The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Jock42]

As a side point, I was a bit disappointed to see the Edinburgh and Glasgow games or on simultaneously this week on Monday night. I'm not sure I ever remember being able to watch only one game before? Premier Sports don't allow more than one log-in simultaneously so there is no way to watch both.

Assuming you don't have the channels through Sky?

I have no interest in spending the kind of cash required to have sky TV with sports. What is it now, like £40 per month just for TV with sports and well over £100 if you go the full shebang (phone, line rental etc.).

£80 per year for Premier Player does just fine 99.9% of the time (except Monday night, apparently).

Or even free sat. You'd be able to watch one on the TV the other on the player

[KingBlairhorn]

Assuming you don't have the channels through Sky?

I have no interest in spending the kind of cash required to have sky TV with sports. What is it now, like £40 per month just for TV with sports and well over £100 if you go the full shebang (phone, line rental etc.).

£80 per year for Premier Player does just fine 99.9% of the time (except Monday night, apparently).

Or even free sat. You'd be able to watch one on the TV the other on the player

I don't think so - the player is online only. There is no TV option as far as I am aware.

[Jock42]

I have no interest in spending the kind of cash required to have sky TV with sports. What is it now, like £40 per month just for TV with sports and well over £100 if you go the full shebang (phone, line rental etc.).

£80 per year for Premier Player does just fine 99.9% of the time (except Monday night, apparently).

Or even free sat. You'd be able to watch one on the TV the other on the player

I don't think so - the player is online only. There is no TV option as far as I am aware.

Maybe you have a different subscription to me then

[Caley_Red]

The range of Duncan Weir memes, videos and gifs has been a slight to behold. Really hope he steps up!

[charltom]

Where have you been seeing them, Red?

[Caley_Red]

Where have you been seeing them, Red?

Sent to me via Watsapp, here's a link to one:

[Sandstorm]

The Perfect 10

[Tichtheid]

I really hope Weir does well, it would be a huge triumph of the underdog if he does.

[Jock42]

15. Jack Blain (3)



14. Eroni Sau (12)

13. Mark Bennett (41)

12. Chris Dean (95)

11. Jamie Farndale (10)



10. Nathan Chamberlain (3)

9. Henry Pyrgos (37) CAPTAIN



1. Pierre Schoeman (48)

2. David Cherry (25)

3. Lee-Roy Atalifo*

4. Andries Ferreira (1)

5. Jamie Hodgson (9)

6. Magnus Bradbury (81)

7. Luke Crosbie (42)

8. Ally Miller (16)



Replacements: 16. Mike Willemse (25) 17. Sam Grahamslaw* 18. Dan Gamble* 19. Marshall Sykes (1) 20. Connor Boyle (1) 21. Nic Groom (15) 22. Charlie Shiel (22) 23. James Johnstone (53)

Down to 2 SH on the bench

[westport]

Scotland international Hamish Watson could be on the move, according to a report in today’s edition of The Rugby Paper.

The Manchester-born flanker, who began his career with Leicester Tigers before joining Edinburgh, is ‘set to leave’ the Scottish capital when his contract expires in 2021.

Watson will be looking for a ‘lucrative package’ as he approaches the peak years of his career.

France is the likely destination with the 29-year-old back-rower possibly joining international teammate Finn Russell at Racing 92, who are based in Paris.

[Caley_Red]

Telegraph writers' teams for Lions-SA 2021/22, looking across them- strong calls for Hogg, Russell, Ritchie and Sutherland in XV, quite a few calls for Ali Price as well (demonstrating how short the UK and Ireland are at 9). Would be surprised if many more than four Scots travelled at all though.

'ave at it below.

Gavin Mairs
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Jonny May (England), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Owen Farrell (England), Jacob Stockdale (Ireland); Finn Russell (Scotland), Gareth Davies (Wales); Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Jamie Ritchie (Scotland), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

This is a Lions XV to unashamedly to light up these dark times. This is not a team to confront the Springboks’ power game, but to dazzle them with broken field runners playing a high-risk, high tempo, off-loading game. For that reason both Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg make the backline, with Jonny May and Jacob Stockdale on the wings and Owen Farrell operating as a second distributor at inside centre and bringing some structure to the chaos. In the forwards there is a mix of scrummaging power and ball players, mobility and breakdown kings.

Mick Cleary
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Liam Williams (Wales), Henry Slade (England), Owen Farrell (England), Jonny May (England); Finn Russell (Scotland), Ben Youngs (England); Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Zander Ferguson (Scotland), Maro Itoje ( England)(capt), James Ryan (Ireland), Jamie Ritchie (Scotland), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

Yes, I would trust Finn Russell with the responsibility of guiding the Lions to victory over South Africa, dealing with all the physicality that the Springboks are sure to throw at them but adding the touch of genius, a la Romain Ntamack, that can open up a game. The Lions will have to stand toe-to-toe with the ‘Boks in the forward pack and much will rest on the set-piece durability of Scottish props, Rory Sutherland and Zander Ferguson. Scotland’s renaissance is reflected in five players making the starting XV. England dominate as befits their status as 2020 Six Nations champions. Wales’s decline is worrying, for them as well as for the British and Irish Lions.

Charlie Morgan
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Jonny May (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Owen Farrell (England), James Lowe (Ireland); Finn Russell (Scotland), Tomos Williams (Wales); Mako Vunipola (England), Jamie George (England), Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Jamie Ritchie (Scotland), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)
There are five members of the pack that South Africa mauled in Yokohama, but the hope is that Sinckler does not go down in the opening minutes again. Rory Sutherland will be very close and Joe Marler or Cian Healy might even be preferred to loosehead prop Mako Vunipola given the importance of scrummaging. Bolters such as Caelan Doris or Jack Willis could crash a back-row party that is crowded with candidates. Alun Wyn Jones and Josh Navidi, tough enough to frustrate the Springboks, are unlucky. All bases are covered in my backline, although cohesion could be an issue.

Ben Coles
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Anthony Watson (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Liam Williams (Wales); Owen Farrell (England), Ali Price (Scotland); Mako Vunipola (England), Jamie George (England) Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Josh Navidi (Wales), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

The lack of world-class options at two positions in particular - inside centre and scrum-half - is actually a bit alarming. Who knows what state Manu Tuilagi's body will be in by July. Jonathan Davies is back playing and should walk into the 13 shirt, and there's a decent balance in this combination with the powerful Bundee Aki. Out of a bunch of good but not great scrum-halves, I'd go with Ali Price. Otherwise the pack almost picks itself, with James Ryan and Josh Navidi - the latter an excellent worker - edging out Alun Wyn Jones and the rapidly improving Jamie Ritchie. Not entirely sold on the No 8 choice, either. Those three positions - 12, 9 and No 8 - could change a lot over the next few months. Finn Russell's nightmare in the Champions Cup final is hard to forget.

Kate Rowan
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Jonny May (England), Henry Slade (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales); Owen Farrell (England), Conor Murray (Ireland); Cian Healy (Ireland), Jamie George (Ireland), Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Jamie Ritchie (Scotland), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

Owen Farrell captains this Lions XV from fly-half. It is hard to ignore a player who has led his side to a Six Nations title and World Cup final in the space of a year in terms of the captaincy. Conor Murray may seem like a fading power to some but the 31-year-old’s experience and immense composure will see him battle back into contention. For their Champions Cup and Premiership form with Exeter, Stuart Hogg and Henry Slade cannot be overlooked. Part of the magic of a Lions Tour is the emergence of a bolter - and despite just one Wales cap - Louis Rees-Zammit’s form for Gloucester last season is used to predict great things ahead. Cian Healy sneaks into the front row and Alun Wyn Jones still has enough left in the tank to make a significant impact against the South Africans.

Jake Goodwill
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Anthony Watson (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Jonny May (England); Owen Farrell (England), Rhys Webb (Wales); Joe Marler (England), Jamie George (England), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Sam Underhill (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

Against the ‘Boks, a powerful scrummaging unit is required. Joe Marler can scrum and he can chop tackle, two must-haves against the World Champions. While the locks pick themselves, the back-row is a trickier selection. England’s well-balanced unit gets the nod. Rhys Webb is the best of a rather uninspiring bunch at scrum-half. Owen Farrell’s control will be crucial from fly-half while Finn Russell can be deployed as an impact sub, if required. A fully fit Manu Tuilagi must start. He slots in alongside proven Lions performer Jonathan Davies. Josh Adams, Jack Nowell and Liam Williams all just miss out in the back three, with Williams and Stuart Hogg the closest call.

Giles Mole
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Anthony Watson (England), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Manu Tuilagi (England), Jacob Stockdale (Ireland); Owen Farrell (England), Rhys Webb (Wales); Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Josh Navidi (Wales), Tom Curry (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

A front row picked for scrummaging, a second row for its all-court ability and a back row that contains power, physicality and dog. I would have Jack Willis on the bench just in case the breakdown needed some added mongrel. 'Game-changers' like Luke Cowan-Dickie, Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny Gray, Willis, Ben Youngs, Finn Russell and Liam Williams can be brought on when bodies tire and the pitch starts to open up.

Daniel Schofield
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Liam Williams (Wales), Henry Slade (England), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Jonny May (England); Owen Farrell (England), Tomos Williams (Wales); Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Caelan Doris (Ireland)

What would Warren Gatland give for French players to be available for selection next summer? Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou would all be nailed-on starters in the problem positions of scrum half, No 8 and inside centre. A fit and firing Manu Tuilagi would solve the latter problem, but after another long-term injury lay-off there is no guarantee that will be the case. Bundee Aki is the nearest replacement in terms of injecting a power game into the midfield although Ollie Lawrence could easily come into the equation if he gets a run for England. Again if Billy Vunipola or Taulupe Faletau were in top form then No 8 would not be an issue but I believe the rising Caelan Doris is the man who will seize the jersey. At scrum-half, you could easily make a case for eight players but personally I like the spark that Williams provides.

Tom Cary
Stuart Hogg (Scotland); Anthony Watson (England), Jonathan Davies (Wales), Manu Tuilagi (England), Elliot Daly (England); Owen Farrell (England), Ali Price (Scotland); Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Josh Navidi (Wales), Tom Curry (England), CJ Stander (Ireland)

Presupposes Manu Tuilagi returns to form and fitness. But if he does, there’s no one like him. Owen Farrell starts at 10. Big game player. But Finn Russell on the bench as a potential game-changer. James Lowe could be a bolter on the wing but feel Elliot Daly’s experience and footballing ability, not to mention his long-range kicking, give him the edge. Front row picked for scrummaging power. Maro Itoje captains the team from the second row alongside James Ryan. Billy Vunipola still not firing on all cylinders.

Charles Richardson
Liam Williams (Wales); Anthony Watson (England), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Manu Tuilagi (England), Jack Nowell(England); George Ford (England), Ben Youngs (England); Mako Vunipola (England), Fraser Brown (Scotland), Kyle Sinckler (England), Maro Itoje (England), James Ryan (Ireland), Tom Curry (England), Sam Underhill (England), Billy Vunipola (England)

The spine of this team is England-heavy, but their performances en route to claiming the Six Nations title have earned them the right to try and avenge last year’s World Cup final defeat - in performance and result.
There is little English bias in this selection, however; there was a large effort to ensure fair representation from all four nations but the reality is that England are currently the Home Nations’ sole outstanding team. Wales have verged on woeful - Ireland, too, at times - while Scotland are improving but are not yet at the level of their Calcutta Cup conquerors. And, seemingly unlike my colleagues, I am unconvinced that Finn Russell has the temperament, consistency or requisite pragmatism to a lead a side to a Test series win over the World Champions.

[clydecloggie]

How can a professional pundit asked to give his Lions XV not even know the name of the player he's putting in the frigging team?

Good to know we have a miracle tighthead prop called Zander Ferguson who's apparently good enough to start for the Lions but hasn't even made his Scotland debut yet. Strength in depth, boys!

Slightly surprised to see so many go for Russell at 10 - don't think there's any chance of that happening with Gatland. He may not have a platoon of well-drilled Welsh robots this time round, he still won't go for an expansive game plan, especially not against South Africa. And other stand-offs do the boring stuff better.

[ASMO]

Any pundit who puts in Youngs, Stockdale and Lowe as Lions starters should lay off the drugs, they should not even be in the squad, let alone the starting XV

[Slick]

Any pundit who puts in Youngs, Stockdale and Lowe as Lions starters should lay off the drugs, they should not even be in the squad, let alone the starting XV

I’d add May to that list. I just don’t get it at all

[Begbie]

Scotland international Hamish Watson could be on the move, according to a report in today’s edition of The Rugby Paper.

The Manchester-born flanker, who began his career with Leicester Tigers before joining Edinburgh, is ‘set to leave’ the Scottish capital when his contract expires in 2021.

Watson will be looking for a ‘lucrative package’ as he approaches the peak years of his career.

France is the likely destination with the 29-year-old back-rower possibly joining international teammate Finn Russell at Racing 92, who are based in Paris.

[Big D]

Any pundit who puts in Youngs, Stockdale and Lowe as Lions starters should lay off the drugs, they should not even be in the squad, let alone the starting XV

9 really is a shit show around the 4 teams.

Stockdale and Lowe put in because of their physicality but that alone isn't enough.

How can a professional pundit asked to give his Lions XV not even know the name of the player he's putting in the frigging team?

That might be the editor or someone who isn't familiar with the sport running a spell check.

Teams with AWJ in are just mental. The guy is a great, but on current form shouldn't be anywhere near the tour.

On the whole it is encouraging to see players being spoken about as being in peoples Lions team. Shows the team is getting better. It wouldn't shock me, more of a mild surprise, to see Russell at 10 with Farrell at 12 given the lack of options at 12.

[Big D]

Scotland international Hamish Watson could be on the move, according to a report in today’s edition of The Rugby Paper.

The Manchester-born flanker, who began his career with Leicester Tigers before joining Edinburgh, is ‘set to leave’ the Scottish capital when his contract expires in 2021.

Watson will be looking for a ‘lucrative package’ as he approaches the peak years of his career.

France is the likely destination with the 29-year-old back-rower possibly joining international teammate Finn Russell at Racing 92, who are based in Paris.

It has to happen unfortunately. With our budgets what they are, stocks of back row needing game time and Watson having earned the right for a pay day this is probably the right time to move.

[Tichtheid]

Watson’s contract is up at the end of the season, this story is probably the first shot across the bows from his agent, it happens a lot.

We are probably going to lose Big Bill, the French will come after him with large cheque books and the promise of sunshine.

Losing both of them would be a blow but I wouldn’t grudge them it, not one iota, rugby is a short career and you need to set yourself up for the next part of your life.

We are lucky in that if we did lose them both we’d still have Ritchie, Crosbie, Haining, Bradbury, Carmichael (good 6 option), Miller and Kunavula (the next Mata) with young guns Darge and Boyle coming up.

It’s an area of strength for us, if it frees up some cash to land us a quality fly half, I’ll take that.

[dpedin]

Watson’s contract is up at the end of the season, this story is probably the first shot across the bows from his agent, it happens a lot.

We are probably going to lose Big Bill, the French will come after him with large cheque books and the promise of sunshine.

Losing both of them would be a blow but I wouldn’t grudge them it, not one iota, rugby is a short career and you need to set yourself up for the next part of your life.

We are lucky in that if we did lose them both we’d still have Ritchie, Crosbie, Haining, Bradbury, Carmichael (good 6 option), Miller and Kunavula (the next Mata) with young guns Darge and Boyle coming up.

It’s an area of strength for us, if it frees up some cash to land us a quality fly half, I’ll take that.

Agreed - good luck to the guys and I hope they get the biggest wedge available. I remember thinking we would never replace Rennie! I have high hopes for Crosbie, I really think he is a star in the making and possibly the hardest player we have had for a long time, he just doesn't take a step back and doesn't fear anyone. I hope he has a goo along run in the side now. Darge and Boyle look very very promising. Time change, players move on, new ones emerge.

[Tichtheid]

Watson’s contract is up at the end of the season, this story is probably the first shot across the bows from his agent, it happens a lot.

We are probably going to lose Big Bill, the French will come after him with large cheque books and the promise of sunshine.

Losing both of them would be a blow but I wouldn’t grudge them it, not one iota, rugby is a short career and you need to set yourself up for the next part of your life.

We are lucky in that if we did lose them both we’d still have Ritchie, Crosbie, Haining, Bradbury, Carmichael (good 6 option), Miller and Kunavula (the next Mata) with young guns Darge and Boyle coming up.

It’s an area of strength for us, if it frees up some cash to land us a quality fly half, I’ll take that.

Agreed - good luck to the guys and I hope they get the biggest wedge available. I remember thinking we would never replace Rennie! I have high hopes for Crosbie, I really think he is a star in the making and possibly the hardest player we have had for a long time, he just doesn't take a step back and doesn't fear anyone. I hope he has a goo along run in the side now. Darge and Boyle look very very promising. Time change, players move on, new ones emerge.

The team for tonight has a good core of young guys in it, even the likes of Bennett is still only 27, though he hasn't hit his previous high standards with us regularly. I'd love for him to kick on now.

Blain has been excellent so far, he looks capable of becoming the fourth Musketeer along with Kinghorn, Duhan the Destroyer and Darcy The Feet Graham.

Tonight is a big test for Chamberlain, Shiel has already shown he is ready to step up, but Pyrgos has upped his game imo. Every time Groom lines up a box kick I avert my eyes, waiting for the charge down, but he does cut a good supporting line and scores tries.

Letting Scott go was madness, but that is spilt milk now. I'm not too whelmed by our midfield overall, we need players who are in contention for international honours.

[Jock42]

Scotland international Hamish Watson could be on the move, according to a report in today’s edition of The Rugby Paper.

The Manchester-born flanker, who began his career with Leicester Tigers before joining Edinburgh, is ‘set to leave’ the Scottish capital when his contract expires in 2021.

Watson will be looking for a ‘lucrative package’ as he approaches the peak years of his career.

France is the likely destination with the 29-year-old back-rower possibly joining international teammate Finn Russell at Racing 92, who are based in Paris.

As much as I'd like to see him stay its not a huge loss given Ritchie is still there and it would give Crosbie, Miller and Boyle more game time.

[Biffer]

Watson’s contract is up at the end of the season, this story is probably the first shot across the bows from his agent, it happens a lot.

We are probably going to lose Big Bill, the French will come after him with large cheque books and the promise of sunshine.

Losing both of them would be a blow but I wouldn’t grudge them it, not one iota, rugby is a short career and you need to set yourself up for the next part of your life.

We are lucky in that if we did lose them both we’d still have Ritchie, Crosbie, Haining, Bradbury, Carmichael (good 6 option), Miller and Kunavula (the next Mata) with young guns Darge and Boyle coming up.

It’s an area of strength for us, if it frees up some cash to land us a quality fly half, I’ll take that.

Agreed - good luck to the guys and I hope they get the biggest wedge available. I remember thinking we would never replace Rennie! I have high hopes for Crosbie, I really think he is a star in the making and possibly the hardest player we have had for a long time, he just doesn't take a step back and doesn't fear anyone. I hope he has a goo along run in the side now. Darge and Boyle look very very promising. Time change, players move on, new ones emerge.

Crosbie on one side and Ritchie on the other is a back row full of niggle. The two of them are really capable of getting under the skin of opposition players and supporters. I fucking love that - everyone except you should hate your back rows.

[KingBlairhorn]

Agree with the other comments. I'd be very sorry to see him go as he is an excellent to world class player depending on your definitions. However, this is the way it must be - we only have two teams so, where there is cover, we have to allow some players to leave for others to fully develop.

I would like to see some kind of informal arrangement made with players like Watson though for them to return for a year or two at the very end of their careers. The pro team can offer them managed gametime and help to transition into whatever they want to do next in exchange for passing on some wisdom and providing experienced quality cover during international periods.

[charltom]

That's a really good shout KingB. It'll never happen!

[Jock42]

Good game.... I think

[dpedin]

Good win for Embra ... I think. Cardiff have always been a tough team for us and I thought the young guys did fantastic. Given that as a team many hadn't played with each other before it was a pleasing performance ... I think. Two good wins toughed out by an inexperienced and predominately youthful team is a good result. Pyrgos has been the difference to both performances, much underrated but a real leader who makes the right decisions from pivotal 9 position. Putting my head under the pillow for next weeks game though!

[dpedin]

Both Embra and Weegie teams showed the problems we will have this year. With the Autumn Nations Cup and the need to isolate all the players we may need into a bubble there is very little playing resource left for the two pro teams. However needs must and the SRU and clubs need the revenue from the AN Cup to survive. There is no money in the coffers for signings for either team unless it is an absolute essential and even then they will be short term signings based on who is available. This year is just about financial survival and I am afraid performances will suffer. However it may pay off longer term if we are able to give some of the younger guys some experience on the pitch. This season is a write off for the pro teams, just savour any good bits that come along and dont get to pissed off!

[KingBlairhorn]

There has been a predictable plethora of wailing and gnashing of teeth on social media, particularly about the Glasgow start to the season, but the reality is they'll most likely be fine. Assuming we all agree this is a development season, they don't need to finish ahead of Leinster and Ulster, the only need to finish ahead of Dragons, Zebre and Ospreys to make the playoffs. Given they have played the top two in their conference I'm not too worried yet, although the Ospreys loss may come back to haunt them. The gap is only 4 points. I expect them to continue to struggle on and off through the AI / 6N periods with a late surge up the table to make the playoffs.

Edinburgh will do better I think and should be aiming to finish top two in their conference - they are already there on equal points. The first 15 for Edinburgh is probably weaker than Glasgow, but the squad is much stronger. Edinburgh put out a team with in my view at least 5 international quality players last night, Glasgow had maybe 1, and that is being generous.

Also, we were all upset when McFarland left Scotland and I think it's entirely justified. Ulster look like an excellent side. I think at the moment they are the second best in the league.

[Begbie]

Wish I could comment on the Edinburgh performance, but my Premier Sports was so bad I gave up and put Glasgow on instead, I switched off at half time though. Mixture of Glasgow getting pumped and keeping the girlfriend sweet for this weekends rugby fest.

[sturginho]

Wish I could comment on the Edinburgh performance, but my Premier Sports was so bad I gave up and put Glasgow on instead, I switched off at half time though. Mixture of Glasgow getting pumped and keeping the girlfriend sweet for this weekends rugby fest.

Thinly veiled "I have a girlfriend" post

[Begbie]

Just seen some of the latest training pics and Duncan Taylor is with the squad.

Photos courtesy of @CraigWatsonpix

[vball]

I was glad I had recorded the Edinburgh game as I could forward through most of the second half. Even though my Premier SPorts on my Sky box was working fine, I could barely make out what was happening. Might have even missed Erica Roe if they had wobbled on.

WIsh I had recorded the Glasgow match and watched Edinburgh live though as the Glasgow match had a lot more opportunities to fast forward and I could have got to bed earlier..... thinly veiled reference to Erica and nighttime pursuits.

[Slick]

Both Embra and Weegie teams showed the problems we will have this year. With the Autumn Nations Cup and the need to isolate all the players we may need into a bubble there is very little playing resource left for the two pro teams. However needs must and the SRU and clubs need the revenue from the AN Cup to survive. There is no money in the coffers for signings for either team unless it is an absolute essential and even then they will be short term signings based on who is available. This year is just about financial survival and I am afraid performances will suffer. However it may pay off longer term if we are able to give some of the younger guys some experience on the pitch. This season is a write off for the pro teams, just savour any good bits that come along and dont get to pissed off!

Yup, might end up not being a bad thing at all. This season really doesn't matter to any great extent so the fact both teams are being forced to give game time to youngsters who wouldn't normally get it is probably a decent outcome. The alternative is flogging older, more established players in a shit season.

[KingBlairhorn]

Edinburgh have signed a prop (De Bruin) from Cheetahs to join for next season. Highly rated apparently, possibly a replacement for WP who hasn’t too long left. At 28 he’s unlikely to be a project signing, so presumably brought in to be a year round high quality option.

[Tichtheid]

Edinburgh have signed a prop (De Bruin) from Cheetahs to join for next season. Highly rated apparently, possibly a replacement for WP who hasn’t too long left. At 28 he’s unlikely to be a project signing, so presumably brought in to be a year round high quality option.

By the looks of things he’s not a front rank starter, he’s going to Leicester for 7 months before joining us.

I’d rather we concentrate our efforts on bringing on McCallum, Grahamslaw and Gamble

[Caley_Red]

Just seen some of the latest training pics and Duncan Taylor is with the squad.

Photos courtesy of @CraigWatsonpix

Is Duncan Taylor actually fit? Haven't seen him full flight since about 2017

[Tichtheid]

Just seen some of the latest training pics and Duncan Taylor is with the squad.

Photos courtesy of @CraigWatsonpix

Is Duncan Taylor actually fit? Haven't seen him full flight since about 2017

He's our very own Tuilagi

He's worth pursuing with, though, imo. He looked very good (albeit briefly) with Saracens a couple of months ago

I've heard so many really good international players say he is the best they've ever played with

[Caley_Red]

Just seen some of the latest training pics and Duncan Taylor is with the squad.

Photos courtesy of @CraigWatsonpix

Is Duncan Taylor actually fit? Haven't seen him full flight since about 2017

He's our very own Tuilagi

He's worth pursuing with, though, imo. He looked very good (albeit briefly) with Saracens a couple of months ago

I've heard so many really good international players say he is the best they've ever played with

I completely agree, could have been the finest centre we've had in 15 years if he'd managed to stay fit.

[KingBlairhorn]

Edinburgh have signed a prop (De Bruin) from Cheetahs to join for next season. Highly rated apparently, possibly a replacement for WP who hasn’t too long left. At 28 he’s unlikely to be a project signing, so presumably brought in to be a year round high quality option.

By the looks of things he’s not a front rank starter, he’s going to Leicester for 7 months before joining us.

I’d rather we concentrate our efforts on bringing on McCallum, Grahamslaw and Gamble

I'd prefer that those guys are brought through too, but WP Nel is/was a top class international and Grahamslaw and Gamble in particular absolutely cannot be the replacement immediately for someone like that. WP is 35 soon, he may have a couple of years left but only if he is extremely heavily managed. There has to be a player in between that holds the fort until they are ready.

McCallum, I don't know - he looked like he would be phenomenal when he broke through but it just hasn't happened under a couple of coaches now. I wonder if the positional switch from tighthead to loosehead and then I think back again has been the problem. You have to think he is getting to make or break time soon. He is the sort that would benefit enormously from a loan to an English Championship team for 6 months or even a year.

[Tichtheid]

Edinburgh have signed a prop (De Bruin) from Cheetahs to join for next season. Highly rated apparently, possibly a replacement for WP who hasn’t too long left. At 28 he’s unlikely to be a project signing, so presumably brought in to be a year round high quality option.

By the looks of things he’s not a front rank starter, he’s going to Leicester for 7 months before joining us.

I’d rather we concentrate our efforts on bringing on McCallum, Grahamslaw and Gamble

I'd prefer that those guys are brought through too, but WP Nel is/was a top class international and Grahamslaw and Gamble in particular absolutely cannot be the replacement immediately for someone like that. WP is 35 soon, he may have a couple of years left but only if he is extremely heavily managed. There has to be a player in between that holds the fort until they are ready.

McCallum, I don't know - he looked like he would be phenomenal when he broke through but it just hasn't happened under a couple of coaches now. I wonder if the positional switch from tighthead to loosehead and then I think back again has been the problem. You have to think he is getting to make or break time soon. He is the sort that would benefit enormously from a loan to an English Championship team for 6 months or even a year.

Fair point, and it's a good shout about McCallum playing the Championship as first choice, Ldn Scottish would be the obvious choice, or even Sarries if that could happen, they have a terrific coaching set up.

As an aside, there's a story in TOL quoting Mish, "it's the first I've heard of it" regarding a move to France.