The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[JM2K6]

One example is the 50-22 rule, it might not be pretty but who is better positioned to take advantage than us, yet at least half a dozen times Hogg ignored the option to punt up the middle or go for a death and glory dash into traffic. That's not great game management.

Punting it down the middle is done to set up a 50:22 though. Because of the 50:22 during the kicking battle teams cover the touchlines leaving the middle open. Therefore the kicking team putting it down the middle means the receiving team has to cover more ground to get there - usually meaning the ball bounces and you have an extra few seconds for the chase. And that the receiver and now the kicker is out of position so there's higher chance of a 50:22 when you return their return. It's smart tactically so shouldn't be a criticism at all.

I don't think that's true, and the "down the middle" tactic has been in vogue long before 50:22s came up. No-one is actually trying to get a 50:22 with those kicking duels, though obviously they'd be thrilled if they did; the tactic is just for territory advantage. Players have already been covering the touchlines during these duels for years.

50:22s are most commonly aimed for on turnover ball at the moment, i.e. when the opposing team are much less likely to have any cover.

[Yr Alban]

Just saw Ashman being interviewed on Twitter. Expected him to sound Canadian. Not a trace of it - he sounds largely Mancunian. I see from Wikipedia that he started playing rugby in Cheshire, but I’m guessing he must have moved there at a fairly young age.

[KingBlairhorn]

Watching the game back just now. Did we find out why Turner went off? He looked absolutely gutted, but not obviously hurt?

I fear its concussion.

Rib injury apparently.

[Blackmac]

One example is the 50-22 rule, it might not be pretty but who is better positioned to take advantage than us, yet at least half a dozen times Hogg ignored the option to punt up the middle or go for a death and glory dash into traffic. That's not great game management.

That is blatantly game plan based and because teams now specifically split to cover the touchline more.

Australia have an attacking back three and a pretty good maul (which we mostly defended well yesterday). A kick that is gathered by their back 3 our out on the full would have played into the Aussie hands.

Kicking long and down the middle, especially when it hits the deck isn't a bad tactic. It can cause them to kick it out, ball can roll over the dead ball and get a goal line drop out which isn't a bad result and allows the defensive line to set well.

Hogg isn't currently the player he was 3 years ago, which gives those who have never rated or liked him plenty of ammunition especially the Welsh. Those on PR never liked him in the first place. Even when not on form he still contributes and his captaincy remains very good.

A few of the ones I am talking about were after we gathered a high ball, the wingers had chased up and the cover wasn't really there. That and the kicking long down the middle on most occasions in that match came back at us in spades.

[Blackmac]

What's everyone's thoughts on the yellow card. Most seem to be calling it ridiculous but I see a player flying off his feet over the ruck, leading with his elbow at a player who is out of the game and defenseless on the ground. The intent was as clear as day and the fact that he only caught Fagerson a glancing blow was down to the poor execution of his intended illegality.

[inactionman]

I notice Bayliss got a run out (Beeb match report says he subbed on for Price - think they got Bayliss and Horne back to front) - any views on how he went? He's put in some decent showings for Bath, work rate generally good and he looks like he's added a little bit more power.

Appreciate he only had 10 minutes or so.

[robmatic]

What's everyone's thoughts on the yellow card. Most seem to be calling it ridiculous but I see a player flying off his feet over the ruck, leading with his elbow at a player who is out of the game and defenseless on the ground. The intent was as clear as day and the fact that he only caught Fagerson a glancing blow was down to the poor execution of his intended illegality.

They had to look hard to see the actual contact, which for me makes it a little soft as a card, but it was a terrible attempt at a clear out and a penalty every day of the week.

[Blackmac]

I notice Bayliss got a run out (Beeb match report says he subbed on for Price - think they got Bayliss and Horne back to front) - any views on how he went? He's put in some decent showings for Bath, work rate generally good and he looks like he's added a little bit more power.

Appreciate he only had 10 minutes or so.

He really didn't get much of a chance to feature. I just hope the reputation proves justified.

[I like neeps]

I notice Bayliss got a run out (Beeb match report says he subbed on for Price - think they got Bayliss and Horne back to front) - any views on how he went? He's put in some decent showings for Bath, work rate generally good and he looks like he's added a little bit more power.

Appreciate he only had 10 minutes or so.

Won a key turnover in the Scottish 22 in the last 5 minutes. Looked handy enough in 10 minutes.

[Slick]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

Shite. Shite. Shite, shite shite.

As are Sunday games. Shite.

Although there was a noticeable lack of drunk arseholes on Sunday, so I guess that’s a positive

[Tattie]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

Shite. Shite. Shite, shite shite.

As are Sunday games. Shite.

Although there was a noticeable lack of drunk arseholes on Sunday, so I guess that’s a positive

I’m actually quite happy that it’s a 13:00 ko on Saturday as I can watch it pre football.
Drunk arseholes (we’ve all been there) can at least help with the atmosphere at sporting events, particularly at Murrayfield.

[I like neeps]

My worry with Amazon as the least supported of the home countries we'll get the worst kick off times because unlike the BBC they're in the business of maximising viewers.

I notice Japan is also 1pm. A lot of Sundays and 1pms coming I think. Real shame as Murrayfield under the lights is spectacular.

[Slick]

My worry with Amazon as the least supported of the home countries we'll get the worst kick off times because unlike the BBC they're in the business of maximising viewers.

I notice Japan is also 1pm. A lot of Sundays and 1pms coming I think. Real shame as Murrayfield under the lights is spectacular.

Yup, that was exactly my thoughts. I’d love to try a Friday night but really don’t like Sundays and early kick offs.

Tattie, point taken about all having been there!

[Yr Alban]

My worry with Amazon as the least supported of the home countries we'll get the worst kick off times because unlike the BBC they're in the business of maximising viewers.

I notice Japan is also 1pm. A lot of Sundays and 1pms coming I think. Real shame as Murrayfield under the lights is spectacular.

Probably true, and utterly shite.

[HKCJ]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

Shite. Shite. Shite, shite shite.

As are Sunday games. Shite.

Although there was a noticeable lack of drunk arseholes on Sunday, so I guess that’s a positive

Yeah even saw one bloke drinking bloody Erdinger.

[Slick]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

Shite. Shite. Shite, shite shite.

As are Sunday games. Shite.

Although there was a noticeable lack of drunk arseholes on Sunday, so I guess that’s a positive

Yeah even saw one bloke drinking bloody Erdinger.

Lucky you, I was sitting next to someone that smelt like a fucking jakey from the night before

[Yr Alban]

What's everyone's thoughts on the yellow card. Most seem to be calling it ridiculous but I see a player flying off his feet over the ruck, leading with his elbow at a player who is out of the game and defenseless on the ground. The intent was as clear as day and the fact that he only caught Fagerson a glancing blow was down to the poor execution of his intended illegality.

It reminded me of the Zander red card v Wales, just because of the sheer unnecessary nature of it. If you dive in like that, what good do you expect to come of it? At best you’ll concede a penalty, at worst you get a red card. There’s literally no scenario in which you come out ahead, so you’d have to be utterly brainless to do it.

[robmatic]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

I'm on GMT+3 so it's not too bad for me.

[charltom]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

I'm on GMT+3 so it's not too bad for me.

I've got a little boy who naps from 1 til 3 so it's perfect for me!

[robmatic]

I can't decide if it's crap or not that the Springbok game is at 1pm on Saturday

I'm on GMT+3 so it's not too bad for me.

I've got a little boy who naps from 1 til 3 so it's perfect for me!

Our toddler will be just be setting off for a couple of hours in the park if I successfully negotiate with his mum.

[dkm57]

and I might manage to not nod off during the 2nd half

Hopefully Zander will desist from incidents of blatant f'kwittery for the whole of this match

[Slick]

What changes are we expecting for Saturday? Is anyone coming back from injury?

Much as I love Darcy, I think we need a bigger presence on the wing this week.

[Tichtheid]

What changes are we expecting for Saturday? Is anyone coming back from injury?

Much as I love Darcy, I think we need a bigger presence on the wing this week.

TOL are saying everyone is fit, so Rambo and Scott Cummings are up for selection. It would be Cummings' first game back so I'd probably expect to see him on the bench rather than starting.
Hooker is a very difficult choice.

I liked the look of Bayliss, he might start over Fagerson. I think the backs will be the same, we looked rusty but not too far off, if that lineup clicks we'll be off to the races.

[robmatic]

What changes are we expecting for Saturday? Is anyone coming back from injury?

Much as I love Darcy, I think we need a bigger presence on the wing this week.

Cummings is supposed to be back, dunno if he'll go straight back in the starting lineup though. Hooker could be interesting, apparently Turner's rib injury is better than expected and McInally should be recovered from illness.

[dpedin]

Going to be a very different game against SA and I suspect Toonie will make changes to combat their threats.Their big pack and the big boot will be uppermost in his thinking. As much as I like Graham I can see Steyn coming onto the wing to counter the threat. I would love to see Cummings in the team but doubt he is fully fit for this game but we do look a little underpowered in 2nd row. Im also a bit worried with Kebble as our back up TH and would love to see Nel on the bench but that's not going to happen. Fear is that we get overpowered in scrum after 60mins and they kick penalties or maul over from resulting line outs we concede. However if we win enough ball I can see us giving them problems and if we can keep them moving around the pitch and get over gain line with ball then we might negate their big forwards who aren't the best when the ball and breakdown is behind them. It will be tight ... again.

[Big D]

The Saffers have named their team:
Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane
Eben E, Mostert
Kolisi, Smith , Vermulen

Jantjies x2

Mapimpi, De Allende, Am, Kriel, Le Roux

[dpedin]

The Saffers have named their team:
Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane
Eben E, Mostert
Kolisi, Smith , Vermulen

Jantjies x2

Mapimpi, De Allende, Am, Kriel, Le Roux

Going big!

[Slick]

The Saffers have named their team:
Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane
Eben E, Mostert
Kolisi, Smith , Vermulen

Jantjies x2

Mapimpi, De Allende, Am, Kriel, Le Roux

Elton Jantjies is rubbish, so that’s good

[Tichtheid]

The Saffers have named their team:
Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane
Eben E, Mostert
Kolisi, Smith , Vermulen

Jantjies x2

Mapimpi, De Allende, Am, Kriel, Le Roux

Elton Jantjies is rubbish, so that’s good

That's torn it.

You just know he's going to be brilliant now

[HKCJ]

Shite. Shite. Shite, shite shite.

As are Sunday games. Shite.

Although there was a noticeable lack of drunk arseholes on Sunday, so I guess that’s a positive

Yeah even saw one bloke drinking bloody Erdinger.

Lucky you, I was sitting next to someone that smelt like a fucking jakey from the night before

Harsh take on Ian. He seemed sound

[Slick]

The Saffers have named their team:
Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane
Eben E, Mostert
Kolisi, Smith , Vermulen

Jantjies x2

Mapimpi, De Allende, Am, Kriel, Le Roux

Elton Jantjies is rubbish, so that’s good

That's torn it.

You just know he's going to be brilliant now

I'm so confident on this one I'm looking the mockers god straight in the eye with a cocky smirk.

[dkm57]

Elton Jantjies is rubbish, so that’s good

That's torn it.

You just know he's going to be brilliant now

I'm so confident on this one I'm looking the mockers god straight in the eye with a cocky smirk.

You mean we'll see another Twickenham style collective Brainfart?

[clydecloggie]

Among all the predictable dross about the McBiltong posse lining up against their own country on Saturday, I quite liked this take I must admit:

[Tichtheid]

Among all the predictable dross about the McBiltong posse lining up against their own country on Saturday, I quite liked this take I must admit:

Fair play, a good joke is a good joke.

[Slick]

Yup, that was good.

I really hope we beat them, they are becoming the new Ireland

[robmatic]

Thistle podcast are suggesting that Tuipulotu will be playing 12 and Kinghorn will be on the wing at the weekend.

[clydecloggie]

Thistle podcast are suggesting that Tuipulotu will be playing 12 and Kinghorn will be on the wing at the weekend.

They've probably confused the ruck shield holders with the Raeburn Shield holders. Easy mistake to make.

[Tichtheid]

Thistle podcast are suggesting that Tuipulotu will be playing 12 and Kinghorn will be on the wing at the weekend.

The only way I could see Tuipulotu at 12 is if Sam Johnson is injured, which would be a body blow.

I can see Kinghorn at 14 though.

[Slick]

Thistle podcast are suggesting that Tuipulotu will be playing 12 and Kinghorn will be on the wing at the weekend.

The only way I could see Tuipulotu at 12 is if Sam Johnson is injured, which would be a body blow.

I can see Kinghorn at 14 though.

Yeah, I can see Kinghorn at 14 also. We must have a better centre available than Tuipulota if Johnson is injured, that scares me.

[inactionman]

Of interest here - Bevan Rodd called up to England squad to replace the isolating Joe Marler.

Was there talk of him being picked for Scotland at one point?