1872 Cup Match Thread - Glasgow V Edinburgh

[RDW]

The 1872 Cup: Friday 21 August (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA

Edinburgh

15 Greig Tonks

14 Lee Jones
13 Matt Scott
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Piers Francis
9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Willem Nel
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 David Denton
7 Roddy Grant
8 Stuart McInally

Substitutes
16 Andy Titterrell
17 John Yapp
18 Geoff Cross
19 Sean Cox
20 Netani Talei
21 Richie Rees
22 Ben Atiga
23 Dougie Fife

Glasgow

1 Grant
2 MacArthur
3 Low
4 Kellock
5 Swinson
6 Harley
7 Fusaro
8 Wilson

9 Niko
10 Jackson
11 DTH
12 Horne
13 Lamont
14 Maitland
15 Murchie

16 Hall
17 Reid
18 Araoz
19 Gray
20 Eddie
21 Pyrgos
22 Weir
23 Hogg

Glasgow have won the cup 3 years in a row - can Edinburgh reverse the tide? Current form suggests no, but with this being the only thing left in the season to play for there's always a chance. Glasgow need wins to keep momentum in the Rabbo, and Edinburgh can overtake Glasgow in the league if they win both legs (unlikely).

Bring it on!!!!!

[RDW]

So on the face of it looks like some skulduggery from Bradley - leaving his halfbacks til the last minute. Apparently this is to assess an injury to De Luca and Jones, which I'm taking to mean that if De Luca is fit Francis will start at 10, if not Laidlaw will.

He obviously thinks big things of this Francis guy, must be showing up well in training because he hasn't in games yet! The good thing is Laidlaw will be doing the kicking so hopefully he can just concentrate on running the game.

Personally I'm hoping De Luca will be passed fit as I'd like to see Laidlaw at 9 and prefer De Luca over James King or Atiga, who are both made of glass.

Other big call is VDV starting over Cox. Happy with that one because VDV is a tough son of a gun and will really take it to the Glasgow pack. Slightly concerned about the lineout with Ford's throwing and Kellock spoiling things, but hopefully we can keep it simple and opt for easy possession over fancy lineout calls to the back.

Strong bench too, especially in the forwards.

[funnyExiledScot]

Pretty much as expected from Edinburgh. I remain annoyed that Francis is getting automatically picked ahead of Hunter, but I'm not privvy to what goes on in training.

Looks like Bradley's gone for low awkward props to counter what will be a larger Glasgow front row, and the selection of VDW suggests he wants an edge to the pack (although harsh on Cox). Strong backline, and I've no issues if Fife starts ahead of Jones. Based on form this season, that's a no brainer.

Still, Glasgow won't be quaking in their boots.

[funnyExiledScot]

So on the face of it looks like some skulduggery from Bradley - leaving his halfbacks til the last minute. Apparently this is to assess an injury to De Luca and Jones, which I'm taking to mean that if De Luca is fit Francis will start at 10, if not Laidlaw will.

I'm not sure I follow that. It does seem odd that he's not got any hint of a 10 on the bench, which to me means that he'll either start Laidlaw and Francis, or he'll start Rees and Laidlaw and go without a 10 on the bench, which seems odd.

[RDW]

Still, Glasgow won't be quaking in their boots.

Exactly. Not looking forward to seeing their starting props and back 3.

[funnyExiledScot]

Perhaps having one of King and Atiga on the bench means that you could move Scott to 10 should Laidlaw get injured?

He obviously wants to keep Toonie guessing, but I suspect Glasgow will be more focused on themselves.

[RDW]

Tonks and Scott are both cover at 10, but have never been called upon yet this season.

Agreed though - you've got to wonder what Hunter and Leonard have done wrong.

[RuggerRadge2611]

No real surprises from Bradley. He needs to win the Murrayfield leg to save his job IMO.

[funnyExiledScot]

No real surprises from Bradley. He needs to win the Murrayfield leg to save his job IMO.

I'd go one further. He needs to win the 1872 Cup to keep his job. Then he needs to finish top half of the Rabo come the end of the season. If he fails at either then he goes.

We're not making progress, and we're not winning. Only if achieves both of the above will I be convinced he should stay, and that means a strong 2nd half of the season, starting on Friday.

[Irish Londoner]

Documentary on BBC2 Scotland tonight about the history of the 1872 Cup, for Scots viewers or scroll along the back pages of the Sky Viewing Guide.

[funnyExiledScot]

Let's hope they don't focus too much on the recent history. Glasgow have owned us (on the rugby field at least....).

[RuggerRadge2611]

It is disapointing to see Edinburgh playing so poorly, but they did have a good outing when we last played in the Pro 12 beating a stuffy Connacht and routing the hopeless ospreys.

Some could argue that the League season recovery has already started.

The player need consistency above all else.

[Scot Abroad]

Glasgow team up

1 Grant
2 MacArthur
3 Low
4 Kellock
5 Swinson
6 Harley
7 Fusaro
8 Wilson

9 Niko
10 Jackson
11 DTH
12 Horne
13 Lamont
14 Maitland
15 Murchie

16 Hall
17 Reid
18 Araoz
19 Gray
20 Eddie
21 Pyrgos
22 Weir
23 Hogg

[RDW]

Have to say that team doesn’t fill me with dread as I thought it might. I’m not going to lose sleep over Low at tightead compared to what it could have been, and it is a pretty lightweight back 5 to the pack.

Combine that with Jackson at 10 and Murchie at 15 and it could have been a lot worse!

[RDW]

Is that Gray jnr on the bench??

[Scot Abroad]

Is that Gray jnr on the bench??

It sure is. No idea what's come over toonie of late, Campbell coming on against Castre, now Gray Jnr on the bench.

Happy with the pack to be honest. Having Fusaro back is a huge boost, he'll be a menace at the breakdown all day. Thought Weir would have got the nod to start but at least Horne will be taking the kicks. Murchie in there I presume to counter all the kicking that Tonks will be doing.

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

Glad Murchie is in and Hogg is benched. Hogg has not played well all season so does not deserve to start.

Less said about Jackson the better.

[funnyExiledScot]

The good news for Edinburgh is that Cusack and Strauss are missing. To massive players for Glasgow.

I also don't fear the impact they have coming off the bench in the pack. If the usual barmy practice of subs coming on after 60 minutes is upheld, then Edinburgh have more coming off the bench in the pack - no question in my mind.

Looking forward to parking my ass on the sofa at home on Friday with a gaelic dictionary and a bottle of the finest booze I can pilfer from my Dad's cupboard. Just hope the trophy is still live come the 29th at Murrayfield!

[justified sinner]

Jackson

[Cryptoyourisan]

I'm a bit apprehensive about this game both as a Glasgow fan and as someone who can't be bothered watching if it's going to be as poor as I think it could be. Toonie seems to be struggling for direction in the back-row and half backs.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Well with that lineup we won't be playing for penalties - as unlikely we will convert any (Horne/Jacko). Shame the Coo is oot. Wee Gray in as a replacement - good lad Johnny - enjoy it. Take it Strauss is still getting nuptialed up in SA ?

Anyone about for a curry earlier ?

[RDW]

Anyone watch the documentary on BBC2 last night? Well worth the watch!

[RuggerRadge2611]

just remember Penas means penalty.

[RDW]

Blow for Edinburgh as De Luca is ruled out with a facial injury (must have been bottled in Glasgow). Team confirmed:

15 Greig Tonks

14 Lee Jones
13 Matt Scott
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Piers Francis
9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Willem Nel
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 David Denton
7 Roddy Grant
8 Stuart McInally

Substitutes
16 Andy Titterrell
17 John Yapp
18 Geoff Cross
19 Sean Cox
20 Netani Talei
21 Richie Rees
22 Ben Atiga
23 Dougie Fife

Strange - this suggests that if De Luca was fit it would have been Laidlaw at 10....?

[jimbopip]

Not a bad looking team, might just have the edge in the back row. We need a big game from Wilson in order to have any creativity there. From a Scotland view the sooner Laidlaw moves to 9 the better as he isn't a natural 10.Laidlaw vs Niko, fireworks methinks. Think we will have the better of the 3/4s though. Visser vs Maitland should be good. Who has the best defense?

[RuggerRadge2611]

Harsh on Hunter. He had a good game against the Ospreys and hasn't played for Edinburgh since.

What goes on in Bradley's head?

[George Carlin]

Wow. Toonie must be confident leaving the Meatball on the bench and finding no place for Strauss or Coo.

Great battles all over the park. We'll see how much Nel has come on because Grant is playing very well indeed.

Two future Scotland 8s going at it as well so Wilson is going to have to step up because it seems that McInally is simply the stronger man.

Jones and King clearly weak links for the MFLs - if we're smart DTH will see a lot of the ball.

[George Carlin]

Not a bad looking team, might just have the edge in the back row. We need a big game from Wilson in order to have any creativity there. From a Scotland view the sooner Laidlaw moves to 9 the better as he isn't a natural 10.Laidlaw vs Niko, fireworks methinks. Think we will have the better of the 3/4s though. Visser vs Maitland should be good. Who has the best defense?

Neither of us at the moment, apparently.

[jimbopip]

Not a bad looking team, might just have the edge in the back row. We need a big game from Wilson in order to have any creativity there. From a Scotland view the sooner Laidlaw moves to 9 the better as he isn't a natural 10.Laidlaw vs Niko, fireworks methinks. Think we will have the better of the 3/4s though. Visser vs Maitland should be good. Who has the best defense?

Neither of us at the moment, apparently.

Mr C, I actually meant between Viss and Maitland Street. I think Edinburgh's back as a unit could be quite porous but it will probably all turn on which front five has more grunt. Hope Gray jr comes on and lives up to expectations.

[Imperialbigdave]

I wouldnt have said King was a weak link, in fact hes been our most lively looking 12 this season, despite playing a grand total of about 40 minutes of rugby. He set up vissers tries at murrayfield last season too, so im hoping for some more of that.

[funnyExiledScot]

Jones and King clearly weak links for the MFLs - if we're smart DTH will see a lot of the ball.

King is a defensive weakness, but he's a very sharp off the mark attacking centre. I'll grant you Jones, a similarly sharp player when on form, but tackling strictly optional for wee Lee Jones.

Still, as an attacking unit that Edinburgh backline is pretty decent. Getting the ball off that Glasgow pack will be key. Still, as I said above (I like agreeing with myself), Edinburgh have a better bench of forwards, so hopefully we can turn the screw a little in the last 20.

[George Carlin]

Agreed - Toonie has set himself up to fail here, so he must be very confident in the fitness of his forwards because Cusack and Strauss would have been devastating impact subs to bring on with 30 minutes to go.

I'd like to think that this came about as a result of a developed and sophisticated coaching strategy and squad rotation methodology at work. But this is Toonie we're talking about. So I'm assuming MC and RS are out because they lost a game of stone/scissors/paper with their counterpart.

Best of luck to both teams.

[Scot Abroad]

Coo has a shoulder injury I believe and Strauss is in SA getting married. Seems a few Embra fans on here are feeling confident. I'm still going for a Glasgow win by 10

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Quite disappointed that Nock on Nick is out as he usually sucks big time v Warriors, King sound a better player all round tbh.

[RDW]

Problem is King has barely lasted a half of rugby every time he's played, and had to go off early, and we all know what Atiga is like!

[tigertattie]

for me with the home advantage, I'm going for a glasgow win. (thought they'd win in Murrayfield too I reckon)

A close fought game with the deciding factor being which of Glasgow's Wingers can benefit from what is agrueably the worst defensive wing pair in the league with who I have lovingly refered to as Cant tackle (Jones) and Won't tackle (Visser)

I'm just looking forward to finally seeing Maitland cutting it up. Even with Embra's poor form I'll be trundling off to Murrayfield for the return leg to see him live.

[jimbopip]

for me with the home advantage, I'm going for a glasgow win. (thought they'd win in Murrayfield too I reckon)

A close fought game with the deciding factor being which of Glasgow's Wingers can benefit from what is agrueably the worst defensive wing pair in the league with who I have lovingly refered to as Cant tackle (Jones) and Won't tackle (Visser)

I'm just looking forward to finally seeing Maitland cutting it up. Even with Embra's poor form I'll be trundling off to Murrayfield for the return leg to see him live.

Tiger shouldn't that read "benefit MOST". Maitland Street and DTH against two wingers who seem to have consciiiiiiiitious objections t the physical side of the game, it cculd be carnage.

[tigertattie]

You could be right jimbo

It is scary to think what DTH and Maitland could do to our wingers. Mind you, Visser is jut as likely to outscore the glasgow boys. As for Lee Jones. Well. I'll reserve judgement before the Selkirk crew chib me for daring to reffer to thier star man as "an average national league player at best"

[RDW]

God knows what's happened to Lee Jones this year. Yes he wasn't exactly a world beater last year but he was at least competent. All he does now is drop passes and miss tackles!

Granted he’s been significantly better the last few times he’s played, but he’s still a liability and definitely needs targeting by the weedge.

Again you’ve got to question Bradley’s tactics – quite often they have a move where the lineout comes off the top and they pass it to Lee Jones to crash it up…..why give it to the 2nd smallest man on the pitch to crash it up??

[bsando]

Evening fellow Scottish fans!

Just a quick message to say hope you all enjoy the Glasgow vs Edinburgh banter this evening, I will not be able to join in the fun sadly as my old mans flight was delayed up here in north of Scotland so I have to drive to Inverness to get him and my sister home. We'll then be watching the recorded game when we get back.

Also, last chance to vote in the 606v2 end of year awards! I'll be releasing results tomorrow evening so private message me your votes!! Check sticky in 'international' for info on categories

Enjoy the game lads! and Come on Edinburgh!!!!

[GLove39]

Anyone know if Edinburgh have got a new garish 1872 top? Be disappointed if they haven't.

[RDW]

Bright start for Edinburgh - they look up for it at least!

[GLove39]

Great try by Glasgow

[RDW]

Lucky gits - balls up a back line move and get a try!

[tigertattie]

Balls up? Looked like another lee jones "oh, I'm meant to stand where and tackle who?" Moment

[RDW]

Was referring to Jackson passing to no one and it worked out pretty luckily! Agree though - Jones was in no mans land

[GLove39]

It's like they always say, the bobbled ball always causes confusion in a defence. Nice to see a 2 on 1 not butchered for a change

[GLove39]

Looks like its going to be a long night for Edinburgh...

[GLove39]

Terrible play there again from Lee Jones, leaves his defensive position for a pointless clear out on a Glasgow player, giveing Harley a free run in on the blindside.

[Scot Abroad]

Horne's kicking is as bad as Jackson's. Nice to see Lamont running over defenders again.

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