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

[VinceWLB]

Anton Bresler confirmed, great!

http://www.edinburghrugby.org/news/14/07/02/solomons-signs-star-second-row-enforcer

[RDW]

Brilliant signing   

[funnyExiledScot]

I don't think Strokosch would improve the back rows options much, sure he will tackle all day but can he carries? No. At least with Du Preez and Leonardi Edinburgh have some ball carrying threat who should come into their primes. Anyway i think he is staying at Perpignan.

Another 2nd row is a priority, a 2nd row combo of McKenzie and Bresler would be quite beastly!

I'm sorry but that's just total nonsense. Watch the Scotland vs South Africa game in the summer internationals last season, and then tell me that Strokosch doesn't carry the ball.

If he has a weakness it's his ball handling, he's prone to knock on, but get the ball in his hands and ask him to run through a brick wall and he'll duly oblige.

The blindside Solomons used at the end of last season was Mike Coman. If you ask me, Strokosch is a considerable improvement.

Consider this pack:

1.Dell 2.Ford 3.Nel 4.Bresler 5.Gilchrist 6.Strokosch 7.Du Preez 8.Denton

16.Dickinson 17.McInally 18.Berghan 19.McKenzie 20.Grant

That is a serious pack. Sure, I'd like us to have a specialist blindside, but Solomons doesn't seem fussed.

I'm hugely excited about Bresler. Everything I read about him points to his talents as an enforcer - exactly what Edinburgh require.

[nickj]

Interesting you see Stroks as a considerable improvement on Coman FES. I was pretty impressed by Coman to be honest. I like Stroks too though. Coman seems to be getting the captain's armband quite a bit. Could he or Gilchrist be captain this season, in Grieg's absence?

[Majestic83]

I don't think Strokosch would improve the back rows options much, sure he will tackle all day but can he carries? No. At least with Du Preez and Leonardi Edinburgh have some ball carrying threat who should come into their primes. Anyway i think he is staying at Perpignan.

Another 2nd row is a priority, a 2nd row combo of McKenzie and Bresler would be quite beastly!

I'm sorry but that's just total nonsense. Watch the Scotland vs South Africa game in the summer internationals last season, and then tell me that Strokosch doesn't carry the ball.

If he has a weakness it's his ball handling, he's prone to knock on, but get the ball in his hands and ask him to run through a brick wall and he'll duly oblige.

The blindside Solomons used at the end of last season was Mike Coman. If you ask me, Strokosch is a considerable improvement.

Consider this pack:

1.Dell 2.Ford 3.Nel 4.Bresler 5.Gilchrist 6.Strokosch 7.Du Preez 8.Denton

16.Dickinson 17.McInally 18.Berghan 19.McKenzie 20.Grant

That is a serious pack. Sure, I'd like us to have a specialist blindside, but Solomons doesn't seem fussed.

I'm hugely excited about Bresler. Everything I read about him points to his talents as an enforcer - exactly what Edinburgh require.

Agreed that would be one very good pack with a good replacement bench as well.
Think it is a myth that Strokosh doesn't carry, he may not carry or be as effective as Du Preez or Denton but Strokosh brings a whole host of other skills. Think a strokosh, Du Preez, Denton back row would compliment each other very well. An enforcer, a ball carrier and a jack of all trades!

[RDW]

Also important that bresler has recovered fro injury and has even played a game - means he can do full pre season.

[funnyExiledScot]

Coman has good workrate, and according to Solomons is an excellent leader. He says the same about Strauss as well.

I've never really got excited about "leadership" as a standalone quality in itself, and my issue with Coman is that whilst he makes his tackles and does what is expected of him, he doesn't appear to excel at anything. When he carries he isn't destructive, at the breakdown he isn't particularly influential in winning turnovers or slowing down the ball, he isn't particularly big and he isn't particularly quick. He's just there. I put Leonardi in the same bracket to be honest.

I would make Gilchrist captain to be honest. The Scotland camp have identified him as a leader in the squad and had him calling the lineout. I think Edinburgh should give him the same role this season. In Ford, Coman and Strauss there are no shortage of apparent deputies. I'd like to see Matt Scott more vocal as well, particularly in that 12 jersey. He's spoken about it before, the need to be more communicative with the 10. Wilkinson was raving about Giteau in that role at Toulon, saying he never shuts up, constantly telling Wilkinson what's on and the best plays. If we can get Scott to develop in that regard with either Tonks or Heathcote at 12, then it'll be a big bonus for Scottish rugby. Perhaps it's something that Burleigh can assist with, as he has experience at both 10 and 12.

[VinceWLB]

I don't think Strokosch would improve the back rows options much, sure he will tackle all day but can he carries? No. At least with Du Preez and Leonardi Edinburgh have some ball carrying threat who should come into their primes. Anyway i think he is staying at Perpignan.

Another 2nd row is a priority, a 2nd row combo of McKenzie and Bresler would be quite beastly!

I'm sorry but that's just total nonsense. Watch the Scotland vs South Africa game in the summer internationals last season, and then tell me that Strokosch doesn't carry the ball.

If he has a weakness it's his ball handling, he's prone to knock on, but get the ball in his hands and ask him to run through a brick wall and he'll duly oblige.

The blindside Solomons used at the end of last season was Mike Coman. If you ask me, Strokosch is a considerable improvement.

Consider this pack:

1.Dell 2.Ford 3.Nel 4.Bresler 5.Gilchrist 6.Strokosch 7.Du Preez 8.Denton

16.Dickinson 17.McInally 18.Berghan 19.McKenzie 20.Grant

That is a serious pack. Sure, I'd like us to have a specialist blindside, but Solomons doesn't seem fussed.

I'm hugely excited about Bresler. Everything I read about him points to his talents as an enforcer - exactly what Edinburgh require.

Sure he will carry if asked to but it's certainly not his strength, he is very similar to Bob Harley in that regard. If you consider his best years are behind him and the wages he would demand, i don't think it would be the greatest of signings.
I think Coman is more of a 8 to be honest.
Also the most impressive back row performance last season imo was away to Gloucester where Edinburgh's tore them apart in wet conditions, back row that day was 6 Leonardi, 7 Grant, 8 Du Preez. Throw Denton in there and that could be quite tasty.

Most importantly, things are shaping up nicely and any 2nd row combo look quite tasty. Lets hope Solomons will rotate a bit more though   

[BigGee]

Hoggy called up into the sevens squad for the CG now, apparently Seymour injured in the last game v SA. That's not a bad call, he has certainly played plenty of sevens and with his pace should really be made for it. He did not play that much rugby last season either for various reasons, so should have plenty left in the tank. The Scotland squad for the CG actually looks pretty tasty!

[funnyExiledScot]

Hogg will be a huge asset in the sevens. Great footwork, good distribution skills and real pace. I just hope that infamous bad attitude of his doesn't poison the camp......

Shame to lose Seymour, but I agree that we're putting our best foot forward for this tournament.

[George Carlin]

Anton Bresler confirmed, great!

http://www.edinburghrugby.org/news/14/07/02/solomons-signs-star-second-row-enforcer

Oh thank god. I was starting to worry that this was one of these SRU urban myths (like the 'we're interested in Jake White as head coach' thing) that would come to nothing. Genuine quality in the boilerhouse now - I am hoping for an impact as big as Muller at Ulster. Hopefully Pappy doesn't thrash him to death and actually rotates occasionally.

For what it's worth, I think that Strokosch would be a very good signing - we aren't overwhelmed with quality blindside options. Coman People is fine, although I agree with FES. My wife is frequently admired at work for her 'leadership', but you should see her try and take a lineout ball to the tail. She's rubbish.

[funnyExiledScot]

Anton Bresler confirmed, great!

http://www.edinburghrugby.org/news/14/07/02/solomons-signs-star-second-row-enforcer

Oh thank god. I was starting to worry that this was one of these SRU urban myths (like the 'we're interested in Jake White as head coach' thing) that would come to nothing. Genuine quality in the boilerhouse now - I am hoping for an impact as big as Muller at Ulster. Hopefully Pappy doesn't thrash him to death and actually rotates occasionally.

For what it's worth, I think that Strokosch would be a very good signing - we aren't overwhelmed with quality blindside options. Coman People is fine, although I agree with FES. My wife is frequently admired at work for her 'leadership', but you should see her try and take a lineout ball to the tail. She's rubbish.

Your wife works!   

That isn't very "Stockbridge".

Re: "leadership" I always prefer the sort of leader who would make the team anyway, players like Eales, Johnson, Parisse, POC, BOD, McCaw etc. I never really understood the sort of De Glanville or Borthwick sort of leader, keeping better players out of the team. If Steffon Armitage continues to play next season in the manner he finished this one, them I'm afraid Robshaw will be in the same camp.

It's why Scotland needs to be careful when pinning the armband next season in my view.

[BigGee]

If Strokosch wants to play in the world cup then he really does need to put himself back in the mix by playing at a decent level somewhere. I guess a lot depends on what he wants now, as he seems to have been enjoying the good life down in the south of france. Family life down there may take preference now.

I am not sure he would be in my world cup squad anyway as I think we have better options at blind side, Strauss, Denton, Brown and Harley all would be ahead of him, though I except some of them may by picked at no.8. I think he deserves his chance to fight for his place though and he won't do that by staying at Perpingnan.

[funnyExiledScot]

Well assuming we take 6 back row players, at the moment (and assuming Strauss was available) I would go for the following:

Blindside: Brown and Harley
Openside: Barclay and Cowan
Number 8: Strauss and Denton

Strokosch, Fusaro and Beattie would be my reserve choices in each case.

Much can change obviously during the course of a season.

[BigGee]

Well assuming we take 6 back row players, at the moment (and assuming Strauss was available) I would go for the following:

Blindside: Brown and Harley
Openside: Barclay and Cowan
Number 8: Strauss and Denton

Strokosch, Fusaro and Beattie would be my reserve choices in each case.

Much can change obviously during the course of a season.

I'd be fine with that as well, but as we know, the world cup is still over a year away and things will inevitably change.

[funnyExiledScot]

Are Glasgow going to be signing anyone other than Euan Murray and James Downey?

Don't get me wrong, two very good signings and I'm delighted to see that Edinburgh's transfer activity has for once been on song, but things do seem to be fairly quiet out West.

[George Carlin]

Are Glasgow going to be signing anyone other than Euan Murray and James Downey?

Don't get me wrong, two very good signings and I'm delighted to see that Edinburgh's transfer activity has for once been on song, but things do seem to be fairly quiet out West.

Uncle Dougie is having some trouble with a release clause in his contract.
He wants to fish in the Tweed in the autumn, but Toonie's having none of it.

[nickj]

My worry with the 'Hogg for Seymour' news is that a key player for Scotland and Glasgow is going to be knackered come the end of next season and possibly the RWC. I know he's had some time off this season, but he toured with the Lions, then played every game of the summer tour, now he's heading to the Games. That's pretty full on stuff. Surely he deserved the rest of the summer off / dedicated to pre-season training? You wouldn't catch Wales ringing Halfpenny dry like that?

[funnyExiledScot]

Are Glasgow going to be signing anyone other than Euan Murray and James Downey?

Don't get me wrong, two very good signings and I'm delighted to see that Edinburgh's transfer activity has for once been on song, but things do seem to be fairly quiet out West.

Uncle Dougie is having some trouble with a release clause in his contract.
He wants to fish in the Tweed in the autumn, but Toonie's having none of it.

Can't he fish in the Clyde instead? Apart from the dead bodies, shopping trollies and general detritus I'm told it's lovely.

[Majestic83]

Well assuming we take 6 back row players, at the moment (and assuming Strauss was available) I would go for the following:

Blindside: Brown and Harley
Openside: Barclay and Cowan
Number 8: Strauss and Denton

Strokosch, Fusaro and Beattie would be my reserve choices in each case.

Much can change obviously during the course of a season.

Would think it will probably be 5 back rowers we take to the world cup and 3 locks with another player who can cover both.
With the added prop on the bench it is going to mean an extra prop in world cup squads if not 2 so is going to make world cup squads tight for cover in some positions.
probably looking at 5 props 3 hookers 4 locks 5 back rows 3 scrum halfs 2 fly halfs 4 centres 4 back 3 players.

[funnyExiledScot]

I guess it depends - you could argue that Harley is an emergency lock, and just take Grayx2 plus Gilchrist as specialists. I'm not sure Harley at lock is any worse than Swinson at 6.

The other perhaps more likely outcome is that 4 locks go (probably adding in Jim Hamilton to my suggestions above) and one of the specialist 7s is dropped, with Brown being considered as a possibility at 7.

The four back three players is probably the easiest to predict: Hogg, Seymour, Mailtand and Visser seeming a pretty likely quartet.

[Majestic83]

I guess it depends - you could argue that Harley is an emergency lock, and just take Grayx2 plus Gilchrist as specialists. I'm not sure Harley at lock is any worse than Swinson at 6.

The other perhaps more likely outcome is that 4 locks go (probably adding in Jim Hamilton to my suggestions above) and one of the specialist 7s is dropped, with Brown being considered as a possibility at 7.

The four back three players is probably the easiest to predict: Hogg, Seymour, Mailtand and Visser seeming a pretty likely quartet.

Yeah i reckon that will be the 4 back 3 players that will go. Think Lamont will go as a centre/wing with Dunbar, Bennett and Scott.
Going to be a tough ask on the squads at the world cup as teams could loose 2 or 3 players quite easily to small niggles that would normally keep them out for a game but could be forced to play due to the lack of squad size.

[nickj]

Are we sure the squad sizes wont reflect the need for two props on everyone's benches? It would seem a bit daft to change one rule but not the other...

[Nematode]

Couple of things:

1) I'm sure I read somewhere that Stroker was staying on at Perpignan.

2) Edinburgh are making 1 more signing and I think GT in a tweet implied there were more in the pipeline.

3) Hogg in the 7s is brilliant. It's good pre-season fitness and might get him back in the way of making these infamous line breaks he once did more frequently (re vs England through Goode, 6N). I think he could really thrive and add to the squad immensely. Btw, I'm not too familiar with 7s positions, but will Lamont be a "forward"/seen as a similar player to James Eddie?

[George Carlin]

Are there formal squad size limits at the world cup? I guess that there must be.

[Majestic83]

Are we sure the squad sizes wont reflect the need for two props on everyone's benches? It would seem a bit daft to change one rule but not the other...

As far as i know the squad sizes will be 30 man squads. I would have thought it would have made sense to increase it to 32 man squads to allow for the extra props.

[BigGee]

One thing that no one seems to have mentioned about Bressler is the length of his contract, 3 years. Does this put him into the project player category. He would only be 28 by the time he qualifies, there should be plenty of life left in a second row at that stage, some may say he would be in his prime.

We are not exactly short of second rows, so I doubt that this was the primary objective of the signing, but it does give the option and you would have to say from what has been seen of him he may be a decent addition to the mixture available!

I am always of the opinion that the more good players we have available for selection the better.

[Majestic83]

Couple of things:

1) I'm sure I read somewhere that Stroker was staying on at Perpignan.

2) Edinburgh are making 1 more signing and I think GT in a tweet implied there were more in the pipeline.

3) Hogg in the 7s is brilliant. It's good pre-season fitness and might get him back in the way of making these infamous line breaks he once did more frequently (re vs England through Goode, 6N). I think he could really thrive and add to the squad immensely. Btw, I'm not too familiar with 7s positions, but will Lamont be a "forward"/seen as a similar player to James Eddie?

When i saw Lamont play in the world 7s at Murrayfield a few years back he played mostly as a forward that day but looking at the squad it does look like he will be used in the backs.
The backs seem to be Lee Jones and Colin Gregor covering scrum half, scott wight and gregor covering fly half and then bennett, lamont, James Johnstone and hogg covering centre and wing

[123456789]

So with Bresler signing Edinburgh's starting XV will be along the lines of:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gilchrist
5. Bresler
6. Du Preez
7. Grant
8. Denton
9. Hart
10. Heathcote
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Burleigh
14. Fife
15. Tonks

That is by no means a bad team (although you could do with a quality 7, you should check the English Championship, perhaps in the South West, in a team coached by a former coach of yours, they might have a half decent openside) Edinburgh should be competing for play-off places and be right in the mix for the Challenge cup (or whatever it is now). Hopefully we'll see the likes of Watson, Hidalgo-Clyne and Farndale competing for starting berths by the end of the season as well.

[BigGee]

So with Bresler signing Edinburgh's starting XV will be along the lines of:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gilchrist
5. Bresler
6. Du Preez
7. Grant
8. Denton
9. Hart
10. Heathcote
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Burleigh
14. Fife
15. Tonks

That is by no means a bad team (although you could do with a quality 7, you should check the English Championship, perhaps in the South West, in a team coached by a former coach of yours, they might have a half decent openside) Edinburgh should be competing for play-off places and be right in the mix for the Challenge cup (or whatever it is now). Hopefully we'll see the likes of Watson, Hidalgo-Clyne and Farndale competing for starting berths by the end of the season as well.

11 of that team are Scottish and the other 4 could qualify over time, some sooner than others. That has got to be a good thing for the national team as well.

[funnyExiledScot]

Are there formal squad size limits at the world cup? I guess that there must be.

I believe so, but I've heard there's no limit on the number of Ayr players you are allowed to take. Without them the World Cup would be a damp squib.

[George Carlin]

Are there formal squad size limits at the world cup? I guess that there must be.

I believe so, but I've heard there's no limit on the number of Ayr players you are allowed to take. Without them the World Cup would be a damp squib.

Never gets old.

[Nematode]

If you haven't seen the "Steffon Armitage, frenchman?" thread it's well worth a read.


Edinburgh seem to be building a half decent team which is great to see. I think we'll also see the pack to its fullest potential with a pre-season behind them.

The real "problem" I think Edinburgh have is that their attack has been a bit too blunt. They have so much potential with Visser, Scott, Fife, Brown, Farndale, Tonks but the tries didn't really come end-of-season. Hopefully a pre-season to get some moves worked out will help.

Anyone know about BT sport/Alba rights? Wonder if the competition commission will need calling in soon - Edinburgh, main sponsor BT Sport, playing at BT Murrayfield on BT Sport.

[justified sinner]

Also important that bresler has recovered fro injury and has even played a game - means he can do full pre season.

Er no he can't. Both he and Burleigh are still playing Super Rugby, 2 more regular season rounds to go then up to 3 rounds of play offs / final. As both players teams are quite likely to be involved in play offs, Sharks virtually certain, it's likely to be early August before we see them in Edinburgh. So don't necessarily expect to see them in the team from the off.

Given that and the various in season pressures from International call ups, etc. Solomons had better be preparing to rotate a bit more. From the squad he's assembled that looks like the plan.

[Nematode]

Mike Blair's column is up:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28103455

When an international team takes to the field, they do so with the sole purpose of winning.
The record books don't show how many people had jet lag, were out injured, or whether it was played outside the international window relinquishing Scotland of probably more than two-thirds of their starting team.
The bare facts are that Scotland conceded eight tries to a South Africa side missing several star names, scored none and lost the game 55-6.
The fortunate thing for Vern Cotter and his management team is that they do have a plethora of reasons - not excuses - for what happened in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.
Yes, of course the loss will hurt, but in terms of learning about fringe players and the job ahead of Cotter, I think it was a valuable lesson.
The disappointing thing was the manner in which some of the tries were conceded. Individual mistakes in skill execution and team system errors were too common.
The first score by the South Africans was pure power. There wasn't a huge amount Scotland could do to defend it, as the saying goes, "a big good 'un will always beat a small good 'un," and the Springboks are enormous.
The second try however will have infuriated defence coach Matt Taylor. It was a two phase set play and had Scotland stuck to their systems there wouldn't have been an issue.

Firstly, the fold of the forwards round the same way was too slow and didn't set, meaning Nick de Luca had to keep an eye on the South African forward runners leading to him being out of position, which fly-half Handre Pollard exploited.
I question the positioning of Stuart Hogg too. Much like when Italy scored in the Six Nations, I think 10m from your own line the full-back should be in the line adding an extra number rather than sitting in the secondary line.
The way Scotland defend they had Henry Pyrgos sweeping in behind covering the kicks so you don't need Hogg there too. This would have added an extra seven or eight metres of width to the defensive line and could have snuffed out the score.
The South Africans were slick, with their two waves of attack and multiple options, but Scotland made it look too easy in this instance.
In contrast, Scotland's first two attacks were indecisive and didn't have the deception needed against a team with the size and power of their opposition. De Luca was given the ball early to run into a brick wall - the result, a penalty turnover.
Scotland just didn't have the personnel to burst over the gain line. Once you make the gain line with the first phase the game becomes so much easier and, conversely, if you don't then you're swimming against the tide.
Scotland's first phase attacks were sloppy in execution and prevented them from building any pressure or momentum.
Henry Pyrgos performed well for Scotland in Port Elizabeth
Pyrgos caught the eye on a bad day for Scotland in Port Elizabeth
Having been really up against it after 20 minutes, Scotland were able to get a bit of a foothold in the game with some possession but shot themselves in the foot when Tim Swinson was yellow carded for a fairly innocuous late challenge. It was a harsh call but there was no upside in him doing it, so why risk it.
From the penalty, Marcell Coetzee scored his second try and the floodgates opened.
There are serious consequences to silly errors at this level. South Africa did look dangerous on the ball but look at the tries and how many involved a helping hand or error from the Scots.
On the positive side, I thought Pyrgos and Rob Harley were outstanding. The scrum-half was energetic and challenged the fringes very well. He posed questions before releasing the ball to his forward runners and if more players were on his wavelength then he would have caused even more problems.
Harley was a nuisance, in the nicest possible way. I thought he matched the South Africans for physicality in defence, making 10 dominant hits, and generally threw himself about with no regard for his own health. He is a key member of Gregor Townsend's Glasgow Warriors team and with performances like Saturdays he could become a key player for Cotter too.
Tommy Seymour also showed that he can make yards on the ball. He just keeps pumping his legs and fights for every metre.
From last summer's tour to the end of this one, 21 players have earned their first caps. This is an extraordinary number and points at a problem within the development system.
A number of players have been capped before having any significant game time for their senior professional team, not necessarily because they are exceptional, although there is obvious promise, but more out of need.
Until there is more exposure to high level rugby across a greater number of players Scotland will always be a couple of injuries away from being in a similar situation in a game that has far greater importance placed on it.

[RDW]

Also important that bresler has recovered fro injury and has even played a game - means he can do full pre season.

Er no he can't. Both he and Burleigh are still playing Super Rugby, 2 more regular season rounds to go then up to 3 rounds of play offs / final. As both players teams are quite likely to be involved in play offs, Sharks virtually certain, it's likely to be early August before we see them in Edinburgh. So don't necessarily expect to see them in the team from the off.

Given that and the various in season pressures from International call ups, etc. Solomons had better be preparing to rotate a bit more. From the squad he's assembled that looks like the plan.

Good point.

Well hopefully the double season won't affect him as much given he's been out I injured for 3 months.

[funnyExiledScot]

The massive drop off in intensity will probably help him as well.....

[RDW]

Anyone got any credible leads for who the last signing is? I'm expecting something massively uninspiring like a 17 year old EDP player.

[George Carlin]

It could be a "Scotland international", something probably not that difficult as I've just read that we've capped 22 new players in the past year.

But it's probably Nikki Walker, Lee Jones or Dan Parks on a new 5 year deal.

[RDW]

We're probably being a bit harsh - Edinburgh's signings have gone pretty well really.

Bresler, McKenzie, Heathcoat, Burleigh and Dell are very good additions.

It's great to see the young guys Hoyland, Farndale and Ritchie coming through

The rest aren't so exciting, but are needed to make up the numbers!

[MacKnocked-on]

I imagine that the remaining signing will be announced soon as pre-season training is already underway unless it's another Super Rugby player who is still involved in their season. Also a couple of EDPs to come according to recent reports.
Are Glasgow planning to sign anyone?

[funnyExiledScot]

The Strokosch rumour is certainly my favourite so far. A loan of Ross Rennie back for a season up to the World Cup would also be worthwhile.

We have enough NSQ players now, and I can't think of any other SQs that would really add to the squad. Alex Grove possibly, but he's signed a long contract at Wuss.

Glasgow could certainly use a few extras though. This is a big season for them. To progress they need to mount a challenge on both fronts. I can't see them being struck with the same injury crises they had last year, but they could still use a bit more depth. Downey and Murray is a very good start though.

[Nematode]

Bit of a non-story about Denton in the Edinburgh Evening News (Bill Lothian). Thought it might be good but a little disappointing. Anyway, thought I'd share it:

The lid has finally been lifted on one of the most mystifying decisions of a Scotland international rugby season which ended at the weekend with that 6-55 defeat by South Africa in Port Elizabeth.


Back in February, the Scots opened their home Six Nations campaign against England and, despite giving what was widely perceived as a storming display, back row David Denton was suddenly substituted with more than a quarter of the match to run. The decision provoked an outcry in some quarters and, scarcely able to conceal his frustration afterwards, No.8 Denton reacted in the correct way by going on to become the only Scot named in the official “team of the tournament”.

Now the Edinburgh star, who missed the recent tour of three continents as he recovered from concussion sustained at the end of the domestic programme, has shed light during an interview given by the player back in his native Zimbabwe to blogger Bobby Chanakira.

“I went to speak to Jonno (then Scotland coach Scott Johnson) after the game and he explained the tactical reasoning and how they needed a ball-playing loosie (back row) after a yellow card (for centre Alex Dunbar). Fair enough, but it was tough,” said Denton who concedes his demeanour wasn’t improved by being left out of the starting line-up immediately afterwards for the only match Scotland won – away to Italy, although he did make a substitute appearance in Rome.

“I was dropped for the Italy clash and that p***** me off,” he said.

The fact that Denton’s replacement in that 0-20 loss to England – Johnny Beattie – arrived on the pitch while all three back subs were still track-suited on the bench, will strike many as muddying the waters a bit.

Typically, though, Denton was able to find a positive after bouncing back against France.

“The most important accolade was learning that I can’t rest on my laurels, a situation that returned my focus and helps me continue to push to be the best player I can,” he said.

What certainly comes through is the admiration Denton feels for previous Scotland coach, Andy Robinson, who awarded him a first cap in the 2011 World Cup warm-up clash with Ireland at Murrayfield then included him in the subsequent Six Nations series.

“Andy believed in me and on my (starting) debut said this to me, ‘you’re not going out there to add numbers or be ordinary. Go be the best’. I went out and was named man of the match.

“I was sad to see him (Robinson) go and hope to work with him in the future. That sort of belief is special for a player,” said Denton, who signed a contract extension last season keeping him at Edinburgh until after next year’s World Cup.

As for the last Six Nations, Denton recalled: “It was disappointing for all of us. We felt we took a step back. We felt we should have won that game against France (lost 17-19) and if we had won, it’s a different campaign.

“We are building for the World Cup and we are in a tough group. I feel we can get out and our young team keeps developing.

“Realistic expectation would be making the quarter-finals or the semi-finals. We need to get out our group. I think every player deserves to have a good World Cup and that is my aim.

“I also hope to make the British and Irish Lions. I was disappointed to miss the last one (to Australia in 2013). I had less than 15 games under my belt in an injury-ravaged season. I had no chance to try make the squad and that’s what got to me. Unfortunately, that’s sport. Hopefully, after a World Cup appearance, I can aim to play for them in their next tour (to New Zealand in 2017.”

As for Scotland’s latest tour, which ended with the heaviest for 17 years, Denton is adamant there will be long-term benefits.

“We only had a few of our regular players but a couple guys have raised their hands. Depth is building and – bar injuries – I feel our best fifteen can compete with any nation in the world. This is an aspect South Africa, New Zealand, etc have an advantage on us in terms of depth.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s overall record for last season ended at P15 W6 L9.



http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/david-denton-lifts-lid-on-being-hooked-against-england-1-3462022

[Nematode]

"Edinburgh Rugby will play a second pre-season game in the Borders this summer, against Newcastle Falcons at Mansfield Park on Friday 29 August (kick-off 7.45pm)."

[demosthenes]

Re Denton:

"“I was sad to see him (Robinson) go and hope to work with him in the future. That sort of belief is special for a player,” said Denton, who signed a contract extension last season keeping him at Edinburgh until after next year’s World Cup."

So if Brizzle get promoted this year....

[cakeordeath]

Getting slightly twitchy about the lack of signings for Glasgow. Surely we are in need of a 9. Maybe a 10 as well. I know we have Russell and Weir, but I would like to see a SQ 10 come in and push them.

[nickj]

Rightly or wrongly I think George Hunter will end up being Glasgow's 3rd choice 10 next season. He seems to be doing pre-season training at Scotstoun, as are Will Bordill and George Hunter (the hooker). I've not seen any official announcements but I might have missed something. Hunter and Bordill are listed on the website as members of the squad

[cakeordeath]

Wait, isn't George Hunter (the hooker) a prop?

[nickj]

You're absolutely right, I was talking nonsense. I just wanted to differentiate the Hunters

[Biltong]

You guys are very fortunate to get Bresler, he is a very good player.

Hard, big and good general ball player.

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