NPR

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:45 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:39 pm

Jock42 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:36 pm

I still expect embra to lose.

We don’t need that negativity from our supporters

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:53 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:45 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:39 pm

We don’t need that negativity from our supporters

I found myself willing Edinburgh on most of the game and cheering when the final whistle went. I think I jumped the gun…

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 3:53 pm Dave Cherry has been the best player on the park so far. Matt Currie has shown up well too.

Soapy wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 5:55 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 3:53 pm Dave Cherry has been the best player on the park so far. Matt Currie has shown up well too.

I thought Skinner had a good hour or so and brought a bit of grit to the defense

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 11:40 pm I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 9:30 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 11:40 pm I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

Currie and Mosese look like they'll be a great partnership in c2 years. I'd start Healy at 10 again, Thompson just doesn't threaten the line at all and shuffles along killing most attacks. 9 is a problem still but Edinburgh have the makings of a good backline.

Still they played a lot of rugby and their only try was a Schoeman broken player grubber. So we're a year or two away.

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:18 am I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:39 am

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:18 am I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:05 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:39 am

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:18 am I think Jamie Richie is back to some really good form which is great for Scotland as well.

Schoeman was outstanding when he came on, seemed to be dragging the rest of the team along at times.

As I said during the game, that was the best I’ve seen Mosese play by a distance. I must admit, I didn’t really notice Currie that much but not arguing the point at all.

I thought Price was actually pretty decent yesterday but very sadly I think time is running out for Ross Thompson. It’s not a good look when you are hoping Healy comes on…

Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 10:44 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 9:30 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 11:40 pm I'm watching the game again.

Matt Currie is turning into some player - I'm at 26 minutes (rewinding scrums and other stuff obvs) and so far he has outshone his illustrious direct opponent

Currie and Mosese look like they'll be a great partnership in c2 years. I'd start Healy at 10 again, Thompson just doesn't threaten the line at all and shuffles along killing most attacks. 9 is a problem still but Edinburgh have the makings of a good backline.

Still they played a lot of rugby and their only try was a Schoeman broken player grubber. So we're a year or two away.

To be fair, as Barclay said every couple of minutes throughout the game, Glasgow have a very good defence - they don't commit many to the ruck at all and get back on their feet and into position immediately - they aren't an easy side to break down.
We've now played Leinster, Glasgow and the Bulls - the teams with the best defences.

We are currently 5th in the try scoring table.


There is a telling piece of information on the All Rugby site - Edinburgh are top of the league for home games and second bottom for away games. Only Dragons are worse away than us and they are bottom of the home table as well as the overall log
https://all.rugby/tournament/urc/table#google_vignette

We really need to start winning away.


Some more stats - Edinburgh are 5th in attack and have the second best defence in the league so far https://www.unitedrugby.com/statistics/2024-25

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:44 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:05 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 11:39 am



Agreed on Ritchie, he is back to his best. I really hope the concussion is light and he's available for the next round and for Scotland.

It's worth focussing on Currie the next time you get a chance. He just seems a very good rugby player, he pretty much always makes the right decision and he's very quick. (I've jinxed him now of course)

I don't know what to do about our 10s, neither of them play flat and we've not seen enough of Cammy Scott yet.

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 4:17 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:44 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:05 pm

I will do that with Currie, he is a classy player for sure.

I was actually thinking last night about our overall Scotland 10 situation, it’s not good. I really fear for us when Finn quits or if he gets injured. I’m a big fan of Hastings but obviously his injuries are a a big issue. Below that I don’t see anything approaching their status or even really decent international standard

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 6:00 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 4:17 pm

charltom wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 1:44 pm

Luckily Tom Jordan isn't below that. He's a gem.

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

I agree with that, but the one thing I'll say about Jordan is that he doesn't seem to have a ceiling - he just keeps on improving and I wouldn't put it past him to be that fly half at international level in a year or so. He needs games in a Scotland jersey, though.
He won't be starting in the 6N and the summer tour would seem the most likely time for him to get the gig.

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 7:28 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 6:00 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2024 4:17 pm

He’s solid but not much more I would say, he was extremely clunky yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan and he has been a bit of a revelation but I think a clear headed view is that he isn’t controlling an international back line at the top level

I agree with that, but the one thing I'll say about Jordan is that he doesn't seem to have a ceiling - he just keeps on improving and I wouldn't put it past him to be that fly half at international level in a year or so. He needs games in a Scotland jersey, though.
He won't be starting in the 6N and the summer tour would seem the most likely time for him to get the gig.

100% agree, not sure I’ve ever seen a player at this level improve so much year on year, incredible really

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:12 am I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

robmatic wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:43 am

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:12 am I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

Achahoish wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 10:29 am

robmatic wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:43 am

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:12 am I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

TBH After Cherry I think Hiddlestone will be hooker by the end of the 6N

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:04 pm What I find strange is the odd sort of omertà that seems to surround this particular incident. Everyone ‘knows’ it happened, but despite the internet being what it is, the actual details have been successfully covered up.

BagfordViper wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:31 pm It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

SaintK wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 5:41 pm

BagfordViper wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:31 pm It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Big D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 11:19 pm

SaintK wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 5:41 pm

BagfordViper wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:31 pm It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Rambos throwing was remarkably good considering he only transferred to hooker in 2013. Made a world cup squad within 2 years of the transition.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 1:10 am Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

dpedin wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 11:29 am

Achahoish wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 10:29 am

robmatic wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:43 am

I think Cherry is Scotland's most (only?) reliable hooker for the lineout but whatever the circumstances of the event at the World Cup, he is definitely out of favour with Toonie and that situation tends not to change in a hurry. And if those rumours are right, it is even less likely.

TBH After Cherry I think Hiddlestone will be hooker by the end of the 6N

My daughter was in France at RWC and heard similar stories, also his concussion was due to him being drunk and falling down some stairs. Cant see him ever being selected for Scotland again.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 1:10 am Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Biffer wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:49 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 1:10 am Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:51 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:49 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 1:10 am Happy New Year chaps!

I can feel it, this is our year

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

I’m afraid not, this was an organic burst of enthusiasm!

A year today aff it in fact!

Biffer wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 11:08 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:51 am

Biffer wrote: ↑Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:49 am

Time noted. Well into the whisky I feel.

I’m afraid not, this was an organic burst of enthusiasm!

A year today aff it in fact!

Well done for staying off it, great stuff. What have you noticed most as the benefits/positives?

Big D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 11:19 pm

SaintK wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 5:41 pm

BagfordViper wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 2:31 pm It brings to mind Bill Dickenson (I think) supposedly dressing down one of his more mercurial players on tour with 'There's more to playing for Scotland than kicking down cludgie doors!'

I stress that I too, have absolutely no idea what transpired in France. I get the impression nonetheless that Cherry isn't going to feature on the team sheet any time soon.

Sometimes team cohesion can be a factor. Even the best players can be disruptive in any number of ways. I'm not saying this is the case in this instance, but if a player is somehow detrimental to the greater good, it's sometimes best they're not picked.

Hooker is to my eye a definite problem position for Scotland, because I completely concur with robmatic that Cherry's the best at darts. None of his rivals are as reliable. Throwing in is in fact a bit of an Achilles heel for Scotland. Ashman and Matthews are great around the park, though I regard Ashman as a bit of a stupid penalty machine. Personally, I would on balance pick Matthews, who seems desperate to play more test rugby and has been in a notably rich vein of form for some time now. But his throwing in does give me the jitters.

It's worth observing too, that Glasgow's line-out failings probably cost them the second game against Edinburgh.

Interesting about Cherry and think I’ve mentioned it before
My mate is a specialist consultant on throwing and lineouts and has worked with both Edinburgh Glasgow and the national team for a number of years having previously worked for Cockerill at Tigers
He reckons that Cherry was and is currently easily the best line out thrower since he’s been doing it and that includes McInally and Brown

Rambos throwing was remarkably good considering he only transferred to hooker in 2013. Made a world cup squad within 2 years of the transition.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 9:12 am I see Dave Cherry is stating he remains available for selection for Scotland. It seems that his behaviour during the WC ruled that right out. It’s weird though - everyone (except me) seems to have heard a similar rumour about what happened, but nobody wants to talk about it and there is nothing online. I gather from dark hints (then and now) that it may have involved racial slurs about the current captain and a fracas with Dempsey?