The official 6N squad for Scotland.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:27 am

First topic message reminder :

Scotland squad (sponsor RBS) for the matches against England (4 February) and Wales (12 February) in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship:

Backs: Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Max Evans (Castres), Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson (both Glasgow Warriors), Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw (both Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (London Irish) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)

Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Fraser McKenzie (Sale Sharks), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) and Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks).

SIX UNCAPPED PLAYERS IN SCOTLAND SQUAD
Thursday, 05 January 2012

Head coach Andy Robinson has selected six uncapped players in Scotland’s 36-man squad for the opening two matches of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship. They are Lee Jones, the 23-year-old Edinburgh Rugby wing; Stuart Hogg, the 19-year-old Glasgow Warriors full-back; his team-mates, stand-off Duncan Weir, 20 and flanker/lock Robert Harley, 21; Sale Sharks’ former Edinburgh and Dunfermline flanker/lock, 23-year-old Fraser McKenzie; and 20-year-old London Irish centre Steven Shingler.
All 28 available players from last year’s Rugby World Cup squad are included – Chris Paterson and Nathan Hines have now retired – while potential Six Nations debuts could lie ahead for the Edinburgh duo, Greig Laidlaw and David Denton, both of whom have been capped in the EMC Test windows.

Jones, a product of Selkirk has graduated from both Scotland 7s and Scotland A team and has scored six tries in 28 appearances for Edinburgh since making his debut in a pre-season friendly against London Irish in 2010.

Hogg – whose father John was a championship winning full-back and top-notch referee from Hawick, and brother Graham played both age-grade and 7s for Scotland – has won promotion from the Scotland under-20 squad. He made his Glasgow debut last February against the Dragons and has now played 17 times for the Warriors, scoring two tries. Last week Hogg signed a contract that will keep with Glasgow Warriors until at least May 2015.
Weir is currently the top-scorer in the RaboDirect PRO 12 league (145 points) and has represented Scotland at A, 7s and age-grade levels, while both Harley and McKenzie have been part of Scotland squads in the recent past and made a considerable impact in the Scotland A team.
Shingler, born in Swansea and who joined London Irish from Scarlets at the start of this season, qualifies for Scotland through his Dumfries born mum, Jeanette.

He told www.scotlandrugbyteam.org: “I would be massively proud to play for Scotland. My upbringing from my mother means I’ve always known about Scotland.

“I’ve got my gran, auntie, two uncles and two cousins in Langholm and other than the past year I’ve been up 15 years on the bounce to see them around the time of the Common Riding and I’ve competed in the Games as well.”

Robinson said: “I am pleased to reflect on the winning displays we have seen from both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors over the last two months and the contribution a number of our uncapped players have made to them.

“I think what’s also encouraging is that a number of players who have forced their way into contention in that period and who have not made the squad this time, are really knocking on the door and that competition for places can only raise our standards, so this Scotland squad can be very much a work in progress over the coming months.

“We said after the Rugby World Cup that the challenge the Scotland squad must confront is to get on with the business of winning international rugby matches. Potential counts for nothing if you don’t deliver results.”

The squad will gather at St Andrews on the week beginning Monday 23 January before it is trimmed for match specific preparations for Scotland’s opening game of the championship against England at Murrayfield on Saturday 4 February.

Tickets for that match are sold-out, however you can still buy tickets for the Scotland v France game at Murrayfield on Sunday 26 February, kick-off 3pm via the website www.scottishrugby.org.

http://www.scotlandrugbyteam.org/content/view/2731/2/

Note, the Steve Shingler eligibility question is being debated here https://www.606v2.com/t21307-another-concerning-issue-for-the-wru-over-steven-shingler#822705 - KRD

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:22 am

Agree with much that has been said above - think we need to go with tried and tested combinations at this point. So it's either Blair/Laidlaw or Cusiter Weir, bearing in mind that both 10s would be test rookies and bearing in mind that Sunday's game is the best by Blair for some considerable time, and the Cusiter has been a little hit and miss recently (ie 2nd leg of 1872 cup, home game vs Leinster). Either way, whichever pairing is chosen, the other pair are on the bench, which leaves no room for Parks

by nickj Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:32 am

ASBO, I wish that would happen but don't you think Robbo will err on the side of caution and have Mr Parks on the bench as a game closing / controlling back up option?

Robbo knows picking Parks will be unpopular but losing to England could possibly be even more damaging.

That sai,d if Jackson is fit we really do have some options at 10, don't we. What a difference a season makes. With lots more to come in the form of Hunter, Leonard et al.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:50 am

nickj wrote:ASBO, I wish that would happen but don't you think Robbo will err on the side of caution and have Mr Parks on the bench as a game closing / controlling back up option?

Robbo knows picking Parks will be unpopular but losing to England could possibly be even more damaging.

That sai,d if Jackson is fit we really do have some options at 10, don't we. What a difference a season makes. With lots more to come in the form of Hunter, Leonard et al.

nick, I actually think that Robbo's stock will plummet further (in both the media and the national conscience) if he selects Parks after the RWC, it's all about picking on form and getting talented players into the team

by funnyExiledScot Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:08 am

Agreed. Parks has been picked previously because (sadly) he's been the form choice, despite his unpopularity with some Scotland fans. Often Robinson has had little choice.

Now he has choice, and whilst purely on form Parks probably does deserve to make the squad, that has to be as third choice behind Laidlaw and Weir.

Picking Parks for the matchday squad cannot be justified on anything other than experience. Putting experience ahead of form doesn't often work out.

by **George Carlin** Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:23 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed. Parks has been picked previously because (sadly) he's been the form choice, despite his unpopularity with some Scotland fans. Often Robinson has had little choice.

Now he has choice, and whilst purely on form Parks probably does deserve to make the squad, that has to be as third choice behind Laidlaw and Weir.

Picking Parks for the matchday squad cannot be justified on anything other than experience. Putting experience ahead of form doesn't often work out.

Agreed - more than any other 6N season, Robinson can have nobody to blame but himself if his favourites don't perform - there are viable and proven (at Heineken level anyway) alternatives in his problem positions - 8, 10, 12, 11/14 and 15.

But the ultimate decision is simple, really - either Robinson believes that (a) he has simply been unlucky that his 'keep it tight, kick the points' strategy has not won more games in the 6N and the RWC or (b) he understands the textbook definition of 'madness' and intends to run a different platform using the strength of his pack (which he knows about) and the promise of some form backs (which he has seen a little of now). If it's (a), then expect Lawson and Parks to start for England and Scotland fans everywhere to start opening veins.

I just don't think that (a) is feasible, especially after the RWC early exit. More erudite commentators than me have pointed out for several years that it's just not enough to win matches at international level any more and as has been pointed out above, now there is potential talent to squander and an opportunity cost in getting his selection wrong.

Maybe it will take this rock and hard place for AR to actually be adventurous and pick on form. My only wish is that if he does, and it all goes boobies up against England, he sticks with it. I would be terribly disappointed if Laidlaw gets one game at 10 and is then written off.

Matthew Tait has never really recovered from that approach.

by funnyExiledScot Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:59 pm

I think that's right, Robinson needs to pick his side a stick with it. There will be some new faces and they need to be given a chance. If after the France game at Murrayfield things aren't working then by all means have a shuffle, but a good idea now won't be a bad idea just because England come out of the blocks fast.

Robinson is a pretty loyal selector on the whole so I don't expect it'll be much of an issue. The return to fitness of Jackson may cause a re-think but hopefully he'll play for Scotland A or Glasgow first.

by MacKnocked-on Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:03 pm

Matthew Tait was qualified to play for Scotland before opting for England, Andy Robinson tried to persuade his brother Alex to opt for us a couple of seasons ago. Instead of being in and out of the England team I think Matthew Tait would have been pretty much an ever present for us for years.

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:23 pm

Well it seems big Rossco has done it an secured the Scotland Captaincy :

http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/2471/2/

However it seems Kelly Brown was Robbo's initial choice but he will now play no part in the 6N. Sad

As a result the collosus from Kelso Ross Ford has taken it.

Ross Ford, the 27-year-old Edinburgh Rugby hooker, was today appointed Scotland captain for the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship – against England at Murrayfield on Saturday week.

Ford, the 53-times-capped product of Kelso High School, a British and Irish Lion in South Africa in 2009, was hailed by head coach Andy Robinson as a “man who will step up and lead from the front.” Robinson confirmed today that his original intention had been to bestow the captaincy on Ford’s fellow Borderer, back-row forward, Kelly Brown.

Robinson said: “This is a special day for Ross, who has been a key figure in our leadership group and our most consistent performer for some time. I firmly believe he is the man who will step up and lead from the front.

“That said, I’m really disappointed for Kelly Brown. I had asked him to be the captain late last week but unfortunately injury will deprive him of that honour and the chance to lead out his country for his 50th cap. I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Following the scans that Kelly underwent yesterday and consultation with a knee specialist, Kelly will require a small operation to stabilise the fibula head in his leg – which he dislocated. The surgery will facilitate his recovery.

“This will be undertaken in the next seven to ten days once the initial swelling has settled. The return from an injury of this nature is, typically, in the region of eight to ten weeks.”

Ford echoed Robinson’s message for Brown and then reflected on his own elevation to become Scotland’s 112th Test match captain.

“It’s a massive honour and privilege to captain your country. I’m really grateful to be given this chance to captain a team of so much potential,”

“For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words.

“First and foremost is ‘do it’, do it for everybody to see, and that’s the way I’ll be looking to lead the team against England.”

Brown said: “I’m gutted to be missing out as it’s hard for me to quantify just how much it means to me to play for Scotland.

“But today I want to offer my whole-hearted congratulations to Fordy who I know will do a great job as captain.

“I’ll also be doing everything I can to assist the boys who are chosen to play for Scotland to get the championship off to a winning start against England.”

Really chuffed for Ford, I reckon he'll be a Warburton like captain, not a big talker but leading by example. He has been in very good form at the moment. Powerful as ever in the Scrum, Accurate Darts in the lineout and some rampaging carries in the loose. To be honest with the sad loss of Kelly Brown Ford was almost certain to pick up the captains armband.

Well done Captain Ford!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:59 pm

Only the second captain from Kelso in the (relatively) modern era after Gary Callander? Well done, Fordy

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:04 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Numbahs, can't remember where I read dislocation and could easily have been mixing up Fraser McKenzie's injury, so apologies for confusion - delighted that he's posting so positively on twitter

For once in my life, I hate being correct!

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Following the scans that Kelly underwent yesterday and consultation with a knee specialist, Kelly will require a small operation to stabilise the fibula head in his leg – which he dislocated. The surgery will facilitate his recovery.

“This will be undertaken in the next seven to ten days once the initial swelling has settled. The return from an injury of this nature is, typically, in the region of eight to ten weeks.”

Braveheart

by **RDW** Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:06 pm

Can we keep the Ross Ford chat to the other thread guys - saves it being discussed in different locations!

by funnyExiledScot Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:11 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:Matthew Tait was qualified to play for Scotland before opting for England, Andy Robinson tried to persuade his brother Alex to opt for us a couple of seasons ago. Instead of being in and out of the England team I think Matthew Tait would have been pretty much an ever present for us for years.

Are you trying to say that Matthew Tait is better than Marcus Di Rollo? Oh please!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 2:16 pm

Also, from the BBC site:

"Meanwhile, uncapped Glasgow prop Jon Welsh has been called into Robinson's training squad to provide cover for Alasdair Dickinson and Ed Kalman, who are carrying knocks."

Good news, his form of late has picked up again.

But where the feic is Matt Scott's call-up?! mad

by Imperialbigdave Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:09 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Also, from the BBC site:

"Meanwhile, uncapped Glasgow prop Jon Welsh has been called into Robinson's training squad to provide cover for Alasdair Dickinson and Ed Kalman, who are carrying knocks."

Good news, his form of late has picked up again.

But where the feic is Matt Scott's call-up?!

I still think Matt's ruled himself out until the summer. No evidence to base this one like, just word of mouth.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue Jan 24, 2012 9:33 pm

IBD, real shame if that is the case, but fair play to the lad for his dedication to his studies - nae daft to be looking after his long-term interests

by **George Carlin** Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:28 am

Somehow I managed to get a first in law from Glasgow Uni and can say from experience that I had to work my nads off day and night for four years to get it.
You only really get one shot at the finals and so you cannot blame the boy, really. He's young and there will be another tournaments.

Besides, why risk playing alongside Parks?

by Glas a du Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:03 am

You make me vomit

I did feic all for three years, borrowed a girls notes to cram for the finals and got a 2:1. Very Happy

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:38 am

Glas a du wrote:You make me

I did feic all for three years, borrowed a girls notes to cram for the finals and got a 2:1.

Lucky it wasn't a lad's notes otherwise you'd have been lucky with a Desmond (2:2)

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 25, 2012 10:33 am

What are notes?

The point about Parks is a good one. Berrick Barnes would look rubbish at 12 outside Parks.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:17 am

Bradley to take charge of Scotland A.....

http://www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/158172.html

Scotland A squad:

Forwards:
Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors)
Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors)
Roddy Grant (Edinburgh Rugby)
Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors)
Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors)
Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby)
Grant Shiells (Newcastle Falcons)
Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs:
Tom Brown (Edinburgh Rugby)
Jack Cuthbert (Bath Rugby)
Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors)
Peter Murchie (Glasgow Warriors)
Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors)
Matthew Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
Colin Shaw (Glasgow Warriors)

Some very good players in there, once again we seem to be showing some strength and depth.

I'm guessing being tied to Scotland A is less time consuming for young Mastt Scott's studies.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:22 am

Not too shabby at all

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:48 am

The backs in particular are promising. Scott and Grove at 12 and 13 would be a very decent combination - both tough players but also good footballers. If they can make full use of a back three of Brown, Cuthbert and Shaw then Scotland A will be competitive.

Back row of McInally, Grant and Beattie won't take prisoners either.

If you consider the players that could come down from the first squad, here's how Scotland A could look:

1.Welsh 2.MacArthur 3.Low/Kalman 4.Gilchrist 5.Ryder 6.Harley 7.Grant 8.Beattie 9.R Lawson 10.Godman 11.Danielli 12.Scott 13.Grove 14.Brown 15.Thompson

16.Grant 17.Hall 18.McInally 19.Fusaro 20.Pyrgos 21.Leonard 22.Shaw

That's a pretty competitive side. The problem is tighthead with Low and Kalman both carrying injuries. Sheills is a loosehead so I don't know who could cover tighthead, assuming Murray and Cross are both required for the main squad.

by nickj Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:02 pm

FES. Loving the team. Again we've got some great options at 7 with Fusaro and Grant; at 8 with McInally and Beattie and at 10 with Leonard, Godman or one of the seniors (Weir or Jackson).

I'd like to see Bradley give one of the young guys a go rather than go with Parks or Godman at 10.

I like the squad, especially when you see who might drop down from the seniors; but there a few names missing for me. Thompson and King are two that spring to mind.

Chuffed Shiells has thrown in his lot with us Scots. I read somewhere there was a question about whether he might keep his options open, but that's him 'captured'.

by **RDW** Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:03 pm

Why is Gilchrist not in the squad? He's not still young enough for the under 20s is he??

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:07 pm

No, he's not RDW, I can only assume that it's an oversight which will shortly be corrected, cos only Ryder (presumably) will come down from the Senior side

by **George Carlin** Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:18 pm

Glas a du wrote:You make me

I did feic all for three years, borrowed a girls notes to cram for the finals and got a 2:1.

I'd rather have done that!

by **RDW** Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:26 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Glas a du wrote:You make me

I did feic all for three years, borrowed a girls notes to cram for the finals and got a 2:1.
Lucky it wasn't a lad's notes otherwise you'd have been lucky with a Desmond (2:2)

I'd much rather notes from a man - far more concise and to the point! Girls highlight absolutely everything with 18 different colours to the point that every line of text is highlighted, negating the whole point of "highlighting" something!

As for the A team - really hopes he goes for the young guys instead of the tried and tested, like Godman and Danielli.

Also - no Ross Samson? With the 3 main scrummys retiring within 1 or 2 years of each other in a few years time he might be the future!

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:24 pm

On the old versus young i suspect we'll see a mixture. He'll want Danielli to get some time on the wing so I think we'll see him there, and at fly half the two that I would hope to be surplus to requirements would be Godman and Parks, and of those two, I think Grove and Scott would have a better chance of shining were Godman to play.

I would pick Leonard to play 10 for Scotland A every day of the week. It doesn't look likely though.

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:25 pm

nickj wrote:Chuffed Shiells has thrown in his lot with us Scots. I read somewhere there was a question about whether he might keep his options open, but that's him 'captured'.

Agreed. Hopefully he'll now move to Edinburgh at the end of the season and provide cover for Chunk. I can't get excited about young Traynor unfortunately.

by Scot Abroad Wed Jan 25, 2012 2:58 pm

Watched Beattie’s new youtube videos last night (presume it’s his agent trying to sell him to other clubs) and was reminded of how much he is missed in both the Glasgow and Scotland teams. I’m hoping some of the younger lads can step up at international level but Beattie was a different class in 2010. He’s still only 26 and if he leaves Glasgow at the end of the season I hope the change will get him back to his best. Would be great to see the Beattie from 2 years ago back in the Scotland team.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:11 pm

They're worth sharing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwChzu6SbQo , https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FsQLiQZTrBE & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWZwzDUVv5Q&feature=related

by **George Carlin** Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:18 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
nickj wrote:Chuffed Shiells has thrown in his lot with us Scots. I read somewhere there was a question about whether he might keep his options open, but that's him 'captured'.

Agreed. Hopefully he'll now move to Edinburgh at the end of the season and provide cover for Chunk. I can't get excited about young Traynor unfortunately.

Totally agree - if the Falcons go down (and they're circling the drain at the moment) then the smartest thing Edinburgh can do is to buy Shiells and Murray as a set and get them packing down with Ford on a weekly basis.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:21 pm

George Carlin wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
nickj wrote:Chuffed Shiells has thrown in his lot with us Scots. I read somewhere there was a question about whether he might keep his options open, but that's him 'captured'.

Agreed. Hopefully he'll now move to Edinburgh at the end of the season and provide cover for Chunk. I can't get excited about young Traynor unfortunately.

Totally agree - if the Falcons go down (and they're circling the drain at the moment) then the smartest thing Edinburgh can do is to buy Shiells and Murray as a set and get them packing down with Ford on a weekly basis.

Harsh on Cross, I know Murray is a better player in the Scrum but Cross has done nothing to warrant a one way ticket to the bench which is what that will almost certainly mean.

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:32 pm

To be fair given the Sunday situation and the impact sub abilities of Geoff Cross it might not be the worst signing.

Another good option for Murray would be Wasps, who could use a proper tighthead. I also think that could be a good destination for Beattie. Wasps are a club with decent management and a good club work ethic. I don't think either would break the bank either, and Wasps have a good record of revitalising careers.

Imagine a back row of Haskell, Rees and Beattie, with Poff on the bench. Very decent.

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:05 am

Just read on the BBC Sport (Scotland) gossip page that Jackson and Danielli have been ruled out of the first match against England.

Gutted about Danielli Whistle

A chance for others to shine!

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:12 am

As long as AR does not default back to Parks I'm happy. I really hope Laidlaw did enough against LI and in the HC in general to cement his place in the game.

Here we go, my pick for the 1st game against England would be :

1. Jacobson
2. Ford (C)
3. Murray
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Stroks
7. Barclay
8. Denton

9. Blair
10. Laidlaw
11. Evans
12. S.Lamont
13. NDL
14. Jones
15. R.Lamont

16. Cross
17. Lawson
18. Kellock
19. Rennie
20. Cusiter
21. Weir
22. Hogg

Frightened beyond belief that Good Godman or Parks might make an appearance on the bench.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:22 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:As long as AR does not default back to Parks I'm happy. I really hope Laidlaw did enough against LI and in the HC in general to cement his place in the game.

Here we go, my pick for the 1st game against England would be :

1. Jacobson
2. Ford (C)
3. Murray
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Stroks
7. Barclay
8. Denton

9. Blair
10. Laidlaw
11. Evans
12. S.Lamont
13. NDL
14. Jones
15. R.Lamont

16. Cross
17. Lawson
18. Kellock
19. Rennie
20. Cusiter
21. Weir
22. Hogg

Frightened beyond belief that Good Godman or Parks might make an appearance on the bench.

Radge, looks good to me - might have Ansbro over Lee Jones (swapping wee Maxy to 14 and Ansbro at 11), Rennie over Barclay, and Hogg over Ramont, but would be happy with the XXII either way. Quite an exciting team, strong pack with try-scoring potential in the backs (god forbid!)

Braveheart

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:28 am

Will Ansbro be fit in time Asbo?

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:55 am

Quite a few questions over fitness. A fair number of key players were missing in the last round of the HC - Denton, Rennie, S Lamont, Evans, NDL and Ansbro. Dr Robson has his work cut out.

I'd be pretty happy with that squad as well. Like ASBO I'd make the odd tweak but nothing substantial.

Watched the highlights of Gloucester vs Toulouse last night - Hamilton and Strokosch had great games.

by Manky-Flanker Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:00 am

The Gloucester v Toulouse game was a cracker. I've never been a fan of Hamilton in the past as I always thought he lacked the mobility needed at Test level, but I can't deny that he is playing well just now. I expect both he and Strokosch will start.

Counting down the days now Smile

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:06 am

Hamilton has improved a huge amount in the last 2-3 seasons. He's in better shape, has better discipline and works far harder at the rucks. He gives huge physical power at scrum time and in the mauls and with a mobile workhorse alongside him (Alex Brown at Glaws and Richie Gray for Scotland) it makes a nice balance.

Euan Murray has gone on record saying that scrummaging with Jim Hamilton behind him is alot easier. Given the lack of firepower in the Scotland backs, and given the perceived weakness of the England front five, Robinson would be mistaken were he not to pick Hamilton to start at 4, with Murray in front of him at tighthead.

by Manky-Flanker Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:03 pm

According to espn stats, Hamilton made more tackles in that match than any of his team mates, a respectable 10 while only missing 1.

Stroks comes in 2nd

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:05 pm

There you have it. Hopefully both can put in similar performances against England a week on Saturday. With all the injuries and withdrawals it's nice to have some fully fit form options in the squad.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 26, 2012 12:30 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:They're worth sharing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwChzu6SbQo , https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=FsQLiQZTrBE & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWZwzDUVv5Q&feature=related

In that 2009-2010 season Johnnie Beattie was a wrecking ball of a man. That last video (the one in bold) he just trampled all over almost everyone who stood before him. Denton will do a very good job, he is big strong and carries well, but Beattie in that season was nearly unstopable.

by **NeilyBroon** Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:26 pm

Well Danielli is definitely ruled out for a while at least which is always a plus! As is Ruridh Jackson though, but I feel this could be a great opportunity for Laidlaw to step up to the plate and push the expansive game (under the presumption that Robbo still wants us to score tries eventually):

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/rugby/andy-robinson-taking-no-risks-over-scots-duo.16589730

by bsando Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:46 pm

Johnnie Beattie, why is he not in the sqaud? is he injured? I just don't understand it. Surely they need him more than ever now that Brown is gone. Barclay, Beattie and Denton would be a brilliant backrow starting lineup.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 26, 2012 4:52 pm

bsando wrote:Johnnie Beattie, why is he not in the sqaud? is he injured? I just don't understand it. Surely they need him more than ever now that Brown is gone. Barclay, Beattie and Denton would be a brilliant backrow starting lineup.

Problem is - he's been fairly baws for about 18 months now. Not been helped by being selected for Glasgow one week then completely dropped the next.

Scotland could do with him back to his rampaging best of the 2010 6 nations!

by Scot Abroad Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:08 pm

He's in the A team so could still be called up. He'd have to show some of his 2010 form though.

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:21 pm

I personally think the real issue is his relationship with Lineen. Something is wrong there, and the continously erratic selection is causing problems.

Seeing those clips makes me weep. We need him back to his best so badly. We have a specialist 6 and a specialist 7, now we just need a rampaging ball carrier to assist Ross Ford, Richie Gray and Sean Lamont in breaking the advantage line. I think Denton could become that player, but he hasn't yet reached the heights of Beattie at his best.

Still, a carefully chosen move next season (Wasps would be a good choice) could work wonders for Beattie. I hope he goes on the summer tour as well, we need to keep him involved.

by bsando Thu Jan 26, 2012 6:06 pm

Its so annoying, he's proven to be a fantastic player, capable of performing at a very high standard, why does that not count for anything!?

I also think the Killer B's tag had a fantastic promotional value for Scottish rugby. Here in Wales, when I talk to Welsh fans and we get onto the topic of Scotland its always Richie Gray and the Killer B's that they know best!! The killer B's should be something all the pundits are talking about along with Richie Grays mop and Edinurgh's Heineken cup success.

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