The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Yr Alban]

Yet again, Edinburgh making brainless mistakes at the business end of a match. Losing that ball in midfield was criminal, and then falling off tackles to let in the try. What was the point in the massive effort if you’re going to do that?

To be fair we had to score ten points to win, we had to chase the game and go for the Hail Marys. The game wasn't lost there, imo, it was in the inaccuracies in the lineout and the poor discipline which led to Bath scoring five tries from a few metres out.

We're playing with one hand tied behind our back if we are giving away possession and territory so easily

We were 10 down and time was running out, but a good side wouldn’t have chucked the ball aimlessly into midfield and given it away. Or fallen off the tackles on the touchline for the try that followed, and the game was truly gone. It’s not that they make the howlers. It’s that they make them after tackling like demons to stay in it.

[Biffer]

Fairly typical Edinburgh

Sums up Cockerills thing about Edinburgh being a holding pen for Scotland International players

If they played like that every week we'd be comfortably top eight in the URC

[I like neeps]

To be honest I don't think he'd get a game for Edinburgh, not ahead of Ritchie, Watson, Crosbie, Muncaster, Boyle or Douglas. He wouldn't be ahead of the likes of Darge, Fagerson, Vailanu, Venter etc at Glasgow either - I've left out the 8s as Pollock isn't an 8.

Good luck to the guy, I think he is going to be very good, but I hope he doesn't read his own press.

I disagree Pollock has been great for Northampton and deserves the credit and hype imo. Douglas outplayed him in the u20 head to head and it's disappointing he hasn't had the same faith shown in him by Everitt as Pollock has had from the Saints coaches. Pollock wouldn't get a game for Edinburgh because of the risk averse coaching. But none of the players mentioned above for Glasgow and Edinburgh would start over Pollock for Northampton now either.

That's bollocks fella

How was Pollocks performance in Dublin compared to Fagerson, Darge et als last round? The kid is a total freak.

Edinburgh and Scotland have an equally gifted freak who outplayed him in their one on one and Everitt won't use him. It's frustrating.

[Big D]

I disagree Pollock has been great for Northampton and deserves the credit and hype imo. Douglas outplayed him in the u20 head to head and it's disappointing he hasn't had the same faith shown in him by Everitt as Pollock has had from the Saints coaches. Pollock wouldn't get a game for Edinburgh because of the risk averse coaching. But none of the players mentioned above for Glasgow and Edinburgh would start over Pollock for Northampton now either.

That's bollocks fella

How was Pollocks performance in Dublin compared to Fagerson, Darge et als last round? The kid is a total freak.

Edinburgh and Scotland have an equally gifted freak who outplayed him in their one on one and Everitt won't use him. It's frustrating.

Yup. Pollock is class and we'll not let our version touches potential. Infuriating.

[dkm57]

Pollock forced me into a reassessment. Still want to see Douglas and Pollock in the 29 Lions back row.

[Big D]

The thing that frustrates me the most, and this has been proven with Darge, is we don't strap the rocket boosters on young talented kids quick enough.

[clydecloggie]

Tonight's Leinster result is objectively funny of course, but it might also be a blessing for Glasgow.

Leinster played like a team with the arrogance of certainty that they would win. Despite now being proved wrong three seasons in a row, that won't change in the next month.

They beat Glasgow 52-0 in the Not Heiny QF.

Ergo: they will very happily let Glasgow come second in the URC, assured they will win a Dublin final against Glasgow.

So for Glasgow, R18 is in the bag, 2nd place in the league should then be a real possibility - and with the first XV fit and raring to go, Glasgow will go beyond Loftus and retain the title when Leinster make the same mistakes they did today.

Well, a man can dream, surely.

[Yr Alban]

Tonight's Leinster result is objectively funny of course, but it might also be a blessing for Glasgow.

Leinster played like a team with the arrogance of certainty that they would win. Despite now being proved wrong three seasons in a row, that won't change in the next month.

They beat Glasgow 52-0 in the Not Heiny QF.

Ergo: they will very happily let Glasgow come second in the URC, assured they will win a Dublin final against Glasgow.

So for Glasgow, R18 is in the bag, 2nd place in the league should then be a real possibility - and with the first XV fit and raring to go, Glasgow will go beyond Loftus and retain the title when Leinster make the same mistakes they did today.

Well, a man can dream, surely.

It’s a bit sad, but yes, there is a pleasure in watching Leinster lose these days.

[I like neeps]

The thing that frustrates me the most, and this has been proven with Darge, is we don't strap the rocket boosters on young talented kids quick enough.

It's hard for Everitt because Watson is playing well and Muncaster has also played well at 7.

Douglas should be battling for Pollock for the next decade for the best 7 in rugby though. Needs to be picked.

[Big D]

The thing that frustrates me the most, and this has been proven with Darge, is we don't strap the rocket boosters on young talented kids quick enough.

It's hard for Everitt because Watson is playing well and Muncaster has also played well at 7.

Douglas should be battling for Pollock for the next decade for the best 7 in rugby though. Needs to be picked.

Watson is playing well now but wasn't earlier in the season. What could Douglas have been like with more starts earlier.

Douglas has played 11 minutes less for the full Scotland and Scotland A in November than he has for Edinburgh over the whole season. Even allowing for injuries, it's pathetic.

[Yr Alban]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

[Dogbert]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

One can only presume Sean Kennedy's contract will probably not be renewed, Scrum-half is not really weakness in position for GW though , unless Dobie moves to a wingers role more permanently. GW still need another 10.

On the good news front -both Sione and Huw are in the frame to start against Benetton this weekend .

The bad news is Zander is out ( probably) for the rest of the GW season, Jack Mann has played is last game for GW, and Gregor Brown is also now on the injury list and out for the rest of the season

Dempsey not ready for any game time yet

[Yr Alban]

Good news on Huwpilotu. For GW and the Lions.

Less good on Zander - will he be fit for the tour? He’s our only forward I’d say had a chance of Test caps.

[Dogbert]

Good news on Huwpilotu. For GW and the Lions.

Less good on Zander - will he be fit for the tour? He’s our only forward I’d say had a chance of Test caps.

Pete Murchie is sounding pretty positive that Zander would be fit ( if selected ), what I am hearing now is that Huwpilotu are really close to coming back , but Benetton might be a week too early , but they will be assessed later this week.

[SaintK]

Good news on Huwpilotu. For GW and the Lions.

Less good on Zander - will he be fit for the tour? He’s our only forward I’d say had a chance of Test caps.

Surely he will be selected on the basis that he will need to prove his fitness before departure.

[KingBlairhorn]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

[Yr Alban]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

[Simian]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

seems a bit odd to refer to a guy who played more than fifty times for munster (including appearing in finals) as a fringe player for them. Or were you not referring to Healy?

It's wild that it's so difficult to think of a back who moved to Edinburgh from another side and actually improved.

[Yr Alban]

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

seems a bit odd to refer to a guy who played more than fifty times for munster (including appearing in finals) as a fringe player for them. Or were you not referring to Healy?

It's wild that it's so difficult to think of a back who moved to Edinburgh from another side and actually improved.

DVDM. First time round.

[KingBlairhorn]

Just seen a story on FB that Jack Oliver (Greig Oliver’s son) is going to sign for Glasgow and ‘switch allegiance’ to Scotland.

Now, I accept Jack has grown up in Ireland and represented their U20s. But he is a Scottish-born player whose dad played for Scotland. Given how much crap we get about ‘foreign born’ players, you’d think we’d be getting congratulated.

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

I was referring to myself probably getting over-excited about the Healy move which I thought was going to be transformative for Edinburgh! The international class 10 that Edinburgh hadn't had since who, Dan Parks maybe (debatable if he was international class).

[KingBlairhorn]

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

seems a bit odd to refer to a guy who played more than fifty times for munster (including appearing in finals) as a fringe player for them. Or were you not referring to Healy?

It's wild that it's so difficult to think of a back who moved to Edinburgh from another side and actually improved.

My recollection, and I may be wrong, was that he was third choice behind Crowley and Carbery when he transferred to Edinburgh.

[Dogbert]

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

I was referring to myself probably getting over-excited about the Healy move which I thought was going to be transformative for Edinburgh! The international class 10 that Edinburgh hadn't had since who, Dan Parks maybe (debatable if he was international class).

Dan Parks never played for Edinburgh, there was always 'World Class' Phil though

[robmatic]

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

I was referring to myself probably getting over-excited about the Healy move which I thought was going to be transformative for Edinburgh! The international class 10 that Edinburgh hadn't had since who, Dan Parks maybe (debatable if he was international class).

Dan Parks never played for Edinburgh, there was always 'World Class' Phil though

I miss those days, Godman really was class with ball in hand, just didn't have a kicking game at all.

[Slick]

On the basis the last fringe Munster player who switched allegiances to Scotland is now third choice fly half at Edinburgh I’ll not get overly excited about this signing just yet.

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

I was referring to myself probably getting over-excited about the Healy move which I thought was going to be transformative for Edinburgh! The international class 10 that Edinburgh hadn't had since who, Dan Parks maybe (debatable if he was international class).

A lot to unpick in this post

[Tichtheid]

[KingBlairhorn]

I wasn’t getting excited about it. As you say, the last one didn’t turn out all that well

I was referring to myself probably getting over-excited about the Healy move which I thought was going to be transformative for Edinburgh! The international class 10 that Edinburgh hadn't had since who, Dan Parks maybe (debatable if he was international class).

Dan Parks never played for Edinburgh, there was always 'World Class' Phil though

The brainiest of brain farts there. I was actually thinking of Gordon Ross so no idea where the bold Dan's name came from.

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle

[robmatic]

I was at that game... it really was a tremendous finish and is possibly my greatest sporting memory.

My favourite highlight of Godman's is this one:

[Slick]

Funny how it's often not the big events that become favourite memories.

Mine is undoubtedly Duncan Weirs drop goal in Rome

[KingBlairhorn]

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle

Satala born in Edinburgh apparently. If he's good I'll look forward to all the bleating about him being a poach for some other reason than place of birth.

[Slick]

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle

Satala born in Edinburgh apparently. If he's good I'll look forward to all the bleating about him being a poach for some other reason than place of birth.

Already seen a nice one on RugbyPass “ Edinburgh raid English clubs for Scottish qualified Wings”

[Yr Alban]

Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle

Satala born in Edinburgh apparently. If he's good I'll look forward to all the bleating about him being a poach for some other reason than place of birth.

I saw that and raised an eyebrow. As you say, there will be a reason he’s a poach. Probably it will be ‘but where did he learn his rugby?’ despite the fact that actually learning it in Scotland isn’t enough for some people if you weren’t born there too. However, the laziest criticism is the %age of the squad born outside Scotland (the one brought up every RWC) and he won’t count in that.

[Jock42]

Being the son of a SCOTS soldier is good enough to me (even if it was 1 SCOTS), being embra born is an added bonus.

Looking like Boff is off then? Goosen and Paterson the incumbent FBs.

[robmatic]

Being the son of a SCOTS soldier is good enough to me (even if it was 1 SCOTS), being embra born is an added bonus.

Looking like Boff is off then? Goosen and Paterson the incumbent FBs.

It's a shame but I don't think they can give Boff a new contract when the outlook must be uncertain on his fitness.

I wonder if Jake Henry is maybe not coming back from Coventry either.

[Big D]

Being the son of a SCOTS soldier is good enough to me (even if it was 1 SCOTS), being embra born is an added bonus.

Looking like Boff is off then? Goosen and Paterson the incumbent FBs.

I think Boff has to go. Big money on a back 3 player who has spent a lot of time on the physio table isn't good business.

Has been great over his time here but time to focus on getting Paterson game time.

[Jock42]

Yeah I agree with you both. It's a pity for him as he's been a great player.

[Tichtheid]

I'm sorry to have to agree on Boff - great lad, he seems really popular with the squad and he really bought into being an Edinburgh Gunner. I wish things were different but that is pro sport, I guess.

I'm still hoping there will be a reprieve and he will play before the end of the season and he'll be on a one year contract as a result - but that is wishful thinking on my part.

[TartanBear]

Endless chat on the Lions and the potential Scottish contingent. We all know the Scots in the picture, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is one nailed-on (a back) that doesn’t get selected and one (probably a forward) we’re not expecting.

[Big D]

I have a full day meeting which is frustrating.

I know not everyone likes the Lions but the players desperately want a call up. I hope many of them get good news.

[Slick]

Endless chat on the Lions and the potential Scottish contingent. We all know the Scots in the picture, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is one nailed-on (a back) that doesn’t get selected and one (probably a forward) we’re not expecting.

Darcy might be one be who doesn’t make it. He’s tops just about every measure over the last couple of years but for some reason doesn’t seem to get recognition outside of Scotland