Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread III

[George Carlin]

First topic message reminder :

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.

[tigertattie]

Surely there is a young Prem 1 inside centre that is "Better" than Strauss?

[George Carlin]

Surely there is a young Prem 1 inside centre that is "Better" than Strauss?

Ah, but none as versatile as Strauss, who apparently can do a shift at openside...

[RDW]

We already have a much better, international class 12 at the club, but Strauss has pushed him to the 13 shirt. He must be an awesome player, just not showing it yet...

Is a Strauss 12 Scott 13 combo really better than finishing the season with Scott 12 De Luca 13?

[Majestic83]

Surely there is a young Prem 1 inside centre that is "Better" than Strauss?

James Johnston a 12/13 playing for Scotland 7s and also asigned to Hawick
Robbie Fergusson from Ayr though he is going to be out with his illness for a while.
Bruce Dick hasn't been given a shot at all by Solomons same with Chris Auld who are both very good players.
Joe Helps at Melrose seems to be a very good player as well and has been pretty influential in helping Melrose win the league.

[Solid8]

That would be a very good move for him.  Who are the other Wasp 10s and is he likely to get much gametime?

Everyone's favourite balding warrior Andy Goode is their current incumbent but I just checked and he's 34 now.

Good move for him - Wasps have a lot going for them and a very good set up.

Big problem there, to my knowledge Goode is the only place kicker in the Wasps 1st choice XV. Meaning that If Rhubarb takes his place he will have to also take over the kicking duties, and as we have seen many times before if the lad has an off day from the tee his whole game falls apart. Also consider that he is somewhat of a liability defensively and Wasps already have Tom Varndell whose total defensive contribution is normally pointing at people that he expects other players to tackle. I'm not sure that a move to Wasps is the best move for him.

[BigGee]

Surely there is a young Prem 1 inside centre that is "Better" than Strauss?

James Johnston a 12/13 playing for Scotland 7s and also asigned to Hawick
Robbie Fergusson from Ayr though he is going to be out with his illness for a while.
Bruce Dick hasn't been given a shot at all by Solomons same with Chris Auld who are both very good players.
Joe Helps at Melrose seems to be a very good player as well and has been pretty influential in helping Melrose win the league.

Two good prospects, Dean and Hoyland, who can both play centre signed for next year. Unfortunately you can't just take a player out of premier 1 and drop them into professional rugby. You would have a very large medical bill to meet afterwards and that young man may never play again. The gulf in physicality is simply enormous!

[IanBru]

To be honest, I'm delighted for Jackson. It's always been clear that he has the ability to play really well (he practically walked on water against Munster last year), and that his limitations have been purely mental.

I think a move could be just the thing to sort his head out.

With regards to kicking, I'll admit that I'm very much in the 'your stand-off kicks at goal, end of.' school of thought. If we can't rely on Jackson to kick at club level, there's really no point in considering him for Scotland.

[RDW]

I'm just glad he's gone for a decent AP team - they are never going to get relegated, and should be pushing for Euro rugby and even a top 4 if they can get their season together.

Irrespective of the player and the team he's going to, this is a new start for him in a decent club so let's see what happens. I'm much happier to see him at Wasps than a team like Newcastle or London Irish or something like that, with all due respect to them!

[George Carlin]

GeordieFalcon, Driver and Ozzy will "have words" with you for that last comment.

[RDW]

There's nothing against those teams, but we obviously selfishly want our players to be playing for teams that are playing top level European rugby and in the hunt for things, not fighting relegation dogfights all season!

[BigGee]

There's nothing against those teams, but we obviously selfishly want our players to be playing for teams that are playing top level European rugby and in the hunt for things, not fighting relegation dogfights all season!

It can all change quite quickly though. I can remember LI in the HC not that long ago, Edinburgh had to get a 5 pointer against them in the last game! The same season wasps were in a relegation battle of their own and only just limped in. They certainly look to be in a better place now though, it is a fairly decent set up down there.

[tigertattie]

great for wacko going to a decent team "dan saf"

still means meatball, Horne and Russell fighting it out for the 10 shirt at the weedge while Edinburgh have Tonks and, well, no one really.

Still say Russell or Horne should move to Embra IF heathcote doesnt rock up there next season!

[Captain_Sensible]

great for wacko going to a decent team "dan saf"

still means meatball, Horne and Russell fighting it out for the 10 shirt at the weedge while Edinburgh have Tonks and, well, no one really.

Still say Russell or Horne should move to Embra IF heathcote doesnt rock up there next season!

We shouldn't rob Peter to pay Paul.

If Edinburgh can't secure the services of top players, then weakening Glasgow to bolster Edinburgh would be to the detriment of Scottish rugby as a whole, as it would mean neither team has a shot at Rabo or European Cup success.

[George Carlin]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

[BigGee]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

He has not even been on the bench recently, which gives some hope that they have written him off and he will be on his way!

[Solid8]

Also Gavin Henson's hairgel has signed an extension to his contract.  Which is such a shame; I had high hopes for his time at Bath after the pre-season team bonding exercise went so well.

[Totalflanker]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

He has not even been on the bench recently, which gives some hope that they have written him off and he will be on his way!

George / BigGee - is Heathcote that good/can he be? one game in defeat for Scotland against Tonga, which doesn't sit well in the memory, haven't seen much of him at all.

[BigGee]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

He has not even been on the bench recently, which gives some hope that they have written him off and he will be on his way!

George / BigGee - is Heathcote that good/can he be? one game in defeat for Scotland against Tonga, which doesn't sit well in the memory, haven't seen much of him at all.

He is a player with enormous potential. He held down a starting place at Bath while only 20 and most seasoned observers reckoned was playing better than Donald last year when both were fit. He also outplayed Ford when they lined up against each other in the A international at Newcastle last year, looked pretty good when he replaced Tonks this year as well. It would be unfair to judge him on the Tonga game, he was not the reason we lost that game!

If Ford's dad was not the Bath coach and therefore they had not signed him, Heathcote would be their starting FH now and may well be the same for Scotland. He is never going to get a fair crack of the whip there, despite what they said when ford signed, he really needs to move!

[Totalflanker]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

He has not even been on the bench recently, which gives some hope that they have written him off and he will be on his way!

George / BigGee - is Heathcote that good/can he be? one game in defeat for Scotland against Tonga, which doesn't sit well in the memory, haven't seen much of him at all.

He is a player with enormous potential. He held down a starting place at Bath while only 20 and most seasoned observers reckoned was playing better than Donald last year when both were fit. He also outplayed Ford when they lined up against each other in the A international at Newcastle last year, looked pretty good when he replaced Tonks this year as well. It would be unfair to judge him on the Tonga game, he was not the reason we lost that game!

If Ford's dad was not the Bath coach and therefore they had not signed him, Heathcote would be their starting FH now and may well be the same for Scotland. He is never going to get a fair crack of the whip there, despite what they said when ford signed, he really needs to move!

Absolutely not judging him on Tonga - just saying that is my only point of reference at the moment and trying to understand the comments wanting him at Edinburgh especially over Jackson.

I really rate Jackson, very hot or cold as a player (and when cold, bloody freezing - but when hot can do some things that I don't see any other Scottish 10s being able to do - esp. line breaks and offloads).

I like Weir but think Jackson with proper game time could have been the man for glasgow and scotland (understand, well mostly!!, toonies need to rotate, but sometime I think its done by numbers rather regard for what makes the individuals tick and for confidence players like Jackson that's really counter productive)

[George Carlin]

I actually think (given Pappy's refusal to rule out the Rhubarb coming down the M8) the deal was that if Jackson couldn't successfully pimp himself to Jeff or Top 14 clubs, that Edinburgh would take him. I hope that this doesn't happen as Tom Heathcote is currently the biggest waste of talent around at the moment. How far back has his game peddled because of being stuck on the bench all season?

He has not even been on the bench recently, which gives some hope that they have written him off and he will be on his way!

George / BigGee - is Heathcote that good/can he be? one game in defeat for Scotland against Tonga, which doesn't sit well in the memory, haven't seen much of him at all.

He is a player with enormous potential. He held down a starting place at Bath while only 20 and most seasoned observers reckoned was playing better than Donald last year when both were fit. He also outplayed Ford when they lined up against each other in the A international at Newcastle last year, looked pretty good when he replaced Tonks this year as well. It would be unfair to judge him on the Tonga game, he was not the reason we lost that game!

If Ford's dad was not the Bath coach and therefore they had not signed him, Heathcote would be their starting FH now and may well be the same for Scotland. He is never going to get a fair crack of the whip there, despite what they said when ford signed, he really needs to move!

I responded to an FES query along the same lines a couple of months ago. Whenever he has played, he's played very well. If you want to see a full game with him playing, go to http://www.premiershiprugby.tv/ and you can watch the entire Bath-Worcester game in early February.

[George Carlin]

The mighty Rhubarb will officially be a Wasp next season:

http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/news/14/04/23/jackson-leave-glasgow-summer

http://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps34394.ink

[jimbopip]

Jimbo, maybe nearer 9 pm - ko is 7.05 pm  :good luck: We surely don't need that as:

WE ARE GLASGOW - WE FEAR NO-ONE

Schiz, if we haven't buried the exfoliators and pocketed a bonus point by eight o'clock then we're in trouble.

[tigertattie]

great for wacko going to a decent team "dan saf"

still means meatball, Horne and Russell fighting it out for the 10 shirt at the weedge while Edinburgh have Tonks and, well, no one really.

Still say Russell or Horne should move to Embra IF heathcote doesnt rock up there next season!

We shouldn't rob Peter to pay Paul.

If Edinburgh can't secure the services of top players, then weakening Glasgow to bolster Edinburgh would be to the detriment of Scottish rugby as a whole, as it would mean neither team has a shot at Rabo or European Cup success.

Could not disagree more

At Glasgow, meatball is the current incumbent. Horne and Russell will be trying to get the 10 shirt off him.

Realistically, Russell and Horne will not get much game time at Glasgow. With rotation, either Horne or Russell will get a decent few games for Glasgow but not both.  Therefore I think it would be better for one of those guys to come to Edinburgh.  Its not a case of getting a team to the HC ¼ final or a Rabo playoff spot.  It’s getting our best players playing regular rugby so we have options to choose from.

What happens next season if Cotter decides Meatball is not the 10 for him?  It means he has to pick over Tonks (untested at 10 at the highest levels) and Horne and Russell who could potentially not have played much rugby at all at 10.

[Captain_Sensible]

great for wacko going to a decent team "dan saf"

still means meatball, Horne and Russell fighting it out for the 10 shirt at the weedge while Edinburgh have Tonks and, well, no one really.

Still say Russell or Horne should move to Embra IF heathcote doesnt rock up there next season!

We shouldn't rob Peter to pay Paul.

If Edinburgh can't secure the services of top players, then weakening Glasgow to bolster Edinburgh would be to the detriment of Scottish rugby as a whole, as it would mean neither team has a shot at Rabo or European Cup success.

Could not disagree more

At Glasgow, meatball is the current incumbent. Horne and Russell will be trying to get the 10 shirt off him.

Realistically, Russell and Horne will not get much game time at Glasgow. With rotation, either Horne or Russell will get a decent few games for Glasgow but not both.  Therefore I think it would be better for one of those guys to come to Edinburgh.  Its not a case of getting a team to the HC ¼ final or a Rabo playoff spot.  It’s getting our best players playing regular rugby so we have options to choose from.

What happens next season if Cotter decides Meatball is not the 10 for him?  It means he has to pick over Tonks (untested at 10 at the highest levels) and Horne and Russell who could potentially not have played much rugby at all at 10.

Could not disagree more with your disagreement

Success in pro rugby is all about having a large, high quality squad. Horne will get plenty of games for Glasgow next season as he is their first choice 12. Russell and Weir will duel it out for the 10 shirt, but what happens when one gets called away to Scotland duty? Glasgow need quality back up in all positions so they can be as successful as possible. It IS all about getting a team to the HC quarters and the Rabo playoffs, because that is how you breed a winning culture in Scottish rugby. No point in having lots of players to choose from if they play for crappy clubs that get hammered each week.

Edinburgh should get their own house in order first, rather leaving Glasgow to do the dirty development work on players then nabbing them later on. If that takes time, then time it will take. Employing these short cuts will only serve to weaken Scottish rugby as a whole.

[EWT Spoons]

I’d be delighted to take Russell at Edinburgh….but I agree that we shouldn’t weaken Glasgow just to benefit us.

As Capt. says Horne is primarily a 12 who can do a job at 10, might be capable of doing a very good job, but mainly plays 12.  This really just leaves them with Russell and Weir at 10, one of whom (possibly both) are likely to be called up to Scotland squads.  Plus players do need to be rested every now and again.

Taking one of them (preferably Russell) from Glasgow would leave them very short.  We (Edinburgh) should look to see how Tonks progresses and possibly, if we can get him, bring Heathcote up the road.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

great for wacko going to a decent team "dan saf"

still means meatball, Horne and Russell fighting it out for the 10 shirt at the weedge while Edinburgh have Tonks and, well, no one really.

Still say Russell or Horne should move to Embra IF heathcote doesnt rock up there next season!

Typical MFL view of things and total crap.   Why would Peter Horne or Finn Russell want to have anything to do with Edinburgh ?  Absolute insanity to suggest this i.e. from a team going somewhere to a team (sic) going nowhere.  

Jacko went as he was not offered a contract by the SRU   , which is a bloody shame.  Good fh whose kicking let him down - at times  - and in those times effected his game.   Someone above said his defence was suspect. They obviously have not seem him play too often as that was probably one of his better talents at 10.   tactical and tee kicking let him down - again not always.   Good bit of business for Wasps.  He will be at RWC 15 - -trust me.

[Majestic83]

Anyone know if Byron McGuigan is leaving Glasgow or heard any rumours about him leaving?
Saw on his twitter last night he was saying he was at the airport heading to Bay of Plenty in New Zealand.
Would be a weird time for Glasgow to be letting someone go on holiday so would imagine it must be rugby related!

[jimbopip]

So many points raised.
Is McGeechan not at Wasps? Since he once gambled on a "mercurial but unpredictable" Scottish 10 with the Lions in 97 I'll assume Jacko's career is not over but is about to enter a bold new phase. Pluto's in Uranus as Minnie Mouse might say.
Secondly, why in God's name would Hornee or Russell want to leave the Warriors? Why would anyone want to live in Brotheltown being force fed moong beans and tempranillo when they could have pie suppers and El Dee?
Finally , as I said previously, I fear Barry has asked if there was the slightest chance of him playing in the next three matches. Having heard the answer he has left in a huff, or a minute and a huff and if that wasn't fast enough probably a taxi.  

[Solid8]

Nope McGeechan left the DOR role at Wasps in 2009. He is currently Chairman of Leeds Carnegie and in his spare time pondering how to save Rugby in the north of England:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10776245/Sir-Ian-McGeechan-My-plan-to-save-rugby-union-in-the-north-of-England.html

[jimbopip]

Solid, you can prove anything with facts.

[George Carlin]

Holy poop. Just noticed that they've given David Moyes the elbow.

Poor bastard. At least we tend to give our coaches 2 years instead of 10 months.

[George Carlin]

How does the word 'bastard' get through our swear filter?
It's frakking disgraceful.

[RDW]

That's nothing - I changed one of 21st's posts cause he'd said a word beginning with c that is slang for a part of the male genitalia!

[tigertattie]

memo to RDW - man sausage is a male chicken!

It's also the mascot of French rugby so has the right to be in the rugby forums  

[RDW]

Unfortunately we can't really have someone say

Jacko went as he was not offered a contract by the SRU male chickens , which is a bloody shame.

On a public forum!

[TJ]

I think Jacksons not getting a contract was the right call. He is not going to develop as a player further where he is and he is either going to stop younger guys getting game time or be sitting about doing nowt.

He might develop more / improve moving south, Youngsters get more game time at pro level. Win / Win

[George Carlin]

Of course Rhubarb not getting an SRU renewal was the right thing to do.

There's no way he's going to improve any further at 26 in the same club he started playing at.
He needs something new and he needs to be tested in a new coaching set up with a new training regime. Wilko confirmed that it was the new set up (and I suspect the lack of horizontal Geordie rain) that revitalized him at Toulon after so long with the Falcons.

Don't get me wrong - he has to play. But there's no way I want him blocking the 10 shirt for the likes of Finn Russell, Alex Blair, Harry Leonard, Tom Heathcote or any other young 10s that are largely still unknowns.

That's also the reason I was delighted Laidaw is off to the Cherries.

I think that there is legs to the criticism that a lot of Scottish players have simply got too comfortable in the fug of their provincial club set up. McGuigan leaving Glasgow early is not something I agree with but it does rather serve to underline the huge competition places in every single position in that team.

[tigertattie]

GC, you like writting things on the inter-webs!!!

Go crate a pussbook or Muppet page named "We want Heathcote at Edinburgh"

[George Carlin]

I am intrigued by what a "pussbook" is, but I suspect I will be immediately sacked if I try to Google it.

[tigertattie]

I am intrigued by what a "pussbook" is, but I suspect I will be immediately sacked if I try to Google it.

lol

its mearly an alernative way of saying facebook! I beleive the Dundonians are to blame for this slang term!

[123456789]

"FT: Caledonia Reds 26 Co-optimist Rugby Club 17. A terrific game of rugby played at a blistering pace. Thanks to all of the supporters who made the pilgrimage to Cupar and thanks to Howe of Fife RFC for being fantastic hosts. Next week we face the Newcastle Falcons in Prestonpans. ‪#‎RedsRevival‬"

Straight from the Reds' facebook page. No idea what that result mean relative to their "revival" and I think next week will be a better indication.
Another thing I was thinking, and I admit it's a long shot but I think they should at least attempt to form some sort of link with the Queensland Reds, be it coaching expertise, an option for their young players to experience a different type of pro rugby regularly if they aren't getting picked and and almost an Australiam equivalent to the MacPhail scholarship.

[tigertattie]

why would Queensland do that? Just because they have "red" in their team name???

[BigGee]

On another note, I see they have pulled back most of the younger members of the sevens squad into the U20's, Glashan, Dean and Herron. This is good in that it will probably strengthen that squad and probably means that they see these players as having a future in 15's as well. Dean already has a contract and I know that Alex Glashan was very highly thought of at school level.

It also probably means that they will be pulling more of the pros back into the sevens squad for the last 2 rounds and probably for the CG as well. De Luca has been training with them, I wonder if Bennett will come back as well. He has been playing really well for Glasgow so I wonder if they can afford to let him go?

[tigertattie]

Bennett may well be put into the 7's team.  The great unwashed let him go to play in melrose and the game against Ulster was agruably more important than the games to come against Treviso or Zebre.

It may come down to the fitness of Dunbar!

I think this has been one of the reasons Glasgow have had such a good season in the Rabo.  They have plenty depth. If Cusiter is goosed, Matalawu pops up.  Bennett/Dunbar, DTH/Seymour etc etc.

Even against Edinburgh, with Ickle Jonny playing, Glasgow could even afford to play the snarly shouty ruck inspector!

[RDW]

Hamish Watson, George Turner and Jamie Farndale have all graduated from the EDP and signed full time terms with Edinburgh.

Other than Farndale I can't see them getting much gametime next season, and even Farndale hasn't really pushed on from his try scoring exploits in the last JWC, mainly due to his bad injury.

Also, Hamish Watson really does have the most ridiculous haircut in the history of human existence.

[Majestic83]

Hamish Watson, George Turner and Jamie Farndale have all graduated from the EDP and signed full time terms with Edinburgh.

Other than Farndale I can't see them getting much gametime next season, and even Farndale hasn't really pushed on from his try scoring exploits in the last JWC, mainly due to his bad injury.

Also, Hamish Watson really does have the most ridiculous haircut in the history of human existence.

Been impressed when I have seen George Turner play this season, very mobile and powerful player who puts in a lot of work around the park and seems to be good at the basics.
Hamish Watson I don't see adding much to the senior squad, never been overly impressed by him at club level and certainly he didn't stand out in prem 1 games.

Hopefully Farndale kicks on now and regains his confidence after the leg break a year or so ago. Looked very sharp at the Melrose 7s over the first 30metres but a couple of times he made a break and had a clear run in but was caught by the opposition so i wonder if he has lost a bit of pace. Could probably do with having a few sprint sessions with Carlin Isles!

What about the other EDP's who aren't being given a senior contract, are they binned now and a new lot brought in or will some stay on EDP contracts for another year.
Thinking Alex Allan, Bruce Dick, Chris Auld?

[RDW]

Auld has signed on for next year. He looked very good in the Melrose 7s. Alex Allan has been promising and has played a couple of pro games and I'd be surprised if they binned him so early into a prop's career. Couldn't comment on Bruce Dick though - never seen him play.

I was actually disappointed with Farndale at the Melrose 7s. He looks very much in the Visser mould - big strong athlete but not a natural rugby player by any stretch of the imagination. There's plenty room for those kind of wingers though if they can run in tries!

[Majestic83]

I've played against Bruce Dick a couple times and he is a pretty good player, good boot on him and was solid in defence and had a very good pass on him. Think he has been injured most of this season. Played last week for Melrose against Gala and I'm sure it said was his first game of the season but he played well and possibly even scored a couple.

I agree Farndale doesn't look the most gifted rugby player but seems to know the way to the try line. He does run very good angles but his top end speed for me is a slight concern.
I think at the moment Damian Hoyland looks an even more exciting prospect and certainly the coaches must think so having given him a full time contract instead of an EDP which is the normal criteria.

On a non Edinburgh/Glasgow piece of news I have heard that Big Jim Hamilton is joining Saracens next season!

[RDW]

Ooh where did you hear that? Would be a good move for him - he's very much in the Saracans mould.

If Hoyland and Farndale get some gametime next year I will be happy - they are proper wingers, unlike Beard, S-H-C and Tom Brown (who has done reasonably well granted).

Plus Nikki Walker will surely get the boot.

[Majestic83]

Was an article on one of the French sports websites, think it was either L'equipe or midi olympique. They are allowing him to be released early from his contract if they can find a replacement but apparently they have that pretty much sewn up and are bringing in Luke Charteris who they called English!!

I actually quite like Tom Brown on the wing and think he will be a better winger than full back. He has had some great games at 15 but he doesn't have the best kicking game.

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