Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread IX

[George Carlin]

First topic message reminder :

Time Honoured 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
https://www.606v2.com/t54519-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iv
https://www.606v2.com/t55409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-v-the-fun-continues
https://www.606v2.com/t56913p950-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vi-banter-boogaloo
https://www.606v2.com/t57946-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vii
https://www.606v2.com/t58659-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-viii

A. Edinburgh (2015-2016)
 
Players In
William Helu from Wasps
Nasi Manu from Highlanders
Nathan Fowles from Sale Sharks
Michael Allen from Ulster
Jack Cosgrove from Worcester Warriors

Players Out
Tom Heathcote to Worcester Warriors
Grayson Hart to Glasgow Warriors
Ollie Atkins to Exeter Chiefs
Tim Visser to Harlequins
 
B. Glasgow (2015-2016)

Players In
Simone Favaro from Benetton Treviso
Grayson Hart from Edinburgh
Kieran Low from London Irish
Mike Blair from Newcastle Falcons
Sam Johnson from Queensland Reds
Greg Peterson from Leicester Tigers
Taqele Naiyaravoro from NSW Waratahs
Javan Sebastian from Carmarthen Quins

Players Out
Nikola Matawalu to Bath Rugby
Sean Maitland to London Irish
D.T.H. van der Merwe to Scarlets
Dougie Hall retired
Jon Welsh to Newcastle Falcons
Alastair Kellock retired
Murray McConnell to Nottingham
James Downey to Wasps
Tommy Spinks to Jersey
Euan Murray to Pau
Connor Braid released

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t60287-france-v-scotland-5-september

[RDW]

Watched the Glasgow game - was a brave performance against a strong Canada team.

Two really good tries and it really should have been more. They coped admirably with the Canadian physicality though.

Strauss did ok - some big carries but you could tell it was his first game.

[Prothero]

I thought he was quite average tbh the only Glasgow player that stood out for me was Frazer Lyle he added value every time he had the ball. May be a big season for him?

[IanBru]

Yeah, I was happy with Fraser Lyle - seems a very dependable yet competitive character. Lots of shouting and gee-ing up his team-mates, which is good to see.

I'm not going to say that the referee was partial, but he made The National newspaper look like the even-handed, high-quality journalism on a par with the Economist. Some of his calls were ludicrously inconsistent.

Mike Blair had a good game, and I think he's going to bring a lot of composure and intelligence to the role. I thought things were a bit more aimless when Greyson Hart came on, but he's far earlier in his overall career progression so I'm not too disappointed yet!

[IanBru]

Incidentally, I've been thinking a lot about the art of rugby highlights videos (I have quite the rock and roll lifestyle), particularly after watching the video for "Frank the Taq" Naiyaravoro produced by Glasgow when they signed him.

It always annoys me how douchy the music always is, like all rugby supporters are automatically excited by whatever Euro-house unce-unce fest that they're playing on Radio 1 or Radio Caroline North.

So, let's get some ideas going: what is the best song you can suggest for a highlights video?

My attempt:
Watch the first video with the sound off, while playing the music from the second.

[George Carlin]

I take the John Woo approach to videos and love the juxtaposition of a very sweet or jaunty song mixed with acts of horror and unspeakable violence.

Watch the video of Naiyaravoro against Captain Sensible's "Happy Talk" or Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas".

Genuinely thought provoking.

[George Carlin]

Important rugby news:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/rugby-ace-finn-russells-stunning-6342071

[funnyExiledScot]

Important rugby news:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/rugby-ace-finn-russells-stunning-6342071

I wouldn't kick her out of bed, but that's not how you spell Mary.

[funnyExiledScot]

I take the John Woo approach to videos and love the juxtaposition of a very sweet or jaunty song mixed with acts of horror and unspeakable violence.

Watch the video of Naiyaravoro against Captain Sensible's "Happy Talk" or Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas".

Genuinely thought provoking.

Woo's deployment of Somewhere Over The Rainbow in the film Face Off is movie poetry. If anyone hasn't seen that film proceed to do so immediately.

[MacKnocked-on]

Watched the Glasgow game and they could certainly have won that if they had shown some more composure with some of the chances they had. Thought Murchie played well at fullback and Bulumaku certainly knows how to score. Keiran Low was a very safe line out option so could turn out to be a good signing.
Did anyone watch the Premiership 7s on Friday night? Robbie Nairn looks like a real prospect and is some size already despite his young age.

[George Carlin]

So essentially, our third XV was playing a full and essentially full strength international side and only lost by a score?

That will do me.

[tigertattie]

Important rugby news:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/rugby-ace-finn-russells-stunning-6342071

surely she needs to be considered for the next Scotland match thread?

[funnyExiledScot]

Yeah, I was happy with Fraser Lyle - seems a very dependable yet competitive character. Lots of shouting and gee-ing up his team-mates, which is good to see!

Ah, the next Al Kellock then!

[jimbopip]

Fes, if the Luvvies had kept The Captain then you might, just might, be Pro 12 champions today instead of a posse of wannabe knitwear models.

[funnyExiledScot]

Nah, with Blackadder, Hines and Murray on board he'd have just warmed the bench.

Good effort from the Weegies though only narrowly losing.

[George Carlin]

Nice interview with the big feller in the Hootsmon.

I note in particuarly that he and Hardie are good friends - should hopefully point strongly towards Hardie joining Edinburgh if the SRU are smart (granted, that's something of a leap):

 
Nasi Manu aims to make most of ‘dream’ Edinburgh move

GARY HEATLY

Tuesday 01 September 2015

EDINBURGH Rugby’s new arrival Nasi Manu believes the club is on the up and the No 8 is keen to help them hit new heights when the competitive season gets underway on Friday night.

Since the signing of the 27-year-old former Highlanders man was announced earlier in the year, Edinburgh supporters have been keen to grab a glimpse of him in action.

After an extended post-season break following his old club winning the Super Rugby competition, Manu and his partner arrived in the capital on 6 August and he played the second half of last Friday’s friendly win over Ulster at Goldenacre.

“For me winning the Super Rugby trophy gave me closure there because I wasn’t too sure if it was the right time to leave because becoming an All Black was always my dream,” he said.

“My dream changed and I felt like I was ready for a new challenge and I really wanted to come overseas to Europe. Everyone was telling me to go to Japan, but I like physicality and I wanted to experience European rugby and see for myself how good it is here.

“I have only been training for two weeks, but I am pretty impressed with how good our forward pack is at Edinburgh. Our set-piece and maul is good and, as a No 8, it is good to have a solid front five in front of you.

“It was quite fun getting my first run-out last Friday and getting to know some of the boys and see how they play.

“They are trying to build a culture and a good squad here and, from what I have seen already, the players have a really professional attitude and Roddy Grant and Mike Coman are great 
leaders.”

Edinburgh go into their Guinness Pro12 opener against Leinster at Meggetland on Friday off the back of pre-season wins over Romania and Ulster. However, they know sterner tests are to come and – when not enjoying the Festival and getting his bearings around the city by foot – Manu has been working hard on the training field to adjust to the different style of rugby in the Northern Hemisphere.

He said: “There is a big emphasis on set-piece and the scrum over here and the pace of the game is not as fast, but the breakdown area is a lot more physical and there are more players who are good on their feet.

“I am just getting used to the pace of it and the type of tackles you need to make.

“I am a bit nervous [ahead of Friday] because there are a lot of good players around and I don’t think a guaranteed spot in the team is mine. I have just got to have a good week of training, put my best foot forward and, hopefully, be involved in the match.”

As mentioned, Manu’s partner has moved to Edinburgh with him while his brother, Vaka, will be turning out for Stirling County in the BT Premiership this season, having made his debut at the weekend.

Manu has just moved into a flat with former Highlanders team-mate Phil Burleigh and has also caught up with another former Highlander, John Hardie, a couple of times recently. Hardie, also 27, is in the mix to be named in Vern Cotter’s Scotland squad today for the Rugby World Cup.

If the back-row makes the cut and is in the final 31-man party, Manu believes he would not let anyone down.

“John is a physical player, but he can carry the ball as well and his breakdown work is pretty special also,” Manu said.

“It is hard to compare John to other players in the Northern Hemisphere for me, but I grew up with him, we played age-group rugby together and I obviously rate him highly, and he seemed to go alright in his Scotland debut last week.”

[RDW]

I like it how there are no quotes in the text to back up the headline's assertion that this is a 'dream' move.

I've got to say it comes as no surprise to hear he's only had 2 weeks training having seen him blowing out his arse on Friday night - the fitness will come soon though.

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t60304-glasgow-warriors-v-scarlets-5-september

Volunteers to start the match thread for Edinburgh's opening game on Friday, please.

Share and share like, brothers.

[RDW]

I'll do it at some point.

[George Carlin]

I'll do it at some point.

https://www.606v2.com/t60322-edinburgh-v-leinster-4-september 

[RDW]

I'll do it at some point.

https://www.606v2.com/t60322-edinburgh-v-leinster-4-september 

I was being busy and important yesterday, was just about to do it.....honest!

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t60323-welcome-to-the-new-aviva-pro-12-season-your-help-needed

[InjuredYetAgain]

Will Fraser Lyle be the next Mark Bennett? Discuss.
He did look pretty good when he played last season and he showed up well against Canada

[George Carlin]

I like Lyle a lot and I hope that he does well because we need more centre competition.

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

[RDW]

I like Lyle a lot and I hope that he does well because we need more centre competition.

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

A hashtag outside of Twitter?? You're not one of those people are you?

[George Carlin]

I like Lyle a lot and I hope that he does well because we need more centre competition.

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

A hashtag outside of Twitter?? You're not one of those people are you?

No, I don't understand the whole Tweety thing.
#IFeelOld

[RDW]

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

This also means that he is tied to Australia - they don't even need to put him on the pitch!

[nickj]

Bugger. Though I suppose it was always highly likely as you say.

[EWT Spoons]

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

This also means that he is tied to Australia - they don't even need to put him on the pitch!

Are you sure? I would have thought to get a cap he would need to play some part in the game? Didn't the same situation happen with McKibben? In that he sat on the bench, but didn't come on so was still eligible to play for us.

[RDW]

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

This also means that he is tied to Australia - they don't even need to put him on the pitch!

Are you sure?  I would have thought to get a cap he would need to play some part in the game?  Didn't the same situation happen with McKibben?  In that he sat on the bench, but didn't come on so was still eligible to play for us.

My memory is that the conclusion was that he is tied to Australia. I saw it RugbyDump or something like that – someone posted the page of the IRB rules that stated that if they are in a match day squad then they are tied to the country.

[EWT Spoons]

That sounds familiar from the chat that went on when McKibben said he would play for Scotland, but I can't find the link, so you are probably right.

I just found this on the story about him being open to play for us:

"He sat on the bench for one Wallabies Test against Wales in 2012, but didn't get on and remains eligible to play for Scotland, where he left to come to Australia with his parents when he was three years old"

But as I say, I think you are right as I'm sure it turned out he couldn't play for us because of his bench warming.

It's strange you could be tied to a nation without playing for them, but I guess it makes sense in that if you are sitting on thier bench you have pretty much declared your hand (unless you are Stuart McCall obviously, sorry footie reference there)

[funnyExiledScot]

I like Lyle a lot and I hope that he does well because we need more centre competition.

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

A hashtag outside of Twitter?? You're not one of those people are you?

Of course he is. He's sitting in his serviced appartment as we speak: turned up jeans, checkered shirt (top button done up), side parting and black rimmed glasses with the lenses taken out (because they make him look more intellectual).

[funnyExiledScot]

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

This also means that he is tied to Australia - they don't even need to put him on the pitch!

To be honest he clearly doesn't want to be in Scotland, and he doesn't want to play for Scotland. Whilst his potential is massive, I'm pleased that we're done with him from a Scotland perspective.

[RDW]

I think the problem here is that once he becomes ‘Australian’ his desire to be in Scotland will be even less, especially when he has a chance to play international rugby (something he couldn’t do if he moved to Scotland).

I really don’t think this story is over yet.

[funnyExiledScot]

Agreed. I'm not convinced he'll be a soap dodger for long.

[nickj]

Favaro's been called up

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/23403/injury-forces-italy-into-world-cup-squad-change/

[George Carlin]

I like Lyle a lot and I hope that he does well because we need more centre competition.

I see that Big Tacky is likely to make his Wallabies bow against the USA this weekend.
#hopelesslypredictable

A hashtag outside of Twitter?? You're not one of those people are you?

Of course he is. He's sitting in his serviced appartment as we speak: turned up jeans, checkered shirt (top button done up), side parting and black rimmed glasses with the lenses taken out (because they make him look more intellectual).

What....how did?.....is my webcam on?

[RDW]

Favaro's been called up

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/23403/injury-forces-italy-into-world-cup-squad-change/

Not a major problem – Glasgow have around 17 opensides in reserve do they not?

[funnyExiledScot]

Favaro's been called up

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/23403/injury-forces-italy-into-world-cup-squad-change/

You've got Hugh Blake though. He's like a whole back-row rolled into one player.

[madmaccas]

Edinburgh team to play Leinster. Great back row!

[madmaccas]

Oh and no Strauss!

[RDW]

https://www.606v2.com/t60322-edinburgh-v-leinster-4-september#3129005

[jimbopip]

That's a decent side and a very good pack. You should run the Ladyboys Thirds quite close.

[George Carlin]

Just been announced that Edinburgh is hosting the Pro 12 final this year.

Which was nice.

[RDW]

https://www.606v2.com/t60415-pro-12-final-to-be-held-at-murrayfield#3135023

[funnyExiledScot]

Just been announced that Edinburgh is hosting the Pro 12 final this year.

Which was nice.

That's really good timing as well. Home final.

[takethelongroad]

Best thing on Alba last week was the talking heads footage from all the assembled pro12 coaches and captains. Asked 'who is the best ref?', after a series of 'Nige' answers from the others, Townsend without a missed beat and utterly deadpan, named George Clancy. Top bants indeed.

[funnyExiledScot]

Best thing on Alba last week was the talking heads footage from all the assembled pro12 coaches and captains. Asked 'who is the best ref?', after a series of 'Nige' answers from the others, Townsend without a missed beat and utterly deadpan, named George Clancy. Top bants indeed.

That's clever of Toonie. It's a freebie compliment, and will hopefully go someway to repairing the relationship between Clownshoes and Glasgow after "The Kellock Years".

[RDW]

Shall we just call it quits here?

Home semi final for Edinburgh!

http://www.pro12rugby.com/mobile/table.php

[funnyExiledScot]

No deal. I'm not settling for second place!!

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