1872 cup - Edinburgh V Glasgow (aka Scottish trial)

Well it is almost upon us - both teams go head to head against their mates in games that not only give points for the league, but also bragging rights and one hand on the Scotland jersey for those that played well.

This years is as mouth watering as always as there are some genuine close calls for Scotland places that may be decided by these games:

Halfbacks

Cusiter-Wier/Jackson vs Blair/Laidlaw

I reckon these will be the halfbacks for both games and whoever performs the best will get the nod for the 6N. Will be surprised if he went for Cusiter/Laidlaw or Blair/Jackson as that would be breaking up established units at club level.

Verdict - split between whoever played at home for winners and losers respectively

Centres

The main rival for the 13 spot for De Luca isn't playing in this game - Ansbro - so he will just be wanting to keep his fine form going and show up well. The 12 battle will be interesting though. If we have Morrison against Scott/King and one of the Edinburgh boys show up much better than him then it could spell the end for Morrison (yay!). Saying that - I'd still go with Schlong over either of them.

Verdict - Even contest

Back 3

I think the two back 3s are very evenly matched. You have the strength of Visser and Lamont and the pure speed and skill of Hogg and Jones. This really is a chance for Jones and Hogg to make their mark as I don't see both of them getting their chance in the 6N at the same time - one or the other. A strong display from R Lamont will help him secure his place.

Verdict Hogg to shine

Backrow

The key to winning and losing IMO. Looks like it will be a shoot out between Beattie and Denton, can Beattie get back to his rampaging best? Likewise can Harley and Mcinally show that they are ready to make the step up?

The battle of the opensides will likely directly determine who starts at 7 for Scotland. If Barclay doesn't perform against Grant or Rennie I can see his place being at threat.

Verdict Edinburgh backrow to win it, Denton and Grant/Rennie to the fore

Side issues - can the Glasgow front row push themselves into contention for 6N bench spots? Will mossy still show that he still has it?

What do you guys think?

Tell you what - can't wait!

p.s. you may have noticed that I have joined the dark side and am now a moderator. Don't worry though - I'm yet to see anything serious on the rugby boards so we can still be friends I hope??

Edinburgh squad

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones
13 Nick De Luca
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen/Kyle Traynor
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Sean Cox
6 David Denton
7 Ross Rennie
8 Netani Talei

Substitutes
16 Alun Walker
17 Kyle Traynor/Robin Hislop
18 Jack Gilding
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Roddy Grant
21 Phil Godman
22 Matt Scott
23 Jim Thompson

Glasgow team

15 Stuart Hogg
14 David Lemi
13 Troy Nathan
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Rory Lamont
10 Duncan Weir
9 Chris Cusiter
1 Ryan Grant
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Mike Cusack
4 Richie Gray
5 Al Kellock
6 Rob Harley
7 John Barclay
8 Johnnie Beattie

SUBSTITUTES
16 Dougie Hall
17 Jon Welsh
18 Moray Low
19 Tom Ryder
20 Henry Pyrgos
21 Chris Fusaro
22 Colin Shaw
23 Ruaridh Jackson

I dont know if i should be seen talking to you anymore...

RDW, Congrats, mate

Well done on becoming a mod mate!

As for the 1872 clash, I think selection in all of these areas you have highlighted will boil down to what kind of game AR wants to play.

I expect both teams to hold their home games so it will be personal preference unless someone steam rolls their opposite number for sustained periods in either game.

Exciting times now though!

What about the boiler room, will Gilchrist show up well enough to challenge Kellock for the bench slot? (assuming Gray and Hamilton are starters)

I don't think Gilchrist is ready yet ASBO, he is not fit enough to finish Club games with the same intensity as he started so it might be a season to early for him

My question is:

Are the games being shown on BBC ALBA? (just so I can hear "VISSER FIR THE LINEE")

Many posters have stated on other forums that home advantage will tell for both matches and I can see Edinburgh and Glasgow both winning at their respective grounds.

Overall though, I think Edinburgh will pip this one by 5-10 points although I would like to see Glasgow win both legs so that they keep up there in the top four.

It would be great to have a Scottish side in the semi's come the end of the season.

Looking forward to see Laidlaw try and cement himself in AR's thoughts - his time has definitely come.

I hope you guys aren't being sarcastic!!

If not then thanks. If so then watch it or I'll get you'se in trouble!

A few hours as a mod an I'm already getting power hungry.

Seriously though I've been told to be a poster first and a mod 2nd so nothing will change!

As for Gilchrist - I am pretty sure Mckenzie will be the 4th choice with Gilchrist in the A team to get experience.

As I've said before and Radge has highlighted - he's not fit enough to carry his frame yet and is a bit soft.

I think both legs will be an ALBA, yeah.

Congrats RDW. Cracking article too.

I can't wait for the matches. I'm gutted I can't make it to either. Its going to be a great battle. Both teams have improved no end this season and both have their own strengths and weaknesses. I hope the crowds come en mass.

Half back: I think we'll see Cusiter, Blair, Laidlaw, Weir and Jackson in the squad for the 6N's. Parks might squeeze in, but I'm going for the 5 guys you named in your post and I hope Robbo does too.

My hunch is that Blair and Laidlaw will come out on top in both 1872 games. Lineen will have a job picking between Weir and Jackson and may end up giving them a game each. Which will help neithers international prospects.

I'm not sure Robinson can afford to keep club partnerships ie not picking Cus at 9 and Laidlaw at 10. I agree that keeping together club partnership is ideal, especially if you're picking a newbie, but we have a v limited pick already without narrowing the field any further.

Centre: Again I will be intrigued to see who Lineen picks. Nathan offers more than Morrison at 12 but, as things stand, Scotland need Morrison more than Glasgow do.

Lets assume Morrison is picked and young Matty Scott or King skins him a few times. Would that mean Sean Lamont comes in for Scotland or would Robbo persevere with Morrison? Personally I'd like to see some of the new boys given a chance but I doubt we'll see a new 10 (even Jackson is relatively new) and a new 12.

Back 3: I think this is the most open contest of the lot. Surely Lemi has to be used in these games? I wonder how Jones and Visser will handle him?

Again I'd love to see the form 15 in the country, young Stuart Hogg, get a chance. But I can't see us having a new 10, 12 axis and a new 15. Can you?

Still, this game does offer up some cracking contests. I'll be tuning in!

If Morrison plays both legs and is given a Torid time by King (I reckon Scott will be on the bench) and Morrison still gets the Navy blue shirt it's perhaps time Robinson moves on.

I like Andy Robinson, I like what he did for Edinburgh. It changed him into a new man, but now he seems to be slipping into the mistakes of the past by picking by reputation rather than form or ability.

I would actually be upset if either Lamont or Morrison play 12. Reason being the whole nation is screaming for tries, tries that seem to come for the clubs. You can't score tries with big lumbering crash ball merchants at 12 stifling all the quick strike runners. We have been flogging this horse for so long it has died of blood loss months ago and it's jeer is minced like burger meat.

Scotland have good players like Nathan, King, Laidlaw, Weir, Jackson, NDL, Jones, Hogg who could arguably form the core of our backline for years to come, they look hungry, they look ready.....lets give them the chance.

P.S. Add Visser to that list too.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:If Morrison plays both legs and is given a Torid time by King (I reckon Scott will be on the bench) and Morrison still gets the Navy blue shirt it's perhaps time Robinson moves on.

I like Andy Robinson, I like what he did for Edinburgh. It changed him into a new man, but now he seems to be slipping into the mistakes of the past by picking by reputation rather than form or ability.

I would actually be upset if either Lamont or Morrison play 12. Reason being the whole nation is screaming for tries, tries that seem to come for the clubs. You can't score tries with big lumbering crash ball merchants at 12 stifling all the quick strike runners. We have been flogging this horse for so long it has died of blood loss months ago and it's jeer is minced like burger meat.

Scotland have good players like Nathan, King, Laidlaw, Weir, Jackson, NDL, Jones, Hogg who could arguably form the core of our backline for years to come, they look hungry, they look ready.....lets give them the chance.

P.S. Add Visser to that list too.

Sorry - couldn't resist your motivational speech!

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
Scotland have good players like Nathan, King, Laidlaw, Weir, Jackson, NDL, Jones, Hogg who could arguably form the core of our backline for years to come, they look hungry, they look ready.....lets give them the chance.

P.S. Add Visser to that list too.

Troy Nathan is a Kiwi!

Don't see him being the answer to our prayers of a creative Centre, even when/if he qualifies in a few years time. So far he looks like a decent solid pro, but no more than that.

Glasgow have not really being playing well at all this season, yet somewhat bizarrely find themselves 3rd in the Pro 12, with as many wins already than they had in the whole of last year and 2nd in their HC group.

Edinburgh are on an excellent run of form and their ability to score tries will put us under serious pressure. We are currently not the type of team who can win a shootout, so unless we can find a cutting edge from somewhere then its going to be a tough task to take anything from Murrayfield.

Hopefully Lineen goes with Weir and sticks with him. Jackson was woeful against Dragons and it took Weir to get us into decent field positon on Saturday (In Jacksons defence he did well at Firhill in the HC last week). As has said above we need to pick our 10 and stick with him for a couple of games.

I think the key could be the form of Beattie. He played well against the Dragons and was better again on Saturday, a near to best form Beattie could tip the back row balance, Glasgow's way and with it the contest.

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
Scotland have good players like Nathan, King, Laidlaw, Weir, Jackson, NDL, Jones, Hogg who could arguably form the core of our backline for years to come, they look hungry, they look ready.....lets give them the chance.

P.S. Add Visser to that list too.

Troy Nathan is a Kiwi!

Don't see him being the answer to our prayers of a creative Centre, even when/if he qualifies in a few years time. So far he looks like a decent solid pro, but no more than that.

Glasgow have not really being playing well at all this season, yet somewhat bizarrely find themselves 3rd in the Pro 12, with as many wins already than they had in the whole of last year and 2nd in their HC group.

Edinburgh are on an excellent run of form and their ability to score tries will put us under serious pressure. We are currently not the type of team who can win a shootout, so unless we can find a cutting edge from somewhere then its going to be a tough task to take anything from Murrayfield.

Hopefully Lineen goes with Weir and sticks with him. Jackson was woeful against Dragons and it took Weir to get us into decent field positon on Saturday (In Jacksons defence he did well at Firhill in the HC last week). As has said above we need to pick our 10 and stick with him for a couple of games.

I think the key could be the form of Beattie. He played well against the Dragons and was better again on Saturday, a near to best form Beattie could tip the back row balance, Glasgow's way and with it the contest.

I meant Seymore, if he indeed wants to play for Scotland.

From scottishrugbyblog.co.uk:

"There will be not billboard featuring Dougie Hall in black and blue, arms unfurled, above the immortal line “Welcome To Glasgow!”. There will be no pigs heads thrown onto the pitch. There will be no flares. There will be no drive-bys. What this coastal rivalry shall have, though, is keenly contested rugby.

On Boxing Day we will see the first game in the 1872 Cup.

East versus West. The risk takers versus the pragmatists. Scotland’s first choice front-row versus a few aiming for future Scotland selection. A couple of stand-offs banging down Andy Robinson’s door. These games represent something of a battle for supremacy and it certainly means an awful lot in terms of season 2011/2012.

Last year, for example, the 1872 Cup served as a bit of a distraction for both teams. Neither were doing particularly well in the Heineken Cup by that stage and neither were doing very well in the league. Across the board form was hard to gauge and so Scottish selectors heavily relied on the 1872 Cup for their trial ground. The players could tell themselves form wasn’t important because they were playing their rivals. They were playing their rivals and it stood for something. Sure there was a Cup, but there were international spots at stake too.

It is still the same this year, but the rugby landscape is somewhat different. Glasgow have been playing rugby by the girdle: lacking expansion at times and restricted to kicks and last minute tries. It has, however, proven successful and their blended squad of youth and experienced scrappers have closed out games in both the RaboDirect Pro12 and the Heineken Cup. They are even now trying to remedy their try-scoring issues by signing up runners like David Lemi and Rory Lamont mid way through the season. Sean Lamont is lined up for next term.

For Edinburgh they are doing well in the Heineken Cup but are five places below Glasgow in the Pro12. This being said, no one has scored more tries in the league than Edinburgh who have racked up 22 tries compared to Glasgow, the league’s worst scorers after the Dragons, who only have 11 tries to their name. Tim Visser is the embodiment of Edinburgh’s risky, running rugby with 8 scores for himself. Troy Nathan is Glasgow’s Rabo leader with 2. This tells its own story.

Still, Glasgow will not be disheartened by information like this. That is because their young fly-half Duncan Weir is the top points scorer in the league with 128points to his name already. Who is second? Greig Laidlaw with 105.

In the end a lot may come down to how the Edinburgh offload specialists play against Glasgow’s defence and how disciplined Edinburgh are when Glasgow are pounding into their territory. If the game is played in and around Edinburgh’s half and there is no discipline Weir can kick points all day, regardless of how far away they are. On the other hand, if Glasgow don’t hold out in defence then Laidlaw will happily wait until his side are within 20m of the try-line. When there he has the luxury of letting his flyers fling the ball about because from that range he can slot drop-kicks or hold out for penalties.

This game will be truly fascinating. Glasgow drag teams into a game that suits their style and have the wherewithal to close matches out. They have not played against a team as capable of scoring tries as Edinburgh are, though, except for when they met Leinster in Europe. On that occasion they were obliterated by the Irish side’s rapid attacks.

This first game will be hard to predict. This week will see unrelenting fits of marketing and publicity surrounding the games and talk will turn to how heated exchanges may become. This is publicity preamble. In truth it will be the team that holds their shape and coolly sees out their respective game plan that will take the first game and thus become favourites. If Edinburgh blitz into the lead Glasgow may struggle to garner enough points to retain their 1872 Cup. However, if the Warriors win at Murrayfield on the 26th, I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they squeeze out a series victory at Firhill."

Is it wrong to be more excited about this than I am about Christmas?

What is happening at the SRU??? First they organise an Edinburgh v Glasgow fans competition on Prime time radio all this week, giving massive free exposure to both teams and the games.

Then the announce that there will be a Rugby fanzone in George square on the afternoon of the game at firhill.

It's like they now understand having a marketing manager is actually a good idea.....

Dot,

the fanzone should be nearer the West End for my liking but it remains a bloody good idea anyway.

Will SL play Lamont and Lemi on each wing ? Will Big Rob Harley return (hope so) and if so who drops out ? Also Troy Nathan must start at centre with Wee Dunkie at FH. Like GHAD I cannot wait - party afterwards in the M'field West stand apparently - it actually says PATRY on my e mail invite from the SRU !

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:What is happening at the SRU??? First they organise an Edinburgh v Glasgow fans competition on Prime time radio all this week, giving massive free exposure to both teams and the games.

Then the announce that there will be a Rugby fanzone in George square on the afternoon of the game at firhill.

It's like they now understand having a marketing manager is actually a good idea.....

It's great isn't it?? Have to say I'm liking this new CEO already.

And the great thing is it doesn't cost much money - the radio thing won't cost anything to the SRU and the Pre-match thing in Glasgow is using a set up which is already there! As for the party after, the bar is open anyway and a DJ won't cost much.

Free advertising to as many people as possible - that's the holy grail for the SRU.

Add to that the big names coming back to Scotland and it's starting to finally look promising!

What we going to talk about on these boards if the SRU actually becomes relatively compotent??

Or even the SRU becoming COMPETENT RDW ?

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Or even the SRU becoming COMPETENT RDW ?

Shocking to say the least! There's certainly been increasing exposure for Glasgow and Edinburgh of late. Or at least that's the picture I'm getting in the online world, being a few miles from home. It seems the SRU are moving in the right direction and aren't afraid to spend a few pennies. Small things like the fanzone and radio competition are great ideas to get additional exposure. George Square is the logical location for the fanzone given the number of people who pass through it every day. It's also very easy to get to the West End from there anyway so that's not an issue.

As for the games. I think home advantage will rule. I can't really see either team dominate both games. The matchups mentioned so far will be good to watch. It's going to be one of those games where I'll be following particular players rather than the ball.

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Or even the SRU becoming COMPETENT RDW ?

Ah so you're one of those people are you??

Yes I made a spelling mistake - well done. I blame writing it on my phone while on a jiggling bus!

Teams announced this morning....can't wait! Even though I probably have a fair idea what the teams will be..

Edinburgh squad:

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones
13 Nick De Luca
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen/Kyle Traynor
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Sean Cox
6 David Denton
7 Ross Rennie
8 Netani Talei

Substitutes
16 Alun Walker
17 Kyle Traynor/Robin Hislop
18 Jack Gilding
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Roddy Grant
21 Phil Godman
22 Matt Scott
23 Jim Thompson

Only real surprise is dropping Roddy Grant for Rennie - Rennie hasn't done much wrong recently to have not been selected for the last few games it is just that Grant has been playing out his skin!

Perhaps a word from Robinson so he can see Rennie against Barclay??

Glad to see Talei at 8 after last week but again shame on Rambo. His time will come though.

Please please please can Chunk be passed fit???

No Traynor please

I think Robbo paw prints are all over a few of those decisions. Roddy Grant has got to be gutted to miss out, but Rennie has to be in the 6N's squad because Barclay's form hasnt been the best.

Irrespective of Talei's form, I thought Denton might get the 8 shirt, as that seems to be where Scotland might play him. Robbo obviously thinks otherwise and may look to move Kelly to 8 and play Denton at 6.

Looking forward to seeing Laidlaw against Weir / Jackson. Blair's looking sharp too and his battle with Cus will be good to see.

Its a shame that McInally and Scott look like they'll miss out this time. I hope Scott gets the A team 12 shirt, although King is playing well.

So of the young bucks it looks like Laidlaw, Denton and Jones are the only Edinburgh boys who have a real shot at playing in the 6N's.

Think that's probably a fair enough selection, tbh, altho if he's not injured I'd have had Harry L ahead of (good)Godman. Agreed that Robbo may have influenced a couple of those, but the turn of McInally and Scott, for example, will come - this season's 6Ns was always going to be a little soon for these guys

Edinburgh Team

15 Chris Paterson
14 Lee Jones
13 Nick De Luca
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen/Kyle Traynor
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Sean Cox
6 David Denton
7 Ross Rennie
8 Netani Talei

Substitutes
16 Alun Walker
17 Kyle Traynor/Robin Hislop
18 Jack Gilding
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Roddy Grant
21 Phil Godman
22 Matt Scott
23 Jim Thompson

Glasgow team

15 Stuart Hogg
14 David Lemi
13 Troy Nathan
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Rory Lamont

10 Duncan Weir
9 Chris Cusiter

1 Ryan Grant
2 Pat MacArthur
3 Mike Cusack
4 Richie Gray
5 Al Kellock
6 Rob Harley
7 John Barclay
8 Johnnie Beattie

SUBSTITUTES

16 Dougie Hall
17 Jon Welsh
18 Moray Low
19 Tom Ryder
20 Henry Pyrgos
21 Chris Fusaro
22 Colin Shaw
23 Ruaridh Jackson

Not considered for selection due to injury: Federico Aramburu (shoulder), Peter Murchie (ankle), DTH van der Merwe (shoulder).

Team I expected, only suprise is Wilson not even making the bench.

Mods, can we combine with RDW's 1872 Cup thread? Cheers

So looks like we're going to get the match ups I mentioned - Lamont vs Jones, Weir vs Laidlaw, Cusiter vs Blair and Denton and Rennie against Beattie and Barclay.

Going to be close!

Morrison vs King might now be another one to add to the list?

Crap forgot about that one - did mention it in the opening post though!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Morrison vs King might now be another one to add to the list?

Hands down Morrison will win this one. His fast hands and feet together with a great rugby brain and crossed eyes will be too much for Edinburgh.

Think this one will be won by the backs. Edinburgh stronger, therefore no contest. Going with my mate from Glasgow, so going to enjoy the banter.
Overall looking forward to a good game.

Encouraging signs for ticket sales so far - over 10 000 sold already for Murrayfiield and 9000 at Firhill.

Walk up sales will hopefully increase those numbers too!

10 000 in Firhill would be rocking! Might even go...

RDW_Scotland wrote:Encouraging signs for ticket sales so far - over 10 000 sold already for Murrayfiield and 9000 at Firhill.

Walk up sales will hopefully increase those numbers too!

10 000 in Firhill would be rocking! Might even go...

that's fantastic news! Imagine a full house at Firhiil, should be a great atmosphere!
Also 10,000+ at murrayfield should be pretty good. Despite what some people have said about the place lacking atmosphere, I've been down to a few Edinburgh games this season with crowds of around 3,500 / 4,000. And the atmosphere was pretty decent, double or even tripple that, and it should be epic!

Only regret is I can't to to either ohhh to live in Edinburgh as oppsed to Aberdeen...

GLove39 wrote:

Only regret is I can't to to either ohhh to live in Edinburgh as oppsed to Aberdeen...

Dull yin.

Shame Glove. Never mind get onto BBC Alba mate and listen to the teuchter commentary ! Can't wait for Monday and Ne'erday.

C'mon the Warriors

Just was going to add that BBC Alba are showing it tonight but see its already been mentioned - thought I would bump anyway!

23-all
78m 45s gone, over 13,000 crowd

79m 40s penalty Glasgow near half way. Jackson misses, and that's it - a draw

Good competitive derby, exactly what you'd expect from a quasi-trial match. Draw probably about the right result, I felt, Edinburgh stronger the more the game broke up, Glasgow stronger in the set pieces and the pack. Two tries for MacVisser as a little taste of what is to come for Scotland! Plus one for Rosco against scores from Kellock, Shaw (who replaced R Lamont after what looked like a v nasty knock) and Jackson. Thought Jon Welsh handed Geoff Cross his behind, and that Duncan Weir showed how he can control a game once again

Enjoyed that.
Watched the 1872 games last year and found them very passionate and entertaining. Great finishing by Visser.

10 mins to go & I'd have been happy with the draw. Could have nicked it at the end though. Mind you, all 3 Glasgow tries were down to dodgy Edinburgh defence - they'd be a cracking team if they could defend.
Visser needed every inch of Murrayfield's width for both his tries and on Firhill's narrower pitch, I fancy Glasgow to win.
Any news on Lamont? I heard he had been taken to hospital for a scan.

Warriors and Scotland back Rory Lamont was stretchered off after landing awkwardly following a mid-air collision with Rennie.

After lengthy treatment he was taken from the field on a spinal board wearing a neck brace.

He was conscious in the treatment room and was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan on a head knock.

From the BBC

So what did we learn today? Not much, give Edinburgh the ball and space and they score. Glasgow are hard to beat and keep on fighting to the death.

More detailed analysis tomorrow, post rum.

JS

Very much enjoyed that game. Some nice open rugby, particularly from Edinburgh and good physical stuff around the fringes (apart from the Kellock try).

Odd decision to make CP MOTM by Chris Leck, a touch of sentiment in that decision. Visser was clearly the best player on the pitch.

Scottish players who did well for me:

Edinburgh

Denton and Rennie in the Edinburgh pack. Rennie was busy and Denton made some typically robust carries.

James King and Nick De Luca - both looked sharp with ball in hand and made some nice passes to put Visser through. I've not been hugely complimentary of King in the past but he impressed me.

Glasgow

MacArthur - sin bin aside he's a work horse of a hooker and made some great tackles in the line. He's not as good as Ford, but he'll run Lawson close for that spot on the Scotland bench. Better than Hall.

Welsh - as spotted by ASBO, decent scrummaging performance from Welsh so hopefully this marks a comeback to some form. We're short of class behind Chunk so a big opportunity to be involved in the 6 Nations.

Cusiter - ran Visser close for my MOTM. A constant threat with ball in hand and typically busy in getting the ball out of the ruck. Outplayed Blair, although a couple of passes were a little wild (including the one to Jackson from which Jackson did particularly well to kick through to allow Shaw to score).

Weir - solid display, excellent kicking from the tee and from hand, typically tough in carrying the ball. Jackson did come on and set up a nice try, but he also fluffed several kicks and on one occasion put the ball directly into touch. Laidlaw was tidy but his kicking not good enough. On this evidence I'd pick Weir to start against England.

Scottish players I was slightly disappointed with:

Cross (weak scrummaging - Euan Murray must start against England)

Ford (on good form recently but he got away with some squint throwing and I felt he could have added more)

Beattie (didn't get much of a chance)

Blair (outshone - Cusiter did all the running and creating)

Jones (not busy enough and looked frail defensively when the ball was kicked over him)

Hogg (a mix of the good and the bad - dangerous running with ball in hand, but his kicking is still short and a couple of notable errors - missing a one on one tackles on Vissers and dropping the ball into touch)

Okay, so we're only half way through the double header, but after the first leg, is what we're now suggesting for a XV against England as follows?:

1. Chunk
2. Ford
3. Murray
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Brown
7. Rennie
8. Denton

9. Cusiter
10. Weir
11. Jones
12. King
13. De Luca
14. Rory
15. Hogg

Jones didn't do great yesterday I thought - was it not his fault the final try? I'd likea place for max Evans adn / or Shlong

Weir and Cussiter shaded the halfbacks I think

Looks about right tho

Great game this evening, just watching the replay on BBC Alba...!