Ireland vs Scotland

by **George Carlin** Mon 27 Jan 2014, 6:34 am

First topic message reminder :

Ireland v Scotland

Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Sunday, 2 Feb 2014
Kick-off: 15:00

Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU)
Assistant referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistant referee: Mike Fraser (NZR)
TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)

A. Squads

1. Ireland

Backs:
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster), Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster), Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster), Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster), Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster), Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht), Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster), Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster), David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster), Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster), Ian Keatley (Young Munster/Munster), Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht) *, Luke Marshall (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster), Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster), Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

Forwards:
Rodney Ah You (Buccaneers/Connacht) *, Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution/Munster), Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster), Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues) *, Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Robbie Diack (Malone/Ulster) *, Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster), Rob Herring (Ballynahinch/Ulster) *, David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster), Mike McCarthy (Leinster), Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) *, Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster) *, Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster), Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster), Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster), Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster), Damien Varley (Garryowen/Munster)

* Uncapped player

2. Scotland

Forwards:
John Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford (all Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Grant, Jonny Gray (both Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Kieran Low (London Irish), Moray Low, Pat MacArthur (both Glasgow Warriors), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson (both Glasgow Warriors).

Backs:
Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres), Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby), Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Lamont (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors).

B. Head To Head

127 Played 127
57 Wins 65
65 Losses 57
5 Draws 5
203 Tries 210
104 Conversions 109
111 Penalties 131
17 Drop Goals 38
1,344 Points 1,303

C. Recent Form

24 February 2013
Scotland 12–8 Ireland

10 March 2012
Ireland 32–14 Scotland

27 February 2011
Scotland 18–21 Ireland

D. Teams

1. Ireland

Ireland vs Scotland - Page 2 Van10

15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 49
14. Dave Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) 2
13. Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) 128
12. Luke Marshall (Ballynahinch/Ulster) 4
11. Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) 50
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 38
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 22
1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 42
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 70
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 34
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 10
5. Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) (capt) 88
6. Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 19
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 9
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) 60

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 30
17. Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster) 3
18. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) *
19. Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster) 7
20. Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 2
21. Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster) 17
22. Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) 5
23. Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 21

* Denotes uncapped player

2. Scotland

Ireland vs Scotland - Page 2 Mark10

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps, 1 try, 5 points
13 Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Duncan Taylor (Saracens) 6 caps
11 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 82 caps, 12 tries, 60 points
10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps, 1 try, 2 conversions, 9 points
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 24 caps, 3 tries, 23 conversions, 54 penalties, 223 points
1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) 13 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 71 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps
4 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) 50 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) CAPTAIN 60 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 17 caps

Replacements:

16 Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 Richie Gray (Castres) 33 caps, 1 try, 5 points
20 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) 26 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
21 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 64 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
22 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) 16 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
23 Max Evans (Castres) 37 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

by **RDW** Tue 28 Jan 2014, 5:31 pm

Well in other news, my missus has gone to try a gym out tonight and apparently the Scotland rugby team are there.

Think it's fair to say it doesn't really matter what the gym is like or how ridiculously expensive it is - she'll be signing up straight away! Rolling Eyes

by funnyExiledScot Tue 28 Jan 2014, 5:35 pm

Plenty more fish in the sea RDW.....

by MacKnocked-on Tue 28 Jan 2014, 5:37 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:BigGee - mine neither. Were it dry and favourable conditions for running rugby then I'd swap Hamilton for Gray (putting Gilchrist on the bench) and Strokosch for Denton (putting Fusaro on the bench), however we must think about the conditions.

I'm not too bothered about the lineout. Ford can't throw anyway; we could have Matfield and Eales in the second row and the opposition flanker would still be cleaning up at the tail. I also don't think there's an issue with Gray calling the lineout. He's plenty experienced now and I've seen him take a lot of lineout ball in his career. I'm sure he and Ford could figure something out.

I'm going to let you in to the new lineout call I've devised for the Scotland team; 'Throw it to a teammate Ross!' ,pretty radical I know.

by jimbopip Tue 28 Jan 2014, 5:45 pm

Mac, you obviously underestimate the subtlety of Ross Ford's thought processes: everyone on the pitch is someone's teammate. Makes sense now doesn't it?

by funnyExiledScot Tue 28 Jan 2014, 5:51 pm

I think we're harsh on Ross Ford. By not understanding the calls, and being unable to execute them anyway, it makes it very difficult for lineout students like POC to read what's going on.

It must be extremely difficult to analyse the Scotland lineout beyond knowing that if you throw someone in the air, they have a greater chance of receiving the ball than the Scotland jumper.

The message to the backs should be simple. If you ever have the opportunity to take a quick lineout, take it!

by jimbopip Tue 28 Jan 2014, 6:09 pm

Similarly, the tightheads should be told "If you have the chance to head the ball out of the tunnel, do it."
We don't want to wear the poor boy out ,do we?

by funnyExiledScot Tue 28 Jan 2014, 6:16 pm

The onus is on Laidlaw. He needs to apply Shane Warne-esque spin on that ball so it shoots out the right side without requiring Ford to so much as move.

Against Munster Ford was badly exposed in the scrum. On two occassions it went straight through the tunnel and he didn't even move. I appreciate that he's trying to keep the scrum stable at the same time, but we need to perfect the old art of a clean strike.

Kenny Milne should spend some time with him. Back in the early 90's Milne perfected the art of hooking, leaving it to the scrum half and number 8 to deal with things at the back of the scrum. Even back then we had a comparatively small pack to other sides, so they knew the importance of securing the ball quickly before the opposition could get a shove on.

I'd also like to see Ford trying to hook against the strike. Assuming Joubert insists on a straight put in (and I suspect he will as it increases the chances of him being able to blow his whistle), there should be opportunities to get the ball back off the opposition scrum.

If only he wasn't required to hook and throw, Ross Ford would be some player.

by jimbopip Tue 28 Jan 2014, 6:22 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:

If only he wasn't required to hook and throw, Ross Ford would be some player.

In that respect I am the new Barry John. Apart from the running and tackling and passing ...and being Welsh obviously.

by tigertattie Tue 28 Jan 2014, 8:10 pm

Ireland are rightfully favourites for this game but with folk writing Scotland off so much it results in a wee thought in the back of my mind that actually Scotland may win this!

by Scratch Tue 28 Jan 2014, 8:46 pm

tigertattie wrote:Ireland are rightfully favourites for this game but with folk writing Scotland off so much it results in a wee thought in the back of my mind that actually Scotland may win this!

With poor weather in dublin - rain friday and forecast rain saturday - i think Ireland have a game on and Scotland will come out fighting......but can they actually take their chances and not defend like a sieve

by HawkTheSlayersRubbish Tue 28 Jan 2014, 8:48 pm

i agree tattie, in fact were ireland not massive favourites last time out as well? cant really use that game as a yard stick tho

by **RDW** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 8:02 am

Concerns over beattie (virus), Seymour ( dead leg) and Ross Rennie (he's in Bristol with his new club picard

)

The Scotsman throwing up a few selection hints too saying Gray is likely to return and the Backrow is going to be changed from the Aus game.

by RugbyFan182 Wed 29 Jan 2014, 8:21 am

Predicting a close one gonna be too close for comfort!!

by Irish Londoner Wed 29 Jan 2014, 8:40 am

I was at the game last season and Ireland contrived to chuck the game away - if we play like that again Scotland may have a chance on the other hand if we play like the NZ game.....

by **rodders** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 9:20 am

Didn't we chuck the NZ game away too?.... censored

by kiakahaaotearoa Wed 29 Jan 2014, 9:31 am

Sadly you'd have to say yes rodders. I still don't know how we won...

by **rodders** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 9:36 am

I can't understand everyone referencing the NZ game to support our championship credentials.

All that game proves is that we can play with huge intensity for 50mins. It was a massively encouraging performance but not one to navel gaze about or dine out on.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 29 Jan 2014, 9:41 am

rodders wrote:I'm surprised at the negativity from the scots - they have a good recent record against us. They've certainly got the pack to do well and have some dangerous runners in the 3/4's like Maitland and Hogg.

At half back I'd give us a clear edge but I definitely wouldn't be taking a home win for granted here - the Scots strengths in the lineout and breakdown could cause serious problems for Ireland. Schmidt hates committing men to the breakdown so this could be something Scotland will target.

rodders, Rab C Johnson has had the Scottish pack virtually ignoring breakdowns for the last wee while - so it could be some kind of hilarious Mexican standoff, with both sets of forwards looking at each other, reluctant to commit, while the ball bobbles around in the mud!

by jimbopip Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:09 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
rodders wrote:.

rodders, Rab C Johnson has had the Scottish pack virtually ignoring breakdowns for the last wee while - so it could be some kind of hilarious Mexican standoff, with both sets of forwards looking at each other, reluctant to commit, while the ball bobbles around in the mud!

That would explain the absence of Barclay and Rab C's reluctance to play Fusaro. It looks as if we'll allow them to recycle their ball uncontested in order to have lots of bulk in the narrow channels. Once you factor in the wind, rain and mud it doesn't look like being a flowing festival of rugby.

by **rodders** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:18 am

Forecast looks ok for Saturday does it not?

by **RDW** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:23 am

rodders wrote:Forecast looks ok for Saturday does it not?

Games on Sunday!

by geoff998rugby Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:30 am

Yep and forecast improving Very Happy

46° high
40° Low

Partly Cloudy
precipatation 15%

by **rodders** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:34 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
rodders wrote:Forecast looks ok for Saturday does it not?

Games on Sunday!

OK lets not get bogged down with details here.

by **RDW** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 10:36 am

by tigertattie Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:20 am

rodders wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
rodders wrote:Forecast looks ok for Saturday does it not?

Games on Sunday!

OK lets not get bogged down with details here.

It's not details the game will get bogged into. It's the mud

by **Notch** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:25 am

The SRU have done a rather nice graphic of the team for Sunday;

Scotland team:

by Captain_Sensible Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:25 am

Scotland team to play Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Sunday 2 February in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, kick-off 3pm

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps, 1 try, 5 points
13 Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Duncan Taylor (Saracens) 6 caps
11 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 82 caps, 12 tries, 60 points

10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps, 1 try, 2 conversions, 9 points
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 24 caps, 3 tries, 23 conversions, 54 penalties, 223 points

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) 13 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 71 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps
4 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) 50 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) CAPTAIN 60 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 17 caps

Substitutes

16 Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) 30 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 Richie Gray (Castres) 33 caps, 1 try, 5 points
20 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) 26 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
21 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 64 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
22 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) 16 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
23 Max Evans (Castres) 37 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

by nickj Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:30 am

Well, well, well. Wilson in and Taylor at 12. I'm pretty pleased

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:32 am

Not too much to complain about there. We always new that Grant-Ford-Low was the preferred front row option, with Dickinson-MacArthur-Cross coming off the bench, even tho Dr Geoff has had all of 6 seconds of rugby this season. Hamilton is either in for the conditions or cos he's the only one that knows the lineout call, but at least Gray snr can hopefully make a big impact off the bench. Wilson at blindside I did not see coming - is he in there to do all the stuff that Denton doesn't want to do? An odd one, I'll bow to others' views on whether that's an inspired selection or not, altho personally Harley would have got the nod from me as the extra lineout option/tackling machine. Denton is a lucky boy, Beattie maybe just hasn't done enough, and we all knew that Kellybrows would be Kelly Brown - 7, even fES, the last of the diehard Kelly Brown - 6 brigade! Meatball ahead of Rhubarb is perhaps a nod to his incumbency of the 10 shirt. A midfield of Taylor/Dunbar doesn't exactly scream creativity, but hopefully Scott will come on as a replacement to get some much needed gametime. Guess its between Scott and Laidlaw as to who is covering 10. No surprises in the back three, with Schlong the only experienced 11 after MacVisser, and the goblin has been in ok form at Castres so gets the bench slot

Braveheart

by **RDW** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:36 am

First thought - could be a lot worse! Generally happy with that.

Second though - Weir starting Yahoo

Third thought - would have thought Taylor and Dunbar would have been the other way round, but they must be looking to bring Matt Scott back in at 12.

Final though - Wilson at 6? Odd selection...

by reallybored Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:41 am

Pretty content with that team.

Back-row is only spot I'd query. But Wilson and Denton both carry well and Brown rarely lets us down.

Happy with the back-line and that's probably our most abrasive front-five.

Good bench too, would have preferred Seymour to Evans but he may have a knock.

by Majestic83 Wed 29 Jan 2014, 11:44 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:First thought - could be a lot worse! Generally happy with that.

Second though - Weir starting

Third thought - would have thought Taylor and Dunbar would have been the other way round, but they must be looking to bring Matt Scott back in at 12.

Final though - Wilson at 6? Odd selection...

Agreed very odd decision playing Wilson at 6, don't think he has been in great form since coming back from injury. Would have preferred Strokosh at 6 who is in good form in France at the moment.

Would have thought Dunbar would have been 12 and Taylor at 13. Dunbar is playing 12 at Glasgow. Taylor started the season at 12 at Sarries but in recent weeks has been at 13 and played some great stuff. They will be interchangeable during the game so will probably switch about.

Good decision on picking weir at 10 for this game. Conditions are probably going to be poor so will suit Weirs game better than Jackson.
Rest of the team looks pretty good, some decent impact to come on from the bench with Dickinson, Gray, Beattie, Cusiter and Scott.

Main concern is the backrow balance but should be a physical back row who will be able to scrap and be physical to compete with the Irish.

by MacKnocked-on Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:06 pm

Majestic83 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:First thought - could be a lot worse! Generally happy with that.

Second though - Weir starting

Third thought - would have thought Taylor and Dunbar would have been the other way round, but they must be looking to bring Matt Scott back in at 12.

Final though - Wilson at 6? Odd selection...

Agreed very odd decision playing Wilson at 6, don't think he has been in great form since coming back from injury. Would have preferred Strokosh at 6 who is in good form in France at the moment.

Would have thought Dunbar would have been 12 and Taylor at 13. Dunbar is playing 12 at Glasgow. Taylor started the season at 12 at Sarries but in recent weeks has been at 13 and played some great stuff. They will be interchangeable during the game so will probably switch about.

Good decision on picking weir at 10 for this game. Conditions are probably going to be poor so will suit Weirs game better than Jackson.
Rest of the team looks pretty good, some decent impact to come on from the bench with Dickinson, Gray, Beattie, Cusiter and Scott.

Main concern is the backrow balance but should be a physical back row who will be able to scrap and be physical to compete with the Irish.

I actually thought he played pretty well against Toulon, his work from the back of the retreating Glasgow scrum was good, he made some very good carries.

by **RDW** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:15 pm

Tell you what, we really are in a good position in terms of second row selection if Richie Gray can't even get a starting spot - who would have thought that would ever happen a couple of years ago??

Personally I don't think Hamilton really adds enough compared to our other options, and the penalty count is a real problem, but it sounds like either him or Kellock simply have to play or else no one can call the lineout!

The sooner Swinson or Gray learn to call the lineout the better.

by tigertattie Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:22 pm

Not too bad. Geared up for ten man rugby with Maitland and hogg going to be used as counter attackers.

Issues though

In the mud (possible mud) we don't have a chopper. Kelly brows is going to need to do some hard graft.

Hamilton in the mud could be a right penalty liability. A swinson/Gray combo would have been preferred. One needs to learn the calls ASAP.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:23 pm

Oh god......

Here comes my unjustified optimisim again.

God damn it!

steam

by **profitius** Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:26 pm

I don't think bad weather is expected on Sunday. Just wondering why everyone presumes it is?

by R!skysports Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:28 pm

Dooooooomed

by Nematode Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:37 pm

If Weir's injured, Hogg to 10, Maitland fb and Evans to 14 I think.

SJ's thrown a wobbly with Wilson which I didn't expect. Interesting no Stroker tbh. Wilson did play well vs sa - we'll have a pretty physical pack.

If we played Harley that's 2 penalty magnets.

by Majestic83 Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:37 pm

profitius wrote:I don't think bad weather is expected on Sunday. Just wondering why everyone presumes it is?

Forecast is saying its to be mixed on Sunday but will be blustery. Going to be raining every
day up to the test though so pitch will be very wet.

by Nematode Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:38 pm

tigertattie wrote:

In the mud (possible mud) we don't have a chopper. Kelly brows is going to need to do some hard graft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCElm2_LOzo

He can, technically at least

by Tramptastic Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:39 pm

Mind that time our first choice midfield was Morrison and De Luca? SO MUCH BETTER NOW

by Nematode Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:40 pm

I'm going to miss parts of SJ, he just injects that casualness missing in sport:

"We can go the length with that back three," he said. "For a seasoned campaigner Sean Lamont has some legs still.
"His form over the last 24 months for us has been outstanding, especially his work off the ball. Like something in my wine cabinet he's certainly getting better with age."

by Nematode Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:41 pm

Tramptastic wrote:Mind that time our first choice midfield was Morrison and De Luca? SO MUCH BETTER NOW

They were unfortunate with Lion timing because they were in with a distant shout.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 29 Jan 2014, 12:54 pm

Don't think that team is too bad to be honest. Still think Brown is a 6.

Weir starting is a good call too, and it's nice to see Hogg back in at 15. My only issue is Lamont at 11, limited guy and if the Irish play the expansive game out wide they have much quicker guys out wide than Lamont.

by Nematode Wed 29 Jan 2014, 1:07 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't think that team is too bad to be honest. Still think Brown is a 6.

Weir starting is a good call too, and it's nice to see Hogg back in at 15. My only issue is Lamont at 11, limited guy and if the Irish play the expansive game out wide they have much quicker guys out wide than Lamont.

To be fair to him he can carry and be a ninth forward. Also gives his all and his defence is normally very good.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 29 Jan 2014, 1:19 pm

Very much a wet weather side, and pretty much the team I predicted, albeit with Strokosch and Beattie replaced with Wilson and Denton.

Surprised by the Wilson selection, particularly at blindside. Not really a form pick, and he's a better ball carrier than a breakdown specialist. Of the two, I'd rather Beattie start. Still, Wilson was superb last season and certainly has the abilities to be an international player.

I expect to see many many box kicks from Laidlaw, and when he isn't kicking, I expect to see Weir kicking. Our centres are about as direct as is gets, so I'd expect to see them running hard and straight with the aim being to recycle quickly - almost Gatlandball tactics.

Our best hope of a line break is probably Stuart Hogg, who will need to have his counter-attacking head screwed on. If Maitland can get behind him and offer support then we could be in business.

Still - I predict we'll lose by 15 points, get very depressed next week, and then crush the French the following week (before losing to Italy).

by Guest Wed 29 Jan 2014, 1:31 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't think that team is too bad to be honest. Still think Brown is a 6.

Weir starting is a good call too, and it's nice to see Hogg back in at 15. My only issue is Lamont at 11, limited guy and if the Irish play the expansive game out wide they have much quicker guys out wide than Lamont.

Sprry bhen was the last time Lamont missed a tackle in that kind of situation? In fact I recall him being one of the first, usually, to track back and make a last minute tackle or contribute to the defensive ruck. After Kelly Brown, Laidlaw and Ford (apparently) I'd say he's one of the first names on the teamsheet right now; although saying that had Visser been around one of those back 4 would have to drop out.

Anyway, I'm quite surprised Weir has been picked at 10 but I sincerely hope he gets picked at 10 next week too regardless of how he does in Dublin. I think then also for Italy provided those games have not been 100% howlers for him. If he can't get 2 games in a row for Glasgow let's give him that in Scotland colours.

I don't have any issue with the team to be honest - after the autumn I dare say MacArthur wouldn't do much better than Ford anyway. So let's take it to them.

Oh but as you know, I'm expecting us to get squashed. See my dark horses thread on that.

by Guest Wed 29 Jan 2014, 1:32 pm

Ineffable wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't think that team is too bad to be honest. Still think Brown is a 6.

Weir starting is a good call too, and it's nice to see Hogg back in at 15. My only issue is Lamont at 11, limited guy and if the Irish play the expansive game out wide they have much quicker guys out wide than Lamont.

Sorry but when was the last time Lamont missed a tackle in that kind of situation? In fact I recall him being one of the first, usually, to track back and make a last minute tackle or contribute to the defensive ruck. After Kelly Brown, Laidlaw and Ford (apparently) I'd say he's one of the first names on the teamsheet right now; although saying that had Visser been around one of those back 4 would have to drop out.

Anyway, I'm quite surprised Weir has been picked at 10 but I sincerely hope he gets picked at 10 next week too regardless of how he does in Dublin. I think then also for Italy provided those games have not been 100% howlers for him. If he can't get 2 games in a row for Glasgow let's give him that in Scotland colours.

I don't have any issue with the team to be honest - after the autumn I dare say MacArthur wouldn't do much better than Ford anyway. So let's take it to them.

Oh but as you know, I'm expecting us to get squashed. See my dark horses thread on that.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 29 Jan 2014, 1:44 pm

I'm not as worried about Sean Lamont defensively as I am about him being an attacking threat. When was the last time he beat his opposite number one on one, or produced a sharp finish??

In attack he's a bludgeon, looking for contact at every opportunity. He can step, but he doesn't have the gas to take him away from the opposition defenders.

Still, I'd pick him for this contest as well. There's sadly noone better with a claim to the left wing. Tom Brown is currently playing for Edinburgh but he's only had a few games. Visser is injured, and DTH selfishly decided to play for Canada. So it's Sean Lamont by default.

It's a shame players like Farndale and Fleming appear to have dropped off the radar. We're short of options on the left wing.

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