently.

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:08 pm

GrahamWa wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:34 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

Yeah sorry, that was REALLY badly written. What was in my head was that, when DvM is back, we know he will start, and until then (without making any judgment about his defence) the alternative candidates are IMO defensively suspect. Assuming Maitland is on the other wing, then we are talking about Kinghorn, Steyn and McConnochie. But come to think of it, Ollie Smith might be a better option than all of these; I just hadn't considered him there.

It was also badly written because I mis-spelled "damned" on my phone...

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:08 pm

GrahamWa wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:34 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:00 pm

He's been a dammed good fixture, and never looks slow to me!

The alternatives are each defensively suspect in my book, until DvM is back.

Duhan is one of the worst defenders, apically slow turn and doesn't look that interested in putting his body on the line.

Yeah sorry, that was REALLY badly written. What was in my head was that, when DvM is back, we know he will start, and until then (without making any judgment about his defence) the alternative candidates are IMO defensively suspect. Assuming Maitland is on the other wing, then we are talking about Kinghorn, Steyn and McConnochie. But come to think of it, Ollie Smith might be a better option than all of these; I just hadn't considered him there.

It was also badly written because I mis-spelled "damned" on my phone...

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:41 pm

Jock42 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:23 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:50 pm
That's where I am at. Deserves to keep the shirt but not fully convinced.

The centres were a disaster going into the last RWC with selection muddled and ill advised. GT needs to get the combo right.

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

Biffer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:00 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:41 pm

Jock42 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:23 pm

I think that's fair. I was a huge detractor of his but he's been very impressive for Glasgow and decent in AIs.

Would have both Harris and Maitland on the wings, wouldn't have Harris there at all, lose too much speed with them imo. I reckon it'll be Kinghorn, with Healy on bench, and probably Maitland. Wouldn't mind seeing Smith there if Hogg is fit.

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:52 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:00 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:41 pm

My mind just always drifts to Huw Jones

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:07 am

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:52 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Mon Jan 30, 2023 11:00 pm

I think he's a terrific bench option, if you're chasing a game with twenty minutes left he can break it open from 13 or 15. Also seems to up his game for internationals. Too weak in defence for the full game at centre though, which is fucking tragic.

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

Dogbert wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:53 pm

C T wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:39 pm

JM2K6 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:28 pm

He's almost 30!

On this note, wee George Horne (who is still 22 in my mind) is apparently 27.

I think George Horne is actually 12

George's impression of a Haggis from 1:55 onwards

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:15 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:07 am

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:52 am

Last few games for Glasgow was a slightly different Jones. Playing at 12 in his 2017-18 golden patch would have been a grim spectacle since he wasn't exactly known for his quality passing.

But in the Glasgow 12 shirt he's been a terrific link man lately , especially in setting Tuipolotou free to do his thing. And he's had some fine breaks himself on top of that. I always find it more difficult to judge a defensive performance watching it live, but I think his physicality has improved as well. 12 was not a doormat channel with him there, as far as I could tell.

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

C T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:59 am

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:15 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:07 am

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:21 am

C T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:59 am

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:15 am

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

C T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:59 am

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

C T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:59 am

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:15 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:07 am

How many games did he play at 12 this year? Seemed only a couple as he's been injured. I'm interested to know if Glasgow play the URC QFs tomorrow who is partnering Tuipolotu in the centres as Jones, Johnson and McDowell are all good options.

I think the issue for Jones is he's just never been a nailed on starter at club level so he hasn't had the chance to really improve. He was unbelievable in that 2018 season but still young and had some ways to go but hasn't had the gametime at club level to hit those heights.

I have little doubt it would be Jones if the QF was tomorrow. A fully fit Johnson could possibly challenge that. But Huwipolotou has worked exceptionally well in the 3 (I think) games they played together, including against the Stormers - one of the best club sides out there.

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:43 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:21 am

C T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:59 am

The defensive issues with Jones really has stuck to him.

I've not watched him like a hawk for his defence but has this all stemmed from the 2 missed tackles vs Wales? I can't particularly recall much else.

Remember seeing an interview with him after the infamous missed tackles and he was saying he really didn't think he was a bad defender.

Seem to recall some analysis kicking about at the time that suggested he was badly let down by the system.

Still though, he has definitely struggled to nail down a starting slot for quite a while now really. So there is probably something there.

I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

So why have various coaches and various clubs and the Scotland coach who oversaw his magnificent year consistently not started him?

Huw Jones is sensational in attack. There's a reason he isn't picked for club or country as often as his attacking prowess suggests. Should we just ignore that reason? Or as fans talk about pros and cons.

Same with Hutchinson, outstanding in attack but it's not like he's first name on the team sheet for even Saints now.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:19 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:43 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:21 am



I find it baffling how people just love to talk down players. You seldom, if ever, get pages of posts anywhere saying how great a player is, but you don't have to look too hard to find posts on how shit someone is.

IIRC, there were a couple of seasons when Huw Jones was statistically the best defensive 13 in international rugby

So why have various coaches and various clubs and the Scotland coach who oversaw his magnificent year consistently not started him?

Huw Jones is sensational in attack. There's a reason he isn't picked for club or country as often as his attacking prowess suggests. Should we just ignore that reason? Or as fans talk about pros and cons.

Same with Hutchinson, outstanding in attack but it's not like he's first name on the team sheet for even Saints now.

talking pros and cons is fine, but when it reads like it's multiple Eyeores posting it can get a little wearing.

Chris Harris took over from Jones in the 13 berth because all-round he was better, not because Jones was shite. The Rugbypass post I found the above quote about Jones being the best international 13 in defence was from one I made on the Glasgow forum, I'd also counted up the number of tries we'd shipped with and without Jones on the park, and it made little difference - our systems were poor.

On Jones, he was shifted about at Glasgow right enough, and at Quins, but then Hastings played fullback at Glasgow too. When Jones was first flagged for us I remember reading about him being equipped to play centre, wing and fullback.

Johnson looks to be regaining some of his previous form, I don't think he's finished at international level, Glasgow are very strong in the midfield at the moment.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:50 am Is the team announced tomorrow or Thursday?

charltom wrote: ↑Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:17 pm Team I would love to see:
Schoeman Ashman Z.Fagerson R.Gray Skinner M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Horne Russell vdMerwe Jones Tuipulotu Maitland Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Nel Gilchrist Crosbie Price Kinghorn Harris)

Team I expect to see:
Schoeman Turner Nel R.Gray Gilchrist M.Fagerson Ritchie Dempsey Price Russell vdMerwe Tuipulotu Harris Kinghorn Hogg
(Sutherland Brown Berghan J.Gray Crosbie Horne Healy Smith)

I realise the team I would love to see benefits from a hoped-for return to play for ZF.

Of the differences, the key one to me is Sione at 13 vs. at 12. I can't see Toonie doing it.