Scotland and the summer tour!

by Majestic83 Mon Mar 17, 2014 6:47 pm

First topic message reminder :

Games:

Saturday 7 June:
United States of America v Scotland
BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

Saturday 14 June:
Canada v Scotland
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario

Saturday 21 June:
Argentina v Scotland
Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes, Córdoba

Saturday 28 June:
South Africa v Scotland
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

***
Now the 6 nations are over there will be major changes for Scotland between now and the next international.
Vern Cotter will be the head coach for the next test with scott Johnson moving to director of rugby. Unclear yet if Cotter will bring in his own coaching team or whether he will inherit the current crop.

The 6 nations has been a disaster for Scotland but I still believe Scotland has some very good players and a lot of the problems in the 6 nations stem from poor coaching, tactics, very bad selection and man management. Glasgow regularly beat the top Rambo teams, Edinburgh can as well and a lot of the exile players are playing at the very top teams in England and France and winning week in week out but for some reason when they pull on the blue jersey something just isn't there.
This will all change when Cotter arrives. Speaking to Chris Paterson and al kellock a few weeks ago they can't wait for cotter to arrive as they say his coaching style and manner is that of a modern day Jim Telfer and they believe exactly what this squad need.

From a playing point of view there are a few players that should be dropped and not selected for the summer tour. For me they are Ryan Wilson, Tim Swinson, Greig Laidlaw.
Wilson is good at number 8 for Glasgow but is not a 6 at international level. We have 3 far better 6's available yet none were picked. Would Wilson get in the team at 8? For me, nope. Denton, Beattie are far better options and I would say Ali Hogg is also far better than wilson. Why was he picked? Because Johnson thought he was a good "kid". It's not wilson a fault he was picked out of position but there are far better options.
Tim Swinson was very poor compared to his form on last years summer tour. He didn't seem to have the same grunt or energy and was ver ineffective. Again there are other options at lock like Gilchrist who has improved a lot this season and has a harder edge about him now and also johnnycake gray.
Greig Laidlaw was put in the autumn tests and even worse in the 6 nations. His decision making was poor, his service was extremely slow. He offers no break or snipe at all and his main attribute his goal kicking has been poor. Custer looks far sharper, when he has played and deserves a shot. He also has very good leadership qualities. Grayson Hart is also in top form and deserves a chance on recent form. Quick pass, physical and knows the way to the line.

The Backrow was the biggest concern during the 6 nations, it was unbalanced and very off pace. The back row needs balance and a good back row will have 3 players with different qualities, a scavenger who makes a nuisance of himself and tackles his heart out. A hard worker who will do the unseen stuff at the breakdown and then a big athletic ball carrier who will run all day making the hard yards. Scotland have these options but went for three players who were all very similar. It didn't work and must be changed.

The summer tour we play Canada, USA, Argentina and South Africa. The first two teams we "should" beat comfortably the other two will be tough and physical. They will probably take a squad of between 32 and 35.
I'd go with 6 props
Ryan grant
Ali Dickinson
Jon welsh but has to move back to loose head where he is far more destructive.
Euan murray
Geoff cross
Moray low not great during 6 nations but would like to see what difference cotter can make.

Squad

North America

LH - Allan, Reid, Traynor
H - Bryce, Lawson, McArthur
TH - Cross, Low
SR - Gilchrist, Gray, Hamilton, Low
6/8 - Beattie, Brown, Strokosh
7 - Cowan

SH - Hart, Laidlaw
SO - Heathcoat, Russell
IC - Taylor
OC -Bennett
W - Evans, Lamont, Maitland, Visser
FB - Hogg

Argentina / SA

LH - Dickinson, Reid
H - Bryce, Ford, McArthur
TH - Cross, Low, Welsh
SR - Gilchrist, Gray, Swinson
6/8 - Denton, Harley,
7 - Fusaro

SH - Hart, Pyrgos
SO - Jackson, Weir
IC - Horne
OC - ?
W - Fife, Maitland, Seymour
FB - Hogg, Murchie

by funnyExiledScot Mon May 12, 2014 3:11 pm

If Cotter wants to go with Barclay and Fusaro over Rennie then fine. I think Rennie is probably the pick of the three on form but he's in the Championship and whilst he's played well there, both Barclay and Fusaro are on good form. As long as the 7 jersey is between those three rather than a three-way tie between Euan Murray, Tim Visser and Jim Hamilton I don't mind.

Not sure about Beattie, but if he's either injured or isn't playing, then that puts Denton ahead with Wilson as back-up. If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

by **George Carlin** Mon May 12, 2014 3:41 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:2. Where is Beattie? No sign of him in the Castres XXIII that took ASM's famous home record? Is he injured?

Interesting to see who did feature in that game:

15 Brice Dulin, 14 Remy Grosso, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Remi Lamerat, 11 Max Evans , 10 Remi Tales, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Mathieu Bonello , 1 Saimone Taumoepeau.

Gray's contribution was to make a series of great line-out takes and great carries. The Squashed Goblin's principal contribution was to get himself yellow carded.

by madmaccas Mon May 12, 2014 3:41 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote: If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

I agree. That's why Heathcote and Grove should never be mentioned in connection with Scotland until they can hold down their position at a decent club.

by **RDW** Mon May 12, 2014 4:01 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Two potentially contentious issues:

1. Is Rennie up to this? He's done well for Brizzle ... in the RFU Championship. Have his efforts in the past been sufficient to warrant a call-up?
2. Where is Beattie? No sign of him in the Castres XXIII that took ASM's famous home record? Is he injured?

Do we really have any alternatives tho?

Particularly as I heard on the QT that we may take two separate squads, one for the NH part of the tour to play US & Canada, the other to face Arg and SA in the southern hemisphere leg

No, he plays for Montpellier! Whistle

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon May 12, 2014 4:07 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Two potentially contentious issues:

1. Is Rennie up to this? He's done well for Brizzle ... in the RFU Championship. Have his efforts in the past been sufficient to warrant a call-up?
2. Where is Beattie? No sign of him in the Castres XXIII that took ASM's famous home record? Is he injured?

Do we really have any alternatives tho?

Particularly as I heard on the QT that we may take two separate squads, one for the NH part of the tour to play US & Canada, the other to face Arg and SA in the southern hemisphere leg

No, he plays for Montpellier!

Indeed he does!!! Was confused by his (likely/definite ?) move to Castres in the summer Doh

by **RDW** Mon May 12, 2014 4:10 pm

Old age!

Yeah it is confirmed.

by Majestic83 Mon May 12, 2014 4:13 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:If Cotter wants to go with Barclay and Fusaro over Rennie then fine. I think Rennie is probably the pick of the three on form but he's in the Championship and whilst he's played well there, both Barclay and Fusaro are on good form. As long as the 7 jersey is between those three rather than a three-way tie between Euan Murray, Tim Visser and Jim Hamilton I don't mind.

Not sure about Beattie, but if he's either injured or isn't playing, then that puts Denton ahead with Wilson as back-up. If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

Yep Beattie plays for Montpellier but hasn't played since getting injured in the 6 nations against France. Can't remember what the injury was but I am sure i read he was out for the season.
Also saw on twitter John Barclay posted a couple of pics of himself about to go under the knife so think he is out for the season too!

by tigertattie Mon May 12, 2014 4:15 pm

Beattie cabbaged his knee did he not?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon May 12, 2014 4:17 pm

Majestic83 wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:If Cotter wants to go with Barclay and Fusaro over Rennie then fine. I think Rennie is probably the pick of the three on form but he's in the Championship and whilst he's played well there, both Barclay and Fusaro are on good form. As long as the 7 jersey is between those three rather than a three-way tie between Euan Murray, Tim Visser and Jim Hamilton I don't mind.

Not sure about Beattie, but if he's either injured or isn't playing, then that puts Denton ahead with Wilson as back-up. If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

Yep Beattie plays for Montpellier but hasn't played since getting injured in the 6 nations against France. Can't remember what the injury was but I am sure i read he was out for the season.
Also saw on twitter John Barclay posted a couple of pics of himself about to go under the knife so think he is out for the season too!

So its Chris Fusaro or nowt? Or more likely Kelly Brown (6) playing at openside

by **RDW** Mon May 12, 2014 4:18 pm

GC not got any more mildly racist uncles that could do a job in the back row?

by Majestic83 Mon May 12, 2014 4:24 pm

Another option at 7 could be Blair Cowan who has played most of the season there and been doing pretty well.

by funnyExiledScot Mon May 12, 2014 8:06 pm

madmaccas wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote: If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

I agree. That's why Heathcote and Grove should never be mentioned in connection with Scotland until they can hold down their position at a decent club.

Pretty sure Grove has played consistently in the Aviva for Worcester for a number of years, and has been selected at 13 all season.

But, you did say "a decent club" so I'll let you off......

by Shifty Mon May 12, 2014 8:22 pm

I think Scotland are in for a tough tour, Wales decided years ago there was no way any touring team should be going from north to south american, or from south american to south africa as it hammers the players due to the traveling. Scotland are going north to south then to africa, its madness.

I'm just glad Scotlands final game isn't in Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria because they would of got smashed after this tour at that altitude.

by madmaccas Tue May 13, 2014 10:37 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:
madmaccas wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote: If you want to play international rugby then you need to be playing club rugby and showing good form in your chosen position. In fact the SRU should make that last sentence a national motto (despite it not being particularly catchy) and carve it into the walls at Murrayfield!

I agree. That's why Heathcote and Grove should never be mentioned in connection with Scotland until they can hold down their position at a decent club.

Pretty sure Grove has played consistently in the Aviva for Worcester for a number of years, and has been selected at 13 all season.

But, you did say "a decent club" so I'll let you off......

I've always got a caveat to cover my backside.

I've got no problem with him, he's a fearsome tackler but can't score for toffee. He's gone over just 12 times in 6 years of Premiership Rugby. Compare that to prop Nel who has scored 9 for Edinburgh already (who are hardly high flying ATM), and it doesn't make a good case for Grove being anywhere near a Scotland team.

His name always gets banded round, but until he can find the try the line he shouldn't even be in the frame.

by **George Carlin** Tue May 13, 2014 11:20 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:GC not got any more mildly racist uncles that could do a job in the back row?

Don't even start me on my Uncle Jim. He wouldn't play unless he could smoke his pipe during each set piece.

by TJ Sun May 18, 2014 1:11 pm

So - who has really put their hands up this season for a place on the team sheet? Finn Russell? Tommy Seymour? Chris Cusitor? Jonny Gray?

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 2:25 pm

The first choice Glasgow team (ie most of the first choice Scotland team) are going to be playing in Dublin the week before the first game in North America. I can't imagine that many if any of them are going to feature on the North American leg of the tour. Suggestions in the papers that Kevin Bryce is going to tour kind of confirm that.

Like it or not and circumstances as much as anything are going to dictate that, the first leg of the tour is going to be for development, with ones that do well no doubt coming back into play for the South Africa game when we will be short again.

We may see some very unexpected faces on the first part of the tour, all will become clear on Tuesday!

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 2:34 pm

TJ wrote:So - who has really put their hands up this season for a place on the team sheet? Finn Russell? Tommy Seymour? Chris Cusitor? Jonny Gray?

Depends what game.

For the USA and Canada, I'd like to think we'll see a more Edinburgh/Exile tint, whilst for Argentina and SA there will be a strong Glasgow element.

i.e: North America: Dickinson, Ford, Low!, Hamilton!/Gray!/Low, Gilchrist, Cowan, Rennie, Barclay, Laidlaw, Jackson, Visser, Horne, Lamont, Evans, Hogg

South America/Africa: Grant/Reid, Hall, Welsh, Gray, Gray, Harley, Fusaro/Denton, Brown, Cusiter, Russell, Seymour, Dunbar, Bennett, Maitland, Murchie/Lamont>Maitaland

by **George Carlin** Sun May 18, 2014 5:41 pm

Clermont's season ended on 10 May. What part do we think that Cotter is going to play in the selections this week? Seriously now.

by MacKnocked-on Sun May 18, 2014 5:49 pm

George Carlin wrote:Clermont's season ended on 10 May. What part do we think that Cotter is going to play in the selections this week? Seriously now.

As Scotland on Sunday is suggesting the squad has already been picked then hopefully Cotter has been involved this past week, although he would have no knowledge of the likes of Bryce so obviously Johnson etc have had their say also.

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 6:00 pm

I imagine that if VC is the man we think he is then he will have been giving it all his attention since Clermont went out. Having said that the fact that Glasgow have now got into the final will tie his hands somewhat. As has already been said, it is far more important for Glasgow to win the league than for Scotland to beat the USA. Though I would expect us to do that anyway, even without the Glasgow players.

I think that Toonie will say that he wants a squad of thirty or maybe a few less and the rest will be free to tour, along with all the Edinburgh players and exiles, minus Gray and Evans who will be tied up in the French finals.

I suspect a lot of this tour is going to be about who is actually available!

by **George Carlin** Sun May 18, 2014 6:06 pm

BigGee wrote:I imagine that if VC is the man we think he is then he will have been giving it all his attention since Clermont went out. Having said that the fact that Glasgow have now got into the final will tie his hands somewhat. As has already been said, it is far more important for Glasgow to win the league than for Scotland to beat the USA. Though I would expect us to do that anyway, even without the Glasgow players.

I think that Toonie will say that he wants a squad of thirty or maybe a few less and the rest will be free to tour, along with all the Edinburgh players and exiles, minus Gray and Evans who will be tied up in the French finals.

I suspect a lot of this tour is going to be about who is actually available!

Agreed - Gee. Cotter will be comforted to know that Uncle Dougie is on speed dial.
Although he is currently annoyed that Andy Murray was recently beaten by "a bloody Spaniard" and this may affect his performance.

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 6:18 pm

Although he is currently annoyed that Andy Murray was recently beaten by "a bloody Spaniard" and this may affect his performance.[/quote]

Laugh

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 7:12 pm

Having just been watching highlights of the championship semi between Leeds and Bristol, I just realised that their playoff final goes into June as well. Does this mean that Ross Rennie would be unavailable as well? A shame if so, as the North America leg would be just the games to ease him back into the international fold. I suppose we also have to add Kelly Brown and Duncan Taylor to the list of players who will be unavailable as well, they are going to be busy for the next couple of weekends!

McColl looked half decent playing for Leeds by the way. he scored one of their tries and made another. It will be interesting to see how he gets on at Premiership level.

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:20 pm

My only fear for McColl is we have Hogg, (Maitland), Murchie, Cuthbert, Tonks?, Brown probably all ahead of him. Is he good enough to break past these players?

The positions we are a little thin at to me seems like 2, 8, 9, 10

by **RDW** Sun May 18, 2014 7:20 pm

So based on who is likely available are we looking at

Dickinson
Ford
Low
Gilchrist
Hamilton
Strokosh
?
Denton

Laidlaw
Weir
Visser
Horne
?
?
Cuthbert

I'm struggling...

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:36 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:So based on who is likely available are we looking at

Dickinson
Ford
Low
Gilchrist
Hamilton
Strokosh
? Hogg?
Denton

Laidlaw
Weir
Visser
Horne
? Lamont / NDL
? Evans
Cuthbert

I'm struggling...

by **RDW** Sun May 18, 2014 7:37 pm

Evans will be playing for castres.

Lamont could play given he's fairly fresh having just come back.

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:42 pm

I think we should be really targeting the Argentina game - that's the most important. If we beat them, away, we're certainly making progress nicely after the 6N. With SA, well they are possibly equal to NZ atm so I don't think a win's realistic. I'd like to see us pushing them again though + will be interesting to compare ourselves to Wales.

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:42 pm

Vernon?

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:44 pm

Oh an Tyrone Holmes/Cowan/Low RDW

by **RDW** Sun May 18, 2014 7:45 pm

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 7:46 pm

AM READY!

Scotland and the summer tour! - Page 7 Tumblr_inline_mlluiuVALT1qz4rgp

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 7:56 pm

That basically explains why Bryce is going to tour! he may not be the only left field selection!

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 8:03 pm

Nematode wrote:My only fear for McColl is we have Hogg, (Maitland), Murchie, Cuthbert, Tonks?, Brown probably all ahead of him. Is he good enough to break past these players?

The positions we are a little thin at to me seems like 2, 8, 9, 10

He needs to establish himself at premiership level first, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 8:21 pm

Just wondering if Edinburgh might sign/loan Tom Ryder next season. If Solomons is unsure of the Atkins twins, and only has Gilchrist and Atkins, Ryder would give international experience.

by **BigGee** Sun May 18, 2014 8:22 pm

The one consolation for any Glasgow players not picked for the cup final squad is that they will get first crack with the new coach in a Scotland shirt. I wonder how many of the walking wounded from Friday will be fit as that will play a part.

Assuming everyone is fit, they may well let some of Weir, Horne, Wilson, Prygos, Bryce, Brown, Holmes and maybe one of Murchie, Lamont or Hogg go. I suppose it is a win win scenario for the Glasgow players really and should hopefully distract anyone from any feelings of disappointment in not making the final 23.

by reallybored Sun May 18, 2014 9:44 pm

Cotter's job isn't looking too difficult right now, pick Glasgow team and supplement with a few of our other top players (Gray, Rennie, Beattie, Scott, Visser).

Blindside is shaping up to be an interesting contest between Harley (outstanding against Munster imo) and Brown (played very well for Sarries against Quins).

Jonny Gray looks immense, too soon to make him captain?

by Nematode Sun May 18, 2014 10:48 pm

Anyone see some similarities between SJ coming in and VC? SJ got the likes of Hogg, Maitland, Visser, Scott which AR only started at the end of his reign. VC now getting an in form Glasgow squad...

Think we should be very careful in our assessment of VC.

by **George Carlin** Mon May 19, 2014 7:08 am

Brown had a belter against Quins - scoring a try and setting up at least one more, plus his usual defensive shift. Remind me when the squad is announced please?

by **RDW** Mon May 19, 2014 7:43 am

Tomorrow

by reallybored Mon May 19, 2014 12:17 pm

So will Cotter have had any input on the squad?

Thankfully Glasgow's form surely forces Johnson's hand if he is selecting the squad.

Would be very disappointed if Barclay didn't make the squad, had a really strong season for Scarlets. Don't mind if Rennie is given the summer off so he's 100% for next season.

Welsh is the other one I'd be mighty miffed about, he's first choice at Glasgow ahead of Low and Cross, so why isn't he first choice for Scotland?

by **RDW** Mon May 19, 2014 12:18 pm

Barclay has had shoulder sugery.

by cakeordeath Mon May 19, 2014 12:23 pm

BigGee wrote:
Nematode wrote:My only fear for McColl is we have Hogg, (Maitland), Murchie, Cuthbert, Tonks?, Brown probably all ahead of him. Is he good enough to break past these players?

The positions we are a little thin at to me seems like 2, 8, 9, 10

He needs to establish himself at premiership level first, but it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

This may sound a touch on the harsh side, but having watched the Leeds game McColl seems to have the speed of a wounded rhino, and needs to lay off the pies

by tigertattie Mon May 19, 2014 12:25 pm

Bob Harley has been immense for Glasgow all season and KB has been great for Sarries when played at 6.

For me I think it is an absolute 50/50 call for the 6 shirt. What it will come down to (forgetting availablity etc) will be the rest of the squad.

If VC picks a mature forward pack then I'd see the ginger tackle monster getting the nod. However, if VC picks a more youthful pack, then I see KB getting the nod to keep a blend of youth and experience.

Grant/MacArthur/Welsh
Jonny/Ritchie
Brown/Denton/Fusaro

or

Dickenson/Ford/Murray
Hamilton/Ritchie
Bob/Beattie/Rennie

Its a tought one. But a bloody good position to be in as a coach.

You need to get the right mix of youth and experience and with one eye on the future, Bob could easily be givin the nod over an impressive Brown

I just hope that we don't miss out on an openside to accomidate Bob and Kelly at the same time!

by **BigGee** Mon May 19, 2014 12:55 pm

reallybored wrote:

Welsh is the other one I'd be mighty miffed about, he's first choice at Glasgow ahead of Low and Cross, so why isn't he first choice for Scotland?

I think he may well be by the end of this summer/autumn test series. To be fair it has taken him a little while to establish himself as the first choice, but he is well and truly there now, a prop who can play a bit as well as scrummage. He will definitely be picking up a few more caps in the immediate future and there looks like there is a bit of competition developing in the front row. Gordon Reid has come on leaps and bounds in the second half of the season and is pushing Ryan grant all the way now as well.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon May 19, 2014 1:46 pm

tigertattie wrote:Bob Harley has been immense for Glasgow all season and KB has been great for Sarries when played at 6.

For me I think it is an absolute 50/50 call for the 6 shirt. What it will come down to (forgetting availablity etc) will be the rest of the squad.

If VC picks a mature forward pack then I'd see the ginger tackle monster getting the nod. However, if VC picks a more youthful pack, then I see KB getting the nod to keep a blend of youth and experience.

Grant/MacArthur/Welsh
Jonny/Ritchie
Brown/Denton/Fusaro

or

Dickenson/Ford/Murray
Hamilton/Ritchie
Bob/Beattie/Rennie

Its a tought one. But a bloody good position to be in as a coach.

You need to get the right mix of youth and experience and with one eye on the future, Bob could easily be givin the nod over an impressive Brown

I just hope that we don't miss out on an openside to accomidate Bob and Kelly at the same time!

Tis an interesting conundrum that one, tattie, and I can see arguments both ways - arguably the Ninja is the more brutal tackler and the better lineout option, whereas Brown does better work at the contact area and carries more. I'm going to back Harley for the lineout option tho - on our throw, have him more up and down the line; on a defensive lineout, have him jump at 2, with a massive thro in the air, the oppo hooker will likely struggle with that

by reallybored Mon May 19, 2014 2:00 pm

Cheers RDW, didn't realise Barclay was injured. In that case, Rennie goes on tour. We need to start winning.

I like Harley, just a tough nasty player and he has a hell of an engine. Brown is so consistent and does more with the ball, plus his experience has to come into it but Harley just sets a tone for the defence.

Surely Jonny Gray is one of the first names on the team sheet right now, his form has been immense for a young man.

In combination with his brother, it could be a very handy second row. Criticism of Richie is always that he doesn't do enough dirty work, Jonny does it in spade loads. Both tireless in defence, plenty ballast for the scrum and good line-out options, plus both can carry well.

On form, our pack surely looks something like this:

1 - Grant
2 - MacArthur ?
3 - Welsh ?
4 - Gray
5 - Gray
6 - Harley ?
7 - Rennie
8 - Denton ?

by Captain_Sensible Mon May 19, 2014 2:24 pm

reallybored wrote:Cheers RDW, didn't realise Barclay was injured. In that case, Rennie goes on tour. We need to start winning.

I like Harley, just a tough nasty player and he has a hell of an engine. Brown is so consistent and does more with the ball, plus his experience has to come into it but Harley just sets a tone for the defence.

Surely Jonny Gray is one of the first names on the team sheet right now, his form has been immense for a young man.

In combination with his brother, it could be a very handy second row. Criticism of Richie is always that he doesn't do enough dirty work, Jonny does it in spade loads. Both tireless in defence, plenty ballast for the scrum and good line-out options, plus both can carry well.

On form, our pack surely looks something like this:

1 - Grant
2 - MacArthur ?
3 - Welsh ?
4 - Gray
5 - Gray
6 - Harley ?
7 - Rennie
8 - Denton ?

If you mean current form, Dougie Hall edges it at hooker for me. Largely agreed on the rest of your pack, though Reid is breathing hard down Grant's neck, and I'd rather wait and see Rennie play in the AP (if Bristol win the Championship final) before putting him in any Scotland team sheets. Brown has been superb for Sarries this year, I'd pick him at 6 and name him captain. Ginger Bob's time will come.

by tigertattie Mon May 19, 2014 2:27 pm

There is another option!

6 - Bob
7 - Rennie
8 - Brown

Mind kelly has played quite a few times at 8 for Scotland already and with Dave Denton falling out of form and Beattie being banjo'd then you could argue Kelly could fill the 8 role for the summer.

We could be looking at a backrow for the world cup of Bob/Beattie/Rennie with Denton on the bench to replace whichever man exhuasts himself first! Would be a handy back row that!

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