NPR

Price getting closer to a spot….

We could end up with 4 or 5 starters here

Big D wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:12 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:06 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:33 pm

If anything it'll be more difficult. Smith will shine with the Lions too.

Will Smith even get a game? Maybe next Saturday if he’s lucky

They'll have to give him gametime in the remaining games before the tests. He is an injury away from the test team.

I imagine they'll wrap Biggar in cotton wool.

Your probably right about Biggar but I imagine they will want to give Farrell another run and Finn if they can.

Duhan has been superb

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:22 pm Duhan has been superb

Someone who knows more than me about the front row may disagree, but Sutherland also played well as far as I could see.

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:25 pm

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:22 pm Duhan has been superb

Someone who knows more than me about the front row may disagree, but Sutherland also played well as far as I could see.

I also know nothing about props but I thought so too. Thought all the Scots boys have gone well

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:18 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:12 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:06 pm

Will Smith even get a game? Maybe next Saturday if he’s lucky

They'll have to give him gametime in the remaining games before the tests. He is an injury away from the test team.

I imagine they'll wrap Biggar in cotton wool.

Your probably right about Biggar but I imagine they will want to give Farrell another run and Finn if they can.

They've said Finn will not be available for the next 3 games. So won't play before the 1st test.

Big D wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:31 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:18 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:12 pm

They'll have to give him gametime in the remaining games before the tests. He is an injury away from the test team.

I imagine they'll wrap Biggar in cotton wool.

Your probably right about Biggar but I imagine they will want to give Farrell another run and Finn if they can.

They've said Finn will not be available for the next 3 games. So won't play before the 1st test.

Ahh OK, missed that!

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:30 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:25 pm

And 1 guest wrote: ↑Sat Jul 10, 2021 5:22 pm Duhan has been superb

Someone who knows more than me about the front row may disagree, but Sutherland also played well as far as I could see.

I also know nothing about props but I thought so too. Thought all the Scots boys have gone well

Yeah only real mistake was the intercept by Duhan.

Been a good day for Price without playing.

Too much to hope for probably, but arguments could be made for Hogg, IrnDu, Harris, Price, Mish and Sutherland starting, with Finn on the bench

Gatland confirmed Finn has a slight tear in his achilles. Will be in a boot for 5 days.

Big D wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:17 am Gatland confirmed Finn has a slight tear in his achilles. Will be in a boot for 5 days.

Starting to actually hope they don’t risk him at all. If a partial tear becomes a full tear he’s out for a year.

Looks a decent prospect. Some very Finn-ish passes and a good boot on him.

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:51 am

Looks a decent prospect. Some very Finn-ish passes and a good boot on him.

He played for the Scotland under20s and wasn't up to much.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:19 am

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:51 am

Looks a decent prospect. Some very Finn-ish passes and a good boot on him.

He played for the Scotland under20s and wasn't up to much.

Ahh, don't remember him. Be interesting to hear if he's improved much.

Glasgow are rumoured to have signed Nathan McBeth.

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:40 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:19 am

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:51 am

Looks a decent prospect. Some very Finn-ish passes and a good boot on him.

He played for the Scotland under20s and wasn't up to much.

Ahh, don't remember him. Be interesting to hear if he's improved much.

Glasgow are rumoured to have signed Nathan McBeth.

I remember Kwagga playing for the 20s and agree he didn’t seem anything special. Morrison, as far as I can recall, has never played for us.

McBeth also played 20s for us, then switched to play 20s for SA against us. He’s played a bit of pro rugby including for the Sigma Lions against the BI Lions the other week there. If he’s going to Glasgow they are building pretty good front row depth now.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 12:48 pm

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:40 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:19 am

He played for the Scotland under20s and wasn't up to much.

Ahh, don't remember him. Be interesting to hear if he's improved much.

Glasgow are rumoured to have signed Nathan McBeth.

I remember Kwagga playing for the 20s and agree he didn’t seem anything special. Morrison, as far as I can recall, has never played for us.

McBeth also played 20s for us, then switched to play 20s for SA against us. He’s played a bit of pro rugby including for the Sigma Lions against the BI Lions the other week there. If he’s going to Glasgow they are building pretty good front row depth now.

I remember KVN playing for the U20s and also agree he wasn't up to much. I assumed Neeps was talking about Morrison though, seen as that's who the vid was about.

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:52 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 12:48 pm

Begbie wrote: ↑Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:40 am

Ahh, don't remember him. Be interesting to hear if he's improved much.

Glasgow are rumoured to have signed Nathan McBeth.

I remember Kwagga playing for the 20s and agree he didn’t seem anything special. Morrison, as far as I can recall, has never played for us.

McBeth also played 20s for us, then switched to play 20s for SA against us. He’s played a bit of pro rugby including for the Sigma Lions against the BI Lions the other week there. If he’s going to Glasgow they are building pretty good front row depth now.

I remember KVN playing for the U20s and also agree he wasn't up to much. I assumed Neeps was talking about Morrison though, seen as that's who the vid was about.

That’s how I read his post too, but I’m pretty sure he must mean KVN as, like I say, I don’t think Morrison has an u20 cap for us. The only info on him I could find was this article from TOL:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.theoff ... xiles/amp/

Big audition for Harris on Wednesday. The SA "A" team is effectively a full international line up.

A good test for the Lions and one that can go for or against the Scottish guys.

If Sinckler goes well v Kitchsoff then it could push Fagerson out of the 1st test squad contention or vice versa. If Curry has a stormer it would be hard to leave him out the test team etc.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:46 am Big audition for Harris on Wednesday. The SA "A" team is effectively a full international line up.

A good test for the Lions and one that can go for or against the Scottish guys.

If Sinckler goes well v Kitchsoff then it could push Fagerson out of the 1st test squad contention or vice versa. If Curry has a stormer it would be hard to leave him out the test team etc.

Might be a good one to miss seeing that team the Boks have put out

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:07 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:46 am Big audition for Harris on Wednesday. The SA "A" team is effectively a full international line up.

A good test for the Lions and one that can go for or against the Scottish guys.

If Sinckler goes well v Kitchsoff then it could push Fagerson out of the 1st test squad contention or vice versa. If Curry has a stormer it would be hard to leave him out the test team etc.

Might be a good one to miss seeing that team the Boks have put out

Works both ways though doesn't it. If the guys play well it is a massive tick in the box.

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:16 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:07 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:46 am Big audition for Harris on Wednesday. The SA "A" team is effectively a full international line up.

A good test for the Lions and one that can go for or against the Scottish guys.

If Sinckler goes well v Kitchsoff then it could push Fagerson out of the 1st test squad contention or vice versa. If Curry has a stormer it would be hard to leave him out the test team etc.

Might be a good one to miss seeing that team the Boks have put out

Works both ways though doesn't it. If the guys play well it is a massive tick in the box.

Absolutely!

Looking at that team though, I don't think Watson is seriously being considered at 15 and as the English boys say, he has never impressed there for England.

I don't think LRZ is up to it yet - if he has a stormer in this one I'll back down on that of course!

Murray playing in this has to be good for Price, if you are not on top of your game against Faf you are in trouble. Front row still wide open and this is a huge step up for the starting guys. Curry will be an interesting one. I have a feeling that Gatland is one of only a few with faith in Mish so Curry needs a cracking game and if, as it seems, he is a little off form, it's going to be exposed.

Can't wait for the game, seems like the tour is just starting now.

Slick wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:22 am

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:16 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:07 pm

Might be a good one to miss seeing that team the Boks have put out

Works both ways though doesn't it. If the guys play well it is a massive tick in the box.

Absolutely!

Looking at that team though, I don't think Watson is seriously being considered at 15 and as the English boys say, he has never impressed there for England.

I don't think LRZ is up to it yet - if he has a stormer in this one I'll back down on that of course!

Murray playing in this has to be good for Price, if you are not on top of your game against Faf you are in trouble. Front row still wide open and this is a huge step up for the starting guys. Curry will be an interesting one. I have a feeling that Gatland is one of only a few with faith in Mish so Curry needs a cracking game and if, as it seems, he is a little off form, it's going to be exposed.

Can't wait for the game, seems like the tour is just starting now.

In terms of matchday test squads. I think Fagerson is the one that could be definitively squeezed out after tomorrow. Furlong is inked in to the 23 and if Sinckler shows up really well, particularly in the scrum then it isn't looking good for Fagerson (the opposite applies if Sinckler struggles and Fagerson does well of course).

Sutherland has looked the best LHP on tour so far. Jones has a good opportunity tomorrow.
Watson had a quieter game last time but still looked good. To be fair Curry is class and is capable of putting up a good game tomorrow.
Price has looked the best 9 on tour but Murray hasn't really started in SA. Would hope Price is at least the bench option.
Finn, time to come home, with no warm up games for him to be involved in he wont be in the test squad so no point risking worsening his achilles.
13 is an odd one. Henshaw is still injured, Daly has looked good but untested and Harris similarly has looked good but untested. Harris now has an opportunity to put in a performance against effectively the test side.
Duhan and Hogg are in an extremely competitive position group. A back three with any 3 of Hogg, WIlliams, Watson, Adams and Duhan will be strong. Even though LRZ hasn't quite reached the levels of others he wouldn't be a bad option either.

Going to be tight for many of them and I do wonder whether we are trending to a 6/2 bench split with Farrell at 12 and Daly in the 23 shirt.

Just turned on the U20 game slightly by accident. They look good going forward, but hopeless going back. Leading 10-7 right now, but we all know that won’t last.

Edit: nope. Cheap 2nd try conceded off 1st phase ball, entirely unearned by Wales. Sigh.

Scotland down 17-19 now, but Wales just had a RC.

Edit: 24-19, fine Muncaster try.

One of the Welsh forwards was just sent off for gouging. Clear fingers to the eye area but I would tend to agree with the commentator who is claiming he was going for the jackal. Unfortunate.

Scotland scored their 3rd immediately after to take the lead, Muncaster with the score. Currently 24-19 after 50 minutes.

There was a clear block in the run up to that Welsh try, it was right in front of the ref

5 points down, 20 to go with the majority a man up. Surely Scotland cannot fail to win this

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:39 pm 5 points down, 20 to go with the majority a man up. Surely Scotland cannot fail to win this

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:39 pm 5 points down, 20 to go with the majority a man up. Surely Scotland cannot fail to win this

Just went 8 points down with 2 mins left. No limit to our haplessness at this level.

So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:05 pm So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

They had no chance though. Most of the players are stage 2 academy who didn't train with pro teams and have played no rugby. Italy had domestic leagues, Ireland have academies and A team games, England have all players academy aligned (stage 3 equivalent), France have formidable academies and maybe guys playing their lower leagues. Not sure about Wales and their premierships etc.

We had a load of stages 3s out and 3 players who had actually played a real competitive rugby game in 3 months. Including Morris who had 5 minutes for Edinburgh.

If you look up hiding to nothing you'd see the Scotland under20s. They need to be told chin up get some gametime in the super6 and we'll see most of you next year.

Big D wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:22 am

Slick wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 8:22 am

Big D wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:16 pm

Works both ways though doesn't it. If the guys play well it is a massive tick in the box.

Absolutely!

Looking at that team though, I don't think Watson is seriously being considered at 15 and as the English boys say, he has never impressed there for England.

I don't think LRZ is up to it yet - if he has a stormer in this one I'll back down on that of course!

Murray playing in this has to be good for Price, if you are not on top of your game against Faf you are in trouble. Front row still wide open and this is a huge step up for the starting guys. Curry will be an interesting one. I have a feeling that Gatland is one of only a few with faith in Mish so Curry needs a cracking game and if, as it seems, he is a little off form, it's going to be exposed.

Can't wait for the game, seems like the tour is just starting now.

In terms of matchday test squads. I think Fagerson is the one that could be definitively squeezed out after tomorrow. Furlong is inked in to the 23 and if Sinckler shows up really well, particularly in the scrum then it isn't looking good for Fagerson (the opposite applies if Sinckler struggles and Fagerson does well of course).

Sutherland has looked the best LHP on tour so far. Jones has a good opportunity tomorrow.

Fagerson hasn't had a fair shake, and won't get one tomorrow either - he's always been paired with Mako, who's been poor.

Sutherland and Furlong are clearly being held back from SA "A" because they are both so good. It's astonishing, though, how many journos have Mako in their XV... it's as if they've not been watching any matches!

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:31 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:05 pm So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

They had no chance though. Most of the players are stage 2 academy who didn't train with pro teams and have played no rugby. Italy had domestic leagues, Ireland have academies and A team games, England have all players academy aligned (stage 3 equivalent), France have formidable academies and maybe guys playing their lower leagues. Not sure about Wales and their premierships etc.

We had a load of stages 3s out and 3 players who had actually played a real competitive rugby game in 3 months. Including Morris who had 5 minutes for Edinburgh.

If you look up hiding to nothing you'd see the Scotland under20s. They need to be told chin up get some gametime in the super6 and we'll see most of you next year.

This.

It's disappointing that we didn't have the likes of Dobie and Currie available, they aren't the only ones missing either.

I believe we'll have something like 17 of this squad available for next season.

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:38 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:31 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:05 pm So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

They had no chance though. Most of the players are stage 2 academy who didn't train with pro teams and have played no rugby. Italy had domestic leagues, Ireland have academies and A team games, England have all players academy aligned (stage 3 equivalent), France have formidable academies and maybe guys playing their lower leagues. Not sure about Wales and their premierships etc.

We had a load of stages 3s out and 3 players who had actually played a real competitive rugby game in 3 months. Including Morris who had 5 minutes for Edinburgh.

If you look up hiding to nothing you'd see the Scotland under20s. They need to be told chin up get some gametime in the super6 and we'll see most of you next year.

This.

It's disappointing that we didn't have the likes of Dobie and Currie available, they aren't the only ones missing either.

I believe we'll have something like 17 of this squad available for next season.

Aye missing Dobie, Gamble, Currie, Paterson, Brown who all played for Glasgow or Edinburgh. De Bruyne and Sweeney the stage 3 guys missing injured.

And you really cannot compete in under20s rugby if you've not even trained with professional teams as most of the lads haven't. Match fitness is nowhere near, match sharpness impossible. Would be surprised if they all had gym access too.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:31 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:05 pm So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

They had no chance though. Most of the players are stage 2 academy who didn't train with pro teams and have played no rugby. Italy had domestic leagues, Ireland have academies and A team games, England have all players academy aligned (stage 3 equivalent), France have formidable academies and maybe guys playing their lower leagues. Not sure about Wales and their premierships etc.

We had a load of stages 3s out and 3 players who had actually played a real competitive rugby game in 3 months. Including Morris who had 5 minutes for Edinburgh.

If you look up hiding to nothing you'd see the Scotland under20s. They need to be told chin up get some gametime in the super6 and we'll see most of you next year.

Think some of the squad had missed out on u18 level as well because of covid so there really has been a big gap in exposure to competitive rugby for some of these lads.

We're pinning a lot of hope on Super 6 but it really should be beneficial.

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:52 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:31 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:05 pm So bad.

This level is about development and there are several of these lads who look good enough to make it. Muncaster, Samuel, Harrison and Redpath for sure, but by god what a disappointing tournament they’ve had as a group. Zero points. Not even a try bonus despite playing over a full match against 14 men.

They had no chance though. Most of the players are stage 2 academy who didn't train with pro teams and have played no rugby. Italy had domestic leagues, Ireland have academies and A team games, England have all players academy aligned (stage 3 equivalent), France have formidable academies and maybe guys playing their lower leagues. Not sure about Wales and their premierships etc.

We had a load of stages 3s out and 3 players who had actually played a real competitive rugby game in 3 months. Including Morris who had 5 minutes for Edinburgh.

If you look up hiding to nothing you'd see the Scotland under20s. They need to be told chin up get some gametime in the super6 and we'll see most of you next year.

Think some of the squad had missed out on u18 level as well because of covid so there really has been a big gap in exposure to competitive rugby for some of these lads.

We're pinning a lot of hope on Super 6 but it really should be beneficial.

I hope you are right. Unfortunately these players are where they are despite the mitigating circumstances. Professional sport doesn't really allow for extra time - there will be another cohort coming up fast behind them who will take the pro spots if they are better. Maybe the SRU will make allowances but they aren't exactly awash with cash.

A lot of the issues were with basic skills last night - easy balls dropped, tackles missed, poor defensive alignment etc. Fair enough they missed a lot of rugby so you could argue that they weren't firing on all cylinders at the outset of the tournament, but they have been in camp now for over a month and the squad assembled mid-April. Surely they should be up-to-speed after that amount of intensive work. I hope its not the case, but a year/year and a half without much exposure might have critically damaged the prospects of some of these kids making it.

A quick question to all the Edinburgh folk - I'm looking at renewing my season ticket and will be going for terraces (takes me back to the rec), is anyone else in there?

We've young kids so will definitely not be getting to many games, but on rare occasion I get a pass I'd be up for a beer with any bordies who are desperate enough for my company.

Not getting a season ticket due to working shifts but always up for a beer when I make it through.

As Jock said, probably won’t get a season ticket as wife’s work shifts make it difficult, but absolutely up for a beer when we get started

Based on that I think Price should start but I doubt he will.

Fagerson will miss out.

Think Watson might miss out too.

Surherland and Price should be stick ons for the test 23, others will depend on injuries (theirs and others).