Scotland now the best NH team..

Ok, we are not, but great to get 3 out of 3

Now to continue to develop and back this up in the AI - if we can knock over SA and Tonga, then we will be doing well

biltongbek wrote:

Well I do like to be realistic

Riskysports wrote:

biltongbek wrote:

Well I do like to be realistic

Of course.

Fair do's Six Nations whitewash then an unbeaten tour down South don't bame you for bigging it up .l

If Scotland can continue this run of form (and more importantly, results) then next season's Six Nations should be a cracker.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Scotland can continue this run of form (and more importantly, results) then next season's Six Nations should be a cracker.

I'm not sure form really comes into it. In reality, Scotland got two jammy wins and a win against a team with about three well-known players in it. Scotland still have a lot of questions to answer before I would get optimistic about them achieving anything other than one win in the Six Nations.

Cryptoyourisan wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Scotland can continue this run of form (and more importantly, results) then next season's Six Nations should be a cracker.

I'm not sure form really comes into it. In reality, Scotland got two jammy wins and a win against a team with about three well-known players in it. Scotland still have a lot of questions to answer before I would get optimistic about them achieving anything other than one win in the Six Nations.

What a ray of sunshine you are!

I've decided that even regardless of the AI wins I am only going to be at max 70% happy until we can convert our form into actual tournament wins i.e. the six nations. Our form in the 6N has been atrocious and it's the only yearly tournament we play where we know we're playing full strength, fully prepared sides.

Yes yes I know we played a pretty much full strength Aus and Fiji & Samoa didn't exactly field teams they didn't think would win, but it's not the same calibre as playing in the 6N and the world cup where, with the exception of some frankly idiotic coaches playing Italy over the years (France, Wales), all teams are always full strength and non-hesitant.

And there's a matter of regaining respect with our NH brethren by actually beating their teams. If we can beat Aus , SA , PIs in their own back yard, surely we can beat NH teams in Murrayfield? (Wales, Ireland, Italy next year to give us 3rd). THAT's when I will

Cryptoyourisan wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Scotland can continue this run of form (and more importantly, results) then next season's Six Nations should be a cracker.

I'm not sure form really comes into it. In reality, Scotland got two jammy wins and a win against a team with about three well-known players in it. Scotland still have a lot of questions to answer before I would get optimistic about them achieving anything other than one win in the Six Nations.

Awww still hurting are we mummy's little boy

Riskysports wrote:Ok, we are not, but great to get 3 out of 3

Now to continue to develop and back this up in the AI - if we can knock over SA and Tonga, then we will be doing well

+1 good to read you believe in a realistic target

flyhalffactory wrote:

Cryptoyourisan wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If Scotland can continue this run of form (and more importantly, results) then next season's Six Nations should be a cracker.

I'm not sure form really comes into it. In reality, Scotland got two jammy wins and a win against a team with about three well-known players in it. Scotland still have a lot of questions to answer before I would get optimistic about them achieving anything other than one win in the Six Nations.

Awww still hurting are we mummy's little boy

Hurting from what?

Would like Scotland to be competitive in the 6N, makes for a better tournament. Wouldn't be getting ahead of myself if I was a Scot though, they've still got major problems in the 10/12/13 area.

bathmad wrote:Would like Scotland to be competitive in the 6N, makes for a better tournament. Wouldn't be getting ahead of myself if I was a Scot though, they've still got major problems in the 10/12/13 area.

I dunno Bathmad....

I'd rather have Laidlaw at 10 than Priestland, Sexton and most definitely Farrell at the moment.

Matt Scott will come good with a few more games under his belt and NDL seems to be benefitting from having his Edinburgh partner inside him.

Major problems? Defo not. Room for improvement? Absolutely.

I really think Scotland are on an upward curve. They still have things to work on but they are heading in the right direction. Hopefully Scotland will be competetive next Six Nations, it can only make the tournament better!

Personally I would like to see Sctland progress to at least 4th next year in the six nations and progressing upwards from there, as long as they lose against us in the AI's I am on their side.

biltongbek wrote:Personally I would like to see Sctland progress to at least 4th next year in the six nations and progressing upwards from there, as long as they lose against us in the AI's I am on their side.

Sorry Biltong - We need to beat you guys to assure (I think) a top 8 place in the rankings and guarantee second seed for the next WC.

Feel free to demolish England and Wales though

I think that's right, we're going to need to beat SA in the AIs.

Would it be possible for PDV to step in as interim coach for that fixture??

funnyExiledScot wrote:I think that's right, we're going to need to beat SA in the AIs.

Would it be possible for PDV to step in as interim coach for that fixture??

He is there mate. He is our new scrum coach.

Here is a picture of him.

Spoiler:

Riskysports wrote:Ok, we are not,

I nearly fell off my chair when I read that!

Shifty wrote:

Riskysports wrote:Ok, we are not,

I nearly fell off my chair when I read that!

Shifty, i have you down as a secret admirer of Scottish realism!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Shifty wrote:

Riskysports wrote:Ok, we are not,

I nearly fell off my chair when I read that!

Shifty, i have you down as a secret admirer of Scottish realism!

I'm a secret admirer of Scottish rugby in general, I just wish they'd get back to the type of team they had in the 90's.
I miss the 90's

Garin Jenkins Vs the Scottish pack, Ieuan Evans against Gavin Hastings.

Very sad indeed, long gone are the days of real rucking and hearty dollops of shoe pie

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Very sad indeed, long gone are the days of real rucking and hearty dollops of shoe pie

Yeah not to mention the days of Garin Jenkins knocking 3 Scottish guys to the floor on top of each other and punching one in the face and another with his forearm at the same time. Not to mention Wales bi yearly hammering at Murrayfield, I really miss those days.

Havent the Hastings brothers been breeding?

Shifty wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Very sad indeed, long gone are the days of real rucking and hearty dollops of shoe pie

Yeah not to mention the days of Garin Jenkins knocking 3 Scottish guys to the floor on top of each other and punching one in the face and another with his forearm at the same time. Not to mention Wales bi yearly hammering at Murrayfield, I really miss those days.

Havent the Hastings brothers been breeding?

Not sure, Shifty, will try to find out. Never played against the older two, only youngeest brother Euan, who never quite made it at the highest level

Adam Hastings, son of Gavin, must be around 15/16 or so:

U16 Pathway
The Edinburgh (including Midlothian and West Lothian) pathway development squads are confirmed for the Development matches in August. The players were nominated by the clubs and schools for the under 15 Key National Themes skills camp and thereafter allocated to one of the 3 development squads. Each squad will be involved in 2 games and 4 training sessions where they will aim to develop their core skills and have an opportunity to promote themselves against the other Pathway Development Squads from the East including the East Lothian Falcons and the two sides from the Borders.

Following the Development matches there will be a selection for the Edinburgh Regional Squad

Any questions about this or any other Edinburgh age grade programme please contact Ben Fisher ben.fisher@sru.org.ukThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FIXTURES
Sunday 14th August at Gala RFC, Netherdale,
Borders East v Western Chargers 12 noon
Capitall Crusaders v Eastern Eagles 1.30pm
Borders West v East Lothian Falcons 3.00pm

Sunday 21st August at Lasswade RFC Hawthornden,
Eastern Eagles v Borders East 12 noon
Capital Crusaders v Borders West 1.30pm
Western Chargers v East Lothian Falcons 3.00pm

EASTERN EAGLES SQUAD
Backs
Back 3 - Archie Cable (George Heriot’s School/Heriot’s Andrew Clark (Penicuik HS/Penicuik) Mathew Devoy (Holyrood HS/Portobello) Alex Kinsley (Holyrood HS/Portobello) Ruaridh Smith (George Heriot’s School/Dalkeith)
Centres - Donise Clark-Venters (Boroughmuir HS/Boroughmuir) Robert Lind (George Watson’s/Boroughmuir) Lewis Marshall (Portobello HS/Portobello) Stephen McMillan (Dalkeith HS/ Dalkeith) Fraser McMillan (George Watson’s/Musselburgh) James McQueen (Dalkeith HS/Dalkeith)
Stand-Off - Jack Harrison (Peebles HS/Heriot’s)
Scrum Halves - Andrew Manson (Stewarts Melville/Musselburgh) Sandy Watt (Portobello HS/Portobello) Tim Zoltie (Holyrood HS/Portobello)
Forwards
Props - Fraser Armstrong (Boroughmuir HS/Boroughmuir) Dugald Berezford (George Watson’s/ Boroughmuir) Eddie Irvine (George Watson’s)
Hookers - Tyler Bryne (Preston Lodge HS / Portobello RFC) Alexander Sneddon (Newbattle HS/Dalkeith)
Second Rows - Patrick Halliday (James Gillespies HS/Boroughmuir) Max Stirling (Stewarts Melville/ Boroughmuir)
Back Rows - Calum Connelly (Holyrood HS/ Portobello) Jack Kinloch (Merchiston Castle) Andrew Mawbey (George Heriot’s/Heriot’s) Andrew McGuff (Newbattle HS/Dalkeith) Ally Miller (George Watson’s/Musselburgh) Hamish Robertson (Stewarts Melville/Musselburgh) Robert Smith (Penicuik HS/Heriot’s)

Eastern Eagles Programme
Wednesday 10th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Portobello RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 12th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Portobello RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 14th August – Eastern Eagles v Capital Crusaders at Gala RFC 1.30pm kick off
Wednesday 17th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Portobello RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 19th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Portobello RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 21st August – Eastern Eagles v Border East at Lasswade RFC 12 noon kick off


CAPITAL CRUSADERS SQUAD
Backs
Back 3 - Hamish Ellis (Merchiston Castle) Andrew Glynne-Percy (Merchiston Castle) Calum Jones (Trinity Academy/Boroughmuir) Grant Smith (Edinburgh Academy/Boroughmuir) Cameron Steedman (Stewarts Melville)
Centres - Jonny Court (Stewarts Melville) Adam Hastings (George Watson’s) Craig Hunter (Stewarts Melville) Ben Porteous (George Heriot’s) Callum Ramm (Trinity Academy/Boroughmuir)
Stand-Off - Calum Young (George Watson’s)
Scrum Halves - Dougal Balfour (Merchiston Castle/Boroughmuir) Finn Murphy (George Heriot’s/ Heriot’s) Dan Nutton (Merchiston Castle)
Forwards
Props - Kerr Rutherford (Tynecastle HS/Murrayfield Wands) Sandy Steven (George Heriot’s/Heriot’s) Robert Walker (George Heriot’s/Heriot’s)
Hooker - Rory Hand (George Heriot’s/Heriot’s)
Second Rows: Cameron Barnett (Royal HS/Murrayfield Wands) Josh McLeod (Craigmount HS/Forrester)
Back Rows - Michael Craig (Merchiston Castle) Jamie Gilmour (George Heriot’s) Patrick Moynan (Trinity Academy/Boroughmuir RFC) Gordon Rostron (George Watson’s) Callum Rust (Edinburgh Academy/Boroughmuir) Chris Ward (Stewarts Melville/Boroughmuir) Fraser Wood (George Watson’s/Portobello)

Capital Crusaders Programme
Wednesday 10th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Fettes College 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 12th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Fettes College 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 14th August – Capital Crusaders v Eastern Eagles at Gala RFC 1.30pm kick off
Wednesday 17th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Fettes College 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 19th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Fettes College 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 21st August – Capital Crusaders v Borders West at Lasswade RFC 1.30pm kick off

WESTERN CHARGERS SQUAD

Backs
Backs 3 - Fraser Anderson (Linlithgow Academy/Linlithgow) Jamie Batho (Stewarts Melville/ Murrayfield Wands) James Greenshields (Boroughmuir HS/Boroughmuir) Magnus Wang (Balerno HS/ Currie)
Centres - Scott Goodman (Firrhill HS) Cameron Gray (Queensferry HS/Boroughmuir) Arron Mason (Forrester) Cameron McMillan (George Watson’s/Musselburgh) Adam Miller (Craigmount HS/Boroughmuir) Robbie Wilson (Royal HS/Forrester) RFC)
Stand-Off - Michael Miller (Stewarts Melville)
Scrum Halves - Kyle Bendall (Balerno HS/Currie) Colin Ladd (George Watson’s/Boroughmuir) Jamie Summers (Craigmount HS/Boroughmuir) Finlay Rae (George Watson’s/Forrester)
Forwards
Props - David Downie (Firrhill HS/Boroughmuir) John Lacelles (Merchiston Castle) Connor Shanks (Craigmount HS/Forrester)
Hookers - Kieran Newton (St Augustines/Forrester) Nathan Watson (Firrhill HS/Boroughmuir)
Second Rows - Michael Elder (Forrester HS/Forrester) Cameron Walker (Queensferry HS/Forrester)
Back Rows - Fraser Christie (Stewarts Melville) Fraser Gordon (Craigmount HS/Forrester) Lewis Herman (Linlithgow Academy/Linlithgow) Daniel Maweu (Craigmount HS/Forrester) Callum Mullen (James Young HS/Linlithgow) Daniel Park (Queensferry HS) Alistair Wilson (Linlithgow Academy/Linlithgow)

Western Chargers Programme
Wednesday 10th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Forrester RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 12th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Forrester RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 14th August – Borders East v Western Chargers at Gala RFC 12 noon kick off
Wednesday 17th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Forrester RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Friday 19th August - Core Skills/Team Prep at Forrester RFC 6pm-7.45pm
Sunday 21st August – Western Chargers v East Lothian Falcons at Lasswade RFC 3.00pm kick off

Corey Hastings, son of Scott:

(From the Herlad)

Hastings Jr pursues his own sporting success storycraig madden
Corey Hastings, son of Scotland rugby great Scott, is about to embark on his own international career at the European Youth Championships in Milan this week – but his sport is played with a stick and a smaller, rounder ball.


inShare.0Custom byline text: craig madden
Does Corey opting to play hockey, rather than rugby, disappoint his father, who earned 65 caps at centre for Scotland? Not at all. “I think it is fantastic that Corey has found his own sport, he’s good at it and he enjoys it,” said Hastings. “I very much enjoy watching hockey, it’s fast, exciting and skilful. I now spend more time watching hockey than I do rugby.”


It would have been easy for Hastings junior to drift into rugby. “Rugby was the main sport at Stewart’s Melville primary school, but I was neither big or tall enough, I didn’t enjoy it, so it wasn’t for me,” Corey explained. “In primary seven I played in a hockey tournament, I enjoyed that, and by S2 I was playing in the school team and had joined CALA Edinburgh hockey club.”

He is now a member of the Scotland under-18 squad that will compete against Italy, Austria and Ukraine in the pool competition, with promotion back among Europe’s elite the objective for the side coached by Graham Dunlop, a former Great Britain and Scotland internationalist who played at the Athens Olympics.

“This a huge achievement for me, it’s the icing on the cake, making the squad for Europe was my main aim this season. All the hard work and all the training has now paid off,” said Hastings.

The former Stewart’s Melville College pupil almost missed out on the experience, having only come into the side a couple of months ago in two warm-up test matches against England at Lillieshall, from which he has never looked back. He had also planned to take time out and go to Australia to work and travel, but that fell through and now hockey is his main focus.

Looking ahead to the Milan tournament, Hastings added: “This is my first big competition and I’m delighted to be part of a squad that is going for promotion. As a forward, I suppose that means I need to score goals, or at least lay them on for others to score.”

Having learned his trade at CALA, he was an integral part of their success last season when they were promoted to the top flight after winning the second division title and reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, taking the scalps of first division sides Grange and VWS Dundee Wanderers.

But Hastings will not be there when CALA start life in the first division next season, he will be studying at the University of Northumbria, and is presently looking for a team in the north of England.

However, he is confident his academic commitments will not interfere with his sporting aims, and added: “I want to go as far as I can. But I believe in taking one step at a time, my immediate target is to do well in the Europeans this week and gain promotion for Scotland.”

As he attempts to do so in Italy, Hasting will be cheered on by his famous father and other family members, including his sister Kerry-Anne, who is following her own international hockey career in the Scotland under-16 girls’ squad.

Oh bloody hell the good old days might be back then!

Knowing Scottish rugby, he'll play for Scotland regardless of how good he is!!

u had the hastings we had the Quinnells

Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

Scotish over ambitious fan I see.

drsambo1928 wrote:

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

Scotish over ambitious fan I see.

Not really, sambo - the original post makes clear that the thread title was entirely tongue in cheek

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

Scotish over ambitious fan I see.

Not really, sambo - the original post makes clear that the thread title was entirely tongue in cheek

Another over ambitious Scotland fan.

drsambo1928 wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

Scotish over ambitious fan I see.

Not really, sambo - the original post makes clear that the thread title was entirely tongue in cheek

Another over ambitious Scotland fan.

Repeating yourself isn't making you right

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:Theres a bit of a difference when Ireland England and Wales are playing the best teams in the world and losing while Scotland play Samoa and Fiji. Neither Samoa or Fiji could beat the current All Blacks Springboks or Wallabies, so saying Scotland is now the best NH team is ridiculous and typical Scottish optimisum, which could be mistaken for arrogance. Although fair play to them for beating Australia with a very weakend team and in terrible weather.

Um, did you actually read the OP? You're going to feel like a bit of a Holly Wilaboobie when you do...

Scotish over ambitious fan I see.

Not really, sambo - the original post makes clear that the thread title was entirely tongue in cheek

Another over ambitious Scotland fan.

Repeating yourself isn't making you right

This over ambition is just arrogance now.

drsambo1928 wrote:This over ambition is just arrogance now.

Did you chase after cars as a child?

IanBru wrote:

drsambo1928 wrote:This over ambition is just arrogance now.

Did you chase after cars as a child?

Unfortunatley not, I retained realistic hope in life unlike Scottish sports fans who seem to think they can wn everything without the resources to do it. Im sure it would be nice to be always optimistic but the only problem is the realisation that the hope will never be fullfilled.

drsambo1928 wrote:typical Scottish optimisum (sp)

That made me laugh, tbf. Goes against the pessimistic, dour stereotype.



Apologies in advance, this is a long one, but I'd love to have some Scottish feedback...

I think the 6 Nations, in terms of results for Scotland, didn't do them justice. At least, it didn't do justice to the fact they have a very, very good coach in Robinson, who, if given enough time, can make them competitive again. And that's happening/happened. Yeah, the Australia game was somewhat fortuitous in that they were playing a team who had rested several big names in order to cope with two Tests in four days, in terrible, 'Northern Hemisphere rugby conditions', but they won. In Australia. Beating Fiji should be expected, but Samoa are a good team, and to beat them on their own patch is a great result.

I think Laidlaw is an excellent find/conversion (if you'll excuse the pun). I still think you struggle in the certain areas though, in both quality and depths. There doesn't seem to be a core in the pack: you have an abundance of talent in the back and front rows, but it seems to be three new faces in each every sixth months. Since Euan Murray's withdrawal from putting his sport first, there's no one to really anchor at 3. Ross Ford is a good hooker, someone to build around, though perhaps not as captain, and Jacobsen has the mentality, 'heart' and effort you wish players with twice his talent would exude. But you need that anchor at 3. And you're not exactly on your own in that respect, in both world and club rugby.

The second rows, Gray especially, are top drawer. I'd make Gray captain, first at club level, then for Scotland. You know he's going to be around for years, and there are few in the team who you can say that for. I rate Kellock and Hamilton, in different ways. Who is there beyond these three?

Again, in the back row, you have a plethora of nearly men: Beattie, Vernon, Hogg, Simon Taylor etc (perhaps a bit in the past with the last two, but I hope you get the point). No one seems to nail the shirt. Now you've got a Saffa, in Denton, at 8, with Strokosch and Barclay alternating at 6, and Rennie, the out and out poacher, which you've needed, Rennie at 7. Although it hurts, because he's a classy player, and one I rate, I'd drop Barclay to the bench. You need that muscle, and can't have two 7s on the flanks. I think Johnnie Beattie is a quality player, and needs to be involved for Scotland. Suffered from injury then rushed back if I remember, then didn't even make the WC squad. But the point is here, aside from Rennie, I'm not sure how long you can rely on that back row (perhaps I'm being harsh on Denton, but I don't feel he's top drawer). This is being hypercritical, I'll admit, as it's a good back row, with depth and class, and can compete with the best of the European back rows (Wales, Ireland, France).

9 is a position you seemingly have no problem with, apart from who to pick. Again, loads of options, Lawson, Laidlaw etc. there and thereabouts for a while. So glad Blair has finally come good again in the last two years/18 months. Feared another Dwayne Peel. Anyway, excellent here. Cusiter and Blair are up there with Parra as the most exciting 9s in Europe. Feel these two aren't as lauded as they deserve.

Here's the problem at 10. Whilst Laidlaw has slotted in surprisingly well, I'm not sure how much room for growth there is. That's the point. I feel he's hit his potential. Harsh, since he's been playing 10 for, what, 12 months? But with someone like Jackson, who I think could be a good 10 in the same ways as Flood is, you feel there's much scope for him to get better. And, sadly, there is Laidlaw's size which, as he doesn't make the kind of dazzling, Matthew Morgan-esque/Shane Williams runs/breaks, will always be a weakness. But shouldn't exclude him entirely. Duncan Weir's a Dan Parks option: no running ability, but his boot can save a limited team time and again in absence of any other choice at 10. Possibility of moving him to full back (the reverse of what happened with Paterson in terms of converting the more talented 10 to 15/14 to accommodate the safer option), anyone? Probably doesn't have the pace/size/tackle ability, but it's a thought. His boot is very useful.

Three quarters. Hmmm. This is where the lack of quality is I'm afraid. Nick de Luca is a figure of hate for me, unfairly at times, because I'll admit he can look alright at times. But he's not the answer to top drawer centre play. Ansboro is decent. Shanklin-esque: hard, straight runner, safe, steady, strong. Secure. Lots of s's. Hogg is undoubtedly the future of your back play. But where? I think Max Evans has to be included, I'd like to see him with ball in hand. I'd opt for 12, Ansboro at 13. I rate Morrison as a sort of second-class Jamie Roberts. Depending on style/opponent, those would be my/your 12 and 13 options. Hogg at 15, I think, really like him coming onto the ball from deep. Too young to heap the pressure on/expect miracles at 13. And I think you have good wing options already. The wingers, like the back row, seemed to have many challengers, without anyone standing out as world class. Danielli, Nikki Walker, etc. etc. But now, it seems, you have talent. Please, please stop playing Sean Lamont as a centre. He is not, never has been good enough and never will be. He is dangerous when looking for the ball, and finding it through the middle, ususally 3+ phases in, a la Chris Ashton (or at least any good winger, but that's the one who everyone now associates it with due to poor journalism, and who am I to argue with this...). Which means he gets most luck when in the centre of the pitch. Doesn't make him a centre. So he's in competition with Visser and Jones, plus anyone else waiting in the wings (ooo, more puns). Visser seems to be your golden boy now. Perhaps more of a Dutch orange than gold, but there you go I'd go for Sean and Visser, personally. Jones has time. You also have Sean's brother, Rory, as a 15 if you were to move Hogg to 13/14/11. Which is good. Because he is good.




I'd say it's a good first team squad, all told. But then, you look at the other 6 Nations squads, and...it's just one notch short of the rest. The French and the English for obvious, depth-related reasons, Wales have now created a world class team in most starting positions, and the Irish have the core of one of, if not the best, club teams in the world, boosted by the world class Munster/Ulster players who, despite, it seems, 'difficult' coaching, and they are still a very good team, capable of being one of the best in the world if they regularly put in the kind of England 2011 and NZ 2012 (2nd Test) performances.

So I'd say that's the problem. It's one every nation is dealing with, trying to improve in the modern, professional way, whilst also trying to get ahead/stay ahead of the other teams as they also progress. You're just short at the moment. Good coaching can overcome this in the short term, but the foundations of the sport will always determine the long term success. Get kids playing etc. Which might help now that your football is having, erm, difficulties...though I can't quite see you getting Easterhouse boys and girls taking to rugby en masse. Perhaps I'm wrong. I'd like to think I am. The less the sport is associated with English public schools, the better, IMO. But anyway. You should have beaten Italy in the 6N, weren't far off getting to the QFs instead of England, and had an encouraging 6N in fits and bursts. Murrayfield threatens so much as a home 'fortress', but seems to fall flat once Scotland go behind. It could be one of the most intimidating stadiums if the crowd got up for it/filled it regularly (and if the running track wasn't there...). I'd say target England, another team going through a transitory process, are most similar to Scotland. That's the target I'd say, trying to match and then better England. Because, talent wise, I don't see vast differences. In all honesty, I don't see Lancaster reaching the next World Cup, and think they will struggle for the next two years to cement a coherent squad, structure and direction, so to usurp England (you're better than Italy, who are still not fully fledged in the professional era, with Aironi losing their license) is the next step. Then will come challenging for the 6N, then winning it, regularly (more than once in 5 years, 3 in 10), and the World Cup will follow. Probably ten years away, in reality. But I won't mock the proposal. Ambitious, yes. Necessary? I'd also say yes. You need a foucs, all teams do. Stick with Robinson as well, is my opinion. If not, get a Southern Hemisphere coach. A good one, with a philosophy, track record and drive that can really transform the country from top to bottom into a competitive nation on the world stage. I think Robinson could do this, given time and support, even with his nationality, which must be put a few supporters off.

So that's it. You're in the money, and that can always help both amateur and professional rugby. Good luck for 2015.

First of all - wholeheartedly disagree about denton! I've watched him all season (his first as a regular pro) and he's been absolutely incredible. He's got some things to learn, but let's not forget he's only 22!!

I also think Jackson has had his chance. He's not a youngster anymore - mid 20s- and if he was going to show himself as a genuine contender he would have done so by now.

I also am really excited to see how Laidlaw develops as a 10- he's the most natural rugby player we've got and I think he will become a top international 10.
Agree about our lack of a good anchor of the scrum, but Murray is in GIS prime now so here's hoping.

Also agree about lack of depth - our first team could beat anyone I think on their day, but we are 2 or 3 injuries away from being a 2nd rate team.

Positives for me though - we have an exciting new generation of players coming through so hopefully it's the start of something special.

We have been here before though...

I just want to say that Denton has been one of my favourite players to watch this season, and I think he will be world class in a few years. I think he will be challenging the very best soon. He has it all IMO. He has pace, power, and he is a classy player with ball in hand. He has a massive work rate and he is just a monster around the field. In fact he reminds me a lot of Kieran Read. Hopefully he will continue to develop into the monster he is becoming.

Also, he isn't from South Africa, he is from Zimbabwe as far as I know.

RDW don't you start this on our day we can beat anyone! Not that I disagree with the notion; of course every team is beatable. But what that saying suggests is that you rarely play to the best of your abilities. So instead of being a statement of authority, it only comes across as an admission of inferiority!

When you look at the 6N Scotland had, and the depths of despair they had fallen into, this tour has seen Scotland crawl out of that hole to a large extent. But the hole hasn't been covered up yet and Scotland could so easily fall back into it. So Scotland has uncovered a few players that were missing in their arsenal. There's no reason why they can't unearth a few more. That means managing the team well and making the selections that allow such players to make a name for themselves. Unfortunately this hasn't been a strength of AR and sadly injuries are a part of the modern game.

So there is cause for optimism but it must be tempered with some realism. Winning can become a habit just like losing but Scotland have proven too often in the past an inability to make winning a habit, as your last sentence mentions. So that is what they must learn to do and developing an attacking game that goes along with their traditional strengths will go a long way to helping that.

Rory_Gallagher

Haven't seen enough of him, hence thinking it was a little harsh an assessment. Didn't realise he was so young, assumed he was 25ish. My misgivings just remind me of Andy Powell, who also had a brilliant impact at first. I'm willing to concede I'm wrong once I've seen another season from him.

miaow wrote:Wales have now created a world class team in most starting positions

Now that's comedy.

sugarNspikes wrote:

miaow wrote:Wales have now created a world class team in most starting positions

Now that's comedy.

Go on...


15. Leigh Halfpenny- consistent excellence. Just does the right things at the right time, in spite of his size.
12 & 13. Jamie Roberts and Jon Davies- the size, strength and talent that make them, individually, top centres. Roberts would get in nearly every starting XV in the world. Davies has deceptive pace and scoring ability.
11. George North- few better runners with ball in hand in broken field.
9. Mike Phillips- infuriating, perhaps, and even though he has weaknesses, has strengths that are unrivalled. Big player on the world stage. See: World Cup 2011.
6 & 7. Dan Lydiate and Sam Warburton- really don't need to justify their tags as world class...do I...?
1 & 3. Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones- same as above.



Now...go on...how do they not have world class players in most positions...?

I disagree with most of them, but I especially enjoyed the Mike Phillips bit

I guess we have a different view of what world class means. I think your criteria is 'plays international rugby'.

Well, not really. It's difficult to quantify what world class means to different people, but I'd say, in terms of British and Irish teams, if they are considered for a Lions Test XV, they can be deemed World Class. Which every player above is. I wouldn't personally say Phillips is World Class, but I can see the argument that he is, as could I for Ryan Jones and AWJ.

Scotland are the only team in this years summer tour to get a full win. (3 out of 3) Which is more than any other team as done.

So from me, a big well done to Scotland.

Before you start calling Scotland the best team in the NH, Lets wait and see what will happen, between now and the 6ns. before any one staits that Scotland are now the best in the NH. ok.

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:u had the hastings we had the Quinnells

I know which ones I would rather have to feed. Clue - they aren't Scottish. Did Mrs Q have a night time job (if you get my drift) to be able to feed those giants?

miaow wrote:Well, not really. It's difficult to quantify what world class means to different people, but I'd say, in terms of British and Irish teams, if they are considered for a Lions Test XV, they can be deemed World Class. Which every player above is. I wouldn't personally say Phillips is World Class, but I can see the argument that he is, as could I for Ryan Jones and AWJ.

World class i as you say difficult to quantify. It is an entirely arbitrary concept. Best in the world is not the same as being of world class ability.

I don't think Faletau is yet, Philipps may have been but isn't anymore and JD2 has yet to join that club as far as i can see but definitely has the potential.

I think it starts with owning your position; all the players you refer to are nailed on first picks in their shirt and that cannot be said of the majority of players in the Home Nations. Gethin and Adam, Lions that they are, are 2 of the best props in the world. Jenks has lost a yard or two (probably 3 after Australia) and Adam is still all pies but any prop who can score tries from the 10m and throw in a couple of dummies for good measure is world class. As for Jones, he is the best tighthead in Europe and easily up there in the world. There is no doubt Halfpenny or Kearney will start at 15 next summer and Roberts likewise is almost certain to be picked at 12 barring injury.

Personally i no longer think Philipps is in the same world class as Genia who is the stand out 9 in the world. I think his speed of service and ability to open up gaps in the fringes lets him down and therefore i would say he doesn't make the cut.

Lydiate may well be the best 6 since a certain R Hill and Warburton, though having a shocker, is the first 7 in the NH who plays the game like an Antipodean. North at aged 9 months is still a terrifying prospect for the future and anyone who doesn't recognise just how world class he is doesn't know their rugby.

All these players would grace a starting Lions side and in my book that is as good a measure of world class as you can get.