Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread III

[George Carlin]

Historical Banter:

https://www.606v2.com/t48240-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread
https://www.606v2.com/t51313-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ii
 
A. Edinburgh
 
1. Pre-season
 
Fri 30 Aug 2013, 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 15 - 5 Newcastle Falcons
 
Fri 23 Aug 2013, 19:30
Northampton Saints 24 - 6 Edinburgh Rugby
 
2. 2013/2014 Season - Played
 
Sat 7 Sep, 19:15
Munster Rugby 34 - 23 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 13 Sep, 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 16 - 13 Newport Gwent Dragons
 
Sat 21 Sep, 18:30
Ospreys 44 - 10 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 27 Sep, 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 9 - 22 Scarlets
 
Sun 6 Oct, 14:05
Cardiff Blues 29 - 12 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 25 Oct, 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 20 - 13 Benetton Treviso
 
Fri 1 Nov 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 25 - 23 Zebre
 
Fri 22 Nov 19:05
Ulster Rugby 41 - 17 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 29 Nov 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 43 - 10 Connacht
 
Fri 20 Dec 19:35
Edinburgh Rugby 11 - 6 Leinster
 
Thu 26 Dec 15:05
Edinburgh Rugby 16 - 20 Glasgow Warriors
 
Wed 1 Jan 18:05
Glasgow Warriors P - P Edinburgh Rugby
 
Sat 15 Feb 17:00
Connacht Rugby 11 - 7 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Sat 22 Feb 14:30
Scarlets 25 - 21 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 28 Feb 19:35
Edinburgh Rugby 31 - 25 Ospreys
 
Fri 21 Mar 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 3 - 9 Ulster Rugby
 
Sat 29 Mar 19:00
Benetton Treviso 20 - 16 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Thu 3 Apr 18:30
Newport Gwent Dragons 19 - 23 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Fri 11 Apr 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 22 - 29 Cardiff Blues
 
Sat 19 Apr 15:30
Zebre 26 - 13 Edinburgh Rugby
 
Sat 26 Apr 19:05
Glasgow Warriors 37 - 34 Edinburgh Rugby
 
3. 2013/2014 Season - Final Games
 
Sat 3 May 17:00
Edinburgh Rugby v Munster Rugby
Meggetland
BBCALBA/TG4
 
Sat 10 May 18:30
Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
Royal Dublin Society
 
B. Glasgow
 
1. Pre-season
 
Sat 31 Aug 2013, 15:00
Exeter Chiefs 26 - 29 Glasgow Warriors
 
2. 2013/2014 Season
 
Fri 6 Sep, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 22 - 15 Cardiff Blues
 
Fri 13 Sep, 19:05
Ulster Rugby 12 - 13 Glasgow Warriors
 
Fri 20 Sep, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 12 - 6 Leinster Rugby
 
Fri 27 Sep, 19:30
Zebre 17 - 24 Glasgow Warriors
 
Sat 5 Oct, 18:30
Scarlets 12 - 17 Glasgow Warriors
 
Fri 25 Oct, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 6 - 13 Munster Rugby
 
Sat 2 Nov, 17:00
Connacht Rugby 12 - 19 Glasgow Warriors
 
Fri 22 Nov, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 8 - 23 Newport Gwent Dragons
 
Fri 29 Nov, 19:05
Ospreys 16 - 28 Glasgow Warriors
 
Fri 20 Dec, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors P - P Benetton Treviso
 
Thu 26 Dec 15:05
Edinburgh Rugby 16 - 20 Glasgow Warriors
 
Wed 1 Jan 18:05
Glasgow Warriors P - P Edinburgh Rugby
 
Sun 9 Feb 14:00
Glasgow Warriors 8 - 6 Connacht Rugby
 
Sat 15 Feb 18:30
Cardiff Blues 20 - 27 Glasgow Warriors
 
Sun 23 Feb 14:30
Newport Gwent Dragons 24 - 23 Glasgow Warriors
 
Sat 1 Mar 20:30
Leinster Rugby 28 - 25 Glasgow Warriors
 
Sat 22 Mar 18:30
Glasgow Warriors 14 - 6 Scarlets
 
Fri 28 Mar 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 11 - 9 Ospreys
 
Fri 4 Apr 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 29 - 10 Benetton Treviso
 
Sat 12 Apr 18:30
Munster Rugby 5 - 22 Glasgow Warriors
 
Fri 18 Apr 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 27 - 9 Ulster Rugby
 
Sat 26 Apr 19:05
Glasgow Warriors 37 - 34 Edinburgh Rugby
 
3. 2013/2014 Season - Final Games
 
Fri 2 May 20:00
Benetton Treviso v Glasgow Warriors
Stadio Monigo
Mediast/ALBA
 
Sat 10 May 18:30
Glasgow Warriors v Zebre
Scotstoun Stadium
 
[16/17/18 May
PO Semi Final
[tbc] v [tbc]
Venue TBA]
 
[Sat 31 May
PO Final
[tbc] v [tbc]
Venue TBA]
 
***
 
Any and all patter about these teams is welcome.
 
Any jingoism, sledging or graceless kicking of anyone whilst they are up or down will see posts deleted.
 
Be gracious and be constructive.

[Biltong]

SO, is Bresler going to Europe or not?

[RDW]

SO, is Bresler going to Europe or not?

I hope so!

Great effort with the thread GC - your baby keeping you up all night is doing wonders for your participation on V2 forum!   

[George Carlin]

SO, is Bresler going to Europe or not?

I hope so!

Great effort with the thread GC - your baby keeping you up all night is doing wonders for your participation on V2 forum!   

He just needs to learn that vomiting on me and then smiling about it immediately afterwards gets old pretty fast once he's out of single figures.

Bresler had better be bloody coming over now that we're all got the idea in our heads.

Just to pre-empt any questions, our city representatives this time are two of our better young actresses - Georgia King (born in Edinburgh) and Kirsty Mitchell (born in Glasgow). Just keeping it new and interesting.

[RDW]

Just had a wee read through the start of the first ongoing banter thread from the start of the season (are we really onto our 3rd thread in the season??) - I'd forgotten how bad our start to the season was.

Here is one of my posts that sums our start of the season up pretty well, written after we were pumped by the O's:

If this article had come up before the weekend I would have been a fairly content Edinburgh fan. Last night's performance has just got me thoroughly depressed, and concerned.

Before last night we had a sprited performance against Northampton Saints, a limited performance but victory over Newcastle, a poor performance and loss away to Munster, and again a limited performance but victory over the Dragons.

So at that stage it was kind of as expected for a team in transition with a new coach - lost the games we'd expect to lose, won the games we hoped to win. The performances haven't been great but that would come with team.

After last night though we're right back to square one.

How does a team recover from something like that? It really was truly awful - an embarrassment. There was nothing positive to take from it and a whole heap of negatives - I hope they get slaughtered in their video run-through tomorrow morning.

What I think the coaches need to do is draw a line through last night - make it clear that the performance was completely unacceptable, and move on. Now isn't the time for shouting and screaming and beasting training sessions, although more vigorous defencive training would be a good idea!

Our next two games are Scarlets at home and Blues away, which are pretty good fixtures - both teams are short of confidence. If we can somehow pull a miracle out the bag and beat Scarlets on Friday that could give us confidence for the Blues away and Traviso at home.

I'm glad I'm on holiday next week and won't be at Murrayfield for the Scarlets game. Can't see there being much of a crowd!

Our results against the Scarlets and Blues after that:

Fri 27 Sep, 19:45
Edinburgh Rugby 9 - 22 Scarlets

Sun 6 Oct, 14:05
Cardiff Blues 29 - 12 Edinburgh Rugby

  

So given how bad our start was, it really is a fantastic acheivement that Edinburgh look promising for 7th place and even had a shot at a top 6 finish.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Muppet rumours of a game against a Prem team towards the end of May for the Caley Reds

[RDW]

Muppet rumours of a game against a Prem team towards the end of May for the Caley Reds

?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Muppet rumours of a game against a Prem team towards the end of May for the Caley Reds

?

Tw4tter

[tigertattie]

by Prem we talking Prem 1,2 or 3?

[IanBru]

Barclays Prem, I think...

Caledonia Reds v Norwich City

[RDW]

 

Whoever it is I bet the players are delighted about having to wait a month after the season has ended to play a friendly, when they are meant to be relaxing in the off season and going on holidays.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

[RDW]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

You fancy a go?

The chat seems to be that Tonks will be the main man, unless someone like Heathcoat or Jackson (strong rumours) signs to give him strong competition. If neither of those two signs there are no rumours on anyone else yet.

Bezzy has yet to sign a long term deal but I hope he does, as he has looked decent so far.

We have already signed this Nick McLennan chap who is an 'outside back' apparently, but has very little high level pro experience to speak of.

What we are missing though is an up and coming Scottish 10 to learn their trade and play the odd game - it has been Leonard and Hunter for the last few seasons, but we've booted them!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

by Prem we talking Prem 1,2 or 3?

Aviva Prem

[tigertattie]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

Welcome back Radge, and congratulations on escaping Kirkcaldy!

[RuggerRadge2611]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

Welcome back Radge, and congratulations on escaping Kirkcaldy!

The relief washed over me, in an awesome wave.

If any of these rumours are true I think I would be happier with Tam Heathcoate rather than Cackson.

[George Carlin]

Where did you move to, Radge?

Grandpappy has expressly refused to comment on rumours that the Rhubarb is heading along the M8 (and therefore not ruling the move out). I think that he is much more likely than Heathcote at the moment, although we couldn't rule it out if Tom is smart and fancies not having to watch nepotism be part of his daily life.

[RuggerRadge2611]

I'm now in sunny Dunfermline. Still Fife, but classier Fife. If there is such a thing.

It does now allow me to attend Burgh games with greater regularity due to being closer to the Capital.

[RDW]

Kirkaldy to Dumfermline   

[funnyExiledScot]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

You fancy a go?

The chat seems to be that Tonks will be the main man, unless someone like Heathcoat or Jackson (strong rumours) signs to give him strong competition. If neither of those two signs there are no rumours on anyone else yet.

Bezzy has yet to sign a long term deal but I hope he does, as he has looked decent so far.

We have already signed this Nick McLennan chap who is an 'outside back' apparently, but has very little high level pro experience to speak of.

What we are missing though is an up and coming Scottish 10 to learn their trade and play the odd game - it has been Leonard and Hunter for the last few seasons, but we've booted them!

Surely GC and ASBO can come up with some zit popping teenager for us to marvel over (until they actually play).

What about Alex Blair? His name hasn't been mentioned for a wee while.

I think Tonks, Bezzy and one of Jackson/Heathcote would be ideal. Glasgow are working with Finn Russell, already world class, and Duncan Weir should provide both Glasgow and Scotland with a poor impression of Dan Parks for years to come. Peter Horne provides cover at 10 should Glasgow need it, and RiskySports will no doubt re-emerge from the wilderness shortly to remind us all that Stuart Hogg really ought to ditch playing fullback, despite being rather good at it, and try his hand at fly half.

In terms of depth the key is really for Lee Millar, Harry Leonard and Tom Heathcote to ensure they get regular rugby, even if in the Championship. If they achieve that then we'll at least have a few options. 2 at Edinburgh, 2 at Glasgow plus those three plying their trade elsewhere.

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm now in sunny Dunfermline. Still Fife, but classier Fife. If there is such a thing.

It does now allow me to attend Burgh games with greater regularity due to being closer to the Capital.

Congrats on the new house, and I think you've timed it well to start attending Edinburgh games more frequently. There's every chance we might win a few games next season!

[George Carlin]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

You fancy a go?

The chat seems to be that Tonks will be the main man, unless someone like Heathcoat or Jackson (strong rumours) signs to give him strong competition. If neither of those two signs there are no rumours on anyone else yet.

Bezzy has yet to sign a long term deal but I hope he does, as he has looked decent so far.

We have already signed this Nick McLennan chap who is an 'outside back' apparently, but has very little high level pro experience to speak of.

What we are missing though is an up and coming Scottish 10 to learn their trade and play the odd game - it has been Leonard and Hunter for the last few seasons, but we've booted them!

Surely GC and ASBO can come up with some zit popping teenager for us to marvel over (until they actually play).

What about Alex Blair? His name hasn't been mentioned for a wee while.

I think Tonks, Bezzy and one of Jackson/Heathcote would be ideal. Glasgow are working with Finn Russell, already world class, and Duncan Weir should provide both Glasgow and Scotland with a poor impression of Dan Parks for years to come. Peter Horne provides cover at 10 should Glasgow need it, and RiskySports will no doubt re-emerge from the wilderness shortly to remind us all that Stuart Hogg really ought to ditch playing fullback, despite being rather good at it, and try his hand at fly half.

In terms of depth the key is really for Lee Millar, Harry Leonard and Tom Heathcote to ensure they get regular rugby, even if in the Championship. If they achieve that then we'll at least have a few options. 2 at Edinburgh, 2 at Glasgow plus those three plying their trade elsewhere.

FES, you are doing nothing to quosh the rumour that you were turned down as an extra Dementor in the Harry Potter films because you were just too unhappy for them.

I can't work out whether you are just annoyed at the quality of Scottish offerings generally or that the Glasgwegian ones seem to be hyped more than the Edinburgh ones. Either way, Alex Blair needs to show with Accies that he is the best thing in the Scottish Prem before he can step up again and Millar needs to show London Scottish that he can build on his Gala form in what should be a more competitive league. From what I've seen, I am confident that Millar at 21 has the potential to show more than Leonard was able to at 22.

Faintly ridiculous if Leonard can't get a club, though. He was progressing well.

[tigertattie]

These rumours of Heathcote coming to Edinburgh, where did they come from?

Is there any truth whatsoever or is it just something that has grown arms and legs?

I've long suggested that Heathcote move to the Burgh to get him game time at pro level. It would be good for edinbugh and also good for Scotland.

Jackson, bless him, is just no longer a viable international option so no point in him moving to edinburgh really.  Unless he is so random because of the randomness of Toonie the loony. Perhaps granpappy Solomons could instill consistency to mr Rhubarb?

[George Carlin]

Or if Solomons wants to bring over Goosen, Lambie or Catrakilis instead, then that would be fine too.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

I can't see the logic in someone looking at Leonard and saying they've seen enough to decide he isn't valuable to Edinburgh right now, then that same person looking at Rhubarb and deciding he is. What could that possibly be based upon, Jacksons solid control of a game from no. 10??

[George Carlin]

It's a tough call for Jackson as to what he should do next.

He's 26 now and has been with Warriors his entire professional life (6 years, I think). The question for any club is whether they think that they can get him to improve further and whether His Flakiness' regular game suits the club's strategy. The real problem is that whilst he has two dozen international caps, it's not obvious at which club in the Jeff or Top 14 he would be first choice.

Just take the first and second choice 10s at English Prem clubs at the moment:
Bath - Ford, Heathcote
Chiefs - Steenson, Sweeney
Gloucester - Burns, Bentley
Harlequins - Evans, Botica
Leicester Tigers - Flood, Williams
London Irish - Geraghty, Humpries
London Wasps - Good, Carlisle
Newcastle Falcons - Hodgson, Clegg
Northampton Saints - Myler, Dickson
Sale Sharks - Cipriani, Ford
Saracens - Farrell, Hodgson
Worcester - Lamb, Mieres

Only maybe at the Falcons could you say with any confidence that Jackson would be better than the incumbent first choice.

For about half of these teams, there's an argument that Jackson is the most able substitute to the first choice and that's obviously the problem. Jackson needs to play - he cannot end up like Heathcote.

[Majestic83]

Well back and settled after my house move. Contribution on here to be back to normal.

What are Edinburgh doing about a 10 next season?

You fancy a go?

The chat seems to be that Tonks will be the main man, unless someone like Heathcoat or Jackson (strong rumours) signs to give him strong competition. If neither of those two signs there are no rumours on anyone else yet.

Bezzy has yet to sign a long term deal but I hope he does, as he has looked decent so far.

We have already signed this Nick McLennan chap who is an 'outside back' apparently, but has very little high level pro experience to speak of.

What we are missing though is an up and coming Scottish 10 to learn their trade and play the odd game - it has been Leonard and Hunter for the last few seasons, but we've booted them!

Surely GC and ASBO can come up with some zit popping teenager for us to marvel over (until they actually play).

What about Alex Blair? His name hasn't been mentioned for a wee while.

I think Tonks, Bezzy and one of Jackson/Heathcote would be ideal. Glasgow are working with Finn Russell, already world class, and Duncan Weir should provide both Glasgow and Scotland with a poor impression of Dan Parks for years to come. Peter Horne provides cover at 10 should Glasgow need it, and RiskySports will no doubt re-emerge from the wilderness shortly to remind us all that Stuart Hogg really ought to ditch playing fullback, despite being rather good at it, and try his hand at fly half.

In terms of depth the key is really for Lee Millar, Harry Leonard and Tom Heathcote to ensure they get regular rugby, even if in the Championship. If they achieve that then we'll at least have a few options. 2 at Edinburgh, 2 at Glasgow plus those three plying their trade elsewhere.

FES, you are doing nothing to quosh the rumour that you were turned down as an extra Dementor in the Harry Potter films because you were just too unhappy for them.

I can't work out whether you are just annoyed at the quality of Scottish offerings generally or that the Glasgwegian ones seem to be hyped more than the Edinburgh ones. Either way, Alex Blair needs to show with Accies that he is the best thing in the Scottish Prem before he can step up again and Millar needs to show London Scottish that he can build on his Gala form in what should be a more competitive league. From what I've seen, I am confident that Millar at 21 has the potential to show more than Leonard was able to at 22.

Faintly ridiculous if Leonard can't get a club, though. He was progressing well.

I've seen a few of the London Scottish games this season and Millar has been one of the stand outs. My girlfriends uncle lives near LS and goes to a lot of their games and he has been raving about Millar saying he easily has the skills to play in the Aviva.
The other player who a lot of the LS fans seem to be talking up is Mike Doneghan who is a wing or 13. Played for Scotland u20s and Stirling County before going to Glasgow as an EDP but got no game time. Seems to have developed into a very good player down in England though.

[funnyExiledScot]

GC - Leonard has signed for Leeds already I believe.

The best performances from any SQ 10 in the last decade have come from Jackson. His passing and distribution skills are better than any other SQ 10 at present. His problems are control and consistency, although neither Heathcote nor Weir have proven themselves any better in this department. The only thing Heathcote has going for him is that he hasn't had as many opportunities. I'm not sure that excuse is really as valid for Weir anymore.

I would have kept Leonard personally, but with Leonard gone I'd welcome Jackson to Edinburgh with open arms. The Tonks experiment may well not work out. Far too early to tell. If it doesn't, then I'd be pleased to have Scotland's most talented 10 on the books at Glasgow. At 26 he's in his prime, and working with Hart and Scott could really work well for him. I'd certainly rather have Jackson than an NSQ like Bezzy.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

It's a tough call for Jackson as to what he should do next.

He's 26 now and has been with Warriors his entire professional life (6 years, I think). The question for any club is whether they think that they can get him to improve further and whether His Flakiness' regular game suits the club's strategy. The real problem is that whilst he has two dozen international caps, it's not obvious at which club in the Jeff or Top 14 he would be first choice.

Just take the first and second choice 10s at English Prem clubs at the moment:
Bath - Ford, Heathcote
Chiefs - Slade, Steenson, Sweeney
Gloucester - Burns, Bentley
Harlequins - Evans, Botica
Leicester Tigers - Flood, Williams
London Irish - Geraghty, Humpries
London Wasps - Good, Carlisle
Newcastle Falcons - Hodgson, Clegg
Northampton Saints - Myler, Dickson
Sale Sharks - Cipriani, Ford
Saracens - Farrell, Hodgson
Worcester - Lamb, Mieres

Only maybe at the Falcons could you say with any confidence that Jackson would be better than the incumbent first choice.

For about half of these teams, there's an argument that Jackson is the most able substitute to the first choice and that's obviously the problem. Jackson needs to play - he cannot end up like Heathcote.

[Majestic83]

GC - Leonard has signed for Leeds already I believe.

The best performances from any SQ 10 in the last decade have come from Jackson. His passing and distribution skills are better than any other SQ 10 at present. His problems are control and consistency, although neither Heathcote nor Weir have proven themselves any better in this department. The only thing Heathcote has going for him is that he hasn't had as many opportunities. I'm not sure that excuse is really as valid for Weir anymore.

I would have kept Leonard personally, but with Leonard gone I'd welcome Jackson to Edinburgh with open arms. The Tonks experiment may well not work out. Far too early to tell. If it doesn't, then I'd be pleased to have Scotland's most talented 10 on the books at Glasgow. At 26 he's in his prime, and working with Hart and Scott could really work well for him. I'd certainly rather have Jackson than an NSQ like Bezzy.

Agreed I would definitely like to see Jackson at Edinburgh, on his day he is a fantastic 10 who can cut defences open. The problem is getting him to play at a consitently high level week in week out. A change of clubs might help with that and also Solomons South African expertise of controlling games might rub of on Jackson.
The SRU have a sports psychologist but not sure how regularly he is used but either they need to make more use of him or get a new one!

[funnyExiledScot]

The SRU have a sports psychologist but not sure how regularly he is used but either they need to make more use of him or get a new one!

I suspect Scott Johnson has been fulfilling the role in an amateur capacity recently. It's something he dabbles in and has always wanted to have a crack at it, ever since watching episodes of Frasier during his days of quietly destroying Welsh rugby. No-one had dared let him do it of course, until the SRU came along.....

[CraigS1874]

Heathcote does not want to leave the south west apparently so as much as I would like to see it, it does not seem likely.

I agree with majestic, lee millar is playing well down south but since he is getting regular rugby at a decent level so I think he should stay down there and not move him about it.
Jackson will do well at edinburgh but with tonks probably playing 15 who is going to be the goal kicker ? Does that mean we will have to play cuthbert on the wing just to kick the penalties. Apparently jackson does not like kicking and prefers to not have that pressure so that is the main downside if he moves east.

[funnyExiledScot]

A tricky move to make, but if Bristol get promoted I wonder whether Heathcote wouldn't be a good signing for them.

For Edinburgh next season I think we'll see Tonks at 10 and Cuthbert at 15, and Cuthbert will take the kicks (100% record against the Dragons last week). If he stays Bezzy is also a decent goal kicker.

[RDW]

Robin Hislop has made his loan move to Rotherham permanent - probably a good move given Edinburgh are well stocked at loosehead with Dickinson, Blaauw, Dell and Allan

[funnyExiledScot]

Agree. Hislop wasn't actually too bad, and did a decent job on several occassions coming off the bench for Chunk.

He's one of those who we may well hear about down the line. Only 22 years old and it sounds like he'll be getting regular Championship rugby. Didn't do Mike Cusack any harm.

[RDW]

Can't remember who it was against but I remember going down to 14 men facing a defencive scrum on our 5m line - he came on straight off the bench and held solid in the resulting scrums.

Decent young player, but he's quite small - not really in the Solomons role.

As you say, give it 4 or 5 years when he's starting to really come into his own as a prop.

[nickj]

Just read that London Irish have 'nabbed' Scott Steele (U20's 9) from Leicester.

Unfortunately the article also mentions he might be qualified to play for England.

I hope they don't poach him. I've heard he could have a bit of a future.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_9257161,00.html

[funnyExiledScot]

Accordingly to Wiki he's 6ft and close to 18st. If he can work on his techinique and get himself as close to 19st as possible without losing too much mobility, he'll be there or there abouts in terms of size.

Plenty time on his side, and I think the Championship is as good a place for a prop to learn his trade as the Rabo12. He'll be up against some big units in the Championship and Rotherham clearly rate him.

[George Carlin]

On a random note, Jared Payne has been banned for a fortnight, which means he will miss the Glasgow match on the 18th.
That should make our job a little bit easier.

[RDW]

Again having seen him in person I'd dispute both of those stats FES - you can normally knock an inch and half a stone off the 'official' stats!

Ali Dickinson is probably a good player to model himself on - he's relatively small for a modern prop but has proven himself to be a capable international loosehead.

[Biltong]

You guys are so civilised on the Scottish threads, makes for a bit of dull reading when there is no controversy, eh?

[tigertattie]

you obviously missed most of the thread II banter then Biltong! There was mud slinging from the edinburgh fans. Soap dodging from the Glasgow fans.  Accusations about various poster's legitimacy when they were born

[Biltong]

Sorry I missed that (not really)

[funnyExiledScot]

On a random note, Jared Payne has been banned for a fortnight, which means he will miss the Glasgow match on the 18th.
That should make our job a little bit easier.

Will Stuart Hogg be back by then? Lucky escape that the two dirtiest thugs of NH backline play aren't squaring off against eachother.....

[RDW]

The whole stadium would hold its breath as they compete for the first up and under!

[Biltong]

They'll spoil it for all of you and let it bounce.   

Imagine the anticipation.................................................................











and then the disappointment as it bounces into touch.

[VinceWLB]

Imagine Garces is the ref what are the odds on both getting red carded after the first up and under?   

[BigGee]

A tricky move to make, but if Bristol get promoted I wonder whether Heathcote wouldn't be a good signing for them.

For Edinburgh next season I think we'll see Tonks at 10 and Cuthbert at 15, and Cuthbert will take the kicks (100% record against the Dragons last week). If he stays Bezzy is also a decent goal kicker.

Heathcote has been completely frozen out at Bath, does not even seem to be benching for them at the moment, they seem to prefer Henson and that says it all!

The only positive thing I can read into that is it might mean he is leaving. He really needs to or his career is going to wither away, in another year it is going to be a case of Tom who?. He is not going to get a chance there unless Ford gets injured!

[George Carlin]

On a random note, Jared Payne has been banned for a fortnight, which means he will miss the Glasgow match on the 18th.
That should make our job a little bit easier.

Will Stuart Hogg be back by then? Lucky escape that the two dirtiest thugs of NH backline play aren't squaring off against eachother.....

Hoggy is available this week.

Biltong - just to warn you that I will shortly be starting a campaign which I will entitle 'Justice For the Melrose One'. It will involve me starting an exceptionally long thread on the these boards comprising emotional and reactionary arguments with various levels of circularity about how, in fact, Dan Biggar should have been banned for 2 years for cynically attempting to damage Hogg's shoulder by attacking it with his face.

I will be completely unable to leave any counterargument alone and continue to thrash the issue to death, long after it has stopped twitching on the floor and everybody else has turned out the lights and gone home. And with options like accusing fellow posters of bias, jingoism and daftness available to me, why should I?

[funnyExiledScot]

On a random note, Jared Payne has been banned for a fortnight, which means he will miss the Glasgow match on the 18th.
That should make our job a little bit easier.

Will Stuart Hogg be back by then? Lucky escape that the two dirtiest thugs of NH backline play aren't squaring off against eachother.....

Hoggy is available this week.

Biltong - just to warn you that I am starting a campaign which I will entitle 'Justice For the Melrose One' and then start an exceptionally long thread on the these boards comprising emotional and reactionary arguments with various levels of circularity about how, in fact, Dan Biggar should have been banned for 2 years for cynically attempting to damage Hogg's shoulder by attacking it with his face.

+1

[Sponsored content]