6N Round 3: Scotland v Italy, 28 February

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd like Toolis to start, but I suspect we'll see Jim Hamilton against Italy with Toolis on the bench.

Grant should come back in for Reid. He'll have a point to prove given his fall from being a Lion to being 3rd choice for Scotland.

I rate Sutherland very highly, and I think he will play for Scotland, but I'd far rather he stuck with Edinburgh this season and just continued his progression. Definitely one for the future though. There's also Alex Allan at Glasgow to consider as well, although was he not carded against Zebre?

Scotland will be doing catching practise, and lots of it

Scotland have sorted the lineout to the level where it is a genuine threat rather than the possession drain it was, and the scrum is usually 50/50 against the teams we’ve played so far. But there are still some worrying basics that aren’t up to club level, let alone international.

The current back three are massively ineffective under the high ball, regularly giving it away, knocking it forward or worse handing it to the opposition (Tommy Seymour is more reliable, but injured).

On our own ball we could just stop kicking it, which would be incredibly sensible with the running threats we have. But teams are still going to target Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Sean Lamont with garryowens and if you have jumpers as good as Wales it’s a great way to improve territory.

Greig Laidlaw is back to his old ways

Never doubt the man’s heart – you can see it written on his face every time he plays for Scotland – but Greig Laidlaw is (again) dictating too slow a pace for Scotland. In the autumn the ball was swiftly away from the base, and Laidlaw offered an attacking threat. This week his two attempted runs were in the first ten minutes of the game. In both games he was crabbing sideways again and without extra time on the ball before the defence gets to him, Finn Russell’s game also suffers.

It might just be that Laidlaw doesn’t suit the high-tempo game Vern Cotter is trying to get Scotland to play. Luckily there’s the confident and in-form Sam Hidalgo-Clyne waiting. He’s pacy, far more of an attacking threat, very handy off the tee and young enough that he’ll do what big Vern tells him to.

It would mean finding a new captain; one who knows that taking the points on offer is not weakness, but a vote of confidence in your team to score next time too.

Finn Russell still has much to learn

The young fly half had a very mixed game. He was still an attacking threat and put a few well-timed passes in that unlocked the Welsh defence. On the other hand there were too many poor kicks and that “tackle” on Dan Biggar. He overhit a simple tactical kick early on, and more crucially missed two penalty kicks to touch gifting Wales lifelines when Scotland had just overcome a suffocating spell after the half and were back in the match.

The card incident has since seen him cited to appear in front of a disciplinary panel. Any ban could also see a new fly-half required to face Italy in two weeks just as we have found our man.

It could be a test of his happy go-lucky nature.

There must be some positives

We have to learn something positive, don’t we? Warren Gatland said that was the toughest Scotland team Wales had encountered in his tenure, so I suppose we’ll take that. Three points is thankfully, less than last years margin, so we’ll take that too.

Alex Dunbar is rapidly becoming indispensable; his battle with Roberts was huge. You can see the class starting to emerge in the young ranks of this team with every game.

As a nation of supporters, Scotland fans are really very much over the plucky losers thing though, having been a team in development for about, well, 15 years. A win against Italy must be delivered not for the safety of Cotter’s job (In Vern We Trust), but just for our sanity.

Oh, and one last thing

I wasn’t going to mention some of referee Glen Jackson’s decisions, but then I spotted there were 5 seconds left on the clock… Okay, so the match clock quibbles were, in fact, dubious. Scotland did no help to their cause wasting time with a fracas and a lengthy kick preparation.

For me, the main area of contention was his decision not to review either Laidlaw’s or Mark Bennett’s efforts at the end of each half. Neither were certain tries, but both were worth a look. Having shown two cards first half, one of which was debateable (the Davies one), I feel he should have been keener to penalise blatant Welsh cynicism as they tried to shut Scotland out, not least the high tackle on Hidalgo-Clyne preventing a near certain try. There was also a dangerous shoulder barge on Hogg’s spine by Gethin Jenkins earlier in the game that may warrant further attention, but likely won’t.

Still, I’ve never forgiven Jackson for keeping Gordon Ross out of the Saracens team when he was a player.

We cannot blame the referee; Scotland blew more scoring chances to win the game than Jackson denied them.

http://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/scotland/six-nations-five-things-scotland-learnt-wales-43113#flxmcdqoIgO8uXBe.99

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Can people tell me why Cusiter is still getting mentioned. His name coming up is reputation picks only. He has done nothing to merit selection this year.

Hart, SHC, Laidlaw and Pyrgos are the best scrum halfs we have at our disposal.

cakeordeath wrote:On a very slight tangent, the one thing which annoyed me most about Russell yesterday wasn't that he was poor. It is his attitude. The dancing, the joking about and especially  the laughing and smiling on the bench after getting yellow card.

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

I tried watching Aussie rules once, but didn't have a scooby doo what the hell was going on

The refs blow their whistles literally every 5 seconds, but the players carry on like nothing happened. What do all the whistles mean?:?

bsando wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

I tried watching Aussie rules once, but didn't have a scooby doo what the hell was going on

The refs blow their whistles literally every 5 seconds, but the players carry on like nothing happened. What do all the whistles mean?:?

Haha, Basically if you make a good mark (catch the ball) then the ref blows his whistle, you can then play on or go back and kick it without being contested and the opposition player stands on the mark (where you caught it). If the kick is less than 15m or the mark is smothered by another player then play goes on. So there's lots of whistles because the players are very good at finding space and completing continuous marks. Much like a completed pass in football only you need to catch it in AFL. Rules are actually really simple once you watch a few games, easier to understand than NFL in my opinion.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Stuart Hogg could be an outside bet. Brimming with confidence and it could be the making of him. A sort of Scottish Will Carling (perish the thought!).

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well it is Dancer's disciplinary hearing today.

I reckon he'll get 2 weeks, probably reduced from 4 given his previous good record, and because they like his moves...

I don't think it warrants that, just what I think he'll get.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

bsando wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

I tried watching Aussie rules once, but didn't have a scooby doo what the hell was going on

The refs blow their whistles literally every 5 seconds, but the players carry on like nothing happened. What do all the whistles mean?:?

Haha, Basically if you make a good mark (catch the ball) then the ref blows his whistle, you can then play on or go back and kick it without being contested and the opposition player stands on the mark (where you caught it). If the kick is less than 15m or the mark is smothered by another player then play goes on. So there's lots of whistles because the players are very good at finding space and completing continuous marks. Much like a completed pass in football only you need to catch it in AFL. Rules are actually really simple once you watch a few games, easier to understand than NFL in my opinion.

I see....

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well Jared Payne got two weeks for this, which I think is incredibly similar (albeit he was chasing the ball as opposed to defending)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOW2r4i671I

Cowshot wrote:Your talented but inexperienced side was narrowly beaten by an experienced Welsh team that knows how to close out tight games at International level. And was also on a backlash. And the rub of the green went against you. And it was three points.

Best, most promising Scottish side I've watched in years.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Him and Dunbar are rapidly becoming a class act.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Him and Dunbar are rapidly becoming a class act.

They are, but don't forget that the blew a try in the first half. Still, Scott, Dunbar and Bennett are the best centre options we've had for 15 years.

Majestic83 wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

bsando wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

I tried watching Aussie rules once, but didn't have a scooby doo what the hell was going on

The refs blow their whistles literally every 5 seconds, but the players carry on like nothing happened. What do all the whistles mean?:?

Haha, Basically if you make a good mark (catch the ball) then the ref blows his whistle, you can then play on or go back and kick it without being contested and the opposition player stands on the mark (where you caught it). If the kick is less than 15m or the mark is smothered by another player then play goes on. So there's lots of whistles because the players are very good at finding space and completing continuous marks. Much like a completed pass in football only you need to catch it in AFL. Rules are actually really simple once you watch a few games, easier to understand than NFL in my opinion.

I see....

Getting someone in from AFL to coach the Scotland team on taking high balls would definitely be a good way to go. Got quite into Aussie rules when I lived out there and was amazed at how high some of the players get of the ground to take the high balls.
About 10/12 years ago Scotland had Mick Byrne as skills coach and he was teaching the players those skills but in their wise sense the SRU didn't renew his contract and he is now the All Blacks skills and catching coach.
They should have a word with Mike Pyke the ex Edinburgh wing/full back who now plays for the Sydney Swans and won the AFL a couple seasons ago, forged out quite a career for himself over there. Would be able to give a good masterclass of catching especially when he has experience in both sports.

Another option once we have our back 3 fully fit would be to switch Hogg and Maitland positions. Maitland is very secure under the high ball and has a great technique at catching. Hogg is very 50/50 if he takes a high catch. It could also free Hogg up to roam around the pitch more and get his hands on the ball.
Its something the Crusaders did a lot that they often would have Maitland in the 14 jersey and Dagg in the 15 jersey but actually swap them during play especially when defending.

bsando wrote:

Majestic83 wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

bsando wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

My personal recommendation would be for the Scottish backs to look at Israel Folau and how he handles high balls. He played Australian rules where players regularly jump up to beat their opponents to 'marks' which is crucial in maintaining possession and kicking goals inside the oppositions 50m.

I tried watching Aussie rules once, but didn't have a scooby doo what the hell was going on

The refs blow their whistles literally every 5 seconds, but the players carry on like nothing happened. What do all the whistles mean?:?

Haha, Basically if you make a good mark (catch the ball) then the ref blows his whistle, you can then play on or go back and kick it without being contested and the opposition player stands on the mark (where you caught it). If the kick is less than 15m or the mark is smothered by another player then play goes on. So there's lots of whistles because the players are very good at finding space and completing continuous marks. Much like a completed pass in football only you need to catch it in AFL. Rules are actually really simple once you watch a few games, easier to understand than NFL in my opinion.

I see....

Getting someone in from AFL to coach the Scotland team on taking high balls would definitely be a good way to go. Got quite into Aussie rules when I lived out there and was amazed at how high some of the players get of the ground to take the high balls.
About 10/12 years ago Scotland had Mick Byrne as skills coach and he was teaching the players those skills but in their wise sense the SRU didn't renew his contract and he is now the All Blacks skills and catching coach.
They should have a word with Mike Pyke the ex Edinburgh wing/full back who now plays for the Sydney Swans and won the AFL a couple seasons ago, forged out quite a career for himself over there. Would be able to give a good masterclass of catching especially when he has experience in both sports.

Another option once we have our back 3 fully fit would be to switch Hogg and Maitland positions. Maitland is very secure under the high ball and has a great technique at catching. Hogg is very 50/50 if he takes a high catch. It could also free Hogg up to roam around the pitch more and get his hands on the ball.
Its something the Crusaders did a lot that they often would have Maitland in the 14 jersey and Dagg in the 15 jersey but actually swap them during play especially when defending.

Wow cheers for the info Majestic! I had no idea a former Edinburgh Gunners player now plays for the Swans! And that we once had Mick Bryne as a skills coach. Who is the current equivalent? Thats so funny, I have felt this way for a long time about the high ball and Scotland as well as kicking the ball accurately. To be fair I think Russell kicks well from hand so its not such an issue now, but the AFL 'drop punt' where the ball spins backward and goes straight can easily be applied to rugby. Hoggs long kicks from hand are basically just 'torpedoes' which are used by AFL players for long distance kicks or attempts on goal.

I am a big fan of moving players around sensibly, and Hogg/Maitland swapping positions would be a good call I thin. Especially if Maitland is going to be playing fullback for Irish.