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It’s been a bugbear of mine for many years that we play a different Italy from the Italy played by the other teams. Italy have more wins v Scotland than all the other teams combined, and they raise their game against us every year. There have been signs recently that maybe Italy are starting to believe they can compete with the other teams too. This would be a welcome development, as I’m really tired of being the only team Italy believe they can beat.C T wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:40 pm That was a very nervous Murrayfield for a time there, and one of the most worrying 5 tries to 1 game I've been to.
But I am feeling positive. Great for Jones to show he is excellent in his own right. Our defence only conceeded an intercept try.
I imagine Finn having a bit of a shocker this week will only help him next week.
Big test next week, but that's kind of the point.
I hope so too - makes for a better 6N. They will definitely believe they can beat Wales next weekend, based on Friday night's performance.Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 10:54 pmIt’s been a bugbear of mine for many years that we play a different Italy from the Italy played by the other teams. Italy have more wins v Scotland than all the other teams combined, and they raise their game against us every year. There have been signs recently that maybe Italy are starting to believe they can compete with the other teams too. This would be a welcome development, as I’m really tired of being the only team Italy believe they can beat.C T wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:40 pm That was a very nervous Murrayfield for a time there, and one of the most worrying 5 tries to 1 game I've been to.
But I am feeling positive. Great for Jones to show he is excellent in his own right. Our defence only conceeded an intercept try.
I imagine Finn having a bit of a shocker this week will only help him next week.
Big test next week, but that's kind of the point.
Absolutely !!!S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 11:15 pmI hope so too - makes for a better 6N. They will definitely believe they can beat Wales next weekend, based on Friday night's performance.Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 10:54 pmIt’s been a bugbear of mine for many years that we play a different Italy from the Italy played by the other teams. Italy have more wins v Scotland than all the other teams combined, and they raise their game against us every year. There have been signs recently that maybe Italy are starting to believe they can compete with the other teams too. This would be a welcome development, as I’m really tired of being the only team Italy believe they can beat.C T wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:40 pm That was a very nervous Murrayfield for a time there, and one of the most worrying 5 tries to 1 game I've been to.
But I am feeling positive. Great for Jones to show he is excellent in his own right. Our defence only conceeded an intercept try.
I imagine Finn having a bit of a shocker this week will only help him next week.
Big test next week, but that's kind of the point.
Yeah. They still have the issue that Scotland have (only two pro teams) but their age group sides are stronger than ours now.fishfoodie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:17 amAbsolutely !!!S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 11:15 pmI hope so too - makes for a better 6N. They will definitely believe they can beat Wales next weekend, based on Friday night's performance.Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sat Feb 01, 2025 10:54 pm
It’s been a bugbear of mine for many years that we play a different Italy from the Italy played by the other teams. Italy have more wins v Scotland than all the other teams combined, and they raise their game against us every year. There have been signs recently that maybe Italy are starting to believe they can compete with the other teams too. This would be a welcome development, as I’m really tired of being the only team Italy believe they can beat.
For years other sides have been able to lazily assume that Italy would just loose the head, or cough up too many penalties, or just generally give you that opening in the last 30 minutes that would enable you to brush all the dumb shit you'd done in the previous 50 mins to prevail .... the last few years Italy has pretty much eradicated that from their game !!!
... they still have that lack of depth that leaves them vulnerable, but you just need to look at their U20 side to see that even that isn't going to last for much longer.
Superb. Well done wee man.Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Wow. Good for him.Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Well done mini Slick!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Well done him!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
That's awesome!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Haha, Clydecloggie keeping it real with this reaction, I had a proper snort!clydecloggie wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:01 am Put him in the stands at Murrayfield and let him take a pop at James Lowe this weekend. That'll sort the fucker out.
That's tremendous! Well done wee Slick!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Good man!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Well done Slick Junior!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
The Italian defence are actually pretty lucky there. There are three Scottish attackers (McDowall, Darge and Darcy(?)) and two defenders. The defenders should jam in to make the tackles so first should take McDowall, the second should take Darge and then Darcy runs in unopposed. The second widest Italian defender either doesn’t see McDowall or gets himself too wide and can’t make the tackle so decides to go early and jam Darge. As a result he almost kills the move. Russell plays the percentages and the Italians almost get lucky by going the other way.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:39 am Just looking back at the highlights from Saturday (more interesting that submitting my work expenses). On the first try, McDowall is clean through and would have been untouched a huge hole, yet Finn pulls the pass to Darge. Obviously Darge does a great job and finishes, so all good, but I wonder why Finn didn't see the easier option? I know it all happens at 100mph and there is no way even the best players make the right decision every time, and it's certainly no criticism as I couldn't think that quickly. Just seemed odd - maybe the sightlines we get on the telly make it much more obvious (the head-on view especially).
Congrats Slick and family!Slick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Brilliant!!! Well done Slick JnrSlick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:35 pm Hope you don’t mind me sharing, but bursting a bit with pride….
My 8 year old son just became the Scottish National Field Archery Champion (this has a handicap type thing)the Scottish National Novice Champion and Scottish National Junior Champion.
Unbelievable scenes, he was over the moon with his Junior medal and Easter Egg and we were getting ready to leave when they called him back to present the other 2 trophies!
Good analysis, thanks, that's helpful. I did think to myself that Finn wouldn't be expecting such a large gap after only a couple of phases (i.e. defensive system failure), so made the sensible/percentage play. Just as well Darge was able to do what he did, and not get done for a double-movement (I don't think there was, but some refs might have had a different view).KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:07 amThe Italian defence are actually pretty lucky there. There are three Scottish attackers (McDowall, Darge and Darcy(?)) and two defenders. The defenders should jam in to make the tackles so first should take McDowall, the second should take Darge and then Darcy runs in unopposed. The second widest Italian defender either doesn’t see McDowall or gets himself too wide and can’t make the tackle so decides to go early and jam Darge. As a result he almost kills the move. Russell plays the percentages and the Italians almost get lucky by going the other way.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:39 am Just looking back at the highlights from Saturday (more interesting that submitting my work expenses). On the first try, McDowall is clean through and would have been untouched a huge hole, yet Finn pulls the pass to Darge. Obviously Darge does a great job and finishes, so all good, but I wonder why Finn didn't see the easier option? I know it all happens at 100mph and there is no way even the best players make the right decision every time, and it's certainly no criticism as I couldn't think that quickly. Just seemed odd - maybe the sightlines we get on the telly make it much more obvious (the head-on view especially).
One wonders if McDowall had scored , instead of Darge , whether the perception of McDowalls performance would have changed.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:39 am Just looking back at the highlights from Saturday (more interesting that submitting my work expenses). On the first try, McDowall is clean through and would have been untouched a huge hole, yet Finn pulls the pass to Darge. Obviously Darge does a great job and finishes, so all good, but I wonder why Finn didn't see the easier option? I know it all happens at 100mph and there is no way even the best players make the right decision every time, and it's certainly no criticism as I couldn't think that quickly. Just seemed odd - maybe the sightlines we get on the telly make it much more obvious (the head-on view especially).
I think there is probably a bit of it being a new partnership as well. You'd think if it was Sione he'd be getting that ball and scoring - that's not a criticism of McDowall, just that Sione and Fin seem to have that understanding that comes with playing each other and Sione is renowned as a talker. It might also be that Fin was just a bit off it on Saturday.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:38 amGood analysis, thanks, that's helpful. I did think to myself that Finn wouldn't be expecting such a large gap after only a couple of phases (i.e. defensive system failure), so made the sensible/percentage play. Just as well Darge was able to do what he did, and not get done for a double-movement (I don't think there was, but some refs might have had a different view).KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:07 amThe Italian defence are actually pretty lucky there. There are three Scottish attackers (McDowall, Darge and Darcy(?)) and two defenders. The defenders should jam in to make the tackles so first should take McDowall, the second should take Darge and then Darcy runs in unopposed. The second widest Italian defender either doesn’t see McDowall or gets himself too wide and can’t make the tackle so decides to go early and jam Darge. As a result he almost kills the move. Russell plays the percentages and the Italians almost get lucky by going the other way.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:39 am Just looking back at the highlights from Saturday (more interesting that submitting my work expenses). On the first try, McDowall is clean through and would have been untouched a huge hole, yet Finn pulls the pass to Darge. Obviously Darge does a great job and finishes, so all good, but I wonder why Finn didn't see the easier option? I know it all happens at 100mph and there is no way even the best players make the right decision every time, and it's certainly no criticism as I couldn't think that quickly. Just seemed odd - maybe the sightlines we get on the telly make it much more obvious (the head-on view especially).
Finn definitely seemed a bit out of sorts. He hasn’t been flaky for a long time, but the interception he threw was terrible, and handed Italy a route back into the match when they hadn’t looked remotely likely to score a try up to that point.Slick wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:45 amI think there is probably a bit of it being a new partnership as well. You'd think if it was Sione he'd be getting that ball and scoring - that's not a criticism of McDowall, just that Sione and Fin seem to have that understanding that comes with playing each other and Sione is renowned as a talker. It might also be that Fin was just a bit off it on Saturday.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:38 amGood analysis, thanks, that's helpful. I did think to myself that Finn wouldn't be expecting such a large gap after only a couple of phases (i.e. defensive system failure), so made the sensible/percentage play. Just as well Darge was able to do what he did, and not get done for a double-movement (I don't think there was, but some refs might have had a different view).KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:07 am
The Italian defence are actually pretty lucky there. There are three Scottish attackers (McDowall, Darge and Darcy(?)) and two defenders. The defenders should jam in to make the tackles so first should take McDowall, the second should take Darge and then Darcy runs in unopposed. The second widest Italian defender either doesn’t see McDowall or gets himself too wide and can’t make the tackle so decides to go early and jam Darge. As a result he almost kills the move. Russell plays the percentages and the Italians almost get lucky by going the other way.
I’ve just seen another angle on that play where it looks like McDowall overran itS/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:38 amGood analysis, thanks, that's helpful. I did think to myself that Finn wouldn't be expecting such a large gap after only a couple of phases (i.e. defensive system failure), so made the sensible/percentage play. Just as well Darge was able to do what he did, and not get done for a double-movement (I don't think there was, but some refs might have had a different view).KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 11:07 amThe Italian defence are actually pretty lucky there. There are three Scottish attackers (McDowall, Darge and Darcy(?)) and two defenders. The defenders should jam in to make the tackles so first should take McDowall, the second should take Darge and then Darcy runs in unopposed. The second widest Italian defender either doesn’t see McDowall or gets himself too wide and can’t make the tackle so decides to go early and jam Darge. As a result he almost kills the move. Russell plays the percentages and the Italians almost get lucky by going the other way.S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:39 am Just looking back at the highlights from Saturday (more interesting that submitting my work expenses). On the first try, McDowall is clean through and would have been untouched a huge hole, yet Finn pulls the pass to Darge. Obviously Darge does a great job and finishes, so all good, but I wonder why Finn didn't see the easier option? I know it all happens at 100mph and there is no way even the best players make the right decision every time, and it's certainly no criticism as I couldn't think that quickly. Just seemed odd - maybe the sightlines we get on the telly make it much more obvious (the head-on view especially).
Ireland didn't last week against England, so I'd guess they won't this week either. Not sure there's any need for Scotland to go 6/2?
S/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 12:30 pmIreland didn't last week against England, so I'd guess they won't this week either. Not sure there's any need for Scotland to go 6/2?
If Scotland do go for 6/2 then the second backs replacements would likely be Jordan due to his versatility, and I'd rather see Jordan start.
Start Jordan, and also start Horne for a super high tempo running game that knackers their front 5.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 1:04 pmS/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 12:30 pmIreland didn't last week against England, so I'd guess they won't this week either. Not sure there's any need for Scotland to go 6/2?
If Scotland do go for 6/2 then the second backs replacements would likely be Jordan due to his versatility, and I'd rather see Jordan start.
There's two ways to look at going 6/2 -
1. Do a Springboks and overwhelm the opposition up front, then keep it going with the subs. That's not going to happen.
2. Imagine we are going to get battered up front and end up with lots of injuries. I can't see that happening either tbh.
Our strengths lie in our backs. Rowe covers back three, Horne is obviously cover for 9 and TJ or McDowall cover centre (I'd look to start Jordan)
They are too good to fall into a trap like thatPunter15 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 6:11 pmStart Jordan, and also start Horne for a super high tempo running game that knackers their front 5.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 1:04 pmS/Lt_Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 12:30 pm
Ireland didn't last week against England, so I'd guess they won't this week either. Not sure there's any need for Scotland to go 6/2?
If Scotland do go for 6/2 then the second backs replacements would likely be Jordan due to his versatility, and I'd rather see Jordan start.
There's two ways to look at going 6/2 -
1. Do a Springboks and overwhelm the opposition up front, then keep it going with the subs. That's not going to happen.
2. Imagine we are going to get battered up front and end up with lots of injuries. I can't see that happening either tbh.
Our strengths lie in our backs. Rowe covers back three, Horne is obviously cover for 9 and TJ or McDowall cover centre (I'd look to start Jordan)
Anyway, we’re going to win. I have a feeling*Slick wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 6:26 pmThey are too good to fall into a trap like thatPunter15 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 6:11 pmStart Jordan, and also start Horne for a super high tempo running game that knackers their front 5.Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 1:04 pm
There's two ways to look at going 6/2 -
1. Do a Springboks and overwhelm the opposition up front, then keep it going with the subs. That's not going to happen.
2. Imagine we are going to get battered up front and end up with lots of injuries. I can't see that happening either tbh.
Our strengths lie in our backs. Rowe covers back three, Horne is obviously cover for 9 and TJ or McDowall cover centre (I'd look to start Jordan)