The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Turner & Harris start, Jones on the bench to come on at 65 mins & rip it up (I'd rather he was on from the start to run at the French centres).

[SaintK]

Turner & Harris start, Jones on the bench to come on at 65 mins & rip it up (I'd rather he was on from the start to run at the French centres).

Not sure how Turner has been selected to start ahead of Cherry
Turner's linout stats must be dire and they both appear to give about the same in the scrum and around the pitch

[Slick]

Turner & Harris start, Jones on the bench to come on at 65 mins & rip it up (I'd rather he was on from the start to run at the French centres).

Not sure how Turner has been selected to start ahead of Cherry
Turner's linout stats must be dire and they both appear to give about the same in the scrum and around the pitch

I saw a bit of analysis suggesting not many of the problems were directly related to Turner. Still, feel sorry for Cherry.

Very disappointed Jones isn't starting but as said elsewhere, hey ho.

[Yr Alban]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

[Slick]

I guess he has picked Harris for his defence (obvs) and his distribution, particularly with those 3 outside him. He has also been pretty good to be fair. Can't get too worked up about it but like everyone else just want to watch an on form Jones.

[Soapy]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

[clydecloggie]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

Alex Craig is the 5th.

[robmatic]

Turner & Harris start, Jones on the bench to come on at 65 mins & rip it up (I'd rather he was on from the start to run at the French centres).

Not sure how Turner has been selected to start ahead of Cherry
Turner's linout stats must be dire and they both appear to give about the same in the scrum and around the pitch

I'm with you on that one, especially after Turner came on against Italy and immediately fluffed a lineout. Looked like a classic case of the yips. Turner is probably more aggressive in the loose (for better or worse) but Cherry is no slouch at the breakdown and in open play.

[SaintK]

Turner & Harris start, Jones on the bench to come on at 65 mins & rip it up (I'd rather he was on from the start to run at the French centres).

Not sure how Turner has been selected to start ahead of Cherry
Turner's linout stats must be dire and they both appear to give about the same in the scrum and around the pitch

I'm with you on that one, especially after Turner came on against Italy and immediately fluffed a lineout. Looked like a classic case of the yips. Turner is probably more aggressive in the loose (for better or worse) but Cherry is no slouch at the breakdown and in open play.

Mate of mine is a very successful consultant lineout analyst and coach and has worked with the SRU, the two regions and all the current hookers. He rates Cherry very highly and probably the best of the lot at throwing in. He also thinkls that Turner needs to remodel his technique to become at all consistent and has advised accordingly.

[I like neeps]

I'm not really a Huw Jones fan but can't understand why he's not playing in this one. He's on great form.

[Jock42]

Turner, Price and Harris

The latter I could probably have accepted in isolation.

[Slick]

I'm not really a Huw Jones fan but can't understand why he's not playing in this one. He's on great form.

I don't think this is the place for you.

[Yr Alban]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

[Biffer]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

Probably worried about an early or training injury which would mean a young SH playing 90 minutes against the best SH in the world.

[I like neeps]

I'm not really a Huw Jones fan but can't understand why he's not playing in this one. He's on great form.

I don't think this is the place for you.

Maybe but since that day Vs England in 2018 Jones has only scored 2 tries for Scotland (the last two games) in 16 matches. And for Glasgow Grigg and Steyn were better options at 13.

I think he exploded onto the scene and then really badly regressed. But his form for Glasgow and Scotland is now closer to 2017/18 levels.

[Yr Alban]

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

Probably worried about an early or training injury which would mean a young SH playing 90 minutes against the best SH in the world.

Could happen with Steele easily enough. Steele is older than Dobie, but he doesn’t exactly have bags of international experience.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Well, it’s the side we all knew he would pick. Harris appears to be his first pick after Hogg and Watson, even though everyone else wants Jones to start. Price was always coming back in too. As for Cherry, he more than anyone deserved to start, after the line out worked perfectly v Italy and he scored twice, but Toony clearly regards him as an emergency option only.

Here’s what I don’t get. The received wisdom is that Maitland wasn’t in the squad because the agreement only covered 5 players, but there are only 4 English based players in the squad (Skinner, Harris, Hogg, Steele). All the others are in Scotland except Russell. So why isn’t Maitland there? The only options seem to be that the agreement didn’t cover the Championship (bit thin) or that he’s been frozen out.

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

[Yr Alban]

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

I was going to say that they may all have been injured, but then I noticed Richie Gray played Glasgow’s last match. WTF?

[Big D]

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

I was going to say that they may all have been injured, but then I noticed Richie Gray played Glasgow’s last match. WTF?

Richie Gray got back in the squad off a couple of good performances including gubbing the Edinburgh line out. Craig seems more dynamic and hard hitting which is what you need v France. I like him better than GG at the moment too.

It may also be that Maitland isn't able to play 3 internationals in such a short span having been out for so long. He is starting to get up there in age and he may have picked up a knock or been a bit sore.

On Dobie, sometimes it is best to throw young talent in and see what happens but with this one I think keeping him out the firing line is a good idea.

[robmatic]

Alex Craig needed to cover 2nd row

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

Edinburgh's only fit senior lock is Jamie Hodgson, and he's only really started getting appearances this season. Magnus Bradbury has been playing lock.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

I was going to say that they may all have been injured, but then I noticed Richie Gray played Glasgow’s last match. WTF?

Richie Gray got back in the squad off a couple of good performances including gubbing the Edinburgh line out. Craig seems more dynamic and hard hitting which is what you need v France. I like him better than GG at the moment too.

It may also be that Maitland isn't able to play 3 internationals in such a short span having been out for so long. He is starting to get up there in age and he may have picked up a knock or been a bit sore.

On Dobie, sometimes it is best to throw young talent in and see what happens but with this one I think keeping him out the firing line is a good idea.

That's a fair point about Maitland - we don't know what state he's in. Just disappointed he's not involved (he probably is too, based on how he reacted to getting hooked last weekend). I guess we'll see if he's listed in Sarries' squad on Friday night (I don't know if someone might be considered fit enough for a club game but not fit enough for an international?)

You could well be right about RG vs Craig too, I've not seen enough of either of them playing lately to offer a different view.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

Ah. Missed him. For some reason I thought he was contracted to Glasgow.

That sorts out the numbers, then. But I’m still puzzled. Hogg is captain. Skinner and Craig needed for the 2nd row. Toony thinks Harris is undroppable. That’s four. But it seems to me that Maitland (likely starter) has been left out so that Steele can sit on the bench, which is an odd decision IMHO. No disrespect to Steele at all, but why drop a player who will likely play 60 minutes for one who will likely play 10-20?

I can only assume that Toony thought the drop-off from Maitland to Graham was less steep than from Steele to Dobie. But would it really have been that much of a risk to let a young player who’s been on fire recently sit on the bench to get one of our best players in the team?

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

Edinburgh's only fit senior lock is Jamie Hodgson, and he's only really started getting appearances this season. Magnus Bradbury has been playing lock.

Ah, I've clearly not been paying enough attention! That's not going to help Bradbury's development as an 8 though.

[Caley_Red]

Not sure what to make of the team for Sunday, the changes were expected but I'm still disappointed to see them.

Can someone who had the misfortune to play in the forwards give a technical explanation as to why you'd favour Turner over Cherry given how crucial the line out is going to be?

[robmatic]

I was thinking exactly the same thing, but with Craig. He only got his first cap last weekend. Is the lock cupboard so bare that we have to use him in one of the five slots available? Are there no other fit Scotland-based locks available to take the bench slot, so Maitland can be in the matchday squad? I am a big fan of Maitland, so I'd want to see him start every week.

Edinburgh's only fit senior lock is Jamie Hodgson, and he's only really started getting appearances this season. Magnus Bradbury has been playing lock.

Ah, I've clearly not been paying enough attention! That's not going to help Bradbury's development as an 8 though.

It's been a while since he's played 8, hard to get past Mata and Haining. He's actually a pretty handy and imposing 6, just doesn't get to do the impressive carries in the open spaces.

[charltom]

Not sure what to make of the team for Sunday, the changes were expected but I'm still disappointed to see them.

Don't wait til Sunday to watch it!

[Begbie]

Edinburgh's only fit senior lock is Jamie Hodgson, and he's only really started getting appearances this season. Magnus Bradbury has been playing lock.

Ah, I've clearly not been paying enough attention! That's not going to help Bradbury's development as an 8 though.

It's been a while since he's played 8, hard to get past Mata and Haining. He's actually a pretty handy and imposing 6, just doesn't get to do the impressive carries in the open spaces.

Bradbury is another one of those players that just doesn't seem to have kicked on. I'm not suggesting he's lazy but he's previously been told to improve his work rate. He might benefit from a move out of Scotland or a proper kick up the arse.

[Begbie]

I'm not really a Huw Jones fan but can't understand why he's not playing in this one. He's on great form.

Same. But I get why Harris is starting.

[Biffer]

Cheeky Fuckers

[laurent]

Don't you go and think because you post here we French are not spying on you

[Begbie]

Don't you go and think because you post here we French are not spying on you

[Biffer]

Don't you go and think because you post here we French are not spying on you

Go and have a waffle.

[laurent]

Don't you go and think because you post here we French are not spying on you

Go and have a waffle.

Better than a fried mars bar....

[dkm57]

Don't you go and think because you post here we French are not spying on you

You're welcome to our disbelief, confusion and resignation. Summed up as who? where? why? and FFS!

[Yr Alban]

I used to speak fairly decent French, but I’m confused here. Is there a pun I’m not getting? I’m aware that International Waffle Day is a thing, and yes, I see there is an FFR flag in it, but still not seeing it.

[Biffer]

I used to speak fairly decent French, but I’m confused here. Is there a pun I’m not getting? I’m aware that International Waffle Day is a thing, and yes, I see there is an FFR flag in it, but still not seeing it.

Their breach of covid protocols, which led to the game against us being postponed, included team members going to a waffle house in Rome after their game.

[Slick]

So what do we actually have to do to come 2nd? Just win? Or win with a bonus point? Keep them to no bonus point?

[Tichtheid]

So what do we actually have to do to come 2nd? Just win? Or win with a bonus point? Keep them to no bonus point?

By my reading of the table we have to win by more than seven, oh and we have to get the same try bp as France, zero or one.

[C T]

So what do we actually have to do to come 2nd? Just win? Or win with a bonus point? Keep them to no bonus point?

By my reading of the table we have to win by more than seven, oh and we have to get the same try bp as France, zero or one.

Or win by 5 but with a try bonus point while denying them a try bonus point.

Loads of ways! Very difficult, difficult ways.

[Biffer]

I'm not that fussed about 2nd place, just want to win. That would turn it in to a season where we're a kick / mistake / ref decision away from competing for the championship in the last week. We haven't done that much in the last 20 years.

[Yr Alban]

I used to speak fairly decent French, but I’m confused here. Is there a pun I’m not getting? I’m aware that International Waffle Day is a thing, and yes, I see there is an FFR flag in it, but still not seeing it.

Their breach of covid protocols, which led to the game against us being postponed, included team members going to a waffle house in Rome after their game.

Fuck, I had forgotten all about that. Yes, that is cheeky with a side order of contemptuous.