NPR

There is a bit of Edinburgh interest in the France Fiji game tomorrow with Mesulame Kunavula starting on the blindside.

He is going to be a big player for us, I think.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:26 am There is a bit of Edinburgh interest in the France Fiji game tomorrow with Mesulame Kunavula starting on the blindside.

He is going to be a big player for us, I think.

Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Nations Cup fixture between France and Fiji. The decision comes after additional COVID-19 tests were carried out on the Fiji squad following a positive test received on Tuesday. These tests have resulted in another 4 positive cases affecting close contacts as well.

westport wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 5:19 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:26 am There is a bit of Edinburgh interest in the France Fiji game tomorrow with Mesulame Kunavula starting on the blindside.

He is going to be a big player for us, I think.

Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Nations Cup fixture between France and Fiji. The decision comes after additional COVID-19 tests were carried out on the Fiji squad following a positive test received on Tuesday. These tests have resulted in another 4 positive cases affecting close contacts as well.

Really? FFS. Surely that will have a knock on for next week?

Slick wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 5:36 pm

westport wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 5:19 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:26 am There is a bit of Edinburgh interest in the France Fiji game tomorrow with Mesulame Kunavula starting on the blindside.

He is going to be a big player for us, I think.

Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Nations Cup fixture between France and Fiji. The decision comes after additional COVID-19 tests were carried out on the Fiji squad following a positive test received on Tuesday. These tests have resulted in another 4 positive cases affecting close contacts as well.

Really? FFS. Surely that will have a knock on for next week?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54933133

FFS I took leave for the Fiji weekend

Biffer wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 11:06 pm In a fortnight -

Rugby Team wins in Wales
Trump kicked out of office
Vaccine on the way
Scotland qualify for the Euros.

I'm going to wake up in a bit.

You can add ‘Hearts win delayed Scottish Cup semi v Hibs despite enforced demotion’ to that, and then you’ll have my fortnight!

So now Argentina beat the ABs. NZ are looking more vulnerable than they have done in ages, and so of course our game against them was cancelled. FFS!

It's a general pattern. When SA were dog5hit, we were the only home nation not to get to play them. This year, we had 3 games planned against the ABs, we look stronger than for a while, they look vulnerable, so of course our games were cancelled.

When (if it happens in my lifetime) we do beat them, I want it to be in a packed Murrayfield. I don't want any asterisks against it when it does happen.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:57 am So now Argentina beat the ABs. NZ are looking more vulnerable than they have done in ages, and so of course our game against them was cancelled. FFS!

Yeah, on that 2017 tour even Italy beat them.

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 11:47 am When (if it happens in my lifetime) we do beat them, I want it to be in a packed Murrayfield. I don't want any asterisks against it when it does happen.

That would be ideal, but frankly I’d take anything just to get rid of the damn monkey. Do you think Ireland cared that they broke their duck at an exhibition match in Chicago?

That was fine.

Never at any point was worried we would lose which is progress.

Weir was decent, VDMc was good, everyone else was fine

And at least we are not Ireland and have to watch that dull shit

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 3:51 pm That was fine.

Never at any point was worried we would lose which is progress.

Weir was decent, VDMc was good, everyone else was fine

And at least we are not Ireland and have to watch that dull shit

A few years ago Scotland would have lost that game. Instead, we regrouped and put in a very controlled and professional 2nd 40, and ground out the chances we needed to win the game. There was none of the flair back play that we’ve had in the last couple of years, but we’ve replaced it with the thing that very few Scotland teams have ever had, namely a winning mentality. In the end it was a fairly comfortable win, despite us not playing especially well, and that makes me happy.

Well a lot of positives for me, that was one of the best italic performances in a while and although we were below average in the first half it was a very solid second half.

We now have proper strength and depth. Our bench is no longer a big weakness, we had our 3rd choice fly half starting, he had a good game too but still 3rd for me. Our tight 5 are seriously good now and our lineout was excellent. Also got very good replacements in the tight as well.

VDM is class and just adds to an already cracking back 3. Graham, Hogg and VDM with Kinghorn are all great options.

Midfield and 8 are the only weak points now for me. Thought Price and SHC when he came on were good too.

Game on, I’ve got an annoyingly large amount of optimism with this bunch, that never sits well.

I agree with almost all of what NL says above, although I thought Harris was good today.

I actually feel that we can make a statement in this micky mouse competition. A depleted France at home then goodness knows what happens with Fiji puts us in some sort of final against England or Ireland.

Fuck it, someone shoot me. I'm being hopeful again.

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:25 pm I agree with almost all of what NL says above, although I thought Harris was good today.

I actually feel that we can make a statement in this micky mouse competition. A depleted France at home then goodness knows what happens with Fiji puts us in some sort of final against England or Ireland.

Fuck it, someone shoot me. I'm being hopeful again.

France aren't depleted as the Fiji game was cancelled. It'll be a good test.

Harris was great until the 60 minute mark then a few errors creeped in but thought he was good overall. Sam Johnson tackled very well.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 7:56 pm

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:25 pm I agree with almost all of what NL says above, although I thought Harris was good today.

I actually feel that we can make a statement in this micky mouse competition. A depleted France at home then goodness knows what happens with Fiji puts us in some sort of final against England or Ireland.

Fuck it, someone shoot me. I'm being hopeful again.

France aren't depleted as the Fiji game was cancelled. It'll be a good test.

Harris was great until the 60 minute mark then a few errors creeped in but thought he was good overall. Sam Johnson tackled very well.

Yeah agree with that on Harris, was having a great game until the last 20 when the errors kicked in, though Johnson was a bit subdued myself, more to come from him.

They are not however as strong as we are in other positions

Northern Lights wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:30 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 7:56 pm

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 6:25 pm I agree with almost all of what NL says above, although I thought Harris was good today.

I actually feel that we can make a statement in this micky mouse competition. A depleted France at home then goodness knows what happens with Fiji puts us in some sort of final against England or Ireland.

Fuck it, someone shoot me. I'm being hopeful again.

France aren't depleted as the Fiji game was cancelled. It'll be a good test.

Harris was great until the 60 minute mark then a few errors creeped in but thought he was good overall. Sam Johnson tackled very well.

Yeah agree with that on Harris, was having a great game until the last 20 when the errors kicked in, though Johnson was a bit subdued myself, more to come from him.

They are not however as strong as we are in other positions

Need Huw Jones back and firing.

I agree about the depth to an extent, the problem is it’s wafer thin in places. Sutherland’s injury looked a bad one, Kebble was a good replacement, which is great. However, what now for the France game, Kebble will start but who benches? Whomever it is they are unlikely to be a regular club starter.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:05 am I agree about the depth to an extent, the problem is it’s wafer thin in places. Sutherland’s injury looked a bad one, Kebble was a good replacement, which is great. However, what now for the France game, Kebble will start but who benches? Whomever it is they are unlikely to be a regular club starter.

Bhatti is in the squad but as you say has hardly played. This time next year we can add Schoeman to the list.

Punter15 wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:01 pm

Northern Lights wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:30 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 7:56 pm

France aren't depleted as the Fiji game was cancelled. It'll be a good test.

Harris was great until the 60 minute mark then a few errors creeped in but thought he was good overall. Sam Johnson tackled very well.

Yeah agree with that on Harris, was having a great game until the last 20 when the errors kicked in, though Johnson was a bit subdued myself, more to come from him.

They are not however as strong as we are in other positions

Need Huw Jones back and firing.

If Townsend considers Jones at 13, Glasgow don't anymore. You'd need an injury to dislodge Harris at this point. He must be close to the first name on the teamsheet at this point.

Biffer wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:21 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:05 am I agree about the depth to an extent, the problem is it’s wafer thin in places. Sutherland’s injury looked a bad one, Kebble was a good replacement, which is great. However, what now for the France game, Kebble will start but who benches? Whomever it is they are unlikely to be a regular club starter.

Bhatti is in the squad but as you say has hardly played. This time next year we can add Schoeman to the list.

Is PS not a 5 year residency?

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:58 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:21 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:05 am I agree about the depth to an extent, the problem is it’s wafer thin in places. Sutherland’s injury looked a bad one, Kebble was a good replacement, which is great. However, what now for the France game, Kebble will start but who benches? Whomever it is they are unlikely to be a regular club starter.

Bhatti is in the squad but as you say has hardly played. This time next year we can add Schoeman to the list.

Is PS not a 5 year residency?

They delayed introducing that rule for a year, so he’s eligible in 3.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:58 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:21 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:05 am I agree about the depth to an extent, the problem is it’s wafer thin in places. Sutherland’s injury looked a bad one, Kebble was a good replacement, which is great. However, what now for the France game, Kebble will start but who benches? Whomever it is they are unlikely to be a regular club starter.

Bhatti is in the squad but as you say has hardly played. This time next year we can add Schoeman to the list.

Is PS not a 5 year residency?

He was a 5 year residency player, but due to Covid the change in residency regs have been postponed, meaning Schoey qualifies for Scotland next year.

dah!

Beaten to the breakdown

Cheers gents.

I must admit for Scotland I prefer Sutherland over him (for now). He can be a bit of a penalty magnet at times. Definitely a good option to have though. If he cuts out the penalties he can be a real asset.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 11:24 am Cheers gents.

I must admit for Scotland I prefer Sutherland over him (for now). He can be a bit of a penalty magnet at times. Definitely a good option to have though. If he cuts out the penalties he can be a real asset.

Yeah, I'd be the same, but as an impact player for 20 minutes he's mouthwatering. Sutherland, Kebble, Schoeman and Bhatti is as well equipped as we've been for LH props for a very long time.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:15 am dah!

Beaten to the breakdown

You're virtually unique in that regard

Well, this weekend what are our thoughts and expectations?

I'd like a win, and we are more than capable of it, but this French team have just got better and better over the year. I don't think I'd be devastated if we got beaten but we have to put in a performance and front up.

France are the favourites to win, having said that I hope for a good display from us and if as expected France win hope it will be close

westport wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:03 pm France are the favourites to win, having said that I hope for a good display from us and if as expected France win hope it will be close

France are on their way to becoming a very good team, but we've had their measure at Murrayfield, Dupont/Vakatawa/Alldritt and all. I think this is close to a 50/50 call, and mostly 50/50 games go to the team with the better defense, so by that logic Scotland are heavy favourites. Ooh yeah boy.

I would be gutted if we didn't win this one - it's still a tournament and this is likely to be a decider for who gets to play the final.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:16 pm

westport wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:03 pm France are the favourites to win, having said that I hope for a good display from us and if as expected France win hope it will be close

France are on their way to becoming a very good team, but we've had their measure at Murrayfield, Dupont/Vakatawa/Alldritt and all. I think this is close to a 50/50 call, and mostly 50/50 games go to the team with the better defense, so by that logic Scotland are heavy favourites. Ooh yeah boy.

I would be gutted if we didn't win this one - it's still a tournament and this is likely to be a decider for who gets to play the final.

This should help a bit?

France will be without fly-half Romain Ntamack for the second round of the Autumn Nations Cup game against Scotland following an injury.

Ntamack has played 18 Tests for France and has scored 122 points but now will be replaced by uncapped Louis Carbonel in the squad ahead of the Sunday's game.

The 21-year-old finished as the Six Nations' highest point-scorer and was also among the nominations for the Player of the Championship and in his absence Fabien Galthie might opt for Bordeaux Begles' Matthieu Jalibert at the number 10 role.

Jalibert! that would be fun. He's more in the classic French mould of 10, i.e. mostly useless and just another line player with little or no responsibility for leading the execution of the game plan.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:16 pm

westport wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:03 pm France are the favourites to win, having said that I hope for a good display from us and if as expected France win hope it will be close

France are on their way to becoming a very good team, but we've had their measure at Murrayfield, Dupont/Vakatawa/Alldritt and all. I think this is close to a 50/50 call, and mostly 50/50 games go to the team with the better defense, so by that logic Scotland are heavy favourites. Ooh yeah boy.

I would be gutted if we didn't win this one - it's still a tournament and this is likely to be a decider for who gets to play the final.

I'm excited to see 15 Vs 15. I think France are man for man the better side so I'll tip them. Huge statement win if we do turn them over again.

Is Ritchie out or any other news on his HIA?

Meatball will have to play the game of his life for us to win this one imho, we are down to 3rd choice flyhalf and could really have done with Finn for this game.

Fingers crossed we turn them over as that will be a huge statement from us.

Very poor display from Edinburgh v Leinster tonight. Yes, both of our teams are having a bit of a transitional season thanks to Covid, and it’s good that a lot of young players will get game time this year, but it can’t be that good for their development if they’re getting tanked every week.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:33 pm Jalibert! that would be fun. He's more in the classic French mould of 10, i.e. mostly useless and just another line player with little or no responsibility for leading the execution of the game plan.

Yeah, he bears a fair whack of responsibility for our win in March. We’ve got a shot here, but France must be favourites.

Really going to miss going to Murrayfield for this match, I absolutely love the France 6N weekend.

Slick wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 8:24 am Really going to miss going to Murrayfield for this match, I absolutely love the France 6N weekend.

Agree. Possibly the best atmosphere of all. Hardly any niggle and definitely no outright hatred, between two sets of fans that genuinely believe their team can win the match. Which is different from being favourites against Italy or massive underdogs against the Lions 3. Best weekend of the 6N for me.

Slick wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 8:24 am Really going to miss going to Murrayfield for this match, I absolutely love the France 6N weekend.

Same. Paris is also the best away trip imo.