Scotland XV for Autumn Internationals

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Right let's get down to business shall we?!

9/11/13
Scotland vs Japan
KO - 2.30pm

17/11/13
Scotland vs South Africa
KO - 3pm

23/11/13
Scotland vs Australia
KO - 6pm

First of all, the schedule for these three matches is super. Unlike last few years, Scotland will play a less formidable team first before two tough matches against SA and Aus. SA are on a roll at the moment and will be a good, stern test for Scotland before Australia. Injuries may be an issue however as we saw in the summer.

If Scotland beat Australia that will make it 3 wins in a row vs the Wallabies which would be a fantastic achievement. But obviously wins over any of these three teams will be great.

Players

Backs M Bennett (Glasgow), C Cusiter (Glasgow), De Luca (Edinburgh), A Dunbar (Glasgow), M Evans (Castres), T Heathcote (Bath), R Jackson (Glasgow), S Lamont (Glasgow), G Laidlaw (Edinburgh), S Maitland (Glasgow), H Pyrgos (Glasgow), M Scott (Edinburgh), T Seymour (Glasgow), D Taylor (Saracens), G Tonks (Edinburgh), T Visser (Edinburgh), D Weir (Glasgow).
Forwards J Barclay (Scarlets), J Beattie (Montpellier), K Brown (Saracens), B Cowan (London Irish), G Cross (Edinburgh), D Denton (Edinburgh), A Dickinson (Edinburgh), R Ford (Edinburgh), C Fusaro (Glasgow), G Gilchrist (Edinburgh) R Grant (Glasgow), J Gray (Glasgow), R Gray (Castres), J Hamilton (Montpellier), R Harley (Glasgow), A Kellock (Glasgow), S Lawson (Newcastle), K Low (London Irish), M Low (Glasgow), P MacArthur (Glasgow), E Murray (Worcester), A Strokosch (Perpignan), T Swinson (Glasgow), J Welsh (Glasgow)

*Sorry for not updating this sooner. My girlfriend and I broke up a few weeks ago after four and a half years, three living together. I've been in a pretty bad place. However, I'm getting better and looking forward to these games so I'll continue to contribute when I can

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

BigGee wrote:Well I was born in Dumbarton and my dad is from Govan if that gives you any clues!

One of the better parts of being an exile however is that you are fairly free to support any Scottish side at any time particularly when they are doing well. You have to take it when it comes at the end of the day!

I couldn't agree more! I'm an Edinburgh boy living in London. All for one and one for all etc.

Absolutely with the cherry picking. I'm an Ayrshire boy who lived in London for 12 years and who now lives in the UAE.
 
And I can get misty eyed without paying any income tax. Bonus.

The UAE? I'm out in Dubai for a conference in April next year. Not looking forward to the heat...

April? Piece of p!ss. It doesn't get to 50 centigrade until July.
 
And you're going to Dubai, not Abu Dhabi (where I live). So you'll be too hammered to even notice the temperature.

Good to know. Cheers!

Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

It will also be interesting to see how NDL gets on with a proper 9, 10 and 12

no more excuses allowed

We will probably have to wait and judge this selection in the context of the whole series. I really hope that there is an element of 'horses for courses' going on here. You would imagine we will need a more physical pack for South Africa, so surely Hamilton and Gray (Snr) will return for that. Australia may well be the game for the speedy openside, so maybe that will be Fusaro's turn. That may well be the game we see Bennett and Gray (Jnr) as well. I certainly hope so!

Duncan Taylor, who has been in great form this year will surely start one game and we will see Dunbar as well if he is fit. I think he would have started this one if he had been.

I remain hopeful that there is a plan here.

Tramptastic wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Tramptastic wrote:I reckon that Johnson will throw players like Bennett and Gray Jr against SA- typical OZ attitude, if they can play against the best then they are ready, dont need to ease them in against Japan

I would be stunned if Gray Jr plays against South Africa. It would be an utterly ridiculous decision to play him in that game ahead of Gray, Swinson and Hamilton.

Gray Jnr on the bench? orrrr he throws him in against Australia - Hamilton not needed for Oz probably, not his kind of game! Need athleticism

It's possible, but judging by the Japan selection I think SJ sees Kellock out front ahead of Gray Jnr.

The "athletic" option for me would be Gray Snr and Swinson together, which is what I'd got for against Australia, with Gray Snr switching to the bench to allow Jim Hamilton to play against SA. The bench for the Australia game could be a good chance for Gray Jnr, but I reckon Kellock will be involved somewhere. He's good at coming on and shouting at everyone to work harder (they need to when he comes on).

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

BigGee wrote:Well I was born in Dumbarton and my dad is from Govan if that gives you any clues!

One of the better parts of being an exile however is that you are fairly free to support any Scottish side at any time particularly when they are doing well. You have to take it when it comes at the end of the day!

I couldn't agree more! I'm an Edinburgh boy living in London. All for one and one for all etc.

Absolutely with the cherry picking. I'm an Ayrshire boy who lived in London for 12 years and who now lives in the UAE.
 
And I can get misty eyed without paying any income tax. Bonus.

The UAE? I'm out in Dubai for a conference in April next year. Not looking forward to the heat...

April? Piece of p!ss. It doesn't get to 50 centigrade until July.
 
And you're going to Dubai, not Abu Dhabi (where I live). So you'll be too hammered to even notice the temperature.

Good to know. Cheers!

What's the difference between people from Abu Dhabi and Dubai?

People from Dubai don't like The Flintstones but people from Abu Dhabi Do!

 

That back line has 181 caps but only 18 tries between them....

Riskysports wrote:It will also be interesting to see how NDL gets on with a proper 9, 10 and 12

no more excuses allowed

Agreed - he can't afford a poor performance, and I suspect he'll know it. Far too many good options in the backs these days for there to be passengers.

Riskysports wrote:Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

At least there is a 7 on the bench this time. This was a hard one, Brown was the captain and has never really had a bad game for Scotland and Stroks was the man of the series in the summer. How do you choose? It may well be that they end up with a half each at 6 and then we will know more for the Boks!

Selection dilemmas are not necessarily a bad thing

RDW_Scotland wrote:That back line has 181 caps but only 18 tries between them....

Remember what Toonie says - "You don't need the ball or to score tries to win games.....quick, I need a window to lick"....

(or something to that effect)......

RDW_Scotland wrote:That back line has 181 caps but only 18 tries between them....

To be fair, half of those caps are for Slamont. And over half the tries.

I must admit I am quite surprised that you guys have not chosen to blood Blair Cowan in this match. I think going forward he could be a fantastic international.

BigGee wrote:

Riskysports wrote:Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

At least there is a 7 on the bench this time. This was a hard one, Brown was the captain and has never really had a bad game for Scotland and Stroks was the man of the series in the summer. How do you choose? It may well be that they end up with a half each at 6 and then we will know more for the Boks!

Selection dilemmas are not necessarily a bad thing

That's true. BigGee, but I'd prefer that he mdae a choice (and lived with it) rather than fudged, which is what this selection feels like. Dilemmas aren't a bad thing, totally agree, but again I'd prefer them to be solved prior to the match!

Riskysports wrote:Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

Risky, Apparently Matt Scott is also a 12

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

BigGee wrote:

Riskysports wrote:Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

At least there is a 7 on the bench this time. This was a hard one, Brown was the captain and has never really had a bad game for Scotland and Stroks was the man of the series in the summer. How do you choose? It may well be that they end up with a half each at 6 and then we will know more for the Boks!

Selection dilemmas are not necessarily a bad thing

That's true. BigGee, but I'd prefer that he mdae a choice (and lived with it) rather than fudged, which is what this selection feels like.  Dilemmas aren't a bad thing, totally agree, but again I'd prefer them to be solved prior to the match!

I could live with it if they are solved prior to the next match!

You are right though, it is a problem that needs to be sorted out

SirBurger wrote:I must admit I am quite surprised that you guys have not chosen to blood Blair Cowan in this match. I think going forward he could be a fantastic international.

So am I actually, SB. Johnson said that he wanted to "look at" a lot of players and I think that this meant that he wanted to see how they measured up in training. They will be kept in the squad (although I guess may be released back to their clubs?) in case of injury but you'd figure that blooding a new cap international against the Boks or Wallabies would be a bit mad, Ted.

What concerns me about Brown being picked at 7 is that this is no longer just a one off. Yes there have been injuries that have warranted him playing 7, but this suggest that he's viewing Brown as the 7 for the RWC?

I hope not...

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Tramptastic wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Tramptastic wrote:I reckon that Johnson will throw players like Bennett and Gray Jr against SA- typical OZ attitude, if they can play against the best then they are ready, dont need to ease them in against Japan

I would be stunned if Gray Jr plays against South Africa. It would be an utterly ridiculous decision to play him in that game ahead of Gray, Swinson and Hamilton.

Gray Jnr on the bench? orrrr he throws him in against Australia - Hamilton not needed for Oz probably, not his kind of game! Need athleticism

It's possible, but judging by the Japan selection I think SJ sees Kellock out front ahead of Gray Jnr.

The "athletic" option for me would be Gray Snr and Swinson together, which is what I'd got for against Australia, with Gray Snr switching to the bench to allow Jim Hamilton to play against SA. The bench for the Australia game could be a good chance for Gray Jnr, but I reckon Kellock will be involved somewhere. He's good at coming on and shouting at everyone to work harder (they need to when he comes on).

I dunno like, I still reckon this is a match where Johnson is saying to some of the elder statesmen (Kellock, Ford, Murray, Strokosch even) "play well and I mean like your career/life depends on it and you will be kept in mind for the world cup, play bad and I will never pick you again".

The new Blair article on bbc hints at inside knowledge that all the players will get a chance so Gray Jr to beat Oz single handed please!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Riskysports wrote:Well it seems that SJ has not learnt that the first rule of fight 606v2 club is not to play a player out of position

Did we not learn that Brown is a 6 and should play a 6 - he can play a 7 and play it well, but he is 6

Grrrrrr

Risky, Apparently Matt Scott is also a 12

And a pie not a stew with a lid....

RDW_Scotland wrote:What concerns me about Brown being picked at 7 is that this is no longer just a one off. Yes there have been injuries that have warranted him playing 7, but this suggest that he's viewing Brown as the 7 for the RWC?

I hope not...

At least he has Swinson at lock to help at the breakdown. Remember the horror show against England in the 6 Nations where we had Hamilton and Gray in the second row and Brown and Strokosch on the flanks. England destroyed us in the rucks and ran us off the park.

I could live with Strokosch and Brown on the flanks (it's not dissimilar to Wood and Robshaw for England) provided we have two mobile locks able to contribute (as England do with Lawes and Launchbury), which for me means Swinson and Richie Gray.

Ultimately it comes down to balance.

The issue with Brown at 7 is particularly why I am surprised that Cowan is not involved. Although he has mainly played at 6 or 8 for us, his style of play has been closest to that of a traditional openside. He does a hell of a lot of work at the breakdown and must be top of our turnover statistics. He is out-performing the Samoan in our side Treviranus, who as you may remember was fantastic over the Summer series, and also Chris Hala'Ufia, previously our most dangerous back-row forward.

Anyway, good news for us as I imagine he and Kieron Low will released and be available. We are very short of numbers in the back five of the pack at the moment.

I'm also concerned about our lack of speed in the pack - we're pretty much going to be 2nd to every breakdown. That backrow especially isn't the quickest.

Tramptastic wrote:I dunno like, I still reckon this is a match where Johnson is saying to some of the elder statesmen (Kellock, Ford, Murray, Strokosch even) "play well and I mean like your career/life depends on it and you will be kept in mind for the world cup, play bad and I will never pick you again".

Problem is you can soon run out of players with that approach!! For example I thought we were dreadful 1-15 against Tonga and England last AIs/start of the 6 Nations - that's a lot of players to rule out.

Even good players have bad games, or fail to thrive in the wrong combination/environment. Euan Murray has destroyed opposition scrums one week, then folded like a wet lettuce the next. Sometimes Hamilton looks a one man wrecking ball, and the next week he's wheezing away in the wrong half of the pitch trying to catch-up.

You also mentioned Ross Ford. Possibly the biggest offender in terms of consistency, but we certainly can't be ruling him out for ever if he doesn't play well against Japan. Pat MacArthur may well have a claim to start and has probably earned his chance, but behind MacArthur I think Ford would clearly be second choice. Dougie Hall, Steven Lawrie, Scott Lawson et al are a bit behind in my opinion, and none has played as well at any level as Ford has shown himself capable of.

I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Completely agree, it's all about form. The whole "last chance saloon" business is nonsense. On that basis we'd have discarded someone like Strokosch a long time ago, and yet his best performances in a Scotland jersey came in the summer.

It's where SJ has departed from picking on form that I have beef, as well as ignoring the specialist opensides (although I can understand that decision given the quality of the two blindsides available).

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Completely agree, it's all about form. The whole "last chance saloon" business is nonsense. On that basis we'd have discarded someone like Strokosch a long time ago, and yet his best performances in a Scotland jersey came in the summer.

It's where SJ has departed from picking on form that I have beef, as well as ignoring the specialist opensides (although I can understand that decision given the quality of the two blindsides available).

I can never understand the tought behind playing guys out of position. The only saving grace in this decision is Kelly Brown is such a pro that he can seemingly turn his hand to either side of the Scrum. His turnover strike rate in the 6N speaks for itself.

I like the Idea of Stroks and Brown on the flanks but just feel the balance would be better struck with Fusaro, Barclay or Rennie on the pitch.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

We're starting in Canada and working our way down, the finishing in SA.

I should also add that Cross on the bench ahead of Welsh seems a little off

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

We're starting in Canada and working our way down, the finishing in SA.

Mental. The squad will spend half the tour on the plane. Jet lag shouldn't be too bad though, only the two Atlantic crossings to worry about.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I should also add that Cross on the bench ahead of Welsh seems a little off

I have little confidence in either to be honest, but I'd have personally started with Welsh and had Murray on the bench, with Murray swapping for Cross for the SA game.

SJ must rate Cross more likely than Solomons does, as Cross has barely had a sniff all season for Edinburgh.

That said, Welsh should certainly feature in some capacity against SA with Murray away signing hymns.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

We're starting in Canada and working our way down, the finishing in SA.

Mental. The squad will spend half the tour on the plane. Jet lag shouldn't be too bad though, only the two Atlantic crossings to worry about.

Travel aside, I think it is a really good tour! Take a big squad, 2 tough but should be winnable games, and 2 really tough games that will be a big test.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

We're starting in Canada and working our way down, the finishing in SA.

Mental. The squad will spend half the tour on the plane. Jet lag shouldn't be too bad though, only the two Atlantic crossings to worry about.

Travel aside, I think it is a really good tour! Take a big squad, 2 tough but should be winnable games, and 2 really tough games that will be a big test.

Yeah, I love the fixture list. It's another chance to, as you say, take an extended squad and get more guys involved in the national set up.

It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

RDW_Scotland wrote:It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

I just hope we have enough players fit for the final game against SA. If the injury rate is as horrific as it was this summer, and if you factor in the usual end-of-season wear and tear, then we could be struggling again.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I'd prefer to see inexperienced, in form players being given a chance than out-of-sorts player being picked and told that they are in the last chance saloon, particularly against what will likely be our softest opposition until next summer

Who are we playing next summer?

Canada, USA, Argentina, South Africa - all in their home counties.

Really? I haven't seen any info on it. I knew we were playing South Africa, but trekking from there to S America to play Argentina and then N America to play the Yanks and the Canucks is a bit crazy.

We're starting in Canada and working our way down, the finishing in SA.

Mental. The squad will spend half the tour on the plane. Jet lag shouldn't be too bad though, only the two Atlantic crossings to worry about.

Travel aside, I think it is a really good tour! Take a big squad, 2 tough but should be winnable games, and 2 really tough games that will be a big test.

Yeah, I love the fixture list. It's another chance to, as you say, take an extended squad and get more guys involved in the national set up.

I couldn't disagree more, guys, sorry! Fair enough if the tour had been last summer, but that close to the next RWC is not the time for new blood other than in exceptional circumstances - we should instead be giving the chosen wider squad (let's say 30-32 players) who will, barring injury, be in the world cup squad, as much time together as we can

I'm not saying blood a load of new caps, but as sensible says, there are likely to be a lot of injuries so we will need a big squad - look at what happened last summer.

I would stick with my core team as much as possible for the 4 games, and only bring in players based on injuries or to give opportunities to other players.

Also worth noting that the squad flies out the day after the Rabbo final, so if Glasgow (or Edinburgh...   ) make it to the final chances are they might not all be picked for the first game against Canada.

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm not saying blood a load of new caps, but as sensible says, there are likely to be a lot of injuries so we will need a big squad - look at what happened last summer.

I would stick with my core team as much as possible for the 4 games, and only bring in players based on injuries or to give opportunities to other players.

Also worth noting that the squad flies out the day after the Rabbo final, so if Glasgow (or Edinburgh...   ) make it to the final chances are they might not all be picked for the first game against Canada.

Could Scotland even field a team without the Glasgow guys? And the French-based guys too, they may be involved in the T14 finals.

Dickinson, Ford, Murray
Gilchrist, ???
Brown, Denton, Barclay
Laidlaw
Heathcote
Scott, NDL,
Visser, Tonks, ???

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

I just hope we have enough players fit for the final game against SA. If the injury rate is as horrific as it was this summer, and if you factor in the usual end-of-season wear and tear, then we could be struggling again.

That's why Cross is in this match day 23. No way I would risk Welsh getting injured before the Boks.

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

I just hope we have enough players fit for the final game against SA. If the injury rate is as horrific as it was this summer, and if you factor in the usual end-of-season wear and tear, then we could be struggling again.

That's why Cross is in this match day 23. No way I would risk Welsh getting injured before the Boks.

Sorry, GC, but I just don't think that you get battle-hardened, which is what you need for the Bok onslaught, by sitting in the stands  

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

I just hope we have enough players fit for the final game against SA. If the injury rate is as horrific as it was this summer, and if you factor in the usual end-of-season wear and tear, then we could be struggling again.

That's why Cross is in this match day 23. No way I would risk Welsh getting injured before the Boks.

Sorry, GC, but I just don't think that you get battle-hardened, which is what you need for the Bok onslaught, by sitting in the stands  

Can't speak for GC, but I got the impression he was joking...

So when Scott Johnson was preaching about "building towards the world cup" this is what he had in mind? I'm all for picking on form but Kellock ahead of the Grays is ridiculous, if Kellock is still playing for Scotland in 2015 we'll have a serious issue same with NDL, he's on form but so is Bennett who'll almost definitely be starting by 2015. NDL has played for years and failed almost every time.

The geniuses on the Facebook comments are outdoing themselves today.

My particular favorite: "Where the hell is Hogg?? Is he injured? If not he should definitely be in at 13!"

I'm not joking - this laughing is going to kill me.

Oh GO ON THEN, I've been lurking for years but BigGee has rumbled me and got me out of my hiding place. I prob won't post much and still lurk, but why not.

It's prob brainwashing from you lot or just because it makes sense, but:

1. Kellock - just no
2. NDL - Sensible actually. He's outside some good players now, no excuses.
3. Pyrgos - someone mentioned it was a goalkick change, which makes sense. I'd rather have seen Cusiter anyway; I'd like to think we would be aiming for tries anyway.
4. Brown at 7 - just no. He's nowhere near as good there, what's the point? Shoehorning don't work, why does it happen so often at Intl level?
5. S Lamont is no longer injured? I'm happy about that, he is one of my favourite players.

Welcome ineffable!

You're not 'one of those' as well are you? (weegie)

Also, what does ineffable mean??

It's one of them big weegie words, RDW, yous won't understand - means 'I support a winning team' in the strict translation, altho sometimes shortened just to 'I am always right (apart from about de Useless)'

Ineffable wrote:Oh GO ON THEN, I've been lurking for years but BigGee has rumbled me and got me out of my hiding place. I prob won't post much and still lurk, but why not.

It's prob brainwashing from you lot or just because it makes sense, but:

1. Kellock - just no
2. NDL - Sensible actually. He's outside some good players now, no excuses.
3. Pyrgos - someone mentioned it was a goalkick change, which makes sense. I'd rather have seen Cusiter anyway; I'd like to think we would be aiming for tries anyway.
4. Brown at 7 - just no. He's nowhere near as good there, what's the point? Shoehorning don't work, why does it happen so often at Intl level?
5. S Lamont is no longer injured? I'm happy about that, he is one of my favourite players.

Welcome. Lurketh ye nae mair.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:It's also the last tour before the RWC so 4 games is probably a good idea, as it is only the Ais and one more 6N after that.

I just hope we have enough players fit for the final game against SA. If the injury rate is as horrific as it was this summer, and if you factor in the usual end-of-season wear and tear, then we could be struggling again.

That's why Cross is in this match day 23. No way I would risk Welsh getting injured before the Boks.

Sorry, GC, but I just don't think that you get battle-hardened, which is what you need for the Bok onslaught, by sitting in the stands  

Can't speak for GC, but I got the impression he was joking...

i was joking, but I completely forgot that tone doesn't really carry over onto internet forums.