Quadrangular Tournament: 8-23 June

I have been "volunteered" () to start this thread, so here we go:

A. RULES

1. The hosts and Samoa will each play Italy and Scotland in a league format.
2. Italy will not play Scotland, nor Samoa the hosts, at this stage.
3. On June 22, the top two teams will face each other to determine first and second places in the tournament with the bottom two playing each other to determine third and fourth place in the tournament.
4. There is no point 4. This is simples.

B. FIXTURES

1. Round 1

Scotland v Samoa
10:30pm AEST Sat, 8th June
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

South Africa v Italy
1:00am AEST Sun, 9th June
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

2. Round 2

Samoa v Italy
10:30pm AEST Sat, 15th June
Kings Park Stadium, Durban

South Africa v Scotland
1:00am AEST Sun, 16th June
Kings Park Stadium, Durban

3. Third Place Playoff

22 June 2013, 14:15 SAST (UTC+02)

3rd Placed team v 4th Placed team

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)

4. Final

22 June 2013, 17:15 SAST (UTC+02)

1st Placed team v 2nd Placed team

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

C. SQUADS

1. Scotland

Backs: Alex Dunbar* (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby), Peter Horne*, Ruaridh Jackson (both Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Lamont, Peter Murchie*, Henry Pyrgos (all Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tommy Seymour* (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor* (Saracens), Greig Tonks* and Tim Visser (both Edinburgh Rugby)

Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens, captain), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist (both Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester Rugby), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Steven Lawrie* (Edinburgh Rugby), Moray Low, Pat MacArthur* (both Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Tim Swinson* and Ryan Wilson (both Glasgow Warriors).

* = uncapped

2. South Africa

Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Marcell Coetzee, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Juandre Kruger, Lappies Labuschange, Francois Louw, Tendai Mtawarara, Trevor Nyankane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chilbioy Ralepelle, Pierre Spies, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe.

Backs: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Zane Kirchener, Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, Ruan Pienaar, Jan Serfontein, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak.

3. Italy

Piloni
Matias AGUERO (Zebre Rugby, 17 caps)
Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (Leicester Tigers, 95 caps)
Lorenzo CITTADINI (Benetton Treviso, 21 caps)
Alberto DE MARCHI (Benetton Treviso, 9 caps)
Michele RIZZO (Benetton Treviso, 7 caps)

Tallonatori
Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Benetton Treviso, 53 caps)
Davide GIAZZON (Zebre Rugby, 10 caps)
Andrea MANICI (Zebre Rugby, esordiente)*

Seconde linee
Valerio BERNABO' (Benetton Treviso, 19 caps)
Marco BORTOLAMI (Zebre Rugby, 94 caps)
Joshua FURNO (Narbonne, 8 caps)*
Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 18 caps)

Terze linee
Robert BARBIERI (Benetton Treviso, 28 caps)
Mauro BERGAMASCO (Zebre Rugby, 93 caps)
Francesco MINTO (Benetton Treviso, 7 caps)
Sergio PARISSE (Stade Francais, 95 caps) - capitano
Manoa VOSAWAI (Benetton Treviso, 11 caps)
Alessandro ZANNI (Benetton Treviso, 74 caps)

Mediani di mischia
Tobias BOTES (Benetton Treviso, 13 caps)
Alberto CHILLON (Zebre Rugby, esordiente)*
Edoardo GORI (Benetton Treviso, 24 caps)*

Mediani d'apertura
Alberto DI BERNARDO (Benetton Treviso, esordiente)
Luciano ORQUERA (Zebre Rugby, 33 caps)

Centri
Gonzalo CANALE (Stade Rochelais, 82 caps)
Gonzalo GARCIA (Zebre Rugby, 28 caps)
Luca MORISI (Benetton Treviso, 2 caps)*
Alberto SGARBI (Benetton Treviso, 24 caps)

Ali/Estremi
Tommaso IANNONE (Benetton Treviso, 1 cap)*
Andrea MASI (London Wasps, 77 caps)
Luke MCLEAN (Benetton Treviso, 46 caps)
Leonardo SARTO (Zebre Rugby, esordiente)*
Giovanbattista VENDITTI (Zebre Rugby, 14 caps)*

4. Samoa

Hookers:
Ti'i Paulo – ASM Clermont France
Ole Avei – Bordeaux Begles
Manu Leiataua – North Harbour

Props:
Cencus Johnston – Toulouse
Logovi'i Mulipola – Leicester
Sakaria Taulafo – Wasps
James Johnston – Harlequins

Locks:
Kane Thompson – Canon Eagles
Iosefa Tekori – Castres
Daniel Leo – Perpignan
Filo Paulo – Cardiff Blues

Loose Forwards:
Taiasina Tu'ifua – Newcastle
Alafoti Fa'osiliva – Bristol
Ofisa Treviranus – London Irish
Jack Lam – Hurricanes
Maurie Fa'asavalu – Harlequins
Fa'alemiga Selesele – Moata’a
** (one to be added) **

Halfback:
Kahn Fotuali'i – Ospreys
Jeremy Su'a – Crusaders
Auvasa Faleali'i – Auckland

First Fives:
Tusi Pisi – Hurricanes
Ki Anufe – Auckland

Midfields:
George Pisi – Northampton
Johnny Leota – Sale
Isaia Tuifua – Vigo Rugby Club
Brandon Vaaulu – Tokyo Gas

Wings:
Alesana Tuilagi – NTT Shining Arcs
Alapati Leiua – Hurricanes
Robert Lilomaiava – Vaiala
**(one more to be added)**

Fullbacks:
Paul Williams – Stade Francais
James So'oialo – Wellington

I'd like to see;

15 - Tonks*
14 - Lamont
13 - Dunbar*
12 - Scott
11 - Visser
10 - Heathcote
9 - Laidlaw
8 - Beattie
7 - Barclay
6 - Brown (c)
5 - Hamilton
4 - Gilchrist
3 - Murray
2 - Ford
1 - Grant

16 - MacArthur*
17 - Dickinson
18 - Low
19 - Swinson*
20 - Wilson
21 - Pyrgos
22 - Horne*
23 - Taylor*

Great thread GC!

My pick for Scotland would be

15. Tonks
14. Seymour
13. Dunbar
12. Scott
11. Visser
10. Heathcote
9. Laidlaw

8. Wilson
7. Barclay
6. Brown
5. Hamilton
4. Swinson
3. Murray
2. MacArthur
1. Grant

16. Ford
17. Low
18. Cross
19. Gilchrist
20. Beattie
21. Pyrgos
22. Jackson
23. Lamont

Preferred matchday squad would be

15 - Tonks*
14 - Lamont
13 - Dunbar*
12 - Scott
11 - Visser
10 - Heathcote
9 - Laidlaw
8 - Beattie
7 - Barclay
6 - Brown (c)
5 - Hamilton
4 – Swinson*
3 - Murray
2 – MacArthur*
1 - Grant

16 - Ford
17 - Dickinson
18 - Low
19 - Swinson*
20 - Wilson
21 - Pyrgos
22 - Horne*
23 - Seymour

Good on you George mate, now we will all get our moment in the Sun as well.

Fantastic seeing the Italian for the position names - Seconde linee sounds like something from BBC Alba!

It is a bit early to speculate on the SA starting 22.

The squad is still 38 players, importantly there are quite a number of newbies invited to the second training camp.

These are all uncapped players, so at this moment in time I am not sure what Meyer's plans are.

I am sure he is considering replacement players for all those leaving our shores. Habana, JP Pietersen, Zane Kirchner, Juandre Kruger are all leaving end of the Super Rugby season.

Uncapped players
Forwards: Wiehahn Herbst (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane, Pieter-Steph du Toit (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Stormers), Arno Botha (Bulls), Lappies Labuschagne (Cheetahs),

Backs: Jano Vermaak, Demetri Catrakilis (Southern Kings), Jan Serfontein (Bulls), Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs), JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls), Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs), Lionel Mapoe, and Willie le Roux (Cheetahs).

Looking at this list and considering that only 22 of the 38 will be involved in a test there is quite a bit of culling to do.

Players that have really impressed me in the forwards and I think really deserves their shot in the forwards are, well all of them, Lappies Labuschagne has taken over the task of trying to emulate Juan Smit, big boots to fill and he is doing a great job for the Cheetahs. Nyakane and Herbst are two youngsters who looks like they can be the next generation of props for SA. both of whom I believe will be in the match day 22.

In the backs I am particularly excited about Willie le Roux and hope he gets an opportunity to play, one of the most talented back in SA, he can do anything.

The midfield paring of Engelbrecht and Serfontein is growing in every game for the Bulls and has both lots of potential.

Really wish I was going Bilt.

What do you think of the Boks squad? All of the French based players out, I see. Presumably you believe that just putting the Cheetahs 23 out would be enough to win it? We have highlighed Oosthuizen, Etzebeth, Coetzee and Alberts in the pack, and Hougaard, de Jongh, Aplon and Willie le Roux as the Saffer players which will necessitate the average Scotland fan wearing their finest asbestos underpants.

Would you agree?

Edit: Think you've just answered with the post above.

George Carlin wrote:Really wish I was going Bilt.

What do you think of the Boks squad? All of the French based players out, I see. Presumably you believe that just putting the Cheetahs 23 out would be enough to win it? We have highlighed Oosthuizen, Etzebeth, Coetzee and Alberts in the pack, and Hougaard, de Jongh, Aplon and Willie le Roux as the Saffer players which will necessitate the average Scotland fan wearing their finest asbestos underpants.

Would you agree?

Edit: Think you've just answered with the post above.

You should come George, even if only for the last weekend, the matches aren't far from me, you can sleep on the coach (I have an extra mattress as well.

You don't need money for food or accommodation, just pay for your flight.

I'd like to see Matt Scott and Jan Serfontein start against eachother. Both young guns with obvious talent. However, I think it likely Jean De Villiers will start for the Boks ahead of Serfontein.

As for Matt Scott, it will be interesting because although he played well at 12 in the 6 nations, Horne was selected ahead of him for the first game but had to pull out due to injury. Will Horne be picked ahead of him again or is he being slowly shifted to 10 as we've seen at Glasgow?

If I have to guess what Meyer is thinking I would suggest a matchday 22 like this:

1. Beast Mtwarira
2. Adriaan Strauss
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Juandre Kruger
6. Marcell Coetzee
7. Willem Alberts
8. Pierre Spies
9. Jano Vermaak
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. JJ Engelbrecht
14. Gio Aplon
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Trevor Nyakane
17. Bismarck du Plessis
18. Coenie Oosthuizen
19. Pieter Steph du Toit
20. Lappies Labuschagne
21. Francois Hougaard
22. Willie le Roux.

However he MIGHT look at the players I bolded to be replaced as they are all leaving, and I just have a feeling SARU is changing their minds about selecting offshore players.

JP Pietersen is injured but is leaving, Andries Bekker is not injured, but because he is leaving is not up for consideration. So the signs are there.

So you might see Pieter Steph du Toit in place of Juandre Kruger, LAmbie in place of Steyn, Raymond Rhule in place of Habana and Aplon in place of Kirchner at some point during the series.

I'd like to see Dunbar and Scott in the centres, with Lamont and Visser on the wing as well as Tonks at full-back. Aside from Visser's defence that looks like a solid and combative backline that could compete with the Boks.
At 10 we once again have a predicament, Horne and Jackson's kicking won't allow us to play in the right areas and the idea of them playing against Steyn is frightening . I've no idea what Heathcote's kicking is like but if it's better I think he should start.

The Killer Bs have got to start together, they're a perfectly balanced unit and their strengths allow each other to focus on their game. Also Brown and Beattie have enhanced their game since they left Scotland. It's scary to think that a group of players that three year ago looked like Scotland's future have barely played with each other since.

In the second-row I'd like to see Swinson and Hamilton, Hamilton's power and strength will complement Swinson's work rate, although Kellock's lineout expertise could be invaluable but he's also very weak at the scrum.
The props will almost definitely be Murray and Grant and I'd go for Ford at hooker on the basis that he's a good scrummager and has a great deal of experience however his lineout work needs to be spot on.

I'd like to see:

15. Tonks
14. Lamont
13. Dunbar
12. Scott
11. Visser
10. Heathcote
9. Laidlaw
8. Beattie
7. Barclay
6. Brown
5. Hamilton
4. Swinson
3. Murray
2. Ford
1. Grant

Biltong wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Really wish I was going Bilt.

What do you think of the Boks squad? All of the French based players out, I see. Presumably you believe that just putting the Cheetahs 23 out would be enough to win it? We have highlighed Oosthuizen, Etzebeth, Coetzee and Alberts in the pack, and Hougaard, de Jongh, Aplon and Willie le Roux as the Saffer players which will necessitate the average Scotland fan wearing their finest asbestos underpants.

Would you agree?

Edit: Think you've just answered with the post above.

You should come George, even if only for the last weekend, the matches aren't far from me, you can sleep on the coach (I have an extra mattress as well.

You don't need money for food or accommodation, just pay for your flight.

Meyer might object to that BB. He doesn't like sharing Morne Steyn.

I think this is a great idea though I can't help but feel Sa organized this to say they won the 2013 4N.

That Samoa squad looks pretty tasty aswell...some serious physicality.
And a front row that is very highly rated and MASSIVE...

I think Seymour deserves to be selected on the wing ahead of Lamont. He has had a good season despite illness, injury and suspension. Despite fewer games than Lamont he has scored loads more tries.

Lamont is a known quantity at international level, Seymour isn't. Surely this tournament is a chance to give uncapped players a chance to show what they can do. Dunbar, Horne, Seymour, MacArthur, Tonks, Swinson should all get significant game time this summer. If any one of them come back uncapped it will be an opportunity missed.

Manky-Flanker wrote:I think Seymour deserves to be selected on the wing ahead of Lamont. He has had a good season despite illness, injury and suspension. Despite fewer games than Lamont he has scored loads more tries.

Lamont is a known quantity at international level, Seymour isn't. Surely this tournament is a chance to give uncapped players a chance to show what they can do. Dunbar, Horne, Seymour, MacArthur, Tonks, Swinson should all get significant game time this summer. If any one of them come back uncapped it will be an opportunity missed.

We’re currently looking at a first team with lots of new caps in it – in the backs alone, there’s Tonks, Dunbar and possibly Horne. Heathcote only has one cap. So it’s not a terrible idea to put some old heads in there too. I’d be very happy to see Seymour on the bench, however.

Looking forward to the tournament. There should be some cracking rugby and MASSIVE hits given the physicality of some of the players who will be running out.

I want to see Scotland play like Glasgow did against Leinster, no boring kicking. I hope that Cotter (should the clusterf@#k at the SRU be resolved and he actually takes the job)has input on the style of play.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:

Biltong wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Really wish I was going Bilt.

What do you think of the Boks squad? All of the French based players out, I see. Presumably you believe that just putting the Cheetahs 23 out would be enough to win it? We have highlighed Oosthuizen, Etzebeth, Coetzee and Alberts in the pack, and Hougaard, de Jongh, Aplon and Willie le Roux as the Saffer players which will necessitate the average Scotland fan wearing their finest asbestos underpants.

Would you agree?

Edit: Think you've just answered with the post above.

You should come George, even if only for the last weekend, the matches aren't far from me, you can sleep on the coach (I have an extra mattress as well.

You don't need money for food or accommodation, just pay for your flight.

Meyer might object to that BB. He doesn't like sharing Morne Steyn.

I think this is a great idea though I can't help but feel Sa organized this to say they won the 2013 4N.

No and yes Kia.

No because Meyer is upset Morne is leaving anf wants to make Morne jealous.

Yes, we might win TWO 4N titles this year.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

Manky-Flanker wrote:I think Seymour deserves to be selected on the wing ahead of Lamont. He has had a good season despite illness, injury and suspension. Despite fewer games than Lamont he has scored loads more tries.

Lamont is a known quantity at international level, Seymour isn't. Surely this tournament is a chance to give uncapped players a chance to show what they can do. Dunbar, Horne, Seymour, MacArthur, Tonks, Swinson should all get significant game time this summer. If any one of them come back uncapped it will be an opportunity missed.

We’re currently looking at a first team with lots of new caps in it – in the backs alone, there’s Tonks, Dunbar and possibly Horne. Heathcote only has one cap. So it’s not a terrible idea to put some old heads in there too. I’d be very happy to see Seymour on the bench, however.

Yes Captain, I didn't mean to suggest they all have to start the first game together, but they have all earned the right to feature over the course of the tournament. None of them should be there for tour "experience" of bench warming and comparing sun tans

Captain_Sensible wrote:

Manky-Flanker wrote:I think Seymour deserves to be selected on the wing ahead of Lamont. He has had a good season despite illness, injury and suspension. Despite fewer games than Lamont he has scored loads more tries.

Lamont is a known quantity at international level, Seymour isn't. Surely this tournament is a chance to give uncapped players a chance to show what they can do. Dunbar, Horne, Seymour, MacArthur, Tonks, Swinson should all get significant game time this summer. If any one of them come back uncapped it will be an opportunity missed.

We’re currently looking at a first team with lots of new caps in it – in the backs alone, there’s Tonks, Dunbar and possibly Horne. Heathcote only has one cap. So it’s not a terrible idea to put some old heads in there too. I’d be very happy to see Seymour on the bench, however.

I think we need to win both matches or come very close, we've already beaten Samoa at home, if we can match that with SA then we'll have a psychological edge in 2015 on the other hand if we put out loads of young players who might not be ready but will make up the majority of the squad in two years time then we'll have a real disadvantage. Normally I'm a big fan of playing young players because normally our older ones are awful but getting thrashed this year could be disastrous. Remember Samoa have never beaten us and I think it would be good if that record was intact at the World cup.

Regarding Lamont vs Seymour for the right wing slot, it's a tight call. Lamont has the experience and we may need his physicality against Samoa and South Africa, whereas Seymour in my view is the better finisher and the quicker player. Given that I expect (and hope) Scott and Dunbar to be the centres, both pretty big lads, and Visser to be on the left wing, I personally think the time has come to use Seymour and give him a chance. He has decent pace and picks good running angles.

The unknown in all this is of course Duncan Taylor and where he fits in. Again, another option on that wing and fairly robust physique.

Perhaps Lamont would be nicely suited for that impact role off the bench, given he covers wing and centre, but IBD thinks Taylor can also fulfil that role. Nice to have the options frankly.

You have to win the first one BB. Not an easy task. Shame Samoa and SA are not playing one another, at least in the preliminary round. There will be fireworks in these big packs that's for sure. I don't think my wife is going to see much of me in June over the weekends. So much cracking rugby to see.

123456789 wrote: .....but getting thrashed this year could be disastrous.

This is something that Scotland has to move on from. The fear of failure doesn't spur us on it holds us back, the Scotland team goes into it's shell when worrying about losing. The wooden spoon decider against Italy last year was a good example of this - Scotland put on their worst performance of the tournament in that game. Tonga last year was more of the same.

Scotland has to choose the best players available in their position, everything else is secondary. We cannot not choose a player because of possible psychological repercussions of a defeat and what bearing that might have in a future tournament.

Manky-Flanker wrote:

123456789 wrote: .....but getting thrashed this year could be disastrous.

This is something that Scotland has to move on from. The fear of failure doesn't spur us on it holds us back, the Scotland team goes into it's shell when worrying about losing. The wooden spoon decider against Italy last year was a good example of this - Scotland put on their worst performance of the tournament in that game. Tonga last year was more of the same.

Scotland has to choose the best players available in their position, everything else is secondary. We cannot not choose a player because of possible psychological repercussions of a defeat and what bearing that might have in a future tournament.

I understand that but gambling on a player against the two teams whom we'll play our most important matches over the next five years could be ridiculous.

123456789 wrote:

Manky-Flanker wrote:

123456789 wrote: .....but getting thrashed this year could be disastrous.

This is something that Scotland has to move on from. The fear of failure doesn't spur us on it holds us back, the Scotland team goes into it's shell when worrying about losing. The wooden spoon decider against Italy last year was a good example of this - Scotland put on their worst performance of the tournament in that game. Tonga last year was more of the same.

Scotland has to choose the best players available in their position, everything else is secondary. We cannot not choose a player because of possible psychological repercussions of a defeat and what bearing that might have in a future tournament.

I understand that but gambling on a player against the two teams whom we'll play our most important matches over the next five years could be ridiculous.

Is it a gamble though? Put another way, not playing that same player could be a gamble if he is likely to feature in those future matches. Surely the thing to keep sight of here is that the decision has to be made on rugby merit not fear of what might happen. That way madness lies my friend

There shouldn't be any "gambling" on this tour, but I really don't think picking Seymour over Lamont on the wing constitutes a "gamble".

Sure, Lamont is experienced in international rugby, but Seymour is hardly a spring chicken. Seymour has also played well this season in a Glasgow jersey, and given Lamont's transition to centre, has probably played on the wing more than Lamont this season.

A bigger gamble would be to start Duncan Taylor. My view is that he isn't ready, but given the lengthy debate I had on this matter with IBD the other day, I'd be telling fibs if I didn't say I wasn't mildly curious to see him in a Scotland jersey.

As for the psychological advantage of winning these games, I wouldn't make too much of that. Things will be different in two years time, the teams and players will no doubt evolve, and this is a summer tour. I don't think we should be too concerned about anything other than getting the best team available onto the pitch. I certainly wouldn't be going out there to "negate" Samoa, we should be going out there to attack and beat them. The more positive we play the better. The South Africa game will have a different dynamic, and we'll need to defend strongly for long periods no doubt, but we should be fearless against Samoa. That's not to disrespect them at all, but rather to seek to play our best attacking rugby. We have the players to do that now.

Never got this tournament never will

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

Pat_Mustard wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

I thought about that too, but it might work out that way anyway.But either way it is just a tournament in name, whoever you play, the aim is to win all three tests.

Biltong wrote:

Pat_Mustard wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

I thought about that too, but it might work out that way anyway.But either way it is just a tournament in name, whoever you play, the aim is to win all three tests.

Maybe Scotland and Italy didn't want to play each other again or perhaps a final would sell more tickets than a standard game. It could also be an attempt to replicate the pressures of knockout rugby and try to produce a more competitive game.

123456789 wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Pat_Mustard wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

I thought about that too, but it might work out that way anyway.But either way it is just a tournament in name, whoever you play, the aim is to win all three tests.

Maybe Scotland and Italy didn't want to play each other again or perhaps a final would sell more tickets than a standard game. It could also be an attempt to replicate the pressures of knockout rugby and try to produce a more competitive game.

i think you may just be right about "creating" a tournament environment. After all they are having this in preparation of the RWC.

Why is it that some teams can constantly perform in a league format but come to crunch one off playoff games or finals they continue to falter?

It's a different mentality and requires a lot more mental strength to put it together on that day... Rather than say, we may have some good games some bad games but overall our talent will bring us through.

Tournaments like this is good for rugby and teams planning towards world cups.

Don't agree with this Seymour chat - he started the season well but has barely played after the 6n. Plus Lamont has been an integral part of the Glasgow team and we need his experience and physicality to help what will hopefully be a few new caps.

he is definitely the form winger just now, even if he has been playing centre!

Anyone else noticed that Ali Williams has retired from the ABs. Potential Embra signing? Given Mossy's tour down under as an 'ambassador" and that he has a Borders mum?

Biltong wrote:

123456789 wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Pat_Mustard wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

I thought about that too, but it might work out that way anyway.But either way it is just a tournament in name, whoever you play, the aim is to win all three tests.

Maybe Scotland and Italy didn't want to play each other again or perhaps a final would sell more tickets than a standard game. It could also be an attempt to replicate the pressures of knockout rugby and try to produce a more competitive game.

i think you may just be right about "creating" a tournament environment. After all they are having this in preparation of the RWC.

Mainly because of all the reason above, the whole table just seems complicating. Also why those 4 nations in particular.

Also when I think of it and look at that team Samoa deserve to be in a competitive competition at a higher level. Like the Rugby Championship. Out of those names just look at this team.
1. Mulipolo
2. Ti'Paulo
3.Cencus Johnston (or James)
4.Fil Paulo
5.Tekori
6.Leo
7. Fa'assavalo
8. Alafoti Fa'osiliva (very good 7's player if you havent's heared of him)

9.Kahn
10.Tusi Pisi
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. George Pisi
13. Johnny Leota
14. Ken Pisi
15. Paul Williams
Might just be me but looks like a competitive team to me, especially with that pack. Pure power and a strong scrum.

Jhamer25 wrote:

Biltong wrote:

123456789 wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Pat_Mustard wrote:

Biltong wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Never got this tournament never will

what don't you get?

I do wonder myself why they didn't just make the final round of matches South Africa vs Samoa and Scotland vs Italy, that way everyone would play everyone else and the team top of the table would win. Seems a bit odd to do it this way, not that I really mind.

I thought about that too, but it might work out that way anyway.But either way it is just a tournament in name, whoever you play, the aim is to win all three tests.

Maybe Scotland and Italy didn't want to play each other again or perhaps a final would sell more tickets than a standard game. It could also be an attempt to replicate the pressures of knockout rugby and try to produce a more competitive game.

i think you may just be right about "creating" a tournament environment. After all they are having this in preparation of the RWC.

Mainly because of all the reason above, the whole table just seems complicating. Also why those 4 nations in particular.

Samoa, SA and Scotland are all in the same pool for the RWC 2015, the other two teams are yet to qualify, I suppose Italy had nowhere else to tour so they were invited to complete the pool rehearsel for the RWC.

RDW_Scotland wrote:
he is definitely the form winger just now, even if he has been playing centre!

Now you're just being funny

Does anyone know if this will be available on terrestrial TV in the UK? Or am I going to have to watch it on a dodgy feed via the interwebz?

SRU just announced on Twitter that Sky Sports are showing it.

I guess I'll be at Waxy's then...

Thank god my parent's haven't got rid of our Sky Sports yet then!

The only players in our squad that represent a gamble are Taylor and Murchie. And Murchie's only a gamble because Tonks is better.

All of MacArthur, Horne, Dunbar and Swinson have played serious Heineken Cup matches and are ready for international play. I have no doubt about that. I would so, so much rather lose all of our games and find out about new players than scrape a 3-0 with a dull defensive and kicking game.

Look at the 23 England has just listed against the Ba-bas. Now that's the sort of stones I want to see with our selections.

RDW_Scotland wrote:SRU just announced on Twitter that Sky Sports are showing it.

Something useful has been announced on tw@tter? First time for everything I suppose.

There are plenty of useful things on Twitter – it doesn’t have the nudity filters that Facebook does!

RDW_Scotland wrote:There are plenty of useful things on Twitter – it doesn’t have the nudity filters that Facebook does!

So that's why Radge is on it...

Biltong wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Really wish I was going Bilt.

What do you think of the Boks squad? All of the French based players out, I see. Presumably you believe that just putting the Cheetahs 23 out would be enough to win it? We have highlighed Oosthuizen, Etzebeth, Coetzee and Alberts in the pack, and Hougaard, de Jongh, Aplon and Willie le Roux as the Saffer players which will necessitate the average Scotland fan wearing their finest asbestos underpants.

Would you agree?

Edit: Think you've just answered with the post above.

You should come George, even if only for the last weekend, the matches aren't far from me, you can sleep on the coach (I have an extra mattress as well.

You don't need money for food or accommodation, just pay for your flight.

Thanks for the offer Bilt - it would go down as the greatest Mrs GC Pass of all time if I could pull that off. Unfortunately Her Feistiness is offering less favourable terms than was once the case.

George Carlin wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:There are plenty of useful things on Twitter – it doesn’t have the nudity filters that Facebook does!

So that's why Radge is on it...

jeez I've been representing Scotland (for the 1st time) at model boat building and racing and came in 2nd out of 20 and my name is still getting slandered!



check out my twitter for the pics!