NPR

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:41 pm**

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:38 pm
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:36 pm
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:13 pm Price playing himself out of the 23 here
Horne has been good since he came on. It saddens me to see how much Price’s game has dropped away in the last few years.

Price, Sutherland and Watson since the Lions, you could add Hogg, but that was time/mileage taking its toll

Gatland with the ultimate fuck you to Scotland

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:47 pm**

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:36 pm
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:13 pm Price playing himself out of the 23 here
Horne has been good since he came on. It saddens me to see how much Price’s game has dropped away in the last few years.

He was always inconsistent outwith the 12-18 month purple patch in the season before the Lions.

He'll be on the plane ahead of Dobie though.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:49 pm**

I don’t want to unduly worry anyone but did you all notice the clean as fuck exit after our last try. Weird.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:54 pm**

We are a good team

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:55 pm**

Does Horne start if White isn’t fit? Does he start if he is?

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:00 pm**

Apt that the match ends with a shite ref decision. France jump across and knock the ball out of Scotland hands and somehow it’s a Scotland knock on?

Anyway, good that we came back into it but that mid-game dip was worrying. We still can’t ever manage a full 80 minute performance.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:04 pm**

Ahh well, pretty pleased with that really.

Finn looking superb and no injury. Whole back row good but great to have Ritchie back on that form.

Centres are going to have to get used to the fact they are being marked now, but no going back to Harris now.

Back 3 did well going forward, best game from Styne? BK absolutely scares the shit out of defenders. However, their defence worries me a great deal, Duhan all over the place and BK tackling is really not up to standard. But again, no going back now.

All in all think we should be fairly pleased. Apart from that 5 mins after half time we were always in it and scored some cracking tries.

Please can we just practice exits for the next 3 weeks

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm**

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:00 pm Apt that the match ends with a shite ref decision. France jump across and knock the ball out of Scotland hands and somehow it’s a Scotland knock on?

Anyway, good that we came back into it but that mid-game dip was worrying. We still can’t ever manage a full 80 minute performance.

Yeah. Clear as day penalty. Berry has been a disgrace.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm**

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:55 pm Does Horne start if White isn’t fit? Does he start if he is?

White/Horne seems an ideal combo to me.

Back row was great today; I just wish Ritchie wasn't Captain!

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm**

Watched the last10 so no context but Berry looked very quick on the draw for the winning pen.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:07 pm**

Soapy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm Watched the last10 so no context but Berry looked very quick on the draw for the winning pen.

Best you don’t watch the first half

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:07 pm**

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:04 pm Ahh well, pretty pleased with that really.

Finn looking superb and no injury. Whole back row good but great to have Ritchie back on that form.

Centres are going to have to get used to the fact they are being marked now, but no going back to Harris now.

Back 3 did well going forward, best game from Styne? BK absolutely scares the shit out of defenders. However, their defence worries me a great deal, Duhan all over the place and BK tackling is really not up to standard. But again, no going back now.

All in all think we should be fairly pleased. Apart from that 5 mins after half time we were always in it and scored some cracking tries.

Please can we just practice exits for the next 3 weeks

Really pleased with both front rows. Replacements as solid as a rock and all over the park. Unluckily penalty against Sutherland.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:07 pm**

Just home from the US. We have shown there is nothing between us and France, over two games, home and away. That’s impressive. But as KB says, we always seem to have a crap period every game. If we do that against SA and Ireland (and let’s face it, we will) then they will make us pay for it.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:09 pm**

Forwards probably shaping up as well as we could hope for tge challenge ahead. Maul defence looking sharp too.

Tonight was one of "those" games Duhan can have and like Slick says the back 3 collectively aren't amazing in defence.

The good and bad thing is that their two tries in the 2nd half were completely avoidable.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:13 pm**

charltom wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm
Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:55 pm Does Horne start if White isn’t fit? Does he start if he is?
White/Horne seems an ideal combo to me.

Back row was great today; I just wish Ritchie wasn't Captain!

I'd start Horne personally but can't see the value in white starting and Horne coming on latterly. Whit can still play quick tempo rugby, Price can't.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:20 pm**

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:07 pm
Soapy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm Watched the last10 so no context but Berry looked very quick on the draw for the winning pen.
Best you don’t watch the first half

Fair play. Will watch the full thing in the morn

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:20 pm**

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:07 pm
Soapy wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:05 pm Watched the last10 so no context but Berry looked very quick on the draw for the winning pen.
Best you don’t watch the first half

Fair play. Will watch the full thing in the morn

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:21 pm**

Pleased with that, all in all. Mind you it would have been gutting in a tournament. Our best 23 seems pretty clear, and the character to keep coming back from 2+ scores down is a credit to all of them.
The great thing is we are still improving, and since we need to peak right at the start of the RWC we are in a good place (except for that fucking group)

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:29 pm**

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:21 pm Pleased with that, all in all. Mind you it would have been gutting in a tournament. Our best 23 seems pretty clear, and the character to keep coming back from 2+ scores down is a credit to all of them.
The great thing is we are still improving, and since we need to peak right at the start of the RWC we are in a good place (except for that fucking group)

Hooker still up for grabs imo, so is starting tighthead - if Cherry was playing we may have not been turned over at the lineout as much.

We have a devastating midfield if we can get them on the front foot - we didn't manage that too often tonight, but I think the number 7 jersey is settled,

the main queries lie on the bench and when we go 6/2 or 5/3

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:30 pm**

Just makes the draw even more gutting, especially given the way Wales and England played today.

If we're in the other side of the draw we'd be looking to win the group and have a run at the semi final.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:34 pm**

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:29 pm
And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:21 pm Pleased with that, all in all. Mind you it would have been gutting in a tournament. Our best 23 seems pretty clear, and the character to keep coming back from 2+ scores down is a credit to all of them.
The great thing is we are still improving, and since we need to peak right at the start of the RWC we are in a good place (except for that fucking group)

Hooker still up for grabs imo, so is starting tighthead - if Cherry was playing we may have not been turned over at the lineout as much.

We have a devastating midfield if we can get them on the front foot - we didn't manage that too often tonight, but I think the number 7 jersey is settled,

the main queries lie on the bench and when we go 6/2 or 5/3

Smith did brilliantly on the wing when he came on if that’s helps the bench split? Not sure if it does - could he and wee George cover on a 6/2?

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:38 pm**

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:34 pm
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:29 pm
And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:21 pm Pleased with that, all in all. Mind you it would have been gutting in a tournament. Our best 23 seems pretty clear, and the character to keep coming back from 2+ scores down is a credit to all of them.
The great thing is we are still improving, and since we need to peak right at the start of the RWC we are in a good place (except for that fucking group)

Hooker still up for grabs imo, so is starting tighthead - if Cherry was playing we may have not been turned over at the lineout as much.

We have a devastating midfield if we can get them on the front foot - we didn't manage that too often tonight, but I think the number 7 jersey is settled,

the main queries lie on the bench and when we go 6/2 or 5/3
Smith did brilliantly on the wing when he came on if that’s helps the bench split? Not sure if it does - could he and wee George cover on a 6/2?

For me, from what I've seen over the course, Wee Dodd starts against South Africa - he also kicks goals really well if that is needed.

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:40 pm**

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:38 pm
Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:34 pm
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:29 pm

Hooker still up for grabs imo, so is starting tighthead - if Cherry was playing we may have not been turned over at the lineout as much.

We have a devastating midfield if we can get them on the front foot - we didn't manage that too often tonight, but I think the number 7 jersey is settled,

the main queries lie on the bench and when we go 6/2 or 5/3
Smith did brilliantly on the wing when he came on if that’s helps the bench split? Not sure if it does - could he and wee George cover on a 6/2?

For me, from what I've seen over the course, Wee Dodd starts against South Africa - he also kicks goals really well if that is needed.

He has definitely been the outstanding 9, bit don’t think Toony will do it

Posted: **Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:45 pm**

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:40 pm
Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:38 pm
Slick wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:34 pm

Smith did brilliantly on the wing when he came on if that’s helps the bench split? Not sure if it does - could he and wee George cover on a 6/2?

For me, from what I've seen over the course, Wee Dodd starts against South Africa - he also kicks goals really well if that is needed.
He has definitely been the outstanding 9, bit don’t think Toony will do it

White is supposedly going to be fit for Georgia, so if he is up and running he is our first choice, Horne bringing serious tempo on at 60 minutes is a great option to have - we all know he can run full pelt for those last 20 minutes, much more if need be - he was my favourite player until his form took a dip, it's great to see him back at his best - he hasn't even done his party piece support running line try score yet

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:54 am**

It's 5 years since the summer tour when wee George made his Test debut and the only game he has started for Scotland since then was the pool match against Russia at the 2019 RWC.

I can't see Toony handing him the 9 shirt now. My worry is they go conservative and he doesn't even get the bench slot for the big games.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 3:04 am**

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 7:00 pm
charltom wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 6:39 pm
KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 5:31 pm

While there were definitely politics involved (retribution for the typhoon fiasco) and it was us who were 8th at the time of the draw, we had consistently been around 10th I think and had managed to jump ahead of Japan due to them not being able to travel due to covid. Japan were certainly very lucky having spent only around 4 months in the top 8 in their history, however whomever was hard done by the situation I am not sure it was us. We had a brief foray into the top 8 and then dropped out again.

That’s all from memory though so is quite possibly bollocks.
You're buying into World Rugby's BS there. Japan couldn't travel so didn't win OR LOSE matches during Covid. Scotland moved up by achieving positive results.
I don’t think you are correct, there is a weighting towards recent matches so Japan’s points reduced by not playing.

Japan's post RWC points tally of 79.29 didn't move until the middle/end of 2021 when they started playing again. It's all points exchange so as far as I'm aware you have to play matches to gain or lose points. The only matches that are weighted are RWC games where points exchanges are doubled.

World Rugby have an option to remove sides from the rankings if they don't play for an extended period:

Q. What happens if a country does not play for a number of years?

Their rating may be deemed to be 'dormant', in which case they will be removed from current ranking lists. However, when they are active again they will pick up their rating from where they left off.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:37 am**

As long as nobody got injured or cited, I’m actually fairly happy with yesterday against what was a full strength France. It’s a warm-up game, another win would have been nice, but wouldn’t have counted for anything. The team are ready.

1. Schoeman
2. Turner
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gilchrist
6. Ritchie
7. Darge
8. Dempsey
9. White
10. Russell
11. Van der Merwe
12. Tuipulotu
13. Jones
14. Graham
15. Kinghorn

Subs: Sutherland, Ashman, Z Fagerson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Horne, Healy, Smith

That’s my team for SA. Mostly picks itself. I would start Nel (he’ll be itching to have a go at the Boks, plus Zander will be undercooked and deserves to be dropped). Darge over Watson. Matt Fagerson to cover the whole BR. Horne to bench, no Price in the 23.

At this stage we want to wrap everyone in cotton wool. I’d be surprised if we see many of the above team start v Georgia.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:41 am**

I was really impressed with our fitness yesterday, we looked fit and strong and held our own against a strong French team who were beginning to blow out of their arses after 60mins. Team looked well conditioned and one or two players look like they have shed a kilo or two of luggage.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 9:19 am**

Thought Jones looked good, Tui seemed a bit quiet by his recent standards. Agree Price doesn't get on the bench, White and Horne to cover 9.

Don't think the Georgia game will tell us much we don't already know, more a case of keeping things ticking over and building familiarity.

Personally I'd have Russell and Ritchie as joint captains. Russell seems to be better at dealing with refs. Way too many pens

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 12:20 pm**

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:37 am As long as nobody got injured or cited, I’m actually fairly happy with yesterday against what was a full strength France. It’s a warm-up game, another win would have been nice, but wouldn’t have counted for anything. The team are ready.

1. Schoeman
2. Turner
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gilchrist
6. Ritchie
7. Darge
8. Dempsey
9. White
10. Russell
11. Van der Merwe
12. Tuipulotu
13. Jones
14. Graham
15. Kinghorn

Subs: Sutherland, Ashman, Z Fagerson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Horne, Healy, Smith

That’s my team for SA. Mostly picks itself. I would start Nel (he’ll be itching to have a go at the Boks, plus Zander will be undercooked and deserves to be dropped). Darge over Watson. Matt Fagerson to cover the whole BR. Horne to bench, no Price in the 23.

At this stage we want to wrap everyone in cotton wool. I’d be surprised if we see many of the above team start v Georgia.

This would be my team too, other than that I might include Cherry. I expect GT to include Bayliss at the expense of Healy, against SA at least.

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 1:08 pm**

Yeah. I’m not a huge fan of 6/2, but against SA it would make sense. If he does go for that, then Steyn on the bench as he can also cover centre (Jones and Graham can both cover FB too)

Posted: **Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:31 pm**

Just caught up with the match and Scotland played really well. I'm hopeful we might cause a bit of an upset.

Kinghorn really impressive, some mea culpa due on my part.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 6:45 am**

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:31 pm Just caught up with the match and Scotland played really well. I'm hopeful we might cause a bit of an upset.

Kinghorn really impressive, some mea culpa due on my part.

The more I watch it, the more I think there maybe isn’t anyone in rugby that could have given that pass Kinghorn does for the first try

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:08 am**

So 4 or 5 due to be cut, who are we thinking?

Walker
Cherry or Ashman
Dobie

Back row contentious, not sure if Chrisite is still with the squad. If he is I'd go with Watson and Christie to miss out, if not then Watson and Bayliss. Suspect Crosbie will miss out for Watson though.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:12 am**

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:08 am So 4 or 5 due to be cut, who are we thinking?

Walker
Cherry or Ashman
Dobie

Back row contentious, not sure if Chrisite is still with the squad. If he is I'd go with Watson and Christie to miss out, if not then Watson and Bayliss. Suspect Crosbie will miss out for Watson though.

I think Bayliss was brought into the squad when Christie was cut because of an army injury. So, only four to be cut, I think.

I'm reckoning....

Dobie (assuming White is ok. Think he has a scan today) and Walker

I think Cherry will go, so one of Rambo or Ashman (probably Ashman).

I'm with you, D, and wouldn't take Watson, personally. But I reckon Crosbie will miss out.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:19 am**

Is the squad date a date only set by SRU? Or is that the final deadline? Can players be replaced due to injury? I suspect so.

If GT gambles, does he go with White trusting he will recover. That gives him White and a live-wire in Horne, with Price being, well no longer the Price he was. Or does he really gamble and take a live-wire like Dobie too (who can cover wing somewhat) and leave Price at home? I think Price will go. It is good to have options though !!

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:23 am**

It's probably not surprising to see in the Offside Line comments that Kinghorn has quickly been recognised as Hogg's natural successor and is now getting similar pelters from Scottish rugby fans about his inadequate defence. Playing fullback for Scotland must be the most thankless role in world rugby.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:50 am**

robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:23 am It's probably not surprising to see in the Offside Line comments that Kinghorn has quickly been recognised as Hogg's natural successor and is now getting similar pelters from Scottish rugby fans about his inadequate defence. Playing fullback for Scotland must be the most thankless role in world rugby.

Kinghorn's defence will be Dodson's responsibility no doubt.

There has been nothing wrong with Kinghorn's defence in these games btw.

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:53 am**

vball wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:19 am Is the squad date a date only set by SRU? Or is that the final deadline? Can players be replaced due to injury? I suspect so.

If GT gambles, does he go with White trusting he will recover. That gives him White and a live-wire in Horne, with Price being, well no longer the Price he was. Or does he really gamble and take a live-wire like Dobie too (who can cover wing somewhat) and leave Price at home? I think Price will go. It is good to have options though !!

Players can be replaced - many squads call players up as the tournament progresses, those not travelling with the squad will, I'm sure, be told to keep themselves ready for the call

Posted: **Mon Aug 14, 2023 11:02 am**

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:50 am
robmatic wrote: ↑Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:23 am It's probably not surprising to see in the Offside Line comments that Kinghorn has quickly been recognised as Hogg's natural successor and is now getting similar pelters from Scottish rugby fans about his inadequate defence. Playing fullback for Scotland must be the most thankless role in world rugby.
Kinghorn's defence will be Dodson's responsibility no doubt.

There has been nothing wrong with Kinghorn's defence in these games btw.

There hasn't, he has fallen weakly off a couple of tackles but certainly nothing else that can be pinned on him.

I do think it's fair to say that defence isn't his strong point though, it does worry me a bit. Then again, he has looked so deliciously brilliant and dangerous going forward that even if was a bigger issue you'd have to just go for it.

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