Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread IV

[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
https://www.606v2.com/t53119-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iii

A new thread for the 2014/5 season.

A. Edinburgh Rugby


1. Coaching Team

Alan Solomons - head coach
Stevie Scott -  assistant coach
Omar Mouneimne - assistant coach

2. Players In

Neil Cochrane from London Wasps
John Andress from Worcester Warriors
Rory Sutherland from Gala RFC
Tom Heathcote from Bath Rugby
Michael Tait from Newcastle Falcons
Fraser McKenzie from Newcastle Falcons
Phil Burleigh from the Highlanders
Anton Bresler from the Sharks
Brett Thompson from USA 7s

3. Players Out

Steven Lawrie retired
Alun Walker released
Alex Allan to Glasgow Warriors
Geoff Cross to London Irish
Lewis Niven released
Sean Cox to London Irish
Robert McAlpine released
Perry Parker to Rotherham Titans
Izak van der Westhuizen released
Ross Rennie to Bristol Rugby
Dimitri Basilaia released
Alex Black released
Greig Laidlaw to Gloucester Rugby
Chris Leck released
Piers Francis released
Gregor Hunter released
Harry Leonard to Leeds Carnegie
Ben Atiga retired
Ben Cairns retired
Nick De Luca to Biarritz Olympique
Lee Jones released
Aleki Lutui to Gloucester Rugby

4. Pre-season Fixtures

Leicester Tigers v Edinburgh
Saturday 23 August, 14:00
Welford Road

Edinburgh v Newcastle Falcons
Friday 29 August, 19:45
Mansfield Park, Hawick

B. Glasgow Warriors


1. Coaching Team

Gregor Townsend – Head Coach
Shade Munro – Forwards Coach
Matt Taylor – Defence Coach

2. Players In

Alex Allan from Edinburgh
Murray McConnell from Ayr RFC
Euan Murray from Worcester Warriors
James Downey from Munster
Rossouw de Klerk from the Cheetahs

3. Players Out

Moray Low to Exeter Chiefs
Chris Cusiter to Sale Sharks
Ruaridh Jackson to London Wasps
Ed Kalman retired
Byron McGuigan released
Finlay Gillies released
Scott Wight to Melrose RFC
Gabriel Ascárate released
Folau Niua released
Carlin Isles to USA 7s

4. Pre-season Fixtures

Glasgow Warriors v Harlequins
Saturday 23 August, 14:30
Scotstoun Stadium

London Scottish v Glasgow Warriors
Saturday 30 August, 15:00
Richmond Athletic Ground

[RDW]

Decent looking signing - again the required level of quality that we should be aiming for.

He's no John Andress though...!  

[VinceWLB]

Yeah decent signing, the bad news is it does raise concerns over Cusack's fitness...

With Allan there as 4th choice i didn't think Glasgow needed another TH.

[funnyExiledScot]

24 year old prop Rossouw de Klerk from Cheetahs is Glasgow's new signing according to the official twitter feed

Another TH, didn't see that coming.  

With Murray, Welsh already there, does not sound promising for Cusack's fitness, or unless Welsh is getting moved back to LH.  Can't see them needing 4 experienced THs

Rossouw de Klerk he's only 24 and signed on a two year deal, he has played 20 times in Super Rugby.

Agreed - I don't think this is good news re: Cusack's availability. I also can't see Welsh wanting to move back with Grant and Reid already at the club, he was making a decent fist of tighthead towards the end of last season and was unlucky not to feature for Scotland in the summer.

Looks a really good signing actually, and he's got decent experience for a prop his age.

[EWT Spoons]

Given he's only 24 and not capped, wonder if he's being lined up as another project player? Would only be 27 by the time he's eligble.

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm sure he is. He'd be SQ during the prime years of his career as a prop.

We could end up with a Scottish pack containing Nel (with de Klerk as back-up), Dell, Du Preez, Cowan and Strauss!

[RDW]

How's this for a born and raised out of Scotland XV in a few year's time:

Dell
?
Nel
Atkins
Toolis
Du Preez
Holmes
Strauss

Hart
Heathcoat
Seymour
?
?
Maitland
Cuthbert

Not saying it would be any good, but gives us an indication of what we're going to be facing in a few years time!

[funnyExiledScot]

How's this for a born and raised out of Scotland XV in a few year's time:

Dell
?Hilterbrand
Nel
Atkins
Toolis
Du Preez
Holmes
Strauss

Hart
Heathcoat
Seymour
?Burleigh or Taylor
?Grove
Maitland
Cuthbert

Not saying it would be any good, but gives us an indication of what we're going to be facing in a few years time!

[RDW]

Thanks FES - knew there would be someone!

Chances of Hilterbrand, Atkins, Toolis, Holnes and Grove getting picked over the years are pretty small, but the others are probably going to be involved in their careers.

[funnyExiledScot]

There's also Jim Hamilton if you like, and Henry Pyrgos.

Add those guys into the mix and the team above would run a "born in Scotland" side pretty close I reckon.

[EWT Spoons]

Also Ryan Wilson

[funnyExiledScot]

I did not know that about Ryan Wilson.

The problem with him is that there are two versions: (a) the mobile and hard working number 8 who plays out of his skin for Glasgow, and (b) the blindside flanker handpicked by Scott Johnson to fulfil the tackling/breakdown specialist role at international level.

Sitting in the stands at the Aviva watching POM school Wilson in the 6 Nations will not make my memoirs.

[RDW]

I deliberately excluded guys who have been in Scotland a while and played most of their formative rugby here (Roddy Grant, Denton, Wilson etc) - the point is more about players who have been brought in to Edinburgh or Glasgow who are relatively seasoned pros ready to make the step up to International duty when required / when they become eligible.

Jim Hamilton spent a reasonable time at Edinburgh so wouldn't class him as one, same for Pyrgos too.

BTW I have nothing wrong with picking these guys, just hope it is kept to a reasonable number over the years!

[funnyExiledScot]

True re: Hamilton, but he arrived at Edinburgh after 5 years at Leicester, prior to which he had played for England U21 and spent time in NZ. He was capped before moving north.

It's going to be interesting to see how he gets on at Sarries next season.

[madmaccas]

Just saw on Mike Cusack's Twitter page that he's in pre season training, so looks he's coming back. His injury/illness has been very cloak and dagger, still no idea why the Warriors management haven't elaborated on it?!

If he is back it sure would make for a glut of quality props at Glasgow.

[funnyExiledScot]

So Glasgow have Murray, Welsh, Cusack and de Klerk.

Edinburgh have Nel, Berghan, Andress and McQuillin.

Would Glasgow like to swap?

[BigGee]

Just saw on Mike Cusack's Twitter page that he's in pre season training, so looks he's coming back. His injury/illness has been very cloak and dagger, still no idea why the Warriors management haven't elaborated on it?!

If he is back it sure would make for a glut of quality props at Glasgow.

I think Big Mike has a long way to go to regain genuine match fitness and there is no guarantee that he will ever make it. Murray is knocking on a bit now as well, is a bit injury prone as well and will no doubt have to be managed, he is only on a one year contract and it is easy to see him retiring after the world cup.

This guy may be one for the future, he is coming off a southern hemisphere season and we have often seen those players struggling a bit in the first season. It may be another year before we see him getting his real form and enough game time to show what he can really do.

[jimbopip]

Spot on Gee, a very sensible comment. It may be a while before Scotstoun echoes to the call and response of, "BLUUUTO-OH" and "ROOOSO-OH"
p.s. Gee I noticed you are taking your biy to the London Scottish. I intend to take Bigson along fancy nominating a watering -hole for any 606'rs who fancy a meeting place pre-match?

[BigGee]

Meeting up would be a nice idea, but I have to say being an east end boy, it is not really my patch over there and would not have a clue where to suggest. I have been to a game there before a few years ago but just went straight to the ground from the tube, I think I had a pint in the club house. Unfortunately I am also going to work that night after the match, so won't be drinking. I am actually not much of a drinker anyway but as I said though I would be very happy to meet up to say hello if anyone can come up with a venue.

I am off up to Glasgow to see some of the CG tomorrow, including the sevens on saturday morning. I saw a few bits and bobs of the opening ceremony, as i am at work and could not give it my full attention. It seemed to get better as it went on, even that strange tartan and blue shirt was starting to grow on me. I will give it a proper look tomorrow morning before getting the train. Just got to get through the rest of this night shift first!

[RDW]

Most of the first half of the opening ceremony was an absolute abomination.  Nothing makes you more proud to be Scottish than John Barrowman (an American) and Karen Dunbar (is that really the best we can do?) screeching out some chringeworthy CBeebies style song full of naff stereotypes and awful choreography (half the cast looked like they'd just found out what they had to do).

Amy MacDonald (she's lovely!) saved some face before Rod Stewart showed his age and although the rendition of 500 miles with the Scottish Ballet dancers was very good, it was a bit random and appeared out of nowhere.

I turned off halfway through the athletes parade.

I'd rather watch this years' Calcutta cup match again than have to sit through that opening ceremony!

Some highlights from Social media:

Five minutes into the Commonwealth games and it's already clear Scotland might not be ready for independence.

If this is a sign of Scottish Eurovision entries in the future if we get independence, I'm out!

I'm gasping on a teacake now

As support for independence plummets in Scotland after this opening ceremony, support for it skyrockets south of the border!

All in jest of course!

[funnyExiledScot]

I didn't watch it. Winner.

[Majestic83]

Most of the first half of the opening ceremony was an absolute abomination.  Nothing makes you more proud to be Scottish than John Barrowman (an American) and Karen Dunbar (is that really the best we can do?) screeching out some chringeworthy CBeebies style song full of naff stereotypes and awful choreography (half the cast looked like they'd just found out what they had to do).

Amy MacDonald (she's lovely!) saved some face before Rod Stewart showed his age and although the rendition of 500 miles with the Scottish Ballet dancers was very good, it was a bit random and appeared out of nowhere.

I turned off halfway through the athletes parade.

I'd rather watch this years' Calcutta cup match again than have to sit through that opening ceremony!

Some highlights from Social media:

Five minutes into the Commonwealth games and it's already clear Scotland might not be ready for independence.

If this is a sign of Scottish Eurovision entries in the future if we get independence, I'm out!

I'm gasping on a teacake now

As support for independence plummets in Scotland after this opening ceremony, support for it skyrockets south of the border!

All in jest of course!

your a bit young to have the grumpy old man syndrome are you not?!  

Thought the John Barrowman and Karen Dunbar bit was pretty crap but the rest of it wasn't too bad. Think for me Nicola bennadetti stole the show!

[EWT Spoons]

Poor start, but got better i thought.

Agree Dunbar and Barrowman were an odd choice and did have an early feel of "oh cr*p we've not planned this at all...improvise!”

[RDW]

 

To be fair to them, I caught up on the second half this morning and it wasn't too bad.

Chris hoy helping the guy open the baton was the main highlight!

[EWT Spoons]

Think raising £2.5m from UK donations for Unicef is pretty decent as well. Nice touch

[RDW]

Yeah I was a bit uncomfortable when Euan McGregor came on at first - wondered where they were going to go with it - but that was a definite plus point.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Meeting up would be a nice idea, but I have to say being an east end boy, it is not really my patch over there and would not have a clue where to suggest. I have been to a game there before a few years ago but just went straight to the ground from the tube, I think I had a pint in the club house. Unfortunately I am also going to work that night after the match, so won't be drinking. I am actually not much of a drinker anyway but as I said though I would be very happy to meet up to say hello if anyone can come up with a venue.

I am off up to Glasgow to see some of the CG tomorrow, including the sevens on saturday morning. I saw a few bits and bobs of the opening ceremony, as i am at work and could not give it my full attention. It seemed to get better as it went on, even that strange tartan and blue shirt was starting to grow on me. I will give it a proper look tomorrow morning before getting the train. Just got to get through the rest of this night shift first!

Gents, take your pick from the Triple Crown, right next to the gate into the RAG - bit of an old man's pub, but you can stand outside; the Sun Inn, opposite the station - full of rugby memorabilia; or the Swan Inn, a 5-min walk away on the green - can get crowded, but a v nice spot

[jimbopip]

Asbo, did you paint the lines outside all of them? You seem awfy familiar with an alarming number of dens of iniquity.

[nickj]

I'd definitely go with ASBO's recommendation of the Swan - http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/24/2426/White_Swan/Richmond

[GLove39]

So a mixed cermony! Very cheesy at times (wonder if we'll see dancing tunnocks tea cakes at Murrayfield next season?) but loved the new take on the Glasgow kiss.

Nice to hear the appeal raised so much & that violin solo by Benedetti was stunning.
Let's just hope they ditch 'subo' for the closing ceremony!


Also anyone else rather peeved that we didn't get to hear Flower of Scotland at all during the opening cermony last night? And instead when it came to national anthem time we were subjected to 'God Save the Queen'...

[RDW]

And instead when it came to national anthem time we were subjected to 'God Save the Queen'...

To be fair, GSTQ is our national anthem. Scotland does not have an official national anthem, and merely use Flower of Scotland as an unofficial one that is mainly used for sporting events.

Is Scotland the Brave not used for the Commonwealth games athletes that win gold for Scotland? I'm sure it was in the past.

[funnyExiledScot]

So a mixed cermony! Very cheesy at times (wonder if we'll see dancing tunnocks tea cakes at Murrayfield next season?) but loved the new take on the Glasgow kiss.

Nice to hear the appeal raised so much & that violin solo by Benedetti was stunning.
Let's just hope they ditch 'subo' for the closing ceremony!


Also anyone else rather peeved that we didn't get to hear Flower of Scotland at all during the opening cermony last night? And instead when it came to national anthem time we were subjected to 'God Save the Queen'...

I hate it when it comes to the moment to play your national anthem, and they actually do......

They should have sung the text of the White Paper to Highland Cathedral!

[GLove39]

And instead when it came to national anthem time we were subjected to 'God Save the Queen'...

To be fair, GSTQ is our national anthem.  Scotland does not have an official national anthem, and merely use Flower of Scotland as an unofficial one that is mainly used for sporting events.

Is Scotland the Brave not used for the Commonwealth games athletes that win gold for Scotland? I'm sure it was in the past.

I really don't see GSTQ as our national anthem. England's & Britain's yes, and I know that technically we don't have our own, but anything other than that subservient sing along would have been better. I mean as you say it's used at sporting events. We were the host nation, competing as Scotland, perfect time to play it.

And ironically since 2010, Team Scotland decided to replace Scotland the Brave with of Flower of Scotland. So fingers crossed we win some golds so Glasgow gets at least one official rendition of FOS.

[EWT Spoons]

I just so happen to have a copy of the white paper in front of me (true story) and page 1 would actually probably work quite well to Highland Cathedral, I mean as long as you ignore that none of it actually rhymes in any way, or even fits the tune.  Aside from that it's perfect.

[IanBru]

I have to say, I had a great time last night at the opening ceremony. It was my first time at a football stadium, and would you believe it, I didn't even get stabbed! Result.  

The ceremony ticked a lot of boxes, and while it was a bit clichéd at times, the messages put forward were all important ones - Glasgow's support for Mandela, the Barrowman kiss and our idiosyncratic sense of humour - it was all good, and a lot to be proud of.

I wasn't a fan of the dogs in jackets as 1) I've always considered dressing up animals to be the first sign of psychosis; and 2) I'm always tempted to drop-kick small dogs over the sides of bridges.

With the anthems, I think it would have been appropriate to sing GSTQ when the Queen entered, and then Flower of Scotland when the Commonwealth flag was raised (instead of that ridiculous 'I've got the baton, now you've got the baton, now let's all dance a bit' sequence). The usual cretins off to my left were booing the English athletes when they came in, but not everyone can be a valuable contributor to our liberal society, I guess.

RDW, my understanding is that the athletes vote on which anthem is played, and it has been Flower of Scotland for the last three Commonwealth Games.

[funnyExiledScot]

The usual cretins off to my left were booing the English athletes when they came in, but not everyone can be a valuable contributor to our liberal society, I guess.

I wonder, out of interest, which way those fine chaps will be voting in September. Perhaps the promise of a fairer and more just society, backed by a constitution written by the SNP spin doctors, is what's swinging it for them. I guess we'll never know.

I see that Mo Farah just pulled out, which is a shame. Quite a few high profile athletes seem to be missing.

[RDW]

Got myself some free tickets for both 7s sessions on Saturday, so going to be able to see all 3 Scotland group games then the finals on Sunday night.

Scotland play NZ first at 13:56 near the end of the first session so will probably head there for late morning, head back into town for some food after the NZ game then back in time for Scotland's 2nd game at 6pm against the mighty Barbados!

[cakeordeath]

Got myself some free tickets for both 7s sessions on Saturday, so going to be able to see all 3 Scotland group games then the finals on Sunday night.

Scotland play NZ first at 13:56 near the end of the first session so will probably  head there for late morning, head back into town for some food after the NZ game then back in time for Scotland's 2nd game at 6pm against the mighty Barbados!

I would recommend Meat Bar or even Bread Meat Bread

[RDW]

Got myself some free tickets for both 7s sessions on Saturday, so going to be able to see all 3 Scotland group games then the finals on Sunday night.

Scotland play NZ first at 13:56 near the end of the first session so will probably  head there for late morning, head back into town for some food after the NZ game then back in time for Scotland's 2nd game at 6pm against the mighty Barbados!

I would recommend Meat Bar or even Bread Meat Bread

That sounds like it is either a bar that serves a lot of meat, or it is a place where another man follows you into the toilet cubicle looking for a cuddle!   

[cakeordeath]

Got myself some free tickets for both 7s sessions on Saturday, so going to be able to see all 3 Scotland group games then the finals on Sunday night.

Scotland play NZ first at 13:56 near the end of the first session so will probably  head there for late morning, head back into town for some food after the NZ game then back in time for Scotland's 2nd game at 6pm against the mighty Barbados!

I would recommend Meat Bar or even Bread Meat Bread

That sounds like it is either a bar that serves a lot of meat, or it is a place where another man follows you into the toilet cubicle looking for a cuddle!   

This isn't Edinburgh you are in!

[RDW]

 

Really looking forward to the 7s. Rumours are all sessions are pretty much sold out, but I'd be gobsmacked if all 4 sessions of 45000 people have been sold.

Especially given the Glasgow 7s barely had 15000 people this year!

[funnyExiledScot]

Got myself some free tickets for both 7s sessions on Saturday, so going to be able to see all 3 Scotland group games then the finals on Sunday night.

Scotland play NZ first at 13:56 near the end of the first session so will probably  head there for late morning, head back into town for some food after the NZ game then back in time for Scotland's 2nd game at 6pm against the mighty Barbados!

Some things just never change!!

[RDW]

 

I do get a lot of free stuff don't I??

To be fair, this time it was the girlfriend's boss who had spare tickets and wasn't looking for any money for them!

[funnyExiledScot]

The only free ticket offer I've had recently was my wife's boss offering us tickets to watch St Johnstone play at McDiarmid Park. Why would anyone go to that!!?

[GLove39]

Well thanks to Kimberly Renicks we've finally heard Flower of Scotland at the games!

[funnyExiledScot]

Phew - I can sleep easy again!   

[GLove39]

Phew - I can sleep easy again!   

  

[RDW]

I see from Twitter that the park and ride at Eurocentral is pandemonium with people queuing from 7am and no bus in sight!

[George Carlin]

I see from Twitter that the park and ride at Eurocentral is pandemonium with people queuing from 7am and no bus in sight!

I don't know what any of that means but it sounds bad.

[RDW]

People made it through eventually but were queuing for hours with no bus in site

[RDW]

Well player wise I've been massively impressed with Bennett and Jones.

Bennett isn't the biggest but he's very clever with his physicality. Surely this season Townsend and Cotter will take his armbands off and get him some proper game time.

I reckon Jones really is one of the top players in world 7s rugby. He's been relesed from the pro teams - surely he'll get a 7s contract.

Vernon and gregor were ok, but the rest have been disappointing. Lamont has been criminally underused IMO.

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