Scotland XV for Autumn Internationals

by bsando Wed 02 Oct 2013, 1:48 pm

First topic message reminder :

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 Wink

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:39 pm

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:39 pm

How many did he score?

Prediction......

Scotland 28 - 9 Japan (what will probably happen in reality)

However, it should be:

Scotland 43 - <single figure> Japan

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:40 pm

Would've been more if angel

was playing!

by Tramptastic Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:41 pm

41-7 De Luca to get a hat-trick - albeit accidentally

by **George Carlin** Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:43 pm

I have nothing to contribute to this thread in terms of rugby discussions but I do want to say (a) welcome to all newbies and (b) I am currently in Mahe, Seychelles on holiday.

by GLove39 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:45 pm

Big Sean was feeling generous that day Tattie, so only got the 1 unlike that selfish showoff Paterson who ran in a hatrick. Must say wish I'd seen the game in 04, the match report makes for amusing reading. Both Parks & Morrison got tries that day as well!!!

by jimbopip Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:53 pm

Unless we do a Tonga, you know when you've been Tonga'd, then it should be a fairly routine win.
The problem with that is; we go ahead early- no pressure on Ford who then hits every jumper at every lineout- Big Al dominates every lineout-Dozer blasts holes in a disorganised fringe defence - Kellybrows and Strokes clear out every ruck and Ruaridh has so much time and space he has a blinder- De Luca gets put into gaps and scores a hat-trick. Would this, albeit very pleasing scenario, actually tell us anything about the players mentioned? Not if they don't play in either of the next two matches. However Rab C has indicated that everyone will get a turn so it's very probable they wont.
So Kellock has a blinder and then we go R.Gray and Big Jim against the Boks and then Gilchrist & Wee Jonny against the Wallabies. Would we be any the wiser?
On the plus side... you're never bored with Rab's selections

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:54 pm

George Carlin wrote:I have nothing to contribute to this thread in terms of rugby discussions but I do want to say (a) welcome to all newbies and (b) I am currently in Mahe, Seychelles on holiday.

You have the gall to come on here and post that, GC?!?! steam

Enjoy yer break, bud, hope you get to see the match

by jimbopip Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:56 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
George Carlin wrote:I have nothing to contribute to this thread in terms of rugby discussions but I do want to say (a) welcome to all newbies and (b) I am currently in Mahe, Seychelles on holiday.
You have the gall to come on here and post that, GC?!?!
I concur with the scarlet wolverine/human hybrid.

Enjoy yer break, bud, hope you get to see the match

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 07 Nov 2013, 5:57 pm

jimbopip wrote:Unless we do a Tonga, you know when you've been Tonga'd, then it should be a fairly routine win.
The problem with that is; we go ahead early- no pressure in Ford who then hits every jumper I every lineout- Big Al dominates every lineout-Dozer blasts holes in a disorganised fringe defence - Kellybrows and Strokes clear out every ruck and Ruaridh has so much time and space he has a blinder- De Luca gets put into gaps and scores a hat-trick. Would this, albeit very pleasing scenario, actually tell us anything about the players mentioned? Not if they don't play in either of the next two matches. However Rab C has indicated that everyone will get a turn so it's very probable they wont.
So Kellock has a blinder and then we go R.Gray and Big Jim against the Boks and then Gilchrist & Wee Jonny against the Wallabies. Would we be any the wiser?
On the plus side... you're never bored with Rab's selections

This sums up my 'fear' precisely, J-pip - what happens if the 'last chance saloon' crew play blinders? Kind of difficult for RabC to take the shirt and give it to someone else?

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Thu 07 Nov 2013, 6:34 pm

Tramptastic wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Out of interest, what is the appeal in being a lurcker? I don’t come here to hear what other people have to say, I come here to get other people agreeing with my amazing opinions!
personally I've always seen this forum as a good way of getting peoples opinions on how various players performed in matches etc. The sort of stuff that often isn't really covered in any real depth by match reports on places like the BBC sport website. I was put off actually joining in on here by certain posters just looking to derail every topic they can, but it seems you can avoid that by staying away from certain topics!
If you stick to the Scottish posts or anything written/involving Biltong you are probably gonna be fine apart from the occasional keyboard warrior actions of schiz when/if you mention any of the following; De Luca, Robinson, Edinburgh, De Luca, Ford when he plays bad, how poorly Kellock plays in a Scotland shirt (according to the weegies he's the best thing since unsliced bread), Edinburgh (the city not the rugby team) and the DTH vs Visser question...

I resemble that remark most totally ! Whistle

by reallybored Thu 07 Nov 2013, 8:22 pm

jimbopip wrote: "Territory is king" Then bring back Dan Parks no one does territory like the Dark Lord of Tactical Kicking. Is that what you want, Really? No, so let's run the bloody thing. Ruaridh is the future, along with off-loading centres.

Can't remember which analysis it was I watched but it showed that the All Blacks kicked more territory than anyone else in rugby championship. Obviously they're fantastic at taking chances and willing to counter if it's on but when it's not they play position and keep the pressure on the opposition. Happy to wait, keep the opposition in their half, build a score and punish them when the pressure gets too much.

All to often we make a mistake trying to play between half-way and our 22" then end up scampering back and defending our line. Or repeatedly going from side to side making no ground before running out of support and losing the ball just past halfway.

Thump it long and make them deal with it; either they deal with it really well and score a length of the pitch try or clear well but we still get the ball back around halfway, or badly and we get a chance a hell of a lot closer.

Personally I'd like to see Weir at 10 long-term, doesn't attack the line as well as Jackson but he can boss a game with his boot, we've got a good set-piece so lets use it. There's plenty of fire-power out-wide to score tries but I'd prefer to see them running at the oppositions 22" rather than the halfway line.

I'm all for running rugby and scoring tries but that doesn't mean you need to run it from everywhere.

Plus, the easiest way to stop the opposition scoring is by keeping them as far away from the try line as possible.

by jimbopip Thu 07 Nov 2013, 8:38 pm

Really, thanks for the coherent and astute comments. They can be summed up in two words, however: Sean Lineen.
What you described is very much the philosophy he espoused at Glasgow. It works very well up to a point but in its own way is as joyless and unrewarding as Gatlandball. It is successful until you meet a team who are just as proficient and then you have to play some rugby, but that has been coached out of your players and then you really are Friar Tucked. I will grant you that the AB's play a lot of territory but they still have the instinct to play creatively and expansively when it suits them.
Lineen's Glasgow or Toonie the 4% Muppetman's?
I know which team I would rather watch.

by reallybored Thu 07 Nov 2013, 8:53 pm

Jimbo, Lineen gave Glasgow the steel that makes them tough to beat and grind out wins. Without the ability to do that they would not be sitting 2nd in the league currently.

The rugby Townsend had them playing towards the end of last season was exceptional but Scotland don't have the spark that Glasgow have. Matawalu.

We've got some great fantastic attacking players, the best batch in at least a decade, particularly Scott, Visser, Maitland and Hogg. But at International level you can't just throw it around willynilly as if it's a game of 7s and expect to win the majority of your test matches, especially without Niko.

I'd prefer to watch a Scotland team winning.

How many of O'Driscoll's tries have come from his own half?

by MacKnocked-on Thu 07 Nov 2013, 9:55 pm

Another brilliant win for Scotland in the League World Cup tonight, remaining unbeaten with a chance of making the quarter finals. Matt Russell man of the match, come on SRU offer that man a Union contract

by GLove39 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:04 pm

Excellent stuff. Liking the sound of this Matt Russell, wonder if he fancies swapping Warrington for a Stockbridge flat & some beige chinos?

by MacKnocked-on Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:13 pm

GLove39 wrote:Excellent stuff. Liking the sound of this Matt Russell, wonder if he fancies swapping Warrington for a Stockbridge flat & some beige chinos?

Great player but not the chino type I fancy. Seriously though, he is a very very good finisher, would certainly score lots of tries in Union.

by GLove39 Thu 07 Nov 2013, 10:26 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:
GLove39 wrote:Excellent stuff. Liking the sound of this Matt Russell, wonder if he fancies swapping Warrington for a Stockbridge flat & some beige chinos?
Great player but not the chino type I fancy. Seriously though, he is a very very good finisher, would certainly score lots of tries in Union.

Ahhhh, more a sort of plus fours chap then?
Well hopefully in time he can be coaxed across codes.

by TheLittleScot Fri 08 Nov 2013, 12:09 am

Hello guys, since we are all stepping out of the lurking closet, I should as well.

I used to post and create the odd article back on the BBC original 606 website but with the arrival of my son, I stepped into obscurity.

As another exile in London, I think it is time to join in the debate here as not many in the office had much to say about Glasgow v Connacht last weekend!

I am feeling pretty chipper about Scots rugby in general at the moment.

Just to show how far we have come in recent years - check out the Scottish centre combinations in this debacle in 2007;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6430077.stm

A Di Rollo and Dewey partnership with Henderson to come on and add some sparkle. Good times........

by GLove39 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 3:43 am

Welcome LittleScot Hug

Great to have another Scottish poster, our ranks have swelled suddenly these past few days.

As for that centre combination, well that brings back some pretty grim memories! But please don't slag off Andy 'Hatrick' Henderson!

by TJ Fri 08 Nov 2013, 7:57 am

I want Weir to get some proper gametime this series. I think he is the long term answer and tis should be his chance to show it.His kicking from hand is superior to Jackson but he can also run and pass if not maybe with the sprinkle of Jackson at his best.

I am genuinely excited at the prospects for Scotland.

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 8:14 am

Just going back to the summer tour, just read in the Scotsman that our last game against SA is outside the irb test window, so we are going to be without all players not based in Scotland.

So no Murray, Gray, Hamilton, strokosh, brown, Barclay, Denton (if Leicester bound) and SG.

We could still field a decent team just from Edinburgh and Glasgow, but we may be struggling with injuries by that stage as it is the last game of the season - might be onto a hiding with this one.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 08 Nov 2013, 8:36 am

Welcome Little Scott Hug

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:20 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Out of interest, what is the appeal in being a lurcker? I don’t come here to hear what other people have to say, I come here to get other people agreeing with my amazing opinions!
I expect many find the wit and intelligence of us Edinburgh fans rather intimidating......

Man they are like termites this lurking crew. I sometimes lurk, not through choice mostly but rather by design. I'm often away from a keyboard and typing out on a Kindle or a phone isn't great.

Mind you my uncooth and vulgar typing skills on a keyboard aren't much better. Lurking becomes an option when others have said it it best is another reason. I can't justify coming on and typing "yeh I agree lol" (as per the how to behaveon an internet forum rule book).

Click on the link for an education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_cFgbcssc

As for a prediction I'm going for Scotland 42-7 Japan

P.S. A lot of new guys here posting, great to see! Hug

by Majestic83 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:22 am

MacKnocked-on wrote:Another brilliant win for Scotland in the League World Cup tonight, remaining unbeaten with a chance of making the quarter finals. Matt Russell man of the match, come on SRU offer that man a Union contract

Agreed, Matt Russell would be excellent in union. Great speed and acceleration and certainly knows his way to the try line. Only 21 as well so got a big future ahead of him. Another winger who would have been in the Scotland RL squad is a guy called James McManus who plays for Newcastle Knights in the NRL and has played Origin for New South Wales. He was born in Banff and moved to oz when he was 7 or 8. Looks a very good wing/outside centre and would be worth having a word with as well, looks a bit in the Alan Tait style when i've seen him play.

by Solid8 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:29 am

[quote="BigGee"]

RDW_Scotland wrote:I actually started blogging on a cycling fourm first. Cycling being my other pasion and as my playing days are many years behind me, my main activity these days. In that forum there is the banter and the wit and the skill of the blogging without the national and international rivilaries obscuring things at times. This is definitely a step up and you are right, more of a bear pit at times. Hopefully I am ready for it now!

BigGee, what cycling forum do you post on?

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:30 am

TheLittleScot wrote:

A Di Rollo and Dewey partnership with Henderson to come on and add some sparkle. Good times........

Ah Di Rollo, how he ever got a contract with Toulouse I'll never know!

Seen the comments from Cotter (BBC sport website, not allowed to post a link due to being a devious ex lurker), looks like he's been doing his homework, hopefully won't take him too long to settle in when he finally starts work

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:30 am

Who does Matt Russell play for? If it is a big RL team, would he want to move to Union?

I'm assuming he'd go to Glasgow though, Edinburgh don't need another winger as we already have Lee Jones... picard

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:32 am

Currently at Warrington, I believe, previously with Wigan

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:33 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Currently at Warrington, I believe, previously with Wigan

A regular starter?

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:34 am

It astounds me that the SRU haven't followed suit of the English by signing talented league players (mind you, in the past Scotland have been utter Poopie). Guys like Henderson, Brough and Russell are excellent players (Brough being the current Man of Steel).

The most impressive thing about Scotland's preformance last night was the mental attitude after going 8-0 down. They came out in the second half and basically blew the Americans away over a 12 minute period.

The Scots union team usually wait until the last 5 minutes to start playing (when they're losing) but by then, it's too late.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:34 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Currently at Warrington, I believe, previously with Wigan
A regular starter?

Defo

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 9:37 am

Just trying to think what would lure him to Scottish rugby, other than maybe throwing loads of money with him.

Gonna have to catch up on these Scotland RL games - they sound really exciting and the players seem to be pretty talented. Probably because hardly any of them were developed in Scotland!

by R!skysports Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:05 am

Oh my

Southwell; S Lamont, Di Rollo, Dewey, Paterson (captain); Parks

That is a back line to send a chill down the spine of many a Scotsman,

What they lack in pace, flair, passing, handling, tackling, step, rugby knowledge and ability they at least make up by being retired from the International game.. (S L excluded)

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:09 am

Riskysports wrote:Oh my

Southwell; S Lamont, Di Rollo, Dewey, Paterson (captain); Parks

That is a back line to send a chill down the spine of many a Scotsman,

What they lack in pace, flair, passing, handling, tackling, step, rugby knowledge and ability they at least make up by being retired from the International game.. (S L excluded)

Never mind a chill down the spine vomit

We are sitting here ripping into these guys but the sad truth is they were the best available at the time.

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:24 am

That is all the evidence required to back up that Scotland have improved over the last few years.

As that ersehole Al Gore would say - the science is now closed.

by R!skysports Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:43 am

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:That is all the evidence required to back up that Scotland have improved over the last few years.

As that ersehole Al Gore would say - the science is now closed.

While the back line certainly looks like it is better - it now needs to prove it

It is all very well have an exciting back line on paper - but until Scotland start winning games and getting to the business end of the 6 nations, it will mean squat

We have to be very careful not to fall into the trap some of the other teams in the 6 nations do (Not naming any, as do not want to start that debate) of bigging up players before they have proved themselves - it shows a lack of class and tends to throw egg in our faces

Now is the time for Scotland to stand up and stop being an embarrassment (which our performances over the last 10 years have been), so that we can be proud to walk into the bar as winners

Go Scotland...

by MacKnocked-on Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:47 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Just trying to think what would lure him to Scottish rugby, other than maybe throwing loads of money with him.

Gonna have to catch up on these Scotland RL games - they sound really exciting and the players seem to be pretty talented. Probably because hardly any of them were developed in Scotland!

The wages on offer in League are generally far smaller than those in Union I believe so finance shouldn't really be an issue. I think Matt Russell would have the same impact on the Scotland Union team that Alan Tait did in his playing days, he would score tries no problem and defensively he's pretty solid like most League players.

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:49 am

I dunno Risky

The previous problem was scoring tries - which Scotland does now on a regular basis.

3rd last year in the 6N. Definite improvement.

I've said before and I'll say it again. Scotland have the players - they need to work on their mental side now and build consistency. In short, play every game with maximum intensity and desire to win at all costs.

Walloping Japan, beating Australia and losing to SA (just) would be a fairly successful AIs - and should be expected if we've any ambition to do well in the next WC.

by R!skysports Fri 08 Nov 2013, 10:56 am

Tattie

I am not convinced we are scoring tries on a regular basis yet - we only scored 7 in the last 6 nations, and most were in the first 2 games (6 of them)

If we beat 2 of the AI and come 3rd of better in the 6 nations, I will say we are turning a corner

I think I have lived through too many false dawns and have been worn down ....

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:05 am

Aren't you forgetting the ones scored in the Summer too?

It is a regular occurence, both at regional and International level.

Put it this way - 3-4 years ago it was 'are we going to get the penalties for CP to kick and get the points???'

The glass is defo half full pal!

by teh_Dingmeister Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:36 am

[quote="reallybored"][quote="jimbopip"] "Territory is king" Then bring back Dan Parks no one does territory like the Dark Lord of Tactical Kicking. Is that what you want, Really? No, so let's run the bloody thing. Ruaridh is the future, along with off-loading centres.[/quote]Can't remember which analysis it was I watched but it showed that the All Blacks kicked more territory than anyone else in rugby championship. Obviously they're fantastic at taking chances and willing to counter if it's on but when it's not they play position and keep the pressure on the opposition. Happy to wait, keep the opposition in their half, build a score and punish them when the pressure gets too much.

All to often we make a mistake trying to play between half-way and our 22" then end up scampering back and defending our line. Or repeatedly going from side to side making no ground before running out of support and losing the ball just past halfway.

Thump it long and make them deal with it; either they deal with it really well and score a length of the pitch try or clear well but we still get the ball back around halfway, or badly and we get a chance a hell of a lot closer.

Personally I'd like to see Weir at 10 long-term, doesn't attack the line as well as Jackson but he can boss a game with his boot, we've got a good set-piece so lets use it. There's plenty of fire-power out-wide to score tries but I'd prefer to see them running at the oppositions 22" rather than the halfway line.

I'm all for running rugby and scoring tries but that doesn't mean you need to run it from everywhere.

Plus, the easiest way to stop the opposition scoring is by keeping them as far away from the try line as possible.[/quote]
Since I'm generally in Hongkers during the summer I've been able to watch most of the Rugby Championship games and can confirm that the ABs do kick any ball which they deem to be too slow to effectively counter on. So much so that Israel Dagg during many of the games didn't need to really inject himself into the backline much and merely returned any aimless kicks to him with added interest with the boot.

It seemed to me that Scotland during the latter stages of the 6 nations were attempting to use a similar tactic which led to much shouting at the screen as Laidlaw seemed to box kick every time we had possession (particularly in that game against France..). We aren't as a good a counter-attacking side as NZ and whilst Hogg does give us a big boot from the back (when available), his spiral punts tend to be slightly wayward. We need to recognise that slow ball is no good to attack from unless we can quickly generate quick ball from it but not be so obsessed with it that we kick away any ball that we have. Some of the possession stats for Scotland during the last 6Ns were just ridiculous... (in a negative sense)

by teh_Dingmeister Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:39 am

Also.. could someone please give me hints on how to get the quotes to work properly

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:41 am

teh_Dingmeister wrote:Also.. could someone please give me hints on how to get the quotes to work properly

Click quote, and make sure everything you write is outside of the very last [/quote] box

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:58 am

Alternatively, just make sure that your text in reply/quoting doesn't interfere with "[ quote ]... [ /quote ]" and you'll be grand

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 11:59 am

Yeah you're not quite getting it...which editor are you using? i.e. the one that is the yellow boxes or the one with the [quote] boxes?

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 12:01 pm

If it is the one with the yellow box just ensure you type outside the yellow box. if it is the one with the
[quote.]boxes just make sure you type after that last bit of text that says [/quote].

by teh_Dingmeister Fri 08 Nov 2013, 12:10 pm

the quote boxes.. haven't seen a yellow box so far. Feel free to delete my posts as well if they're just clogging up the board

by GLove39 Fri 08 Nov 2013, 12:11 pm

Here's the Japanese team for Saturday.

Japan: 15 Ayumu Goromaru,
14 Toshiaki Hirose (c),
13 Male Sau,
12 Craig Wing,
11 Kenki Fukuoka,
10 Kosei Ono,
9 Fumiaki Tanaka,

8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani,
7 Michael Broadhurst,
6 Hendrik Tui,
5 Shinya Makabe,
4 Luke Thompson,
3 Kensuke Hatakeyama,
2 Shota Horie,
1 Masataka Mikami.

Replacements: 16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Yusuke Nagae, 18 Hiroshi Yamashita, 19 Hitoshi Ono, 20 Takashi Kikutani, 21 Atsushi Hiwasa, 22 Yu Tamura, 23 Yoshikazu Fujita.

Gotta be honest bar their scrum half & their openside, who really stood out against Wales in the summer, I don't recognise any of these players. Anyone able to shed any light?

by **RDW** Fri 08 Nov 2013, 12:13 pm

GLove39 wrote:Here's the Japanese team for Saturday.

Japan: 15 Ayumu Goromaru,
14 Toshiaki Hirose (c),
13 Male Sau,
12 Craig Wing,
11 Kenki Fukuoka,
10 Kosei Ono,
9 Fumiaki Tanaka,

8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani,
7 Michael Broadhurst,
6 Hendrik Tui,
5 Shinya Makabe,
4 Luke Thompson,
3 Kensuke Hatakeyama,
2 Shota Horie,
1 Masataka Mikami.

Replacements: 16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Yusuke Nagae, 18 Hiroshi Yamashita, 19 Hitoshi Ono, 20 Takashi Kikutani, 21 Atsushi Hiwasa, 22 Yu Tamura, 23 Yoshikazu Fujita.

Gotta be honest bar their scrum half & their openside, who really stood out against Wales in the summer, I don't recognise any of these players. Anyone able to shed any light?

Surely their number 12 is playing in the wrong position? Run

by Sponsored content