NPR

Slick wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 11:21 am Is Hutchinson not capped??!!

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 11:12 am

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 9:15 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 8:45 am

Not sold on Chapman - he's not that good. Hutchinson and McLean are already capped. The rest would all be good pickups, but I would say none are likely.

They are but makes sense to give Dingwall a game with a club mate and there are no decent uncapped wings off the top of my head so went with McLean. I suspect we'll see one of those guys on tour. Also Hutchinson isn't a million miles off being EQ again (next Feb).

Chapman isn't great but after Price none of the 9s have been overly impressive and didn't fit the shtick of picking uncapped dual qualified players where possible. With Price probably having a summer off it will be a 9 far down the pecking order that plays on the Chile game.

Wings will probably be something like Hoyland and Forbes for Chile, McLean and Rowe for Argentina with Graham maybe also touring. There is definitely space for a newbee. I expect we will also see Ollie Smith tour, who can play wing but seems better at fullback and maybe Jack Blain for Chile. Either of the two SQ back 3 players (Roebuck, Arundelll) would be an improvement on that group.

I would be very surprised to see Hutch courted by England. He is a very un-England 12 and if Dingwall can't get capped it would be a shock to see Hutch capped. I agree he'll tour, but he'll tour on merit rather than because of potential EQ status.

Dobbie will tour, as will Horne. I actually think Pyrgos might get a call and I expect Vellacott will also tour. I don't see the value of adding Chapman who is no better than that group in at the exclusion of one of them building their experience. Toonie loves a new player though so I don't think you are necessarily wrong!

Fin Smith would be my top selection from that group though. His heritage (grandson of a Scottish Lion) is excellent and he is high quality already playing in the prem at 19 is very impressive.

Slick wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 11:21 am Is Hutchinson not capped??!!

Slick wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:10 pm Got it. Thanks chaps

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:00 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 11:12 am

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 9:15 am

They are but makes sense to give Dingwall a game with a club mate and there are no decent uncapped wings off the top of my head so went with McLean. I suspect we'll see one of those guys on tour. Also Hutchinson isn't a million miles off being EQ again (next Feb).

Chapman isn't great but after Price none of the 9s have been overly impressive and didn't fit the shtick of picking uncapped dual qualified players where possible. With Price probably having a summer off it will be a 9 far down the pecking order that plays on the Chile game.

Wings will probably be something like Hoyland and Forbes for Chile, McLean and Rowe for Argentina with Graham maybe also touring. There is definitely space for a newbee. I expect we will also see Ollie Smith tour, who can play wing but seems better at fullback and maybe Jack Blain for Chile. Either of the two SQ back 3 players (Roebuck, Arundelll) would be an improvement on that group.

I would be very surprised to see Hutch courted by England. He is a very un-England 12 and if Dingwall can't get capped it would be a shock to see Hutch capped. I agree he'll tour, but he'll tour on merit rather than because of potential EQ status.

Dobbie will tour, as will Horne. I actually think Pyrgos might get a call and I expect Vellacott will also tour. I don't see the value of adding Chapman who is no better than that group in at the exclusion of one of them building their experience. Toonie loves a new player though so I don't think you are necessarily wrong!

Fin Smith would be my top selection from that group though. His heritage (grandson of a Scottish Lion) is excellent and he is high quality already playing in the prem at 19 is very impressive.

He is more valuable to Saints as EQ regardless of whether he plays for England. We'd assume he would continue to want to play internationally, but its an unnecessary risk.

As I said my post was a shtick about current SQ players down south. Admittedly not seen much of him this year but I'm not sure there is any benefit to taking Horne on tour. He still is weak in the same areas as before and has been overtaken as the 9 who needs better game control by Vellacott. The 9s will likely be White, Dobie Vellacott, and AN Other.

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:52 pm An added wrinkle may be the Commonwealth Games. Would Rowe and a couple others be a candidate for them?

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 7:17 am

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:52 pm An added wrinkle may be the Commonwealth Games. Would Rowe and a couple others be a candidate for them?

I'd be very surprised if London Irish allowed their starting winger to go to the commonwealth games.

Rufus McLean has been pretty poor this season. Same with Forbes, Rowe is guaranteed some gametime in Argentina. Of the wingers mentioned (Forbes, McLean, Roebuck, Arundel, Hoyland, Blain) Rowe is the pick of the bunch.

I'd be very surprised if a 19 year old Arundel declared for Scotland this year. Maybe in future but whilst he isn't a week in week out player it makes sense to wait and see. Also don't see it with Dingwall as next year England are changing coach - makes some sense to wait it out. I'd also not be at all surprised to see him in England's summer squad considering how well he's playing. Roebuck is interesting, a very good player. But again, he's young I'd expect him to wait a year or two for the England pecking order.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:06 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 7:17 am

Big D wrote: ↑Tue May 03, 2022 12:52 pm An added wrinkle may be the Commonwealth Games. Would Rowe and a couple others be a candidate for them?

I'd be very surprised if London Irish allowed their starting winger to go to the commonwealth games.

Rufus McLean has been pretty poor this season. Same with Forbes, Rowe is guaranteed some gametime in Argentina. Of the wingers mentioned (Forbes, McLean, Roebuck, Arundel, Hoyland, Blain) Rowe is the pick of the bunch.

I'd be very surprised if a 19 year old Arundel declared for Scotland this year. Maybe in future but whilst he isn't a week in week out player it makes sense to wait and see. Also don't see it with Dingwall as next year England are changing coach - makes some sense to wait it out. I'd also not be at all surprised to see him in England's summer squad considering how well he's playing. Roebuck is interesting, a very good player. But again, he's young I'd expect him to wait a year or two for the England pecking order.

I wouldn't agree with that. He was flying at the start of the season and scored two tries (one a belter) on his Scotland debut in October. He also played in the SA match where I recall him being solid enough. He had a bit of a shaky game on his return to Glasgow against Benetton maybe? I think the whole Glasgow team were poor that day though. He played well in the away win at Connacht (scored a try) in January and also in the home win to Benetton (Jan/Feb?). He has largely been injured since then though.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:29 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:06 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 7:17 am

I'd be very surprised if London Irish allowed their starting winger to go to the commonwealth games.

Rufus McLean has been pretty poor this season. Same with Forbes, Rowe is guaranteed some gametime in Argentina. Of the wingers mentioned (Forbes, McLean, Roebuck, Arundel, Hoyland, Blain) Rowe is the pick of the bunch.

I'd be very surprised if a 19 year old Arundel declared for Scotland this year. Maybe in future but whilst he isn't a week in week out player it makes sense to wait and see. Also don't see it with Dingwall as next year England are changing coach - makes some sense to wait it out. I'd also not be at all surprised to see him in England's summer squad considering how well he's playing. Roebuck is interesting, a very good player. But again, he's young I'd expect him to wait a year or two for the England pecking order.

I wouldn't agree with that. He was flying at the start of the season and scored two tries (one a belter) on his Scotland debut in October. He also played in the SA match where I recall him being solid enough. He had a bit of a shaky game on his return to Glasgow against Benetton maybe? I think the whole Glasgow team were poor that day though. He played well in the away win at Connacht (scored a try) in January and also in the home win to Benetton (Jan/Feb?). He has largely been injured since then though.

I certainly wouldn't write him off after it, but he was very poor against SA, a couple of real schoolboy defensive errors leading directly to tries, as I recall.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:06 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:29 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:06 am

I wouldn't agree with that. He was flying at the start of the season and scored two tries (one a belter) on his Scotland debut in October. He also played in the SA match where I recall him being solid enough. He had a bit of a shaky game on his return to Glasgow against Benetton maybe? I think the whole Glasgow team were poor that day though. He played well in the away win at Connacht (scored a try) in January and also in the home win to Benetton (Jan/Feb?). He has largely been injured since then though.

I certainly wouldn't write him off after it, but he was very poor against SA, a couple of real schoolboy defensive errors leading directly to tries, as I recall.

Fair enough, obviously I’d blocked that from my memory. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, having a rough game against the world champs in your second cap isn’t career ending stuff. I still think he has the potential to be a generational talent for us.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:06 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:29 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:06 am

I wouldn't agree with that. He was flying at the start of the season and scored two tries (one a belter) on his Scotland debut in October. He also played in the SA match where I recall him being solid enough. He had a bit of a shaky game on his return to Glasgow against Benetton maybe? I think the whole Glasgow team were poor that day though. He played well in the away win at Connacht (scored a try) in January and also in the home win to Benetton (Jan/Feb?). He has largely been injured since then though.

I certainly wouldn't write him off after it, but he was very poor against SA, a couple of real schoolboy defensive errors leading directly to tries, as I recall.

Fair enough, obviously I’d blocked that from my memory. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, having a rough game against the world champs in your second cap isn’t career ending stuff. I still think he has the potential to be a generational talent for us.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:42 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:06 am

Slick wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 8:29 am

I certainly wouldn't write him off after it, but he was very poor against SA, a couple of real schoolboy defensive errors leading directly to tries, as I recall.

Fair enough, obviously I’d blocked that from my memory. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, having a rough game against the world champs in your second cap isn’t career ending stuff. I still think he has the potential to be a generational talent for us.

I didn't say career ending. But he hasn't been good, nothing he's done this year suggests he should play for Scotland in the summer. Maybe he'll re-find his form, maybe he'll be a flash in the pan. He's had a lot of injuries now too, not ideal for a smaller quick twitch player.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:40 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:42 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:06 am

Fair enough, obviously I’d blocked that from my memory. I suppose in the grand scheme of things, having a rough game against the world champs in your second cap isn’t career ending stuff. I still think he has the potential to be a generational talent for us.

I didn't say career ending. But he hasn't been good, nothing he's done this year suggests he should play for Scotland in the summer. Maybe he'll re-find his form, maybe he'll be a flash in the pan. He's had a lot of injuries now too, not ideal for a smaller quick twitch player.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply you had - I didn't think you had. Poor turn of phrase to say it's not unexpected for a young player to find it tough against the best in the world.

I expect him to play against Chile (as that will be as close to a scratch side as we can get) plus possibly a test against Argentina for the experience.

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:45 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:40 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:42 am

I didn't say career ending. But he hasn't been good, nothing he's done this year suggests he should play for Scotland in the summer. Maybe he'll re-find his form, maybe he'll be a flash in the pan. He's had a lot of injuries now too, not ideal for a smaller quick twitch player.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply you had - I didn't think you had. Poor turn of phrase to say it's not unexpected for a young player to find it tough against the best in the world.

I expect him to play against Chile (as that will be as close to a scratch side as we can get) plus possibly a test against Argentina for the experience.

I'd be surprised as I think he's still injured so will have played really no rugby. I'd expect Jones at 15 with Graham/Rowe wings. Smith 23. Hogg/Duhan rested. Forbes and Hoyland sprinkled in.

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:10 am

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:45 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:40 am

Sorry, didn't mean to imply you had - I didn't think you had. Poor turn of phrase to say it's not unexpected for a young player to find it tough against the best in the world.

I expect him to play against Chile (as that will be as close to a scratch side as we can get) plus possibly a test against Argentina for the experience.

I'd be surprised as I think he's still injured so will have played really no rugby. I'd expect Jones at 15 with Graham/Rowe wings. Smith 23. Hogg/Duhan rested. Forbes and Hoyland sprinkled in.

Definitely scope for back 3 opportunities with (I'm assuming) last summer's Lions not travelling, so agreed this is probably when we will see the likes of Forbes, Rowe and Smith getting some gametime. I'd expect Hoyland to feature as well now that he's back fit as he does seem to be well thought of by the coaches.

Jaco is maybe making a late bid for a fullback position, he might get a good run of games there with Moyano, Immelman and Graham being injured.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:31 am

The big issue is tighthead. Zander needs a rest, desperately, but who else do we take? 80 year old Nel should also be rested. Berghan is struggling this year, the Kebble experiment appears over. Who is left?

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:39 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:31 am

The big issue is tighthead. Zander needs a rest, desperately, but who else do we take? 80 year old Nel should also be rested. Berghan is struggling this year, the Kebble experiment appears over. Who is left?

Murphy Walker might be worth a look, I thought he was excellent v us in March

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:51 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:39 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:31 am

The big issue is tighthead. Zander needs a rest, desperately, but who else do we take? 80 year old Nel should also be rested. Berghan is struggling this year, the Kebble experiment appears over. Who is left?

Murphy Walker might be worth a look, I thought he was excellent v us in March

Walker and Williams are the only options. McCallum perhaps. It's grim.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 12:00 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:51 am

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:39 am



Murphy Walker might be worth a look, I thought he was excellent v us in March

Walker and Williams are the only options. McCallum perhaps. It's grim.

McCallum a tighthead again at Worcester? Surely we can't be looking at Murphy Walker, who while I agree he looks talented has played fewer than half a dozen pro games, into a 3 match series against Argentina? It could destroy him. Same for Angus Williams.

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 6:49 pm Surely the Cheetahs should step in. The Pumas and Griquas are also fully professionally and will be competitive.

Slick wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 7:03 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 6:49 pm Surely the Cheetahs should step in. The Pumas and Griquas are also fully professionally and will be competitive.

Don’t push your luck son

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 6:44 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

On the one hand, the Welsh are not competitive at the moment, but on the other this will really suck if you are a fan of or involved with Dragons (presumably they will be the ones to get the chop).

It would also be bad for the league, at least the pools/conferences are numerically balanced at the moment.

You would imagine the SRU will definitely be thinking about it but then Cheetahs will be almost ready to go from the SA side.

clydecloggie wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 9:46 am

robmatic wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 6:44 pm

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

On the one hand, the Welsh are not competitive at the moment, but on the other this will really suck if you are a fan of or involved with Dragons (presumably they will be the ones to get the chop).

It would also be bad for the league, at least the pools/conferences are numerically balanced at the moment.

You would imagine the SRU will definitely be thinking about it but then Cheetahs will be almost ready to go from the SA side.

Possibly Ospreys and Scarlets will need to merge - that was suggested earlier and they're geographically close. Dragons need to stay - you can't have a shit league without Rodney Parade. The 4x4 Conference format would be fecked regardless - unless a team from outside the current nations (Black Lions, Iberians, Pumas) was brought in to create a 3+1 'Welsh' Conference.

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

Slick wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 10:36 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

London Scottish!

Slick wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 10:36 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

London Scottish!

Tichtheid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 12:21 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 12:00 pm

I like neeps wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 11:51 am

Walker and Williams are the only options. McCallum perhaps. It's grim.

McCallum a tighthead again at Worcester? Surely we can't be looking at Murphy Walker, who while I agree he looks talented has played fewer than half a dozen pro games, into a 3 match series against Argentina? It could destroy him. Same for Angus Williams.

I was thinking more for the Chile game, we have to take more experience for Argentina, Zander and Berghan will travel, I would think.

They will have a complete month off, then a month preseason before the first game of the 22/23 campaign.

Slick wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 10:36 am

Big D wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:40 pm Rumours WRU going to drop a side.

May be the one sensible chance the SRU have to explore any option to get a 3rd team.

There are clearly lots of obstacles and I'm someone who has always been tentative about a 3rd pro team but this might be the best opportunity there is. Still might not be viable, but they should at least review the options.

London Scottish!

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 3:30 pm To be honest, the Londoners I've spoken to about it have said that, unless it is in an accessible location they wouldn't bother. Who is going to spend the best part of a couple of hours each way to watch their team get horsed in the URC. You might be able to rely on Irish/Welsh/Saffa populations to make up the numbers though - an even split from home and away fans. Honestly, I think the attraction is a bit overstated, maybe others can comment who are in/around London themselves.

KingBlairhorn wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 3:30 pm To be honest, the Londoners I've spoken to about it have said that, unless it is in an accessible location they wouldn't bother. Who is going to spend the best part of a couple of hours each way to watch their team get horsed in the URC. You might be able to rely on Irish/Welsh/Saffa populations to make up the numbers though - an even split from home and away fans. Honestly, I think the attraction is a bit overstated, maybe others can comment who are in/around London themselves.

Slick wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 9:41 pm Just checking if this is the right thread to congratulate Rangers?