NPR

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:08 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:04 pm

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:02 pm


Possibly meant Bayliss?

Maybe. Shame that one, Mercer would be a 50 cap international for us by now. A cautionary tale I would be discussing with every dual eligible player who might be picked for us.

Zac Mercer lived his dream of playing for England on the other hand. Also it's not a very good cautionary tale: "we think England will cap you and drop you whereas for us you'll get 50 caps". As (a) you're talking your team down and (b) you're telling a player you're trying to impress you don't think they're as good as England's existing players.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:02 pm I forgot about Bayliss, definitely expect him to be in.

I think there will by necessity be a large number without any pro game time coming into this. I wouldn't be too worried about the props, fitness isn't really their thing anyway!

Biffer wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 9:12 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:02 pm I forgot about Bayliss, definitely expect him to be in.

I think there will by necessity be a large number without any pro game time coming into this. I wouldn't be too worried about the props, fitness isn't really their thing anyway!

Fit for purpose, fit for purpose.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:15 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:08 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:04 pm

Maybe. Shame that one, Mercer would be a 50 cap international for us by now. A cautionary tale I would be discussing with every dual eligible player who might be picked for us.

Zac Mercer lived his dream of playing for England on the other hand. Also it's not a very good cautionary tale: "we think England will cap you and drop you whereas for us you'll get 50 caps". As (a) you're talking your team down and (b) you're telling a player you're trying to impress you don't think they're as good as England's existing players.

I don’t think so, we’ve just had an issue at number 8 specifically for some time now. I think these are exactly the stories you would expect to be told; they would revolve around player x being the missing piece of our puzzle where they wouldn’t have such an impact for the other team. It’s about them being valued and wanted, to characterise the other side as not valuing them as much is a standard tactic I would think. They are professional sportspeople, this will be a constant conversation they have with and through their agents.

Big D wrote: ↑Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:37 pm Mercer is a totally different case. He was only SQ so long as he lived in the country and we didn't offer him a pro deal at 17/18 which Scottish clubs rarely do for anyone.

Dingwall etc have to weigh up becoming less valuable to their club the minute they accept a Scotland cap.

Redpath was different again as Bath paid a transfer fee for him and was on a long term deal so he was in no risk of being hurt in contract negotiations.

westport wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:47 pm Autumn Nations Series Squad

Forwards:
Ewan Ashman – Sale Sharks - uncapped
Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby - uncapped
Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Fraser Brown – Glasgow Warriors – 54 caps
Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 13 caps
Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 38 caps
Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby – 45 caps
Nick Haining – Edinburgh Rugby – 8 caps
Rob Harley – Glasgow Warriors – 22 caps
Jamie Hodgson – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Oli Kebble – Glasgow Warriors – 8 caps
Murray McCallum – Glasgow Warriors – 3 caps
Stuart McInally – Edinburgh Rugby – 40 caps
Dylan Richardson – Cell C Sharks – uncapped
Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby – 27 caps
Sam Skinner – Exeter Chiefs – 12 caps
Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Sutherland – Worcester Warriors – 16 caps
Marshall Sykes – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
George Turner – Glasgow Warriors – 17 caps
Hamish Watson – Edinburgh Rugby – 41 caps


Backs:
Mark Bennett – Edinburgh Rugby – 22 caps
Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby – 19 caps
Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Chris Harris – Gloucester Rugby – 28 caps
Adam Hastings – Gloucester Rugby – 23 caps
Stuart Hogg – Exeter Chiefs – 85 caps
George Horne – Glasgow Warriors – 14 caps
Damien Hoyland – Edinburgh Rugby – 4 caps
Sam Johnson – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Huw Jones – Harlequins – 31 caps
Blair Kinghorn – Edinburgh Rugby – 25 caps
Duhan van de Merwe – Worcester Warriors – 10 caps
Rufus McLean – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Ali Price – Glasgow Warriors – 42 caps
Finn Russell – Racing 92 – 55 caps
Matt Scott – Leicester Tigers – 39 caps
Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors – 1 cap
Ross Thompson – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:51 pm

westport wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:47 pm Autumn Nations Series Squad

Forwards:
Ewan Ashman – Sale Sharks - uncapped
Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby - uncapped
Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Fraser Brown – Glasgow Warriors – 54 caps
Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 13 caps
Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 38 caps
Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby – 45 caps
Nick Haining – Edinburgh Rugby – 8 caps
Rob Harley – Glasgow Warriors – 22 caps
Jamie Hodgson – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Oli Kebble – Glasgow Warriors – 8 caps
Murray McCallum – Glasgow Warriors – 3 caps
Stuart McInally – Edinburgh Rugby – 40 caps
Dylan Richardson – Cell C Sharks – uncapped
Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby – 27 caps
Sam Skinner – Exeter Chiefs – 12 caps
Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Sutherland – Worcester Warriors – 16 caps
Marshall Sykes – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
George Turner – Glasgow Warriors – 17 caps
Hamish Watson – Edinburgh Rugby – 41 caps


Backs:
Mark Bennett – Edinburgh Rugby – 22 caps
Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby – 19 caps
Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Chris Harris – Gloucester Rugby – 28 caps
Adam Hastings – Gloucester Rugby – 23 caps
Stuart Hogg – Exeter Chiefs – 85 caps
George Horne – Glasgow Warriors – 14 caps
Damien Hoyland – Edinburgh Rugby – 4 caps
Sam Johnson – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Huw Jones – Harlequins – 31 caps
Blair Kinghorn – Edinburgh Rugby – 25 caps
Duhan van de Merwe – Worcester Warriors – 10 caps
Rufus McLean – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Ali Price – Glasgow Warriors – 42 caps
Finn Russell – Racing 92 – 55 caps
Matt Scott – Leicester Tigers – 39 caps
Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors – 1 cap
Ross Thompson – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped

There are a few players in there who have had no rugby yet this season.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:56 pm

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:51 pm

westport wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:47 pm Autumn Nations Series Squad

Forwards:
Ewan Ashman – Sale Sharks - uncapped
Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby - uncapped
Jamie Bhatti – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Fraser Brown – Glasgow Warriors – 54 caps
Luke Crosbie – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Matt Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 13 caps
Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors – 38 caps
Grant Gilchrist – Edinburgh Rugby – 45 caps
Nick Haining – Edinburgh Rugby – 8 caps
Rob Harley – Glasgow Warriors – 22 caps
Jamie Hodgson – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Oli Kebble – Glasgow Warriors – 8 caps
Murray McCallum – Glasgow Warriors – 3 caps
Stuart McInally – Edinburgh Rugby – 40 caps
Dylan Richardson – Cell C Sharks – uncapped
Jamie Ritchie – Edinburgh Rugby – 27 caps
Sam Skinner – Exeter Chiefs – 12 caps
Pierre Schoeman – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
Rory Sutherland – Worcester Warriors – 16 caps
Marshall Sykes – Edinburgh Rugby – uncapped
George Turner – Glasgow Warriors – 17 caps
Hamish Watson – Edinburgh Rugby – 41 caps


Backs:
Mark Bennett – Edinburgh Rugby – 22 caps
Darcy Graham – Edinburgh Rugby – 19 caps
Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Chris Harris – Gloucester Rugby – 28 caps
Adam Hastings – Gloucester Rugby – 23 caps
Stuart Hogg – Exeter Chiefs – 85 caps
George Horne – Glasgow Warriors – 14 caps
Damien Hoyland – Edinburgh Rugby – 4 caps
Sam Johnson – Glasgow Warriors – 18 caps
Huw Jones – Harlequins – 31 caps
Blair Kinghorn – Edinburgh Rugby – 25 caps
Duhan van de Merwe – Worcester Warriors – 10 caps
Rufus McLean – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Ali Price – Glasgow Warriors – 42 caps
Finn Russell – Racing 92 – 55 caps
Matt Scott – Leicester Tigers – 39 caps
Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors – 1 cap
Ross Thompson – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped
Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors – uncapped

There are a few players in there who have had no rugby yet this season.

Yup. Is Zander one of them? No Nel and no Berghan, so his backup must be McCallum?

vball wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 12:58 pm Second row looks a problem area. Cummings and both Grays out. Suppose Harley could do a job there but thought Ryan Wilson was playing better of late.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:12 pm Always disappointed when Hutchinson isn't involved.

Second row is very thin indeed I wonder if Henderson or Davidson have been spoken to. I like Sykes and Hodgson and Harley are fine. But going up against the SA behemoths and even Skelton for Australia...

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:12 pm Always disappointed when Hutchinson isn't involved.

Second row is very thin indeed I wonder if Henderson or Davidson have been spoken to. I like Sykes and Hodgson and Harley are fine. But going up against the SA behemoths and even Skelton for Australia...

I’m assuming that Gilchrist and Skinner will be our starters v the big boys, with one of the others on the bench. We do look very light in that position with three of our most experienced Test players out of contention.

EDIT: once again, sorry for Hutchinson, but agree with the recall of Bennett and Scott.

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:12 pm Always disappointed when Hutchinson isn't involved.

Second row is very thin indeed I wonder if Henderson or Davidson have been spoken to. I like Sykes and Hodgson and Harley are fine. But going up against the SA behemoths and even Skelton for Australia...

I’m assuming that Gilchrist and Skinner will be our starters v the big boys, with one of the others on the bench. We do look very light in that position with three of our most experienced Test players out of contention.

EDIT: once again, sorry for Hutchinson, but agree with the recall of Bennett and Scott.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:18 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:12 pm Always disappointed when Hutchinson isn't involved.

Second row is very thin indeed I wonder if Henderson or Davidson have been spoken to. I like Sykes and Hodgson and Harley are fine. But going up against the SA behemoths and even Skelton for Australia...

I’m assuming that Gilchrist and Skinner will be our starters v the big boys, with one of the others on the bench. We do look very light in that position with three of our most experienced Test players out of contention.

EDIT: once again, sorry for Hutchinson, but agree with the recall of Bennett and Scott.

That's true I always forget about Gilchrist I guess he's fine.

I'd have Hutchinson in as the Cam Redpath role rather than Johnson. I think Scott deserves his chance. I guess it's good for Bennett to be back and he's been mostly good for Edinburgh this year. I just think both lack top end international class.

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:52 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:12 pm Always disappointed when Hutchinson isn't involved.

Second row is very thin indeed I wonder if Henderson or Davidson have been spoken to. I like Sykes and Hodgson and Harley are fine. But going up against the SA behemoths and even Skelton for Australia...

I’m assuming that Gilchrist and Skinner will be our starters v the big boys, with one of the others on the bench. We do look very light in that position with three of our most experienced Test players out of contention.

EDIT: once again, sorry for Hutchinson, but agree with the recall of Bennett and Scott.

Scott hasn't had much rugby the past few weeks as he copped a 3 match ban.
Very happy in a selfish way that Hutchinson and Dingwall haven't made the squad. Hopefully Saints will find some real consistency in their backline with them both available
Would Swinson be an outside bert if there are any injuries amongst the locks? He appears to have nailed down a starting position at Sarries and is playing well

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 3:02 pm

SaintK wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 2:52 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Wed Oct 20, 2021 1:57 pm

I’m assuming that Gilchrist and Skinner will be our starters v the big boys, with one of the others on the bench. We do look very light in that position with three of our most experienced Test players out of contention.

EDIT: once again, sorry for Hutchinson, but agree with the recall of Bennett and Scott.

Scott hasn't had much rugby the past few weeks as he copped a 3 match ban.
Very happy in a selfish way that Hutchinson and Dingwall haven't made the squad. Hopefully Saints will find some real consistency in their backline with them both available
Would Swinson be an outside bert if there are any injuries amongst the locks? He appears to have nailed down a starting position at Sarries and is playing well

Scott has started in 4 of the 5 games so far, the only one he missed was Oct. 2nd against Saracens

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:25 pm Glasgow team for Leinster includes Richie Gray and also has Cole Forbes on the bench. So, neither is injured, just left out. Which I find truly bizarre in the case of Gray, given the injuries to multiple second rows.

Ross Thompson also named at 15. Is it now SRU policy to play players out of their natural position?

Slick wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 5:29 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:25 pm Glasgow team for Leinster includes Richie Gray and also has Cole Forbes on the bench. So, neither is injured, just left out. Which I find truly bizarre in the case of Gray, given the injuries to multiple second rows.

Ross Thompson also named at 15. Is it now SRU policy to play players out of their natural position?

Has Gray definitely made himself available?

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:41 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 5:29 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:25 pm Glasgow team for Leinster includes Richie Gray and also has Cole Forbes on the bench. So, neither is injured, just left out. Which I find truly bizarre in the case of Gray, given the injuries to multiple second rows.

Ross Thompson also named at 15. Is it now SRU policy to play players out of their natural position?

Has Gray definitely made himself available?

Dunno. I remember he made himself unavailable for the RWC, but he hasn’t retired, AFAIK?

Slick wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:59 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:41 pm

Slick wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 5:29 pm

Has Gray definitely made himself available?

Dunno. I remember he made himself unavailable for the RWC, but he hasn’t retired, AFAIK?

I thought he had made himself unavailable on at least one other occasion but could be completely wrong

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:02 am

Slick wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:59 pm

Yr Alban wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:41 pm

Dunno. I remember he made himself unavailable for the RWC, but he hasn’t retired, AFAIK?

I thought he had made himself unavailable on at least one other occasion but could be completely wrong

He made himself unavailable when he had a young family, as his partner would have been left in France on her own with no support network. As far as I know he hasn't retired, but I would think the SRU are being ultra-cautious given his injury history. He's still, unbelievably, only 32 (just). Managed properly he could go for another 3 or 4 years.

I see Leinster have gone more or less full bhuna for this one. Unfortunately I do not see it ending well for Glasgow. Not ideal prep for an international period, having a bunch of returning players get skelped but it is what it is.

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:32 am

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

Townsend doesn't like his defence. But he's easily the most gifted Scottish centre in attack so I can't understand it. As we all saw yesterday Tuipolotu isn't so good there and nor is Huw Jones. It's frustrating I could watch Hutchinson play all day.

SaintK wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:52 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:32 am

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

Townsend doesn't like his defence. But he's easily the most gifted Scottish centre in attack so I can't understand it. As we all saw yesterday Tuipolotu isn't so good there and nor is Huw Jones. It's frustrating I could watch Hutchinson play all day.

Apart from one brainfart clearance kick that was charged down for a try, Hutchinson was sublime!

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:32 am

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

Townsend doesn't like his defence. But he's easily the most gifted Scottish centre in attack so I can't understand it. As we all saw yesterday Tuipolotu isn't so good there and nor is Huw Jones. It's frustrating I could watch Hutchinson play all day.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 11:48 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:32 am

Oxbow wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:08 am Both Hutchinson and Dingwall played really well last night (albeit against a shite Worcester side), as a Saints fan I'm happy they're not in the squad, but I can't understand why Hutch isn't getting a look in. Has he done something to upset the management, or are Scotland that blessed at centre at the moment?

Townsend doesn't like his defence. But he's easily the most gifted Scottish centre in attack so I can't understand it. As we all saw yesterday Tuipolotu isn't so good there and nor is Huw Jones. It's frustrating I could watch Hutchinson play all day.

Do you think? Better than (on form) Huw Jones?

For me the issue is Toonie wants a distributor in the 12 shirt and a defender in the 13 shirt. Johnstone and Redpath are both that, as is Lang to a certain extent. That’s why the likes of Scott hasn’t had much of a look in either. Scott and Hutchinson are both running 12s (from what little I’ve seen of Hutch, which to be fair isn’t much).

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:11 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 11:48 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:32 am

Townsend doesn't like his defence. But he's easily the most gifted Scottish centre in attack so I can't understand it. As we all saw yesterday Tuipolotu isn't so good there and nor is Huw Jones. It's frustrating I could watch Hutchinson play all day.

Do you think? Better than (on form) Huw Jones?

For me the issue is Toonie wants a distributor in the 12 shirt and a defender in the 13 shirt. Johnstone and Redpath are both that, as is Lang to a certain extent. That’s why the likes of Scott hasn’t had much of a look in either. Scott and Hutchinson are both running 12s (from what little I’ve seen of Hutch, which to be fair isn’t much).

Different type of attacker. Jones is a runner who doesn't do much else. Hutchinson is a playmaker who has delightful distribution but can also run good lines. Would I expect Hutchinson to score the two tries Jones did Vs England? No. I don't think Jones does that these days, though. As Jones could not do what saints have Hutchinson doing.

I agree but Hutchinson plays 12 for saints and is their key distributor and playmaker.

Townsend doesn't like his defence

Biffer wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 3:50 pm Edinburgh v Zebre very much a case of who made fewer mistake. Not even one for the purists. But Edinburgh got the bonus point late so job done. Kinghorn didn't look good at ten tbh.

Biffer wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 3:50 pm Edinburgh v Zebre very much a case of who made fewer mistake. Not even one for the purists. But Edinburgh got the bonus point late so job done. Kinghorn didn't look good at ten tbh.