NPR

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 7:19 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 6:35 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 2:10 pm Ally Miller and Darge get shifted across to Glasgow.

Makes sense as Glasgow need the bodies and Edinburgh have been surprisingly successful at hanging onto their high profile backrows. Darge obviously hasn't had much senior rugby but Miller has proven himself to be a useful squad option.

Indeed looking at the depth charts the disparity in backrows was quite frankly ridiculous.

Darge is a real prospect with three good years in the under20s. Both he and Gordon are very young so will be great to see who and Boyle at Edinburgh arise as heir to Watson.

Miller gets a shot at pro rugby, good on him.

Sensible moves. From an Edinburgh POV, the two they have lost are probably the weakest of the current SQ players in their categories (emerging pro and youth prospect). That's not to be disparaging, both are top prospects and Miller has had a great breakout season, however those two are probably the nearest the beginning of their respective journeys.

Edinburgh have held on to Bradbury and Crosbie, both of whom are more established than Miller plus Boyle who seems to be slightly further along in his development than Darge. They have also held on to Muncaster who is probably the top number 8 prospect in Scotland right now.

Haven't heard of Muncaster but just had a look at his profile on Edinburgh rugby site- have you seen him play? Just wondering how good he may be!

Caley_Red wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:53 pm Haven't heard of Muncaster but just had a look at his profile on Edinburgh rugby site- have you seen him play? Just wondering how good he may be!

Unfortunately not, just hearsay. He has been talked about a bit by Alex Shaw (former talent scout, now works in some capacity at Ealing) on twitter. He was highly rated by Leicester and Rugby School and I also heard he put a good shift in recently in the Edinburgh Glasgow A match. To be honest I'm probably overselling, but he is a big hard ball carrying number 8, which I think everyone agrees we really really need. He featured in an article here:

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ten-of-r ... e-in-2021/

He's a year younger than Darge and Boyle so I wouldn't expect to see much of him until the season after next, with the possibility of a small amount of game time next season.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:38 am

Caley_Red wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:53 pm Haven't heard of Muncaster but just had a look at his profile on Edinburgh rugby site- have you seen him play? Just wondering how good he may be!

Unfortunately not, just hearsay. He has been talked about a bit by Alex Shaw (former talent scout, now works in some capacity at Ealing) on twitter. He was highly rated by Leicester and Rugby School and I also heard he put a good shift in recently in the Edinburgh Glasgow A match. To be honest I'm probably overselling, but he is a big hard ball carrying number 8, which I think everyone agrees we really really need. He featured in an article here:

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ten-of-r ... e-in-2021/

He's a year younger than Darge and Boyle so I wouldn't expect to see much of him until the season after next, with the possibility of a small amount of game time next season.

That is why I wouldn't have resigned Haining. There are 3 8's (inc. Bradbury) under contract ahead of Muncaster on varying lengths of contracts. There is no reason for our 20/21/22 year old back rows not be getting some game time this year and next year. Miller has proven useful across the whole whereas Haning is a 6/8 but more of an 8, he's 30, will cost more and is decent but no more. This is a good move for Miller, Glasgow and the SRU but not for Edinburgh IMO.

The SRU are too scared to see internationals or SQ guys with potential (Vellacott) cut loose and have to find a club. Even with Miller and Darge heading west, I am not sure the Haining extension was needed.

Big D wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:02 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:38 am

Caley_Red wrote: ↑Thu Mar 04, 2021 10:53 pm Haven't heard of Muncaster but just had a look at his profile on Edinburgh rugby site- have you seen him play? Just wondering how good he may be!

Unfortunately not, just hearsay. He has been talked about a bit by Alex Shaw (former talent scout, now works in some capacity at Ealing) on twitter. He was highly rated by Leicester and Rugby School and I also heard he put a good shift in recently in the Edinburgh Glasgow A match. To be honest I'm probably overselling, but he is a big hard ball carrying number 8, which I think everyone agrees we really really need. He featured in an article here:

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ten-of-r ... e-in-2021/

He's a year younger than Darge and Boyle so I wouldn't expect to see much of him until the season after next, with the possibility of a small amount of game time next season.

That is why I wouldn't have resigned Haining. There are 3 8's (inc. Bradbury) under contract ahead of Muncaster on varying lengths of contracts. There is no reason for our 20/21/22 year old back rows not be getting some game time this year and next year. Miller has proven useful across the whole whereas Haning is a 6/8 but more of an 8, he's 30, will cost more and is decent but no more. This is a good move for Miller, Glasgow and the SRU but not for Edinburgh IMO.

The SRU are too scared to see internationals or SQ guys with potential (Vellacott) cut loose and have to find a club. Even with Miller and Darge heading west, I am not sure the Haining extension was needed.

Haining was in the Scotland squad for the England games. He's too valuable as a squad player for Scotland to be without a squad or gametime and a backup backrow without EQP is not valuable for English clubs. So that makes sense he was offered a new deal.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:35 am

Big D wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:02 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 8:38 am

Unfortunately not, just hearsay. He has been talked about a bit by Alex Shaw (former talent scout, now works in some capacity at Ealing) on twitter. He was highly rated by Leicester and Rugby School and I also heard he put a good shift in recently in the Edinburgh Glasgow A match. To be honest I'm probably overselling, but he is a big hard ball carrying number 8, which I think everyone agrees we really really need. He featured in an article here:

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ten-of-r ... e-in-2021/

He's a year younger than Darge and Boyle so I wouldn't expect to see much of him until the season after next, with the possibility of a small amount of game time next season.

That is why I wouldn't have resigned Haining. There are 3 8's (inc. Bradbury) under contract ahead of Muncaster on varying lengths of contracts. There is no reason for our 20/21/22 year old back rows not be getting some game time this year and next year. Miller has proven useful across the whole whereas Haning is a 6/8 but more of an 8, he's 30, will cost more and is decent but no more. This is a good move for Miller, Glasgow and the SRU but not for Edinburgh IMO.

The SRU are too scared to see internationals or SQ guys with potential (Vellacott) cut loose and have to find a club. Even with Miller and Darge heading west, I am not sure the Haining extension was needed.

Haining was in the Scotland squad for the England games. He's too valuable as a squad player for Scotland to be without a squad or gametime and a backup backrow without EQP is not valuable for English clubs. So that makes sense he was offered a new deal.

It's not a great message to send to other SQ potential signings, is it?

"Come declare for Scotland and play for us, but you're on your own next time your contract is up."

I thought Haining played pretty well for Scotland and Edinburgh in a role we don't have a lot of, the big aggressive ball-carrying 8.

He's having a pretty quiet season this year, but who isn't in Edinburgh colours?

Muncaster turned 19 in October, there is no rush

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Benetton Rugby at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Guinness PRO14
Sunday 7 March (kick-off 3.15pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Damien Hoyland CO-CAPTAIN (79)
14. Jack Blain (9)
13. James Johnstone (59)
12. George Taylor (29)
11. Eroni Sau (19)
10. Nathan Chamberlain (6)
9. Charlie Shiel (28)
1. Pierre Schoeman CO-CAPTAIN (58)
2. David Cherry (33)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (5)
4. Magnus Bradbury (91)
5. Andrew Davidson (11)
6. Luke Crosbie (50)
7.Ally Miller (21)
8. Nick Haining (20)

Substitutes:
16. Mike Willemse (33)
17. Boan Venter (1)
18. Simon Berghan (89)
19. Andries Ferreira (8)
20. Mesu Kunavula (4)
21. Henry Pyrgos (45)
22. Charlie Savala (0)
23. Mark Bennett (49)

Unavailable on Scotland duty (7): Grant Gilchrist, Darcy Graham, Willem Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Sutherland, Duhan van der Merwe, Hamish Watson.

westport wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:47 pm Edinburgh Rugby team to play Benetton Rugby at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Guinness PRO14
Sunday 7 March (kick-off 3.15pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Damien Hoyland CO-CAPTAIN (79)
14. Jack Blain (9)
13. James Johnstone (59)
12. George Taylor (29)
11. Eroni Sau (19)
10. Nathan Chamberlain (6)
9. Charlie Shiel (28)
1. Pierre Schoeman CO-CAPTAIN (58)
2. David Cherry (33)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (5)
4. Magnus Bradbury (91)
5. Andrew Davidson (11)
6. Luke Crosbie (50)
7.Ally Miller (21)
8. Nick Haining (20)

Substitutes:
16. Mike Willemse (33)
17. Boan Venter (1)
18. Simon Berghan (89)
19. Andries Ferreira (8)
20. Mesu Kunavula (4)
21. Henry Pyrgos (45)
22. Charlie Savala (0)
23. Mark Bennett (49)

Unavailable on Scotland duty (7): Grant Gilchrist, Darcy Graham, Willem Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Rory Sutherland, Duhan van der Merwe, Hamish Watson.

Shiel and Chamberlain both get starts. Obviously Cockerill has been forced to start Chamberlain because of an injury to Jaco, but finally he is showing some confidence in Shiel.

robmatic wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:41 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:35 am

Big D wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:02 am

That is why I wouldn't have resigned Haining. There are 3 8's (inc. Bradbury) under contract ahead of Muncaster on varying lengths of contracts. There is no reason for our 20/21/22 year old back rows not be getting some game time this year and next year. Miller has proven useful across the whole whereas Haning is a 6/8 but more of an 8, he's 30, will cost more and is decent but no more. This is a good move for Miller, Glasgow and the SRU but not for Edinburgh IMO.

The SRU are too scared to see internationals or SQ guys with potential (Vellacott) cut loose and have to find a club. Even with Miller and Darge heading west, I am not sure the Haining extension was needed.

Haining was in the Scotland squad for the England games. He's too valuable as a squad player for Scotland to be without a squad or gametime and a backup backrow without EQP is not valuable for English clubs. So that makes sense he was offered a new deal.

It's not a great message to send to other SQ potential signings, is it?

"Come declare for Scotland and play for us, but you're on your own next time your contract is up."

I think that's a good point robo.

In terms of the Edinburgh squad, I'm not sure I agree with your initial premise anyway Big D. Next year the Edinburgh back row will be Richie, Mata, Watson with reserves of Bradbury, Haining, Crosbie. Of those 6, it is not inconceivable that all but Mata are called up to international duty at the same time. That would leave the backrow as Boyle, Mata, Kunavala with the bench filled with youth. That assumes there are zero injuries through the international periods. I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Edit to say Carmichael is also an option at 6 if need be.

Chamberlain and Thomson both starting the same weekend surely is the first time in pro club history academy or EDP 10s start for each pro team on the same weekend.

With 10 being a tough position that's pleasing.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm Chamberlain and Thomson both starting the same weekend surely is the first time in pro club history academy or EDP 10s start for each pro team on the same weekend.

With 10 being a tough position that's pleasing.

Definitely - Savala on the bench too who whilst not academy is also a young SQ 10.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:41 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:35 am

Haining was in the Scotland squad for the England games. He's too valuable as a squad player for Scotland to be without a squad or gametime and a backup backrow without EQP is not valuable for English clubs. So that makes sense he was offered a new deal.

It's not a great message to send to other SQ potential signings, is it?

"Come declare for Scotland and play for us, but you're on your own next time your contract is up."

I think that's a good point robo.

In terms of the Edinburgh squad, I'm not sure I agree with your initial premise anyway Big D. Next year the Edinburgh back row will be Richie, Mata, Watson with reserves of Bradbury, Haining, Crosbie. Of those 6, it is not inconceivable that all but Mata are called up to international duty at the same time. That would leave the backrow as Boyle, Mata, Kunavala with the bench filled with youth. That assumes there are zero injuries through the international periods. I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Edit to say Carmichael is also an option at 6 if need be.

Regarding the SQ part, things change. Mata is staying, Haining is now being paid as an internationally capped player and it is arguable he'd make the bench in a first choice 23. It isn't particularly good use of budget when other areas of the first choice 23 are below average. If a body was needed, Miller is more versatile and cost effective.

We need to be giving the best of our young guys proper game time. Look around the 6N. Ritchie, Curry, Billy V, Van Der Flier, Wainwright, Navidi., Dorris, Aldritt etc were all playing regular enough club rugby at 20. These guys need to start getting top level game time if they are as good as the appear to be. And they need mixed in with the 1's. Not part of a sacrificial offering to the SA teams as part of a 3rd string side.

Agree but the problem for Boyle and Darge in this situation isn't so much Haining as Crobie and now Miller playing 7. Haining is an option in the Matt F, Blade Thompson role in a way that Boyle and Darge just aren't. They should be playing 7 which is where Crosbie and now Miller are.

Cockers should be playing Boyle at 7 until the end of the season. Miller is leaving and winning doesn't matter we can't quality for anything.

But Darge should've left last season to Glasgow. It boggles the mind Lokotui and Ioane have played so often for Glasgow and Boyle and Darge weren't even loaned there.

Big D wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:16 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:41 am

It's not a great message to send to other SQ potential signings, is it?

"Come declare for Scotland and play for us, but you're on your own next time your contract is up."

I think that's a good point robo.

In terms of the Edinburgh squad, I'm not sure I agree with your initial premise anyway Big D. Next year the Edinburgh back row will be Richie, Mata, Watson with reserves of Bradbury, Haining, Crosbie. Of those 6, it is not inconceivable that all but Mata are called up to international duty at the same time. That would leave the backrow as Boyle, Mata, Kunavala with the bench filled with youth. That assumes there are zero injuries through the international periods. I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Edit to say Carmichael is also an option at 6 if need be.

Regarding the SQ part, things change. Mata is staying, Haining is now being paid as an internationally capped player and it is arguable he'd make the bench in a first choice 23. It isn't particularly good use of budget when other areas of the first choice 23 are below average. If a body was needed, Miller is more versatile and cost effective.

We need to be giving the best of our young guys proper game time. Look around the 6N. Ritchie, Curry, Billy V, Van Der Flier, Wainwright, Navidi., Dorris, Aldritt etc were all playing regular enough club rugby at 20. These guys need to start getting top level game time if they are as good as the appear to be. And they need mixed in with the 1's. Not part of a sacrificial offering to the SA teams as part of a 3rd string side.

With all due respect to Ally Miller, who I think is a decent player, he is in no way an exceptional talent of the likes of any of those names around the 6N you have mentioned.

It's possibly also not too realistic to be expecting all that many of these young players to be competitive at the age of 20 in top level games when in recent years the u20s haven't exactly been dominant against their age grade peers.

robmatic wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:47 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:16 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm

I think that's a good point robo.

In terms of the Edinburgh squad, I'm not sure I agree with your initial premise anyway Big D. Next year the Edinburgh back row will be Richie, Mata, Watson with reserves of Bradbury, Haining, Crosbie. Of those 6, it is not inconceivable that all but Mata are called up to international duty at the same time. That would leave the backrow as Boyle, Mata, Kunavala with the bench filled with youth. That assumes there are zero injuries through the international periods. I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Edit to say Carmichael is also an option at 6 if need be.

Regarding the SQ part, things change. Mata is staying, Haining is now being paid as an internationally capped player and it is arguable he'd make the bench in a first choice 23. It isn't particularly good use of budget when other areas of the first choice 23 are below average. If a body was needed, Miller is more versatile and cost effective.

We need to be giving the best of our young guys proper game time. Look around the 6N. Ritchie, Curry, Billy V, Van Der Flier, Wainwright, Navidi., Dorris, Aldritt etc were all playing regular enough club rugby at 20. These guys need to start getting top level game time if they are as good as the appear to be. And they need mixed in with the 1's. Not part of a sacrificial offering to the SA teams as part of a 3rd string side.

With all due respect to Ally Miller, who I think is a decent player, he is in no way an exceptional talent of the likes of any of those names around the 6N you have mentioned.

It's possibly also not too realistic to be expecting all that many of these young players to be competitive at the age of 20 in top level games when in recent years the u20s haven't exactly been dominant against their age grade peers.

I am not talking about Miller. We are talking the here and now and contract decisions impacting the 20 and 21 year olds next season.

And even then I'm not talking about every u20 player, I'm talking about the few who are clearly talented. Even though the 6N young guns I mentioned are clearly very good, there will be plenty more 20/21 year olds playing regular in other 6N countries if not the international team. And they only become that good by getting meaningful gametime.

I mentioned Miller because he'll be cheaper than Haining and would free up budget for elsewhere.

The most recent u20 6N we came 2nd. Won 2 games but were competitive in the other with Boyle leading that side. We've read and heard tat Boyle and Darge had potential to do very well and are now 21 with very little appearances and still down the pecking order. We need to start getting them games or any potential will be wasted.

Our last u20 stand off can barely get 10min off the bench unless the coach is forced to play him or the game is meaningless.

Glasgow winning 3-10, McLean blitz clear on the touchline but then quite greedy and gets taken down by the cover a few meters out with men on his shoulder.

Second time shortly after had the potential of passing to an inside man after set piece with a tight margin vs defenders, but doesn't look and presume equally inside man didn't call. Almost as rough a few minutes as D'Arcy Rae with knock-on on the line (in tackle sit), poor drop and then penalty given in frustration.

And then some incredibly atrocious handling leads to Zebre's 14 players walking it upfield for a try under the sticks. With a yellow for Johnson for a dump tackle in the process.

Edit: And off kick-off Glasgow give away a pen and weakly defend, Zebre another try going into HT leading17-10 when Glasgow really should have been 3-17 ahead.


Edit: and then claw way back with some much tighter play (interspersed with wild play during advantages) to 20-24

Glasgow managed that game pretty poorly which I suppose is not unexpected when the average age of the back line is about 12. They were dominant in the set piece for most of the game, but had a serious wobble in the middle third which they played most of down to 14 men.

Still, there is clearly huge quality in the young lads coming through with Dobie for the most part excellent again, McLean showing some lovely pace and footwork and Thomson also showing some nice skills.

The main culprits for the poorest play were again the senior players. Darcy Rae made at least half a dozen errors, Huw Jones’ handling was terrible and the less said about Nakarawa the better. It might turn out to be a brilliant decision to ship him off to a major rival on a significant wage of this is his standard now.

A word also for Nick Grigg who changed the game despite looking like the second coming of chunk. Good to see him back looking dangerous.

Edit: in case it’s not clear, Glasgow did at least manage to win!

Edinburgh's Pro14 match against Benetton on Sunday has been postponed after a positive Covid-19 test in the Benetton camp.

Hogg went off with a knee injury in Exeter’s game. According to Twitter, looked more like a knock than a twist, but still

Have also seen a rumour that Russell (who was taken off 7 mins before the end of the Racing game) might be out for a couple of weeks. Which, with Weir, Van der Walt and Redpath injured and Hastings banned, would probably mean Lang starting at 10.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 9:01 pm Have also seen a rumour that Russell (who was taken off 7 mins before the end of the Racing game) might be out for a couple of weeks. Which, with Weir, Van der Walt and Redpath injured and Hastings banned, would probably mean Lang starting at 10.

Journalists on twitter say he wasn't injured and Cockers said VdW will be fit for Scotland Ireland anyway.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 9:27 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Sun Mar 07, 2021 9:01 pm Have also seen a rumour that Russell (who was taken off 7 mins before the end of the Racing game) might be out for a couple of weeks. Which, with Weir, Van der Walt and Redpath injured and Hastings banned, would probably mean Lang starting at 10.

Journalists on twitter say he wasn't injured and Cockers said VdW will be fit for Scotland Ireland anyway.

Well, that’s good news. Did say it was only a rumour!

Genuine question - is a miraculous third place finish still a possibility for Glasgow? They are currently 10 points behind Ospreys with a game in hand.

Ospreys have two remaining fixtures: Glasgow and then Leinster.

Glasgow have three remaining fixtures: Ospreys (at home), Dragons and Benetton. Three wins is very possible, any three wins would be a third place finish assuming Ospreys will lose to Leinster (and they will). The game this weekend against Ospreys is probably now their most important of the season as Champions Cup rugby rests entirely on it.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:05 pm Glasgow managed that game pretty poorly which I suppose is not unexpected when the average age of the back line is about 12. They were dominant in the set piece for most of the game, but had a serious wobble in the middle third which they played most of down to 14 men.

Still, there is clearly huge quality in the young lads coming through with Dobie for the most part excellent again, McLean showing some lovely pace and footwork and Thomson also showing some nice skills.

The main culprits for the poorest play were again the senior players. Darcy Rae made at least half a dozen errors, Huw Jones’ handling was terrible and the less said about Nakarawa the better. It might turn out to be a brilliant decision to ship him off to a major rival on a significant wage of this is his standard now.

A word also for Nick Grigg who changed the game despite looking like the second coming of chunk. Good to see him back looking dangerous.

Edit: in case it’s not clear, Glasgow did at least manage to win!

It was a weird one inasmuch as the youngsters played well but it took the older ones to come on and win it. Scottish rugby mentality runs deep it seems!

Was very pleased for Grigg who I still can't quite get my head around being a pro rugby player

Edinburgh also have a hugely improbable potential for third in their pool. Scarlets are currently 14 points clear with two games remaining, Edinburgh have 4.

Scarlets: Munster (away), Connacht (home). It's not improbable they take zero points.
Edinburgh: Dragons (away), Cardiff (away), Connacht (away), Benetton (home). Could Edinburgh take 15 points from those 4 games? Very unlikely given their performances this year but it is possible.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:15 am Edinburgh also have a hugely improbable potential for third in their pool. Scarlets are currently 14 points clear with two games remaining, Edinburgh have 4.

Scarlets: Munster (away), Connacht (home). It's not improbable they take zero points.
Edinburgh: Dragons (away), Cardiff (away), Connacht (away), Benetton (home). Could Edinburgh take 15 points from those 4 games? Very unlikely given their performances this year but it is possible.

What a difference a DG could have made

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm . I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Read today that Mann has been released. I think it was Weegie that posted that on the Ed Forum. Think he posts here.

Jock42 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:19 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:15 am Edinburgh also have a hugely improbable potential for third in their pool. Scarlets are currently 14 points clear with two games remaining, Edinburgh have 4.

Scarlets: Munster (away), Connacht (home). It's not improbable they take zero points.
Edinburgh: Dragons (away), Cardiff (away), Connacht (away), Benetton (home). Could Edinburgh take 15 points from those 4 games? Very unlikely given their performances this year but it is possible.

What a difference a DG could have made

I think it would it have been a 6 point swing? 9 points from Dragons and Benetton alone would have been seen as achievable.

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:13 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:05 pm Glasgow managed that game pretty poorly which I suppose is not unexpected when the average age of the back line is about 12. They were dominant in the set piece for most of the game, but had a serious wobble in the middle third which they played most of down to 14 men.

Still, there is clearly huge quality in the young lads coming through with Dobie for the most part excellent again, McLean showing some lovely pace and footwork and Thomson also showing some nice skills.

The main culprits for the poorest play were again the senior players. Darcy Rae made at least half a dozen errors, Huw Jones’ handling was terrible and the less said about Nakarawa the better. It might turn out to be a brilliant decision to ship him off to a major rival on a significant wage of this is his standard now.

A word also for Nick Grigg who changed the game despite looking like the second coming of chunk. Good to see him back looking dangerous.

Edit: in case it’s not clear, Glasgow did at least manage to win!

It was a weird one inasmuch as the youngsters played well but it took the older ones to come on and win it. Scottish rugby mentality runs deep it seems!

Was very pleased for Grigg who I still can't quite get my head around being a pro rugby player

I think Nick Grigg is an excellent Pro14 player. Always a standout for Glasgow. If you want to know why Huw Jones was shunted to 15 and didn't work at 13 your answer is Nick Grigg just played so much better than he did.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:40 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:35 pm . I think there will be plenty gametime for Boyle and it wouldn't surprise me to see Mann and Muncaster in and around the matchday squads too.

Read today that Mann has been released.

Surprisingly I would say Edinburgh are starting to look a little thin.8 senior players of which between 3 and 5 can be expected to be away with Scotland. If the full five are away/injured, they'll be scraping the barrel for numbers.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:41 am

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:13 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:05 pm Glasgow managed that game pretty poorly which I suppose is not unexpected when the average age of the back line is about 12. They were dominant in the set piece for most of the game, but had a serious wobble in the middle third which they played most of down to 14 men.

Still, there is clearly huge quality in the young lads coming through with Dobie for the most part excellent again, McLean showing some lovely pace and footwork and Thomson also showing some nice skills.

The main culprits for the poorest play were again the senior players. Darcy Rae made at least half a dozen errors, Huw Jones’ handling was terrible and the less said about Nakarawa the better. It might turn out to be a brilliant decision to ship him off to a major rival on a significant wage of this is his standard now.

A word also for Nick Grigg who changed the game despite looking like the second coming of chunk. Good to see him back looking dangerous.

Edit: in case it’s not clear, Glasgow did at least manage to win!

It was a weird one inasmuch as the youngsters played well but it took the older ones to come on and win it. Scottish rugby mentality runs deep it seems!

Was very pleased for Grigg who I still can't quite get my head around being a pro rugby player

I think Nick Grigg is an excellent Pro14 player. Always a standout for Glasgow. If you want to know why Huw Jones was shunted to 15 and didn't work at 13 your answer is Nick Grigg just played so much better than he did.

Oh, I certainly wasn't criticising him, just doesn't look like a pro rugby player, but plays like one for sure.

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:47 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:41 am

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:13 am

It was a weird one inasmuch as the youngsters played well but it took the older ones to come on and win it. Scottish rugby mentality runs deep it seems!

Was very pleased for Grigg who I still can't quite get my head around being a pro rugby player

I think Nick Grigg is an excellent Pro14 player. Always a standout for Glasgow. If you want to know why Huw Jones was shunted to 15 and didn't work at 13 your answer is Nick Grigg just played so much better than he did.

Oh, I certainly wasn't criticising him, just doesn't look like a pro rugby player, but plays like one for sure.

He certainly doesn't look like he's as rapid as he is.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56319783

Darryl Marfo signs for Leicester on a short term deal.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:41 am

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 9:13 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:05 pm Glasgow managed that game pretty poorly which I suppose is not unexpected when the average age of the back line is about 12. They were dominant in the set piece for most of the game, but had a serious wobble in the middle third which they played most of down to 14 men.

Still, there is clearly huge quality in the young lads coming through with Dobie for the most part excellent again, McLean showing some lovely pace and footwork and Thomson also showing some nice skills.

The main culprits for the poorest play were again the senior players. Darcy Rae made at least half a dozen errors, Huw Jones’ handling was terrible and the less said about Nakarawa the better. It might turn out to be a brilliant decision to ship him off to a major rival on a significant wage of this is his standard now.

A word also for Nick Grigg who changed the game despite looking like the second coming of chunk. Good to see him back looking dangerous.

Edit: in case it’s not clear, Glasgow did at least manage to win!

It was a weird one inasmuch as the youngsters played well but it took the older ones to come on and win it. Scottish rugby mentality runs deep it seems!

Was very pleased for Grigg who I still can't quite get my head around being a pro rugby player

I think Nick Grigg is an excellent Pro14 player. Always a standout for Glasgow. If you want to know why Huw Jones was shunted to 15 and didn't work at 13 your answer is Nick Grigg just played so much better than he did.

He looked like he'd spent the first lockdown eating pastry when the season restarted last year.

Squad for Ireland out:



Rufus McLean fully in the squad now rather than training with them. Jamie Dobie keeps his place and Sam Skinner is back in too.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 1:36 pm Squad for Ireland out:



Rufus McLean fully in the squad now rather than training with them. Jamie Dobie keeps his place and Sam Skinner is back in too.

I'd go

Hogg
Maitland
Harris
Johnson
VDM
Russell
Price
Sutherland
Turner
Nel
Gray
Cummings
Ritchie
Fagerson
Watson

Kebble/Bhatti
Cherry
Berghan
Skinner
Haining
Steele
VDW
Jones/Graham

Soapy wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:57 pm

I'd go

Hogg
Maitland
Harris
Johnson
VDM
Russell
Price
Sutherland
Turner
Nel
Gray
Cummings
Ritchie
Fagerson
Watson

Kebble/Bhatti
Cherry
Berghan
Skinner
Haining
Steele
VDW
Jones/Graham

That won't be far off, Lang v Johnson and Graham v Maitland are the main queries for me there.

I think if Maitland starts Graham won't be on the bench, and Kebble has played well enough to keep the 17 jersey.

I'd start Graham and Dobbie