Zebre v Glasgow Warriors, 15 February

      
Zebre v Glasgow Warriors
Sunday 15 February 2015
KO 14:00 local (13:00 UK/Ireland)
Stadio Lanfranchi

Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU, 17th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini, Stefano Roscini (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Marco Cordelli(FIR)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

Live on Nuvolari and Sky Sports 1

A. Teams:

Zebre

15 Hendrik Daniller
14 Dion Berryman
13 Tommaso Iannone*
12 Mirco Bergamasco
11 Giulio Toniolatti
10 Luciano Orquera
09 Brendon Leonard

08 Jacopo Sarto
07 Filippo Cristiano (cap)
06 Valerio Bernabò
05 Augustin Cavalieri
04 Andrei Mahu
03 Luca Redolfini
02 Oliviero Fabiani
01 Andrea Lovotti*

16 Luigi Ferraro
17 Andrea De Marchi
18 Luciano Leibson
19 Federico Ruzza*
20 Ruben Riccioli*
21 Alberto Chillon*
22 Matteo Pratichetti
23 Edoardo Padovani*

Glasgow Warriors

15. Peter Murchie
14. Lee Jones
13. Richie Vernon
12. Fraser Lyle
11. DTH van der Merwe
10. Peter Horne
09. Niko Matawalu

01. Alex Allan
02. Pat MacArthur
03. Mike Cusack
04. Tim Swinson
05. Al Kellock (Captain)
06. James Eddie
07. Tyrone Holmes
08. Leone Nakarawa

16. Kevin Bryce
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Rossouw de Klerk
19. Josh Strauss
20. Will Bordill
21. Ali Price
22. Connor Braid
23. Rory Hughes

B. Form - head to head:

4 Played 4
0 Wins 4
4 Losses 0
0 Draws 0
5 Tries 19
5 Conversions 16
7 Penalties 3
0 Drop Goals 0
56 Points 136
27 Avg. Age 25

C. Form:

Fri 27 September 2013
Zebre 17 - 24 Glasgow Warriors
Stadio XXV Aprile

Sat 10 May 2014
Glasgow Warriors 54 - 0 Zebre
Scotstoun Stadium

So what can we offer by way of a team at the moment?
Very hard to tell as we don't know who might be currently injured.

We might be able to do (hopefully Grand Vern will keep Lamont and send Horne back to put on 4 stones):

15 Murchie
14 Maitland
13 Vernon
12 Horne
11 DTH
10 Braid
09 Matawalu

08 Strauss
07 Bordill
06 Eddie
05 Swinson
04 Nakarawa
03 Cusack
02 Hall/MacArthur
01 Grant

Glasgow players reported in the SRU announcement for the France game as being broken: Adam Ashe (neck), Chris Fusaro (ankle), Tyrone Holmes (face), Sean Lamont (calf), Henry Pyrgos (knee), Tim Swinson (calf), Duncan Weir (arm).

George Carlin wrote:So what can we offer by way of a team at the moment?
Very hard to tell as we don't know who might be currently injured.

We might be able to do (hopefully Grand Vern will keep Lamont and send Horne back to put on 4 stone):

15 Murchie
14 Maitland
13 Vernon
12 Horne
11 DTH
10 Braid
09 Matawalu

08 Strauss
07 Bordill
06 Eddie
05 Swinson
04 Nakarawa
03 Cusack
02 Hall/MacArthur
01 Grant

Glasgow players reported in the SRU announcement for the France game as being broken: Adam Ashe (neck), Chris Fusaro (ankle), Tyrone Holmes (face), Sean Lamont (calf), Henry Pyrgos (knee), Tim Swinson (calf), Duncan Weir (arm).

We won't see Maitland that's for sure. The way Visser played on Saturday if he is even remotely fit he will be in the Scotland side ahead of him!

Maitland will stay with the Scotland squad I think.

If all of Bennett, Dunbar and Scott are fit we should get Horne back which would help.

1. Buffy's mate
2. MacArthur
3. Cusack (Allan on after half time)
4. Naka
5. Swinson
6. Eddie
7. Bordill
8. Strauss

9. Henry
10. Braid
11. DTH
12. Horne
13. Vernon
14. Niko
15. Murchie

If Horne isn't there, probably Jones or Rory Hughes on the wing with DTH moving in.

Should be plenty for the win, although not expecting a bonus point.

Lucky to have this fixture at this time. Glasgow squad is paper thin with the call-ups and the injuries.

Hughes deserves a start and I'd like to see Bordill given a game at 7. If Horne is with Scotland then Vernon could play 12 with DTH at 13 (which is where he plays for Canada), letting Hughes play wing.

Although I've suggested he plays, I don't think I've ever seen Bordill play before. How good do we expect him to be?

Not to clued up on the Glasgow players so 2 Q's: Is Richie Vernon any good in the centres and why isn't Maitland starting for Scotland ?

He's a completely unproven openside flanker, not from Scotland originally and isn't called "John Barclay" so I was pretty shocked he didn't make the Scotland squad.

He comes with a decent reputation, and given Fusaro's "fly on a windscreen" impression this season, and Holmes impersonating the invisible man, it's about time Bordill was given a proper look.

sirtidychris wrote:Not to clued up on the Glasgow players so 2 Q's: Is Richie Vernon any good in the centres and why isn't Maitland starting for Scotland ?

RV has been doing ok in the centres but just to keep the debate open about what his best position is, he also had an excellent games against Bath at no. 8. Probably never going to be international quality at either position, but certainly a very decent club player.

Maitland got injured in the Bath game, if he was fit he would definitely be starting. Visser once again showed his limitations, you will never be a good international winger if you can't tackle.

funnyExiledScot wrote:He's a completely unproven openside flanker, not from Scotland originally and isn't called "John Barclay" so I was pretty shocked he didn't make the Scotland squad.

He comes with a decent reputation, and given Fusaro's "fly on a windscreen" impression this season, and Holmes impersonating the invisible man, it's about time Bordill was given a proper look.

I am sure we will see a bit of him over the next few weeks, maybe Tommy Spinks as well. There is no word on whether Josh Strauss is fit yet either and Holmes. We are very tight in the back row now we have lost Wilson as well.

Bordill is still only 21 and a great prospect. Formed quite an important part of the best clutch of U21s we've had in a while - from the same stable as Rae, Fagerson, Bennett and Hogg. Sale Sharks snapped him up at school age and were keen on him, but he wanted to keep himself under the noses of the Scottish selectors so was granted an EDP contract with Glasgow.

He was only about 15 stones when he last played age grade but with a year of full pro conditioning behind him now, I would expect him to be a good stone more. I recall the critics talking about how fast he was and how strong for someone of his size. Am keen to see him mix it in a proper game.

It's a bummer that this is on Sunday as it means Euan Murray won't be playing for Glasgow either.

I'm quite happy that Murray isn't available for this. The props should be fine and it gives us a chance to play Alex Allan and Fagerson. I like the look of both of them but with the Heineken and 1872 games, they haven't played much recently. Also gives Cusack a bit more game time to try and get him fit for the run in.

Is de Klerk still kicking about?

Weegie Wizard wrote:I'm quite happy that Murray isn't available for this. The props should be fine and it gives us a chance to play Alex Allan and Fagerson. I like the look of both of them but with the Heineken and 1872 games, they haven't played much recently. Also gives Cusack a bit more game time to try and get him fit for the run in.

Is de Klerk still kicking about?

Agreed. Give Allan a start with Cusack and Fagerson a shot from the bench.

Might be a bit of a tough ask for Fagerson, as he's playing on Friday evening at Netherdale for Scotland U20's against Wales.
Mind you, when I was 16, I used to play for my school on a Saturday morning, and then my club in the afternoon. We didn't think anything of it in those days (32 years ago). Blimey, I'm old........and lots of bits don't work properly any more!

Anglobraveheart wrote:Might be a bit of a tough ask for Fagerson, as he's playing on Friday evening at Netherdale for Scotland U20's against Wales.
Mind you, when I was 16, I used to play for my school on a Saturday morning, and then my club in the afternoon. We didn't think anything of it in those days (32 years ago). Blimey, I'm old........and lots of bits don't work properly any more!

You're only as old as you feel, Anglo.

That said, I'm 37 and already I can't bend over to pick something up without making that strange hissing noise.

We have Ryan Grant or Shrek, Big Jerry, De Klerk, Allan and potentially also Jon Welsh (plus EDPs) so we should be sorted for front row cover.

Bit of a smack in the teeth for James Downey, really - to be sent away during the international window. He's a nice guy - he's almost exactly the same kind of player as Graeme Morrison was, so I don't know why he would have fallen out of favour with His Toonieness.

George Carlin wrote:

Anglobraveheart wrote:Might be a bit of a tough ask for Fagerson, as he's playing on Friday evening at Netherdale for Scotland U20's against Wales.
Mind you, when I was 16, I used to play for my school on a Saturday morning, and then my club in the afternoon. We didn't think anything of it in those days (32 years ago). Blimey, I'm old........and lots of bits don't work properly any more!

You're only as old as you feel, Anglo.

That said, I'm 37 and already I can't bend over to pick something up without making that strange hissing noise.

We have Ryan Grant or Shrek, Big Jerry, De Klerk, Allan and potentially also Jon Welsh (plus EDPs) so we should be sorted for front row cover.

Bit of a smack in the teeth for James Downey, really - to be sent away during the international window. He's a nice guy - he's almost exactly the same kind of player as Graeme Morrison was, so I don't know why he rwould have fallen out of favour with His Toonieness.

George - became worried a couple of years back when the elder of my two boys (a toddler at the time) started to make involuntary noises whenever he was getting up/sitting down/stretching for things etc. the concern quickly disappeared when I realised the wee bu@@er was just copying the 'noises daddy makes'.

Horne released back to Glasgow to play FH, with a centre pairing of Lyle (nice to see him getting a chance) and Vernon. Lee Jones fit again and wings it with DTH.

No Pygros, so presumably still not fit, so Nikko at SH and Ali Price on the bench. He looks to be the chosen one out of him and McConnell and I would imagine will be kept on next year.

The pack looks strong enough, with Cussack and Allan propping. A solid enough second row, with Kellock and Swinson and Eddie, Naka and Holmes in the back row.

I am actually pretty pleased with that team, who should have the beating of Zebre and hopefully a bonus point as well. Even more pleasing is the sight of Josh Strauss on the bench for a warm up and he will no doubt be leading the line against the Ospreys next weekend in what really is a must win game.

Glasgow Warriors team to play Zebre, GUINNESS PRO12, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Sunday 15 February (kick-off 1pm UK time) – live on Sky Sports 1:
15. Peter Murchie
14. Lee Jones
13. Richie Vernon
12. Fraser Lyle
11. DTH van der Merwe
10. Peter Horne
9. Niko Matawalu

1. Alex Allan
2. Pat MacArthur
3. Mike Cusack
4. Tim Swinson
5. Al Kellock (Captain)
6. James Eddie
7. Tyrone Holmes
8. Leone Nakarawa

Replacements

16. Kevin Bryce
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Rossouw de Klerk
19. Josh Strauss
20. Will Bordill
21. Ali Price
22. Connor Braid
23. Rory Hughes

Not available due to injury: Adam Ashe (neck), Chris Fusaro (ankle), Sean Maitland (shoulder), Henry Pyrgos (knee) and Duncan Weir (arm).


Strange that Ryan Grant isn't involved - maybe his enforced break from training has ruled him out.

Not a bad side all things considered. Will be interested to hear how Fraser Lyle gets on, and good to see Josh Strauss back involved.

Allan, Bryce, Bordill, Price, Hughes and Lyle. Pleasing to see some young Scots given a chance.

Actually just read that Lyle is 26/27 years old. Who knew!?

RDW_Scotland wrote:Glasgow Warriors team to play Zebre, GUINNESS PRO12, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Sunday 15 February (kick-off 1pm UK time) – live on Sky Sports 1:  
15. Peter Murchie
14. Lee Jones
13. Richie Vernon
12. Fraser Lyle                        
11. DTH van der Merwe
10. Peter Horne
9. Niko Matawalu

1. Alex Allan                                                  
2. Pat MacArthur
3. Mike Cusack
4. Tim Swinson
5. Al Kellock (Captain)
6. James Eddie
7. Tyrone Holmes
8. Leone Nakarawa

Replacements

16. Kevin Bryce            
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Rossouw de Klerk            
19. Josh Strauss            
20. Will Bordill            
21. Ali Price      
22. Connor Braid
23. Rory Hughes

Not available due to injury:  Adam Ashe (neck), Chris Fusaro (ankle), Sean Maitland (shoulder), Henry Pyrgos (knee) and Duncan Weir (arm).


Strange that Ryan Grant isn't involved - maybe his enforced break from training has ruled him out.

They are more or less obliged to keep a spare prop with the national squad in case someone trips over and hurts themselves while warming up. Ryan Grant must be that man.

Moving Naka to lock and bringing on Strauss and Bordill for the Ruck Inspector and Sherlock presents a really handy impact option.

That's a very strong squad. I was under the impression that Lyle was a 10 who could play 12 rather that the other way round, but perhaps its a smart move by Toonie easing him into the pro game in his first start. Has anybody ever seen him play? He looks like a big, physical guy.

With DTH, Naka and Mad McMata we should have too much for this Zebre team.

Anyone know how many they are missing to the Italy squad?

No lock on the bench which proves it was a joke to release Tom Ryder who is probably still better than Al Kellock despite all the injuries he had the last couple of years.
Actually i'm pretty sure Kellock was the main reason for the malfunctionning scrum in Bath.

Lots of unknown names in the Zebre team:

15 Hendrik Daniller
14 Dion Berryman
13 Tommaso Iannone*
12 Mirco Bergamasco
11 Giulio Toniolatti
10 Luciano Orquera
9 Brendon Leonard

8 Jacopo Sarto
7 Filippo Cristiano (cap)
6 Valerio Bernabò
5 Augustin Cavalieri
4 Andrei Mahu
3 Luca Redolfini
2 Oliviero Fabiani
1 Andrea Lovotti*

A disposizione:
16 Luigi Ferraro
17 Andrea De Marchi
18 Luciano Leibson
19 Federico Ruzza*
20 Ruben Riccioli*
21 Alberto Chillon*
22 Matteo Pratichetti
23 Edoardo Padovani*

Sky couldn't have chosen a worst fixture if they tried to!

VinceWLB wrote:Sky couldn't have chosen a worst fixture if they tried to!

Might prove to be easier viewing than the Scotland vs Wales game......

Well that's what you call a good start

If we don't get a bonus point here we really do need our arses kicked!

2 tries in 14 minutes?

Oops. Charge down Zebre try.

Fly Half is not really Peter Horne's best position, is it?

Another try, got to run up a big score today.

Maybe they will stop the game at half time!

Zebre really are very poor. At least we will get to see the subs in the second half and see what they can do.

Mind you, Glasgow's discipline isn't good, giving away far too many penalties so far.

Its only a matter of time, Glasgow look like they will score from every turnover. Playing chuck about rugby against Glasgow is suicide for them.

Who's the Irish guy co-commentating on Sky? Not the main guy, who's normally there, but the other guy.

He's bloody hilarious! On Uini Atonio, the French prop: "He stops eating when he gets tired; other people stop heating when they're full."

Horne looks semi decent at this level.

Its good for Glasgow but not good for the league. Its like watching London Welsh in the AP, so far out of their depth its embarrassing. I suppose the only thing in their favour is that they have actually won a few games and they have been decimated by international call ups. Their quality is wafer thin though and the way they are playing is madness.

BigGee wrote:Its good for Glasgow but not good for the league. Its like watching London Welsh in the AP, so far out of their depth its embarrassing. I suppose the only thing in their favour is that they have actually won a few games and they have been decimated by international call ups. Their quality is wafer thin though and the way they are playing is madness.

The problem is the calendar, some of the Zebre player only just joined their squad on thursday.. Agreed thats rather embarrasing for the league and doesn't make for great viewing.

Swinson just get over almost unopposed..

Right - I feel sorry for Zebre, but points for and against matter in this league. We cannot let up and wouldn't be unhappy if it's a cricket score.

What did Allan get carded for?

Pulling down the maul i think, but it was more a yellow card for team effort.

George Carlin wrote:What did Allan get carded for?

Coming in at the side. Took one for the team really, they had been warned. Playing one down did not really make a great deal of difference anyway.

BigGee wrote:

George Carlin wrote:What did Allan get carded for?

Coming in at the side. Took one for the team really, they had been warned. Playing one down did not really make a great deal of difference anyway.

Yes, if you're Zebre, that's the worst part. Imagine we had 15 men on. Then it would have been a real hammering...

Current points difference between the top teams:

Munster +129
Ulster +128
Ospreys +103
Leinster +95
Glasgow + 76

We need a high scoring game.

Glasgow's lack of discipline is so frustrating

Strauss, de Klerk & Bordill on.
Hopefully there will be no further subs and the lack of continuity won't feck our ability to get a couple more scores.

Edit: Niko binned.

Yes, as things stand we don't look like running up the sort of big score that we should be in this match.