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Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:06 am
by RampantLion
Rather pleased to see Glasgow do an Italian Job at the weekend. Edinburgh looking good enough to challenge? Maybe. Reckon the top 4 shootout will be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Munster & Leinster. So who knows, an all Scottish final could be on the cards! :D

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 9:33 am
by clydecloggie
RampantLion wrote:Rather pleased to see Glasgow do an Italian Job at the weekend. Edinburgh looking good enough to challenge? Maybe. Reckon the top 4 shootout will be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Munster & Leinster. So who knows, an all Scottish final could be on the cards! :D
I don't see Cardiff or the Cheetahs making a late run into contention, but the Scarlets are the reigning champions and will be in the mix.

Edinburgh are still not a great team but seem to have forgotten how to lose a game.

If I've got the maths of the Pro14 right, if the burghers stay in third their path to the final is by beating Munster away and then Leinster away. If they catch the Scarlets it becomes Cheetahs at home then Glasgow away. Assuming Munster and Cheetahs stay 2nd and 3rd in Conf A.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 11:43 am
by Wylie Coyote
clydecloggie wrote:
RampantLion wrote:Rather pleased to see Glasgow do an Italian Job at the weekend. Edinburgh looking good enough to challenge? Maybe. Reckon the top 4 shootout will be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Munster & Leinster. So who knows, an all Scottish final could be on the cards! :D
I don't see Cardiff or the Cheetahs making a late run into contention, but the Scarlets are the reigning champions and will be in the mix.

Edinburgh are still not a great team but seem to have forgotten how to lose a game.

If I've got the maths of the Pro14 right, if the burghers stay in third their path to the final is by beating Munster away and then Leinster away. If they catch the Scarlets it becomes Cheetahs at home then Glasgow away. Assuming Munster and Cheetahs stay 2nd and 3rd in Conf A.
That Scarlets game becomes crucial for Edinburgh if that's right. Getting to the final by beating Munster at Thomond, then Leinster in Dublin would be an epic achievement for this Edinburgh team and likely be beyond them, but it is the only chance (a VERY slim one at that) of an all Scottish final so I am somewhat conflicted!

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2018 11:00 pm
by Edinburgh01
Dodson extends contract. Been a good CEO so far, so lets hope he keeps the progress up.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-un ... -1-4714327

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 1:23 am
by malky
Apologies Gents if I've missed something in your calculations about Edinburgh - it is probably just that you don't believe it's possible but I think:
If Edinburgh beat Ulster (at MF)
and then beat Scarlets (at MF) then,
they have an (already qualified) Glasgow at MF - a win here gives a home match(as 2nd ahead of Scarlets) v 3rd in the other conference for a semi final place - no?

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:10 am
by Alba
malky wrote:Apologies Gents if I've missed something in your calculations about Edinburgh - it is probably just that you don't believe it's possible but I think:
If Edinburgh beat Ulster (at MF)
and then beat Scarlets (at MF) then,
they have an (already qualified) Glasgow at MF - a win here gives a home match(as 2nd ahead of Scarlets) v 3rd in the other conference for a semi final place - no?
It's this. We know it is possible, but that is a fairly unlikely run of results, even at home. The games come in a nice order of ascending priorities which helps though:
* Beat Ulster, secure a playoff spot (we'll also be hoping Glasgow beat Scarlets);
* Beat Scarlets. If the Scarlets Glasgow game has gone our way the previous week, we could actually secure second place in this game;
* Beat Glasgow. If things have gone our way, it is in our hands. Scarlets have a banker against the Dragons, so if we aren't in position by this game we won't finish second.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:10 am
by clydecloggie
malky wrote:Apologies Gents if I've missed something in your calculations about Edinburgh - it is probably just that you don't believe it's possible but I think:
If Edinburgh beat Ulster (at MF)
and then beat Scarlets (at MF) then,
they have an (already qualified) Glasgow at MF - a win here gives a home match(as 2nd ahead of Scarlets) v 3rd in the other conference for a semi final place - no?
Yes- see last page:
me, myself & I wrote:If I've got the maths of the Pro14 right, if the burghers stay in third their path to the final is by beating Munster away and then Leinster away. If they catch the Scarlets it becomes Cheetahs at home then Glasgow away. Assuming Munster and Cheetahs stay 2nd and 3rd in Conf A.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:48 pm
by Alba
I've spent a wee bit of time recently when with friends of mine more knowledgeable on the club rugby scene discussing the Super 6 proposals. There has, it's fair to say, been a mixed response but generally people are aware that there is a requirement to try something a bit different to try to bridge the current gap to pro rugby. The most interesting comments were from a friend that spent a fair amount of time living and playing in New Zealand. His view is that the idea is correct, but the execution is not. He cites the New Zealand system as that which should be copied due to the season scheduling more than anything else. My understanding of his description of the key aspect of their system is to try to ensure that players aren't removed from one 'league' to play in another because the competitions are run concurrently. So, for instance, a player should be able to play for Hawick AND a borders Super 6 team. Equally, a Super 6 player should be able to play for that team AND a Pro14 team. This seems like a sensible suggestion as a way of ensuring that you don't end up with the kind of conflict we have now.

Can anyone explain why this wouldn't be possible here? Arguments around interference with cricket and Sevens seasons and such like were brought up, but nobody offered anything compelling enough to explain it to me. Could we not have something like the below?

Pro 14: September - May
Super 6: May - October
Prem 1: September - April
(Scottish) Sevens: April - June
Internationals: November, February - March, June

This would leave seasons looking something like this:
Internationals: Pro 14 with breaks for internationals. Prem 1 and Super 6 available for return from injury.
Fringe Pro players and EDPs: Pro 14, with stints for their club if not getting games. Super 6 regulars.
Good club players: Prem 1, with opportunity to progress to Super 6 if amongst the best in the league.
Regular club players: Prem 1, with sevens after season ends.

Obviously all this would be caveated with appropriate rest if stepping up or down levels.

I'm happy to be told the above is all pish, but I'm genuinely interested to know why something like this couldn't work.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 7:51 pm
by clydecloggie
Image

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:34 pm
by Big D
So more bids than many thought:
Ayr, Boroughmuir, Currie Chieftains, Dundee, Edinburgh Accies, Gala, Glasgow Hawks, Hawick, Heriot’s, Melrose, Stirling County and Watsonians.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-un ... -1-4715988

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:37 pm
by VBall
Anybody know if I can buy tickets for the Ulster match at the gate on game day? Will not know until the day if we can make it.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 1:39 am
by I like haggis
Alba wrote:I've spent a wee bit of time recently when with friends of mine more knowledgeable on the club rugby scene discussing the Super 6 proposals. There has, it's fair to say, been a mixed response but generally people are aware that there is a requirement to try something a bit different to try to bridge the current gap to pro rugby. The most interesting comments were from a friend that spent a fair amount of time living and playing in New Zealand. His view is that the idea is correct, but the execution is not. He cites the New Zealand system as that which should be copied due to the season scheduling more than anything else. My understanding of his description of the key aspect of their system is to try to ensure that players aren't removed from one 'league' to play in another because the competitions are run concurrently. So, for instance, a player should be able to play for Hawick AND a borders Super 6 team. Equally, a Super 6 player should be able to play for that team AND a Pro14 team. This seems like a sensible suggestion as a way of ensuring that you don't end up with the kind of conflict we have now.

Can anyone explain why this wouldn't be possible here? Arguments around interference with cricket and Sevens seasons and such like were brought up, but nobody offered anything compelling enough to explain it to me. Could we not have something like the below?

Pro 14: September - May
Super 6: May - October
Prem 1: September - April
(Scottish) Sevens: April - June
Internationals: November, February - March, June

This would leave seasons looking something like this:
Internationals: Pro 14 with breaks for internationals. Prem 1 and Super 6 available for return from injury.
Fringe Pro players and EDPs: Pro 14, with stints for their club if not getting games. Super 6 regulars.
Good club players: Prem 1, with opportunity to progress to Super 6 if amongst the best in the league.
Regular club players: Prem 1, with sevens after season ends.

Obviously all this would be caveated with appropriate rest if stepping up or down levels.

I'm happy to be told the above is all pish, but I'm genuinely interested to know why something like this couldn't work.
If a player plays for Hawick AND a pro team then you have the same problem of paid players against amateurs.

Also the seaaon will run at the same time?

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 12:31 pm
by Biffer29
Big D wrote:So more bids than many thought:
Ayr, Boroughmuir, Currie Chieftains, Dundee, Edinburgh Accies, Gala, Glasgow Hawks, Hawick, Heriot’s, Melrose, Stirling County and Watsonians.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-un ... -1-4715988
In my mind, the only choices to be made here are Stirling or Dundee, and which of the other Edinburgh bids succeeds along with Currie. Melrose, Hawks, Ayr the other three.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 12:48 pm
by Doc Rob
Biffer29 wrote:
Big D wrote:So more bids than many thought:
Ayr, Boroughmuir, Currie Chieftains, Dundee, Edinburgh Accies, Gala, Glasgow Hawks, Hawick, Heriot’s, Melrose, Stirling County and Watsonians.

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-un ... -1-4715988
In my mind, the only choices to be made here are Stirling or Dundee, and which of the other Edinburgh bids succeeds along with Currie. Melrose, Hawks, Ayr the other three.
In the absence of a bid from Aberdeen, you’d have to expect Dundee to get the nod in the interests of geography. I suppose, grudgingly, that there should be two sides from the West as Glasgow are the more successful pro team. So one in the Borders, likely to be Melrose, and two of the Embra teams.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 3:24 pm
by Lorthern Nights
I wouldn’t bother with Ayr, I would go with

Dundee
Melrose
Gala
Currie
Hawks
Heriots

Without looking at any of the actual bids :smug:

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 3:49 pm
by I like haggis
Much rather Stirling than Dundee.

They have the strongest club youth set up going - regularly winning the cup. Bridgehaugh is a fantastic ground and the town will really get behind them.

Always thought if there was third pro team money they could be our Connacht.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 1:51 pm
by Big D
I like haggis wrote:Much rather Stirling than Dundee.

They have the strongest club youth set up going - regularly winning the cup. Bridgehaugh is a fantastic ground and the town will really get behind them.

Always thought if there was third pro team money they could be our Connacht.
Dundee will have plenty of good youth teams in the catchment with Strathallan and the likes. But strength of youth system is only partially relevant. These franchises are tasked with ensuring the top players in the country who aren't professional play in the S6. That means taking players from all over.

For me there is little sense in having Ayr, Hawks and Stirling. Stirling is barely in the Caley region.

Without seeing the details I'd go for:
Melrose
Ayr
Currie
Dundee
Wastonians
Hawks or Stirling

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 2:50 pm
by Edinburgh01
Lorthern Nights wrote:I wouldn’t bother with Ayr, I would go with

Dundee
Melrose
Gala
Currie
Hawks
Heriots

Without looking at any of the actual bids :smug:
Last I heard Heriot's (the school) were not interested in putting in anything like the cash that Watson's (the school) have already and will in future.

It will be really interesting to see what factors will be the most important in selecting the winning bids.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 3:00 pm
by I like haggis
Big D wrote:
I like haggis wrote:Much rather Stirling than Dundee.

They have the strongest club youth set up going - regularly winning the cup. Bridgehaugh is a fantastic ground and the town will really get behind them.

Always thought if there was third pro team money they could be our Connacht.
Dundee will have plenty of good youth teams in the catchment with Strathallan and the likes. But strength of youth system is only partially relevant. These franchises are tasked with ensuring the top players in the country who aren't professional play in the S6. That means taking players from all over.

For me there is little sense in having Ayr, Hawks and Stirling. Stirling is barely in the Caley region.

Without seeing the details I'd go for:
Melrose
Ayr
Currie
Dundee
Wastonians
Hawks or Stirling
Who are the good teams in the Dundee catchment area? Dundee High School are good one in every 10 or so school years? Dundee Eagles are the only Dundee team or team in Angus I can think of? Dundee High FPs don't have nearly the footprint of county. I accept the universities will be involved and that makes it interesting to a point but again, Dundee university are hardly a good uni side. Then you have Aberdeen Unis, Aberdeen Grammar, Robert Gordon's? Mackie? Perthshire. Can't see them getting behind a team in Dundee. And put together don't have the footprint of Stirling county.

A quick Google search suggests Strathallen is 40 minutes from Stirling and 39 to Dundee so it's in Stirling's catchment as much as dundee's. I agree that it's not really in Caledonia but it's not super relevant. Any fans for the Dundee franchise will come from Dundee or close by in Angus.

I understand the tricky part is the players coming for training etc but that's going to be a challenge for every team outside Glasgow and Edinburgh.

I know they're trying to build Dundee as a development hub but they should focus on the existing development hub in Stirling County. We need a club like them to work if this idea is to work. I know what will be better - a city getting behind their team and good crowds at Bridgehaugh. A team in a city who is unaware of their cutting around in Broughty Ferry isn't a good idea. They can create a team like Dundee if the idea is a success and is expanded.

Without knowing the finances (and who is bankrolling Dundee's bid will be very interesting, will the University? And why? Will Dundee high parents be happy shelling out for semi pro rugby? Can't see why). Stirling is the obvious choice.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 3:36 pm
by frillage
I like haggis wrote:
Big D wrote:
I like haggis wrote:Much rather Stirling than Dundee.

They have the strongest club youth set up going - regularly winning the cup. Bridgehaugh is a fantastic ground and the town will really get behind them.

Always thought if there was third pro team money they could be our Connacht.
Dundee will have plenty of good youth teams in the catchment with Strathallan and the likes. But strength of youth system is only partially relevant. These franchises are tasked with ensuring the top players in the country who aren't professional play in the S6. That means taking players from all over.

For me there is little sense in having Ayr, Hawks and Stirling. Stirling is barely in the Caley region.

Without seeing the details I'd go for:
Melrose
Ayr
Currie
Dundee
Wastonians
Hawks or Stirling
Who are the good teams in the Dundee catchment area? Dundee High School are good one in every 10 or so school years? Dundee Eagles are the only Dundee team or team in Angus I can think of? Dundee High FPs don't have nearly the footprint of county. I accept the universities will be involved and that makes it interesting to a point but again, Dundee university are hardly a good uni side. Then you have Aberdeen Unis, Aberdeen Grammar, Robert Gordon's? Mackie? Perthshire. Can't see them getting behind a team in Dundee. And put together don't have the footprint of Stirling county.

A quick Google search suggests Strathallen is 40 minutes from Stirling and 39 to Dundee so it's in Stirling's catchment as much as dundee's. I agree that it's not really in Caledonia but it's not super relevant. Any fans for the Dundee franchise will come from Dundee or close by in Angus.

I understand the tricky part is the players coming for training etc but that's going to be a challenge for every team outside Glasgow and Edinburgh.

I know they're trying to build Dundee as a development hub but they should focus on the existing development hub in Stirling County. We need a club like them to work if this idea is to work. I know what will be better - a city getting behind their team and good crowds at Bridgehaugh. A team in a city who is unaware of their cutting around in Broughty Ferry isn't a good idea. They can create a team like Dundee if the idea is a success and is expanded.

Without knowing the finances (and who is bankrolling Dundee's bid will be very interesting, will the University? And why? Will Dundee high parents be happy shelling out for semi pro rugby? Can't see why). Stirling is the obvious choice.
Sorry, didn't quite get the gist, was it Stirling you are suggesting it should be?

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 4:55 pm
by Lorthern Nights
:lol:

Dundee could get the fifers behind them as well. Morrisons is another private school in “area”.

Stirling is Glasgow for all intents and purposes and I would go with Hawks over Ayr as they are closer to civilisation, Ayr is ball ache for everyone other than those living down there.

Borders and Embra get 2 sides as that is the greatest playing numbers to draw from, simples.

If it’s sonnybums over the nails so what, both got great heritage in the game.

Can see Currie getting the nod with a tie up with HW.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 4:59 pm
by Big D
I like haggis wrote:
Big D wrote:
I like haggis wrote:Much rather Stirling than Dundee.

They have the strongest club youth set up going - regularly winning the cup. Bridgehaugh is a fantastic ground and the town will really get behind them.

Always thought if there was third pro team money they could be our Connacht.
Dundee will have plenty of good youth teams in the catchment with Strathallan and the likes. But strength of youth system is only partially relevant. These franchises are tasked with ensuring the top players in the country who aren't professional play in the S6. That means taking players from all over.

For me there is little sense in having Ayr, Hawks and Stirling. Stirling is barely in the Caley region.

Without seeing the details I'd go for:
Melrose
Ayr
Currie
Dundee
Wastonians
Hawks or Stirling
Who are the good teams in the Dundee catchment area? Dundee High School are good one in every 10 or so school years? Dundee Eagles are the only Dundee team or team in Angus I can think of? Dundee High FPs don't have nearly the footprint of county. I accept the universities will be involved and that makes it interesting to a point but again, Dundee university are hardly a good uni side. Then you have Aberdeen Unis, Aberdeen Grammar, Robert Gordon's? Mackie? Perthshire. Can't see them getting behind a team in Dundee. And put together don't have the footprint of Stirling county.

A quick Google search suggests Strathallen is 40 minutes from Stirling and 39 to Dundee so it's in Stirling's catchment as much as dundee's. I agree that it's not really in Caledonia but it's not super relevant. Any fans for the Dundee franchise will come from Dundee or close by in Angus.

I understand the tricky part is the players coming for training etc but that's going to be a challenge for every team outside Glasgow and Edinburgh.

I know they're trying to build Dundee as a development hub but they should focus on the existing development hub in Stirling County. We need a club like them to work if this idea is to work. I know what will be better - a city getting behind their team and good crowds at Bridgehaugh. A team in a city who is unaware of their cutting around in Broughty Ferry isn't a good idea. They can create a team like Dundee if the idea is a success and is expanded.

Without knowing the finances (and who is bankrolling Dundee's bid will be very interesting, will the University? And why? Will Dundee high parents be happy shelling out for semi pro rugby? Can't see why). Stirling is the obvious choice.
Strathallan a bit closer to Stirling than I realised.

Still there are youth teams around Dundee and fife that provide professionals and players to prem/championship teams. The Caley academy base is in Aberdeen IIRC.

I have no doubt the Stirling bid will be a decent one, despite whispers of financial trouble around the start of this season. I don't see it as a straight choice between the two.

I do think it is important to establish a Caley team further north and East though. That's why blindly, without knowing the details of the bids I'd like to see a team in Dundee.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:05 pm
by Lorthern Nights
If they have strong enough bids they may go with a Super 8, although the beancounters may baulk at that as I believe the SRU are kicking in 6 figures to each team.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:13 pm
by I like haggis
It's certainly true that the SRU needs to create more opportunity and exposure to rugby in the north east.

I don't see a semi pro side (or a pro side) as the way to do that. I don't really foresee a semi pro team in Dundee suddenly making the city interested in rugby (and it's even less likely Aberdeen suddenly catches the rugby bug if Dundee had a semi pro team).

What needs to be done is investment in youth rugby. Getting kids showing up to their local rugby clubs and playing each other in matches. Set aside 500 or so tickets for autumn internationals and give them to them for free.

Super six needs buy in from fans - you get with Stirling and others day dot. The point in the super 6 is to improve rugby - not build rugby in the north east.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:48 pm
by toocoldhere
VBall wrote:Anybody know if I can buy tickets for the Ulster match at the gate on game day? Will not know until the day if we can make it.
Yeah you can buy walk ups. Think it's the ticket office at Murrayfield rather than at the gate but all good for it

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 9:12 am
by dargotronV.1
Hamish Watson getting an op on his shoulder this week, will miss the rest of the season and summer tour but be ready for next season. Sounds as though it could have been managed but seems sensible to get it dealt with now. Suggestion was that he was short of full fitness (80/90%) so no point in carrying on like that. Shame for Edinburgh, but they're well stocked in the back row atm so shouldn't affect them too much.

For Scotland I imagine that'll be the first of a few tactical summer tour withdrawals, possibly alongside Hogg, Laidlaw, Gray, Seymour, Russell?

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 9:28 am
by RampantLion
dargotronV.1 wrote:Hamish Watson getting an op on his shoulder this week, will miss the rest of the season and summer tour but be ready for next season. Sounds as though it could have been managed but seems sensible to get it dealt with now. Suggestion was that he was short of full fitness (80/90%) so no point in carrying on like that. Shame for Edinburgh, but they're well stocked in the back row atm so shouldn't affect them too much.

For Scotland I imagine that'll be the first of a few tactical summer tour withdrawals, possibly alongside Hogg, Laidlaw, Gray, Seymour, Russell?
Sensible thing to do. Last thing we want to do is crock the first team playing USA, Canada and Argentina.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 12:27 pm
by Big D
dargotronV.1 wrote:Hamish Watson getting an op on his shoulder this week, will miss the rest of the season and summer tour but be ready for next season. Sounds as though it could have been managed but seems sensible to get it dealt with now. Suggestion was that he was short of full fitness (80/90%) so no point in carrying on like that. Shame for Edinburgh, but they're well stocked in the back row atm so shouldn't affect them too much.

For Scotland I imagine that'll be the first of a few tactical summer tour withdrawals, possibly alongside Hogg, Laidlaw, Gray, Seymour, Russell?
I'm all for that approach. Russell also has a move to France so would be simpler letting him rest and get all the move sorted as he needs to hit the ground running over there.

Seymour should tour. His place should be far from guaranteed on recent showings for the national team and I say that as someone who backed him in the AIs when some were calling for him to be dropped.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 1:29 pm
by Edinburgh01
So Edinburgh's starting 9 & 10 for the biggest game of the season (I rate it above last week) are players leaving with no better replacements on the horizon.
Head Coach Richard Cockerill has named a revamped half-back pairing of Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Duncan Weir ahead of tomorrow night’s pivotal Guinness PRO14 encounter with Ulster at BT Murrayfield (Friday 6 April, kick-off 7.35pm).

Their inclusion is part of six changes made to the side that faced Cardiff Blues in last weekend’s European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.

As Edinburgh look to secure a place in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series for the first time in the club’s history, Cockerill has called on his side to rise to the occasion, and said: “We need to play as well as we can tomorrow night and do what we’ve done well up to this point.

“We’ve never qualified for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series, so we have a little bit of pressure on ourselves to get that right, so we can prove that we are capable of that.

"We’ve got to learn what that feels like and how to cope with that. The best way to do that is to experience it.

"There is no doubt that we are capable of winning these games. We just need to get it right and go back to our basics around both our physicality and mentality.

We have some expectations within the playing group. What I expect is 100% commitment and I want us to put our best game out on the field, which we have done more often than not.

An unchanged back-three sees Blair Kinghorn named at fullback alongside wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Dougie Fife.

In the midfield, Mark Bennett is joined by experienced centre Phil Burleigh, who makes his first start since January.

The inclusion of tighthead prop Simon Berghan is the only alteration to an otherwise unchanged front row, as Stuart McInally – named captain on the day – and Jordan Lay keep their places upfront.

Ben Toolis returns to the starting XV to partner Grant Gilchrist in the second row, whilst Jamie Ritchie is named in the back-row alongside Magnus Bradbury – who makes his 50th appearance for the club – and Bill Mata.

Edinburgh team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 at BT Murrayfield on Friday 6 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.

15. Blair Kinghorn (61)

14. Dougie Fife (103)

13. Mark Bennett (8)

12. Phil Burleigh (71)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (14)

10. Duncan Weir (31)

9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (104)

1. Jordan Lay (8)

2. Stuart McInally (116) CAPTAIN

3. Simon Berghan (45)

4. Ben Toolis (84)

5. Grant Gilchrist (116)

6. Magnus Bradbury (49)

7. Jamie Ritchie (45)

8. Bill Mata (34)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (72) 17. Rory Sutherland (62) 18. WP Nel (113) 19. Lewis Carmichael (29) 20. Cornell du Preez (101) 21. Sean Kennedy (59) 22. Jaco van der Walt (14) 23. Chris Dean (63)

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 2:55 pm
by Biffer29
Edinburgh01 wrote:So Edinburgh's starting 9 & 10 for the biggest game of the season (I rate it above last week) are players leaving with no better replacements on the horizon.
Head Coach Richard Cockerill has named a revamped half-back pairing of Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Duncan Weir ahead of tomorrow night’s pivotal Guinness PRO14 encounter with Ulster at BT Murrayfield (Friday 6 April, kick-off 7.35pm).

Their inclusion is part of six changes made to the side that faced Cardiff Blues in last weekend’s European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.

As Edinburgh look to secure a place in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series for the first time in the club’s history, Cockerill has called on his side to rise to the occasion, and said: “We need to play as well as we can tomorrow night and do what we’ve done well up to this point.

“We’ve never qualified for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series, so we have a little bit of pressure on ourselves to get that right, so we can prove that we are capable of that.

"We’ve got to learn what that feels like and how to cope with that. The best way to do that is to experience it.

"There is no doubt that we are capable of winning these games. We just need to get it right and go back to our basics around both our physicality and mentality.

We have some expectations within the playing group. What I expect is 100% commitment and I want us to put our best game out on the field, which we have done more often than not.

An unchanged back-three sees Blair Kinghorn named at fullback alongside wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Dougie Fife.

In the midfield, Mark Bennett is joined by experienced centre Phil Burleigh, who makes his first start since January.

The inclusion of tighthead prop Simon Berghan is the only alteration to an otherwise unchanged front row, as Stuart McInally – named captain on the day – and Jordan Lay keep their places upfront.

Ben Toolis returns to the starting XV to partner Grant Gilchrist in the second row, whilst Jamie Ritchie is named in the back-row alongside Magnus Bradbury – who makes his 50th appearance for the club – and Bill Mata.

Edinburgh team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 at BT Murrayfield on Friday 6 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.

15. Blair Kinghorn (61)

14. Dougie Fife (103)

13. Mark Bennett (8)

12. Phil Burleigh (71)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (14)

10. Duncan Weir (31)

9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (104)

1. Jordan Lay (8)

2. Stuart McInally (116) CAPTAIN

3. Simon Berghan (45)

4. Ben Toolis (84)

5. Grant Gilchrist (116)

6. Magnus Bradbury (49)

7. Jamie Ritchie (45)

8. Bill Mata (34)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (72) 17. Rory Sutherland (62) 18. WP Nel (113) 19. Lewis Carmichael (29) 20. Cornell du Preez (101) 21. Sean Kennedy (59) 22. Jaco van der Walt (14) 23. Chris Dean (63)

There could be some debate about that. Weir was pish earlier in the season and van der Walt provided a better option - VdW is probably knackered now having played a saffer season and a NH season back to back. Hickey is a good player coming in as well.

9 is a whole different story but even if SHC was staying it'd be a problem position where we need an upgrade.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:31 pm
by I like haggis
RampantLion wrote:
dargotronV.1 wrote:Hamish Watson getting an op on his shoulder this week, will miss the rest of the season and summer tour but be ready for next season. Sounds as though it could have been managed but seems sensible to get it dealt with now. Suggestion was that he was short of full fitness (80/90%) so no point in carrying on like that. Shame for Edinburgh, but they're well stocked in the back row atm so shouldn't affect them too much.

For Scotland I imagine that'll be the first of a few tactical summer tour withdrawals, possibly alongside Hogg, Laidlaw, Gray, Seymour, Russell?
Sensible thing to do. Last thing we want to do is crock the first team playing USA, Canada and Argentina.
Is it sensible? All the players have heavily managed game time so they're available for Scotland. I'd want Hogg, Barclay (as captain), Laidlaw (been injured for half the year) to be there to set the standards.

You can leave Russell for contingency planning and then guys like Maitland who have played a full season. But Scottish players have such carefully managed game time so they can play internationals it makes sense for them to play internationals.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:59 pm
by Edinburgh01
Biffer29 wrote:
Edinburgh01 wrote:So Edinburgh's starting 9 & 10 for the biggest game of the season (I rate it above last week) are players leaving with no better replacements on the horizon.
Head Coach Richard Cockerill has named a revamped half-back pairing of Sam Hidalgo-Clyne and Duncan Weir ahead of tomorrow night’s pivotal Guinness PRO14 encounter with Ulster at BT Murrayfield (Friday 6 April, kick-off 7.35pm).

Their inclusion is part of six changes made to the side that faced Cardiff Blues in last weekend’s European Challenge Cup Quarter-Final.

As Edinburgh look to secure a place in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series for the first time in the club’s history, Cockerill has called on his side to rise to the occasion, and said: “We need to play as well as we can tomorrow night and do what we’ve done well up to this point.

“We’ve never qualified for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series, so we have a little bit of pressure on ourselves to get that right, so we can prove that we are capable of that.

"We’ve got to learn what that feels like and how to cope with that. The best way to do that is to experience it.

"There is no doubt that we are capable of winning these games. We just need to get it right and go back to our basics around both our physicality and mentality.

We have some expectations within the playing group. What I expect is 100% commitment and I want us to put our best game out on the field, which we have done more often than not.

An unchanged back-three sees Blair Kinghorn named at fullback alongside wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Dougie Fife.

In the midfield, Mark Bennett is joined by experienced centre Phil Burleigh, who makes his first start since January.

The inclusion of tighthead prop Simon Berghan is the only alteration to an otherwise unchanged front row, as Stuart McInally – named captain on the day – and Jordan Lay keep their places upfront.

Ben Toolis returns to the starting XV to partner Grant Gilchrist in the second row, whilst Jamie Ritchie is named in the back-row alongside Magnus Bradbury – who makes his 50th appearance for the club – and Bill Mata.

Edinburgh team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 at BT Murrayfield on Friday 6 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.

15. Blair Kinghorn (61)

14. Dougie Fife (103)

13. Mark Bennett (8)

12. Phil Burleigh (71)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (14)

10. Duncan Weir (31)

9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (104)

1. Jordan Lay (8)

2. Stuart McInally (116) CAPTAIN

3. Simon Berghan (45)

4. Ben Toolis (84)

5. Grant Gilchrist (116)

6. Magnus Bradbury (49)

7. Jamie Ritchie (45)

8. Bill Mata (34)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (72) 17. Rory Sutherland (62) 18. WP Nel (113) 19. Lewis Carmichael (29) 20. Cornell du Preez (101) 21. Sean Kennedy (59) 22. Jaco van der Walt (14) 23. Chris Dean (63)

There could be some debate about that. Weir was pish earlier in the season and van der Walt provided a better option - VdW is probably knackered now having played a saffer season and a NH season back to back. Hickey is a good player coming in as well.

9 is a whole different story but even if SHC was staying it'd be a problem position where we need an upgrade.
I have seen very little of Hickey so I'll reserve judgement till I have. Weir was poor early doors and tried far too hard last weekend, but has shown in the past what he can do. He has started to look decent again but too late.

I rate SHC more than most. He has the equipment but does not always deploy it well. Fowles lacks the equipment.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:24 pm
by I like haggis
SHC can't string a consistent 10 minutes together though. It'll be interesting to see where he goes because he's not been very good for years so wonder who will want him.

Fowles' has been absolutely crap for a few weeks now. But before his collapse in form he was the better option.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:28 pm
by Biffer29
I like haggis wrote:SHC can't string a consistent 10 minutes together though. It'll be interesting to see where he goes because he's not been very good for years so wonder who will want him.

Fowles' has been absolutely crap for a few weeks now. But before his collapse in form he was the better option.
SHC is off to Bristol by all accounts.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 9:59 pm
by Doc Rob
Have Embra blown it? Tonight was a really big game and they let it get away.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 5:37 am
by Troll
Very disappointing at the HK Sevens, lost badly to South Africa B, just edged England B, then looked amateur against Kenya with the penetration of a wet paper bag.

The insistence of the inside men trying to get the edge on their marker, and only making the pass when the wingers had about a metre of space to the touchline, was particularly abject.

Needless to say, against Kenya we lost as many kick-off receipts as we won. Still must be the highest losing percentage of the core teams (ignoring Russia/Spain).

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2018 3:35 pm
by dargotronV.1
Just saw, in real-time-slow-mo, Ali Price's intercepted pass scored by Davies yesterday, in a carbon copy of the try scored by Davies in the 6n. Same set up, same players involved, same bit of the pitch, same sort of hammer blow in the context of the game. History not just repeating but being replayed. Davies taunting poor Ali.

I remember a few years back Scotland and Glasgow making a habit of picking off intercept tries. It's definitely a good tactic if you're able to read the plays.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 7:49 pm
by Doc Rob
I see Matt Fagerson has had to pull out of the 7s squad for the Commonwealth Games. Shame, I was looking forward to seeing how he got on.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:37 am
by topofthemoon
Preview for the Glasgow v Connacht game:

https://wp.me/p68WtH-7Y6

The Warriors have a good record at home v Connacht - but it's rarely been easy and they'll need to take a few steps up in intensity from last week if they want to clinch top spot in Conference A.

Re: The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2018 9:39 am
by Alba
Doc Rob wrote:I see Matt Fagerson has had to pull out of the 7s squad for the Commonwealth Games. Shame, I was looking forward to seeing how he got on.
A bit of a weird one that - he was pulled because apparently he had an ongoing hamstring complaint, but he lines up at 8 tonight for Glasgow.

Perhaps the enhanced CV aspect of sevens was aggravating an underlying injury he has carried for a while?