Scotland World Cup look ahead and squad

First topic message reminder :

A. WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCHES:

                                
15 August 2015:Ireland v Scotland, Dublin.

                              
22 August 2015:  Italy v Scotland, Turin.

                                 
29 August 2015:  Scotland v Italy, Edinburgh

                                      
05 September 2015: France v Scotland, Paris

B. WORLD CUP POOL MATCHES

                                         
23 September 2015:  Scotland V Japan, Kingsholm - Gloucester.

                                        
27 September 2015:  Scotland v USA, Elland Road - Leeds.

                                        
03 October 2015:  Scotland v South Africa, St James Park - Newcastle.

                                     
10 October 2015:  Scotland v Samoa, St James Park - Newcastle.

C. EXTENDED SCOTLAND SQUAD

- FORWARDS (25) -

Prop (7):
Mike Cusack (Glasgow Warriors) – Uncapped
Allan Dell (Edinburgh Rugby) – uncapped
Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 44 caps; 4 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) – 22 caps
Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped
Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors) – 8 caps
Jon Welsh (Newcastle Falcons) – 4 caps

Hooker (3):
Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 8 caps
Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) – 85 caps; 8 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped

Second-row (6):
Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – 8 caps
Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 13 caps
Richie Gray (Castres) – 44 caps
Jim Hamilton (Saracens) – 61 caps; 6 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors) – 15 caps
Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) – 12 caps

Back-row (9):
Adam Ashe (Glasgow Warriors) – 5 caps
John Barclay (Scarlets) – 43 caps; 4 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Hugh Blake (Glasgow Warriors) – Uncapped
Blair Cowan (London Irish) – 11 caps
David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) – 25 caps
Josh Strauss (Glasgow Warriors) – Uncapped
Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan) – 44 caps; 3 RWC appearances (2011)
Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps
Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap

- BACKS (21) -

Scrum-half (4):
Chris Cusiter (Sale Sharks) – 70 caps; 6 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Edinburgh Rugby) – 5 caps
Greig Laidlaw (Gloucester) – 39 caps
Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) – 13 caps

Stand-off (3):
Ruaridh Jackson (Wasps) – 25 caps; 3 RWC appearances (2011)
Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps
Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) – 18 caps

Centre (6):
Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps
Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps
Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps
Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) – 25 caps
Duncan Taylor (Saracens) – 12 caps
Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) – 20 caps; 3 RWC appearances (2011)

Back-three (8):
Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) – 32 caps
Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh Rugby) – Uncapped
Rory Hughes (Glasgow Warriors) – Uncapped
Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) – 93 caps; 8 RWC appearances (2007 and 2011)
Sean Maitland (London Irish) – 15 caps
Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors) – 17 caps
Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) – 4 caps
Tim Visser (Harlequins) – 18 caps

My match day squad, assuming form and fitness, from that lot would be

1 Dickinson
2 Ford
3 Nel
4 J Gray
5 G Gilchrist (c)
6 Strauss
7 Barclay
8 Ashe
9 SHC
10 Russell
11 Seymour
12 Dunbar
13 Bennett
14 Maitland
15 Hogg

Bench - Brown, Reid, Cusack, R Gray, Harley, Pyrgos, Weir, Scott

George Carlin wrote:So in my crapulent misguided opinion the best we can make out of that lot (assuming fitness) is:

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 J Gray
05 R Gray
06 Harley/Ashe
07 Barclay
08 Strauss

09 Clyne
10 Russell
11 Visser
12 Dunbar
13 Bennett
14 Seymour
15 Hogg

16 Reid
17 Brown
18 Cusack
19 Hamilton
20 Ashe/Harley/Wilson
21 Pyrgos
22 Weir
23 Maitland

Pretty much spot on with the starting line up I think, the only change I would make would be Maitland starting over Visser if he is fit.

Injuries are a concern. Particularly for Dunbar and Scott who would be the top two choices for 12. As it stands Horne would be my choice at 12 if none recover. As for the bench in that particular scenario.... I'd rather not think about it to be honest.

R Gray and Gilchrist too are a worry. We might be a bit weak up front if we play Swinson and we'll give away too many penalties with Hamilton. Gilchrist and Gray are 2 guys we really need back if we are leaving Toolis at home.

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 J Gray
05 R Gray
06 Harley
07 Watson
08 Ashe

09 Hidalgo-Clyne
10 Russell
11 Vernon (why not? I would say he is quick enough and far less likely to fall of tackles like Visser. I appreciate Visser is probably our most potent attacking threat but his inability to tackle cannot be overlooked at this level)
12 Dunbar
13 Bennett
14 Seymour
15 Hogg

16 Reid
17 McInally (can also cover backrow)
18 Welsh
19 Gilchrist
20 Strauss
21 Pyrgos
22 Horne
23 Tonks

Anybody going to be watching the U20s against New Zealand tonight in their first game of the world cup? Live on BT sport.
Scotland line up is
15. Ruairi Howarth (Edinburgh Rugby/Gala)

14. Robbie Nairn (George Watson’s College/Currie)*
13. Archie Russell (Stirling County)
12. Tom Galbraith (Melrose)
11. Alec Coombes (London Scottish)

10. Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints)
9. Ben Vellacott (Gloucester/Hartpury College)

1. Dan Elkington (Watsonians)
2. Sam James (Wasps)
3. Callum Sheldon (Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonians)
4. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/Glasgow Hawks)
5. Lewis Carmichael (Melrose)*
6. Lewis Wynne (Stirling County)
7. Jamie Ritchie CAPTAIN (Edinburgh Rugby)
8. Ally Miller (Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonians)

Replacements

16. Ross Graham (Hawick)
17. Murray McCallum (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby)
18. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors/Glasgow Hawks)
19. Neil Irvine-Hess (Melrose)
20. Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh Rugby/Boroughmuir)
21. George Horne (Glasgow Hawks)
22. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Academy/Edinburgh Academicals)*
23. Richard Galloway (University of Birmingham)

Not the strongest starting line up they could put out so they must be saving a few players for possibly the more "winnable" games. Still a pretty decent line up though. Looking forward to seeing Robbie Nairn go toe to toe with the All Blacks outside backs. Expecting a big game from Lewis Carmichael in the 2nd row who I think will cause New Zealand quite a few problems. IF the Scots can keep it close they do have some pretty good impact to come on off the bench with guys like Fagerson, McCallum, Bradbury, Horne and Kinghorn.

Well we're not short on pace, that's for sure. Gone certainly are the Danielli and Walker days.

SHC has great acceleration which is essential for SH. And Seymour, Maitland, Hogg and Hoyland must have some of the highest top speeds in the NH. Also Bennett and Dunbar are electrically fast.

Sorry, it has been done to death already but International Rugby is seriously losing part of its appeal and credibility. 3 year residency rule is a joke. Thankfully some of the other Saffers at Glasgow and Edinburgh are yet to hit 3 years by RWC. Pathetic...international representation should mean more than a business decision

MMaaxx wrote:Sorry, it has been done to death already but International Rugby is seriously losing part of its appeal and credibility. 3 year residency rule is a joke. Thankfully some of the other Saffers at Glasgow and Edinburgh are yet to hit 3 years by RWC. Pathetic...international representation should mean more than a business decision

I agree. 5 years should be the minimum although I would prefer longer.

I think the initial squad is good. I thought fife would be in there but perhaps he is not quite there yet, he'll certainly feature in a Scotland top again.

1.dickinson
2. Brown
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Ashe
7. Fusaro
8. Strauss
9. HC
10. Russell
11. Seymour
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Would be my starting XV assuming injuries are not an issue. I am quietly excited about Scotland's chances, I think they will make it out of their group.

Sorry bsando, but Fozzy is not in the squad. barclay, watson, Blake and Cowan seem to be ahead of him in the pecking order.

I would agree that Watson, Cowan and potentially Barclay are ahead of him. It just depends on how Barclay can make the transition back to an openside since that's where Scotland need him.

Is three years really a joke? Think about who that benefits here.

If you are say from Belgium and are a great rugby player, capable of playing for any NH team lets say, then you'd probably want to play in France or England where the money's greater than in Scotland if you have to stay for 5 years. You might not get as much international experience, but you'd get decent money. Also, there's less risk financially in having a 3 year project player than a 5 year one.

From a selfish point of view I think for Scotland's interests we either have 3 years as a maximum or push for banning the whole residency thing globally.

My view on it is it should be 3 years if under 18, 5 if over.

Changing tack, what strategy do people think VC will have for the warm-up games?

He's said it's to practice moves/style of play, but that doesn't reveal all to much.

Will it be:

- To give opportunities to fringe players? e.g Hughes, Hoyland, Blake, Swinson...
- Start the best XV each time for experience?
- Play those who've been injured the most? e.g. Maitland, Scott, Jackson, Gray Snr, Gilchrist...

Nematode wrote:Is three years really a joke? Think about who that benefits here.

If you are say from Belgium and are a great rugby player, capable of playing for any NH team lets say, then you'd probably want to play in France or England where the money's greater than in Scotland if you have to stay for 5 years. You might not get as much international experience, but you'd get decent money. Also, there's less risk financially in having a 3 year project player than a 5 year one.

From a selfish point of view I think for Scotland's interests we either have 3 years as a maximum or push for banning the whole residency thing globally.

You are talking about this from a financial point of view Nematode. This shouldn't be about money. It should be a matter of pride and principal.

If you are from Belgium and are a great rugby player, then play for Belgium. By all means ply your trade abroad but surely you would want to play for Belgium?

Visser fits into this mold. More than good enough to play for the Netherlands but chose to play for Scotland. If his trade was football and not rugby what are the chances of him chosing Scotland over the Netherelands? Zero I'd say.

People like Strauss and Nel are different from Visser. They aren't good enough to play for their countries of birth. If the Boks came calling tomorrow for both of these guys they would be up sticks and move in a heartbeat IMO.

Visser's country are pants at rugger so he has chosen Scotland since it's a better port than his home port.

Strauss and Nel have chosen Scotland because their desired port is full.

I don't know these guys personally. This is pure speculation. But ask them in the street if they are Scottish and I wonder what their answers would be.

Nematode wrote:Changing tack, what strategy do people think VC will have for the warm-up games?

He's said it's to practice moves/style of play, but that doesn't reveal all to much.

Will it be:

- To give opportunities to fringe players? e.g Hughes, Hoyland, Blake, Swinson...
- Start the best XV each time for experience?
- Play those who've been injured the most? e.g. Maitland, Scott, Jackson, Gray Snr, Gilchrist...

I hope he tries to get his 1st team combinations working together. By all means mix the team up but keep key partnerships the same.

E.G keep the front rows together, keep the locks together, try out combinations of the backrow together, keep half back partnerships the same etc.

I think possibly the first two games he will use to try out players and try out new moves etc. The final two warm up games I think we will probably see the strongest team to build momentum and get the players gelling.
Its quite a gap between the last warm up game and the first world cup game, about 2 and half weeks. Lots of time to get over little niggles.

Batman is still on the naughty step for the first two games, so he certainly won't be involved in those. He is available for the next two though.

Makes you wonder what the point of the ban extending that long was.

Can we not go down the 'residency' debate on a different thread - been done to death


My first team would be

1.dickinson
2. Brown
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Ashe
7. Barclay
8. Strauss
9. SHC
10. Russell
11. Seymour
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Alot depending on injuries

Worried that McMisser might still get a on the plane - as the way he is playing not deserved

Riskysports wrote:Can we not go down the 'residency' debate on a different thread - been done to death


My first team would be

1.dickinson
2. Brown
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Ashe
7. Barclay
8. Strauss
9. SHC
10. Russell
11. Seymour
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Alot depending on injuries

Worried that McMisser might still get a on the plane - as the way he is playing not deserved

We don't have that many options on the Wing. Maitland's strike rate is an issue, Fife I don't think has done enough at club level, Tonks is a full back, Brown hasn't had much game time and Lamont is kidding himself if he thinks he is an international class winger.

Vernon on the wing is a viable option IMO. He's quick enough and solid defensively. Get him coming into the line looking for work and get his positioning sorted out I think he could do very well.

Does anyone know how well Barclay has been playing? I've not seen him recently or frequently. Seems like Davies has nudged him from 7 to 8.

I like that side Risky.

It's an interesting squad, not least because of the number of players I wouldn't allow near a Scotland side;
Strokes...not the force he was
Visser... too limp wristed even for the MFL
Frodo... watching him box kick ad nauseum at Twickers still makes me cringe to think of it
Tonks... if he can't get a game ahead of the lumbering yak that is Jack Cuthbert why is he in the Scotland squad as a back three?
Hugh Blake... if he can't get into the Glasgow side ahead of Fozzie why is he in the squad? Do we have to keep him busy or people will think we wasted the money signing him?

Nematode wrote:Does anyone know how well Barclay has been playing? I've not seen him recently or frequently. Seems like Davies has nudged him from 7 to 8.

He's been at 8 for most of the season for the Scarlets. I worry about his transition back to 7 where Scotland need him. Since he has been playing out of position it's hard to gauge how well he'll play at 8.

Thusfar our best openside options are Watson and Cowan in that order since Barcs hasn't been playing in that position.

jimbopip wrote:I like that side Risky.

It's an interesting squad, not least because of the number of players I wouldn't allow near a Scotland side;
Strokes...not the force he was
Visser... too limp wristed even for the MFL
Frodo... watching him box kick ad nauseum at Twickers still makes me cringe to think of it
Tonks... if he can't get a game ahead of the lumbering yak that is Jack Cuthbert why is he in the Scotland squad as a back three?
Hugh Blake... if he can't get into the Glasgow side ahead of Fozzie why is he in the squad? Do we have to keep him busy or people will think we wasted the money signing him?

Again I do have to ask who we can play instead of Visser? Our options on the wing are limited. Visser's defence is worse than woeful but I prefer him to the Lamont with the ball in hand and he has a better strike rate than Maitland.

He also has more experience than the bulk of our other choices.

Secondly Tonks, you are being a little selective in the use of your facts there Jimbo. Tonks has been playing at 10 for Edinburgh and it's not because Cuthbert is a better full back. It's because he is a much better stand off than Heathcote. Tonks would still be able to put in a good shift at full back.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Nematode wrote:Is three years really a joke? Think about who that benefits here.

If you are say from Belgium and are a great rugby player, capable of playing for any NH team lets say, then you'd probably want to play in France or England where the money's greater than in Scotland if you have to stay for 5 years. You might not get as much international experience, but you'd get decent money. Also, there's less risk financially in having a 3 year project player than a 5 year one.

From a selfish point of view I think for Scotland's interests we either have 3 years as a maximum or push for banning the whole residency thing globally.

You are talking about this from a financial point of view Nematode. This shouldn't be about money. It should be a matter of pride and principal.

If you are from Belgium and are a great rugby player, then play for Belgium. By all means ply your trade abroad but surely you would want to play for Belgium?

Visser fits into this mold. More than good enough to play for the Netherlands but chose to play for Scotland. If his trade was football and not rugby what are the chances of him chosing Scotland over the Netherelands? Zero I'd say.

People like Strauss and Nel are different from Visser. They aren't good enough to play for their countries of birth. If the Boks came calling tomorrow for both of these guys they would be up sticks and move in a heartbeat IMO.

Visser's country are pants at rugger so he has chosen Scotland since it's a better port than his home port.

Strauss and Nel have chosen Scotland because their desired port is full.

I don't know these guys personally. This is pure speculation. But ask them in the street if they are Scottish and I wonder what their answers would be.

You won't be surprised to hear I disagree with that.

Football is a different game and has its own rules about eligibility. The Dutch team is also pretty multi cultural and has included several players born outside Holland in the past, as do many other international football teams. This is not jut an issue confined to rugby. Rugby is not a global game in the way football is and playing international rugby for Belgium is not going to be the challenge or give any level of satisfaction to a professional rugby player, who like Tim Visser, will probably do far more for promoting the game in his own country by playing for a recognised international country. He does not hide the fact that he is Dutch, nor is he ashamed of it, but he is still on record as being extremely proud to play for Scotland. I am sure it was a long three years waiting for it, knowing he was good enough.

I disagree as well about Nel and Strauss, who are both probably good enough to have been capped by the Boks but due to circumstance, mainly the depth of quality in that country, they did not get the chance. They did not choose to move purely for a Scotland cap as it was never guaranteed. They have had to earn their place in the squad like everyone else and clearly both of them are worthy of their places. Both have committeed long term to Scotland, Strauss for at least 5 years, the best years of his career and I don't see Nel going anywhere soon either, he seems very happy here. Both are aware that they have made their beds and would not be off in a shot if the Boks came calling. Nel was asked as much in an interview and said no, he is committed to Scotland now. He would say that, I can hear you say. Well you do get the impression that Nel is a straightforward guy, who is not PR coached, he does not say very much, but means what he says.

I agree with you that neither would pretend to be Scottish if you ask them. If you changed the question to how do you feel about representing Scotland, the country where you live and play rugby, the answer would be 'extremely proud' and they would mean it! I think these guys have a lot more integrity than you are giving them credit for Radge. They won't pull on a Scotland shirt without knowing what it means.

I get the Gee, and thanks for your reply.

I'm just putting myself in Adam Ashe's potential shoes looking at how well I have played this season and wondering how I would feel if a guy like Strauss who probably dreamed of playing for the Bokkes as a youngster and claims my dream of playing for Scotland in the World Cup.

I'll say no more on the matter and agree to disagree

Agreed, time to move on.

One final thing before we do, hope Strauss & Nel make more of an effort to learn the anthem than Visser did! (0:34 in) http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/18386111

So we are agreed then. To play for scotland you need to be able to recite 3 chewin the fat catchphrases and sing either a wet wet wet song or proclaimers
"set phasers to "malky" captain" !

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

jimbopip wrote:I like that side Risky.

It's an interesting squad, not least because of the number of players I wouldn't allow near a Scotland side;
Strokes...not the force he was
Visser... too limp wristed even for the MFL
Frodo... watching him box kick ad nauseum at Twickers still makes me cringe to think of it
Tonks... if he can't get a game ahead of the lumbering yak that is Jack Cuthbert why is he in the Scotland squad as a back three?
Hugh Blake... if he can't get into the Glasgow side ahead of Fozzie why is he in the squad? Do we have to keep him busy or people will think we wasted the money signing him?

Secondly Tonks, you are being a little selective in the use of your facts there Jimbo. Tonks has been playing at 10 for Edinburgh and it's not because Cuthbert is a better full back. It's because he is a much better stand off than Heathcote. Tonks would still be able to put in a good shift at full back.

You make a good point Radge, but who exactly is the Luvvies first choice 10? It has been, in my eyes, a problem position for most of the season. Tonks is a good rugby player but he is playing in a number of positions without nailing one of them. he is listed in the squad as one of the back three options; he's never a winger and would be third choice 15 behind Hogg and Maitland. Possibly fourth behind Horne.

Nematode wrote:Does anyone know how well Barclay has been playing? I've not seen him recently or frequently. Seems like Davies has nudged him from 7 to 8.

He's been outstanding tbh. Coaches player of the season. Speaking to Welsh guys at work and they rate him as their best player.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I get the Gee, and thanks for your reply.

I'm just putting myself in Adam Ashe's potential shoes looking at how well I have played this season and wondering how I would feel if a guy like Strauss who probably dreamed of playing for the Bokkes as a youngster and claims my dream of playing for Scotland in the World Cup.

I'll say no more on the matter and agree to disagree

I honestly think Ashe would be the first to shake Struass' hand.

Both Nel and Strauss are in the Pro12 dream team ahead of numerous international players in their respective positions, I have no doubt that both would be in the Springbok reckoning in different circumstances but both have decided to opt for Scotland and good luck to them, they are certainly not second rate players as some are suggesting.
Moving to Scotland has possibly been the making of some players, look at the rapid development of Ben Toolis for example or even Ryan Wilson who played for Moseley prior to Glasgow.

6 Ashe
7 Barclay
8 Strauss

That could be bloody good really, couldn't it?

Incidentally, John Barclay was voted Scarlets player of the season and regularly captained the club during the international window when Scott Williams was away. Let's not undersell how important he has been to his club this season. That's why he's back in the squad - not because he's finally uttered the correct number of Hail Marys.

jimbopip wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

jimbopip wrote:I like that side Risky.

It's an interesting squad, not least because of the number of players I wouldn't allow near a Scotland side;
Strokes...not the force he was
Visser... too limp wristed even for the MFL
Frodo... watching him box kick ad nauseum at Twickers still makes me cringe to think of it
Tonks... if he can't get a game ahead of the lumbering yak that is Jack Cuthbert why is he in the Scotland squad as a back three?
Hugh Blake... if he can't get into the Glasgow side ahead of Fozzie why is he in the squad? Do we have to keep him busy or people will think we wasted the money signing him?

Secondly Tonks, you are being a little selective in the use of your facts there Jimbo. Tonks has been playing at 10 for Edinburgh and it's not because Cuthbert is a better full back. It's because he is a much better stand off than Heathcote. Tonks would still be able to put in a good shift at full back.

You make a good point Radge, but who exactly is the Luvvies first choice 10? It has been, in my eyes, a problem position for most of the season. Tonks is a good rugby player but he is playing in a number of positions without nailing one of them. he is listed in the squad as one of the back three options; he's never a winger and would be third choice 15 behind Hogg and Maitland. Possibly fourth behind Horne.

Yeah 10 is a problem area. Heathcoate just didn't become the player I think a lot of us thought he would. Hurly Burleigh has done a decent job though.

Even if we consider the whole thing from Adam Ashe's perspective, the presence of Strauss is still a huge positive.

Every day in training and in every match for the Warriors Ashe sees close up what level he needs to perform at to play and to achieve his full potential. The guy is 21 and Strauss is 28 (ish). He now knows he needs to be better than Strauss (and Denton) to play for Scotland. He also gets to see the work rate at training needed to get there and when Strauss retires in a few years Ashe will be a miles better player.

If the Warriors brought in Ritchie McCaw then noboby would complain about fewer opportunities for Will Bordill. They would see that it is a great chance for him to learn from someone who is a great player with a great work ethic. I don't see how it is any different for Ashe & Strauss.

Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssshhhhh.

Vern is talking:

Right, that's the OP sorted. *dusts hands and walks off*

It is quite amazing that only 9 players have any RWC experience and only Dickinson and Ford are certain to make the final cut.

Although, surely Gray Snr and Laidlaw have played in a world cup before?

Rory Hughes' selection borders on the ridiculous, he's never looked like breaking into the Glasgow team, if he was anything special than wouldn't be signing a VDM replacement (I know there's Maitland but the time he spent away injured/ playing for Scotland meant he was rarely there anyway) it seems just like a bit of a slight at Fife who genuinely had a slight chance of making the World cup

Toonie clearly rates Hughes, or he would not have resigned him. I have to say he has looked half decent when he has had his chances, it is just that they have not been very many. I imagine we will see a lot more of him next year.

I don't expect him to make the cut, but neither did I expect Fife to either. He has had a few international chances, which is more than others get (ask Roddy Grant!) and has not made very much of them. I am not going to write him off, still young and plenty chance to improve, but you don't get to many chances at that level. If it comes around again, then he needs to grab it with both hands!

I think this has been mentioned but the inclusion of Barclay shows that Cotter is calling the shots not Rab C Johnson. A very encouraging sign as Johnstone said Barclay would never play for scotland again did he not? So Cotter passes that test and shows he is his own man. Encouraging signs

TJ wrote:I think this has been mentioned but the inclusion of Barclay shows that Cotter is calling the shots not Rab C Johnson.  A very encouraging sign as Johnstone said Barclay would never play for scotland again did he not?  So Cotter passes that test and shows he is his own man.  Encouraging signs

I am sorry, you just have to look at VC to know that he has always been his own man!

We all thought so - I think this proves it

Anyone watching U20s? Just saw our scrum just get absolutely mangled, looking ominous...

Link is terrible though, very jerky. Anyone got another?!

Dodgy try given for Scotland by our No 5, who blatantly dropped it over the line, and was helped by a bit of "streetwise play" after breaking off the back of a maul. Not complaining!

Aaand they equalise within a minute. 3 man overlap on the wing despite being down to 14.

New Zealand, Ireland and Argentina - that is a brutal group!

This is the best under 20s team for a number of years but can't see us picking up any wins there.

Finnocent junior gets binned for a tip tackle - the guy jumped into it and he ducked a bit to not get his head removed, cue a flying Kiwi...

We're getting pumped.

Men against boys!

Their left winger is a superstar in the making.

41-10 just now, 48 mins gone