Italy v Scotland, 22 August

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ITALY v SCOTLAND
22 August 2015
KO: 19:00 BST
Stadio Olimpico di Torino, Turin

Live on BT Sport

Referee: JP Doyle (England)
Assistant Referees: [TBC]
TMO: [TBC]

A. Head to Head

23 Played 23
8 Won 15
0 Drawn 0
15 Lost 8
416 Points 524

B. Recent Form

28 February 2015
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh
19 – 22 to Italy

22 February 2014
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
20 – 21 to Scotland

22 June 2013
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa
30 – 29 to Scotland

9 February 2013
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
34 – 10 to Scotland

17 March 2012
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
13 – 6 to Italy

20 August 2011
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
23 – 12 to Scotland

19 March 2011
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
21 – 8 to Scotland

C. Teams

ITALY

15 Andrea Masi
14 Leonardo Sarti
13 Tommaso Benvenuti
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Giovambattista Venditti
10 Tommaso Allan
9 Guglielmo Palazzani

8 Samuela Vunisa
7 Alessandro Zanni
6 Francesco Minto
5 Valerio Bernabó
4 Quintin Geldenhuys (c)
3 Lorenzo Cittadini
2 Davide Giazzon
1 Matias Aguero

16 Leonardo Ghiraldini
17 Michele Rizzo
18 Martin Castrogiovanni
19 Marco Bortolami
20 Mauro Bergamasco
21 Marcello Violi
22 Carlo Canna
23 Luke McLean

SCOTLAND

15 Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) – 5 caps
14 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) – 94 caps; 12 tries, 60 points
13 Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) – 21 caps
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) – 26 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Rory Hughes (Glasgow Warriors) – uncapped
10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) – 18 caps; 1 try, 5 cons, 6 pens, 1 drop
09 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Edinburgh Rugby) – 6 caps

01 Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps
02 Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – uncapped
03 Mike Cusack (Glasgow Warriors) – 1 cap
04 Richie Gray (Castres) – 44 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
05 Grant Gilchrist CAPTAIN (Edinburgh Rugby) – 9 caps, 1 try, 5 points
06 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan) – 44 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
07 John Hardie (unattached) – uncapped
08 Adam Ashe (Glasgow Warriors) – 5 caps

16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) – 86 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 44 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – uncapped
19 Jim Hamilton (Saracens) – 62 caps; 1 try, 5 points
20 Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
21 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) – 14 caps; 3 tries, 15 points
22 Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 8 caps; 1 try, 1 con, 1 pen 10 points
23 Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh Rugby) – uncapped

Fecc me, there are some worrying signs there.

My team from that:
1. Reid
2. McInally
3. Cusack
4. Gilchrist (c)
5. Gray Hagrid, the Gleek will come on to steady the ship.
6. HardieStroker 7. Watson 8. Ashe Hardie/Watson will share the 7 jersey

9. Inigo Montoya
10. Jackson
11. Hughes
12. Scott
13. Vernon
14. Hoyland
15. Tonks

16. Ford 17. Dickinson 18. Nel 19. Hamilton 20. Strokosch 21. Pythagoras 22. Weir 23. Horn

So the second row get a second chance. Weir must get on the pitch, surely. Have we seen the last of Harley? Is 6 our new peoblem position? How does Kellybrows feel?

Right, what is going on here??

First, Richie V is picking the team, then he leaves himself out and you all play him anyway?

Speaking of centres, is Duncan Taylor broken or just out of favour?

Senlac wrote:Speaking of centres, is Duncan Taylor broken or just out of favour?

Broken, shoulder injury I think.

One forward and one back will be travelling reserves, so in my mind that would be Bryce and Hughes/Hoyland.

There are only 3 wingers so one of Hughes or Hoyland is going to get capped I suspect.

Vernon isn't being rested, he's in the squad. As he's Scotland's greatest living athlete, he's starting in my team.

"Hasn't anyone noticed this? I feel like I'm taking CRAZY PILLS!!"

Majestic83 wrote:

Senlac wrote:Speaking of centres, is Duncan Taylor broken or just out of favour?

Broken, shoulder injury I think.

Cheers! Not a huge fan, but it's one less option in an already thinly spread position.

I'm interested that Hardie is listed as 'unattached'. Does that mean he's out of the Highlanders? Bodes well for the future

IanBru wrote:Vernon isn't being rested, he's in the squad. As he's Scotland's greatest living athlete, he's starting in my team.

"Hasn't anyone noticed this? I feel like I'm taking CRAZY PILLS!!"

Just checked and you might be right. I'll get my coat.

Hardie must be going to Edinburgh then. Surely there is no way Glasgow are getting another openside?

Rumours are that Grant signed up for another year for world cup cover, and that John Hardie is his long term repalcement.

I think it would be a good signing given his calibre and experience with the Highlanders, but would reduce Hamish Watson's gametime.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Rumours are that Grant signed up for another year for world cup cover, and that John Hardie is his long term repalcement.

I think it would be a good signing given his calibre and experience with the Highlanders, but would reduce Hamish Watson's gametime.

Competition is always a good thing, as is squad depth. Having Hardie around should push Watson to be a better player.

What in the name of Kevin Spacey is Strokosch doing in there? How can he even be in contemplation when we're considering leaving Kellybrows and Harley home????

Oh. Wait. Is the big baldy just a crash test dummy to spend 80 minutes taking hits so that none of our *actual* players get injured. Smart.

Apart from that, am excited to see what Antonio Banderas, Hardie and McInally can do? Would be super to give young Hoyland a run too. mean, what the hey?

Small point of order. The game is on BT Sports

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Rumours are that Grant signed up for another year for world cup cover, and that John Hardie is his long term repalcement.

I think it would be a good signing given his calibre and experience with the Highlanders, but would reduce Hamish Watson's gametime.

Competition is always a good thing, as is squad depth. Having Hardie around should push Watson to be a better player.

Absolutely – Glasgow showed as much. There gets a point though where there is just too much competition and his gametime is limited. If Grant is off then he may end up just being squad cover and Watson and Hardie fight it out for the starting spot.

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Gilchrist/Toolis
05 Bresler
06 Du Preez
07 Hardie
08 Manu

NICE.

George Carlin wrote:01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Gilchrist/Toolis
05 Bresler
06 Du Preez
07 Hardie
08 Denton

NICE.

Bench: .....Toolis/Gilchrist, Manu

Not selected - McKenzie, Coman, Grant, Bradbury, Ritchie

George Carlin wrote:Does anyone else think that our best pack at the World Cup could be:

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Gray
05 Gray
06 Strauss
07 Barclay
08 Denton

16 Reid
17 Brown
18 Cusack
19 Harley
20 Cowan

?

A-hem MR C

Dave 'Can't Pass, Won't Pass' Denton is keeping the No 8 jersey warm for Mr Bluto himself - the mighty Josh Strauss

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Does anyone else think that our best pack at the World Cup could be:

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Gray
05 Gray
06 Strauss
07 Barclay
08 Denton

16 Reid
17 Brown
18 Cusack
19 Harley
20 Cowan

?

A-hem MR C

Dave 'Can't Pass, Won't Pass' Denton is keeping the No 8 jersey warm for Mr Bluto himself - the mighty Josh Strauss

In that case, who plays at six?

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Does anyone else think that our best pack at the World Cup could be:

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Gray
05 Gray
06 Strauss
07 Barclay
08 Denton

16 Reid
17 Brown
18 Cusack
19 Harley
20 Cowan

?

A-hem MR C

Dave 'Can't Pass, Won't Pass' Denton is keeping the No 8 jersey warm for Mr Bluto himself - the mighty Josh Strauss

In that case, who plays at six?

Glasgow have many world class options at 6 don't you know. Well, in 21st's head anyway!

More than The Luvvies though !

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

But they've got Batman, and he's badass...

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

But they've got Batman, and he's badass...

Right, yes. Ryan Wilson, who could not have looked less at home when played at six for Scotland under Scott Johnson.

I personally still rate Bob Harley highy, but Cotter now sees him as a 2nd row.

Strauss at 6 and Denton at 8 is currently the best option. Yes Denton's passing isn't great, but if he carries on rampaging into contact and getting us over the gainline like he did against Ireland, then it isn't such a big deal.

And some Glasgow fans will just have to accept that some Edinburgh players are actually worth picking...!

RDW_Scotland wrote:I personally still rate Bob Harley highy, but Cotter now sees him as a 2nd row.

Strauss at 6 and Denton at 8 is currently the best option.  Yes Denton's passing isn't great, but if he carries on rampaging into contact and getting us over the gainline like he did against Ireland, then it isn't such a big deal.

And some Glasgow fans will just have to accept that some Edinburgh players are actually worth picking...!

Agreed on all counts. I love Harley for his work rate, but having him at six means we lose a big ball-carrying option in the backrow, and I think we need all of them we can muster.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

But they've got Batman, and he's badass...

Or Arthur Ashe or the six foot red crayon (allegedly).

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

I'm putting Bru's stones on the line and still saying that Edinburgh will chew up the Glasgow pack in the 1872 double header! Handing Glasgow a man-shaming and retaining the cup!

tigertattie wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:More than The Luvvies though !

Sure, I mean, we only have captain of the Super 14-winning Highlanders, Nasi Manu. And David Denton. And Cornel du Preez...

I'm sorry, what were you saying?

I'm putting Bru's stones on the line and still saying that Edinburgh will chew up the Glasgow pack in the 1872 double header! Handing Glasgow a man-shaming and retaining the cup, while propping up the league table again and watching the big boys play in the Champions Cup

Fixed that for you

I've just noticed that Gilchrist has been made captain for this weekend.

Assuming Laidlaw will captain next week, does that make it a 3-way play off for the wc captaincy? Cotter has already said he's only going to pick one option.

To be honest, neither of the 3 are stan out options either.

I'm not convinced Pyrgos is a guaranteed starter at 9 yet - albeit having had a decent enough game at the weekend.

If Gilchrist gets it then one of the Grays will not be starting, which I think would be a mistake.

If Laidlaw gets it, well, we're all aware of his shortcomings as an on field leader.

Yes with Captain Conman at the wheel.  

Anyway back to ints:- 

Dear Vern,
Can we have all The Warriors back so we can retain the Pro12 - that is Hogg, Seymour, Lamont, Bennett, Dunbar, Vernon, Horne, Russell, Pyrgos, Weir, Ashe, Strauss (ykwim), Harley, Wilson, J Gray, Reid, Brown and Cusack (you already broke Grant).   You can keep The Big Red Crayon if you want and maybe... errrm... Blake and Hughes (!) for some experience - (4 games!).
You see the Pro12 are meaningful games where we can actually win something.

Thanks

Schiz, I fear that Fes has got one of his domestics to hack your account. There are so many discordant notes in your post for one who is normally one of God's sunbeams.

Scotland won't win the World Cup, Glasgow may well retain the Pro 12. That isn't the point. It's not even close to the point. I'm not even going to explain the point to you, that would just be missing the point.

When did Rob Harley crap in your lunch box? He is a very good rugby player who was flogged beyond the point of exhaustion last season, lost form, had a break and came back to play a blinder in the final. Give him a break. ( yes the repetition of break there does make the paragraph less eloquent but you know what I mean)

Shall we talk for a bit about whether Jared Payne is better at 13 than Keith Earls?

George Carlin wrote:Shall we talk for a bit about whether Jared Payne is better at 13 than Keith Earls?

I know we all talk a load of crap, but they must be setting some kind of record with how long they've rambled on about one subject!

What about this one. Would the 52 year old Damian Cronin currently be a more dynamic ball carrier than Grant Gilchrist?
I think it would be close! (GG would be nearly as good as DC)

With GG being picked as captain for this weekend ( and he took over the captaincy last week after Henners was subbed) it looks as if Vern is planning to take him as at least the third choice SR, wihc means at least a bench slot against Samoa and the Boks, because of the way he calls the lineout - mainly to the other jumpers in the pack. He took one lineout in the first half which he then dropped as his frame came down in an ungainly manner to terra firma.

The thought of GG's lack of physicality against these 2 packs is enough to give me the dry boak.

Gilchrist ran an excellent lineout with Edinburgh before he got injured - 2 seasons ago we had one of the best lineouts in the league. I don't have any concerns with him in that regard. Brown's throwing didn't help much.

I think we need to remember that was his first game in 10 months! Having broken his arm it's not as if he's done much contact in that time either.

He'll have another go this weekend so we can see what he can offer.

Are you saying that is was Brown's fault that after throwing the ball so that Gilchrist caught it cleanly with both hands, it was somehow Brown's fault that GG couldnt hold onto the ball as his feet hit the ground?
p.s. big jim cleanly caught several  catches as indeed did Denton, so i dont think brown's throwing was that bad. Or is GG not able to jump properly yet after his broken arm as well as not be any good at ball carrying?
As you say he will get another chance this week and probably the next two weeks as well!

I'm certainly not saying it's all Brown's fault, but his throwing didn't help on some occasions. The whole pack are to blame - Lineout needs to run as a unit and it just wasn't on the button on Saturday. Strange given they've had months to work on it!

George Carlin wrote:Shall we talk for a bit about whether Jared Payne is better at 13 than Keith Earls?

Yes, but only if we all promise to argee with each other.

On the subject of Grant Gichrist;

I read an article on him on the BBC sport website, the accompanying picture was a close up head and shoulders type and I thought,

"Them Luvvies, even their second rows are pretty."

All discussions as to his suitability to be in the squad versus the Boks or Samoans should begin and end there.

jimbopip wrote:Schiz, I fear that Fes has got one of his domestics to hack your account. There are so many discordant notes in your post for one who is normally one of God's sunbeams.

Scotland won't win the World Cup, Glasgow may well retain the Pro 12. That isn't the point. It's not even close to the point. I'm not even going to explain the point to you, that would just be missing the point.

When did Rob Harley crap in your lunch box? He is a very good rugby player who was flogged beyond the point of exhaustion last season, lost form, had a break and came back to play a blinder in the final. Give him a break. ( yes the repetition of break there does make  the paragraph less eloquent but you know what I mean)

Jimbo, wtf are you on about ?

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Yes with Captain Conman at the wheel.  

Anyway back to ints:- 

Dear Vern,
Can we have all The Warriors back so we can retain the Pro12 - that is Hogg, Seymour, Lamont, Bennett, Dunbar, Vernon, Horne, Russell, Pyrgos, Weir, Ashe, Strauss (ykwim), Harley, Wilson, J Gray, Reid, Brown and Cusack (you already broke Grant).   You can keep The Big Red Crayon if you want and maybe... errrm...  Blake and Hughes (!) for some experience - (4 games!).  
You see the Pro12 are meaningful games where we can actually win something.

Thanks

I saw the reference to the Big red Crayon and logically (at least to me) surmised you were saying Rob Harley was surplus to requirements. Upon re-reading I see Harley is on your list of players you want back.
So who the fecc is The Big Red Crayon????

Oh for feck sake - Ianbru, time to bring out the pictorial description of kebab-gate again!

Im wondering if Gilchrist plays a blinder whether he will be captain ? gray jr and gilchrist ?

no one else other than laidlaw seems to be too obvious . and no one seems to keen on that.

ford ?

Hardie has obviously been told to show some enthusiasm about playing for Scotland! Interesting to note that he's not signed for a club yet.

Fair play to him - he's moved over here not knowing what his long term future will be. That's a big risk! Still think he'll be a good signing for Edinburgh.

“Scotland is in my blood, my grandmother was born here,” said Hardie, whose brother Grant played for Peebles in the 2009-10 season. “I’ve got to show my team-mates how much that jersey means to me and I know how much pride is in that jersey.

“I know the history, too. You know by the way the boys train and the way they talk that it’s a massive thing. It’s something I will honour. Everyone knows how much it means and I don’t want to get caught up in anything else.”

He may have never been to Scotland before his arrival in the World Cup training camp, but, like many from the southern part of New Zealand, he has found certain things to make him feel at home.

“Princes and George are the two main streets in Dunedin. Then I come here and Princes and George are the main streets here [in Edinburgh]. And many of the other road names are the same as back there.”


Whatever happens regarding selection for the World Cup, it looks like Hardie will be looking beyond Scotland to pursue his club career. He said: “I have signed for a couple of more weeks [with the SRU] and after that we will need to wait and see.

“I haven’t signed for Edinburgh or Glasgow, so I’ve taken a big risk coming over here. I want to stay in the northern hemisphere and play for Scotland if selected. I could do that by playing in England or France and I’ll need to look at my options.

“There is no fall-back in terms of going back to the Highlanders in New Zealand. There are challenges in life and this is one for me. I’m not thinking ‘what if’. I’m happy with the decision I’ve made and I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m totally committed to Scotland now. You’ve got to back your own ability and it’s about getting out there and performing. The next few weeks are going to be important for everyone and I am no different.”

It would come as no surprise that there was a time when 
becoming an All Black was the ultimate goal for Hardie, but he insisted there were no regrets that this had proved not to be. “It wasn’t a disappointment,” he said. “I always knew I was a dual national and if Scotland give me the opportunity this week, I will take it with both hands.


“I don’t think I have to prove a point [to New Zealand]. I have come over here and have been given the opportunity. I am out of my comfort zone and that is good for me. Being out of
your comfort zone is good for players.”

Hardie, though, said that the rest of the squad had been very welcoming and keen to make the transition as comfortable an experience as possible.

“The first time I came over it felt like the first day at school,” he recalled. “I didn’t know a lot of people but the boys have been really welcoming and I’m starting to feel more at home here.

“It’s been really good and I know I’ve made the right decision. It [the move] has been in the pipeline but we had to sort out a few things and then before the Super Rugby final I knew I was coming over and I was really excited. I got over here as soon as I could.

“Before that it took a while to sort out my contract situation and it just didn’t work out the first time. I was always looking to come over here and I’ve finally got the chance and it feels like the right time to come.”

Coming straight into the intense environment of a World Cup training camp has limited Hardie’s chance to explore the country but he likes what he has seen so far and is looking forward to deepening his bond with the country.

“I have been over here for four weeks now and I’ve probably only had four days off,” he said.

“I have managed to have a 
really good look around the Edinburgh Festival and the buzz around the town has been incredible.

“Blair Cowan will take me to the beach tomorrow and that will help with recovery.

“There are a few boys from the southern hemisphere here and they’ve helped me a lot but all the boys have been good if I am honest.”

Hardie has spoken with Brendan Laney and John Leslie, below, two other Scots-qualified sons of Otago who travelled north to forge Test careers.

He added: “Brendan was going on about how great it was over here and how much he loved it.

“I met John Leslie too and he seemed to love it. Brendan Laney coached me and took me to a tens tournament. He is always in Dunedin, in and around the Highlanders. A great guy.

“He didn’t say much about when he arrived but talked more about the country and how passionate the people were. He said it was an awesome place.”

Good boy. I genuinely wish him well. And can I stress that this is a very high quality player whom I am expecting to have a very good game against Italy.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Hardie has obviously been told to show some enthusiasm about playing for Scotland! Interesting to note that he's not signed for a club yet.

Fair play to him - he's moved over here not knowing what his long term future will be. That's a big risk! Still think he'll be a good signing for Edinburgh.

“Scotland is in my blood, my grandmother was born here,” said Hardie, whose brother Grant played for Peebles in the 2009-10 season. “I’ve got to show my team-mates how much that jersey means to me and I know how much pride is in that jersey.

“I know the history, too. You know by the way the boys train and the way they talk that it’s a massive thing. It’s something I will honour. Everyone knows how much it means and I don’t want to get caught up in anything else.”

He may have never been to Scotland before his arrival in the World Cup training camp, but, like many from the southern part of New Zealand, he has found certain things to make him feel at home.

“Princes and George are the two main streets in Dunedin. Then I come here and Princes and George are the main streets here [in Edinburgh]. And many of the other road names are the same as back there.”


Whatever happens regarding selection for the World Cup, it looks like Hardie will be looking beyond Scotland to pursue his club career. He said: “I have signed for a couple of more weeks [with the SRU] and after that we will need to wait and see.

“I haven’t signed for Edinburgh or Glasgow, so I’ve taken a big risk coming over here. I want to stay in the northern hemisphere and play for Scotland if selected. I could do that by playing in England or France and I’ll need to look at my options.

“There is no fall-back in terms of going back to the Highlanders in New Zealand. There are challenges in life and this is one for me. I’m not thinking ‘what if’. I’m happy with the decision I’ve made and I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m totally committed to Scotland now. You’ve got to back your own ability and it’s about getting out there and performing. The next few weeks are going to be important for everyone and I am no different.”

It would come as no surprise that there was a time when 
becoming an All Black was the ultimate goal for Hardie, but he insisted there were no regrets that this had proved not to be. “It wasn’t a disappointment,” he said. “I always knew I was a dual national and if Scotland give me the opportunity this week, I will take it with both hands.


“I don’t think I have to prove a point [to New Zealand]. I have come over here and have been given the opportunity. I am out of my comfort zone and that is good for me. Being out of
your comfort zone is good for players.”

Hardie, though, said that the rest of the squad had been very welcoming and keen to make the transition as comfortable an experience as possible.

“The first time I came over it felt like the first day at school,” he recalled. “I didn’t know a lot of people but the boys have been really welcoming and I’m starting to feel more at home here.

“It’s been really good and I know I’ve made the right decision. It [the move] has been in the pipeline but we had to sort out a few things and then before the Super Rugby final I knew I was coming over and I was really excited. I got over here as soon as I could.

“Before that it took a while to sort out my contract situation and it just didn’t work out the first time. I was always looking to come over here and I’ve finally got the chance and it feels like the right time to come.”

Coming straight into the intense environment of a World Cup training camp has limited Hardie’s chance to explore the country but he likes what he has seen so far and is looking forward to deepening his bond with the country.

“I have been over here for four weeks now and I’ve probably only had four days off,” he said.

“I have managed to have a 
really good look around the Edinburgh Festival and the buzz around the town has been incredible.

“Blair Cowan will take me to the beach tomorrow and that will help with recovery.

“There are a few boys from the southern hemisphere here and they’ve helped me a lot but all the boys have been good if I am honest.”

Hardie has spoken with Brendan Laney and John Leslie, below, two other Scots-qualified sons of Otago who travelled north to forge Test careers.

He added: “Brendan was going on about how great it was over here and how much he loved it.

“I met John Leslie too and he seemed to love it. Brendan Laney coached me and took me to a tens tournament. He is always in Dunedin, in and around the Highlanders. A great guy.

“He didn’t say much about when he arrived but talked more about the country and how passionate the people were. He said it was an awesome place.”

History not his strong point then......

There was a Scotsman, an Englishman and an Irishman

The Scotsman walked into the pub and asked for a whisky
The Englishman walked into the pub and asked for a pint of bitter
The Irishman walked into the pub and asked if Payne or Earls is the better centre

tigertattie wrote:There was a Scotsman, an Englishman and an Irishman

The Scotsman walked into the pub and asked for a whisky
The Englishman walked into the pub and asked for a pint of bitter
The Irishman walked into the pub and asked if Payne or Earls is the better centre

It's clearly Payne*

*Joke!!  Please lets not start that debate here

Controversially I'm yet to be convinced Gilchrist isn't a massive softie. Personally I would pick the admittedly limited Hamilton over Captain Gilco as our third and bench second row every time. I think the likes of Etzebeth and Tekori will be rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of us leaving Hamilton at home; with a natural 6 and the modern day equivalent of Broon frae Troon as back up to the Grays.

I agree that Gilchrist is too similar to the Grays for me.

For all of his faults (and god knows, there are plenty), I would trust Hamilton to successfully disrupt a rolling maul and keep play tight when trying to close out a game. You need an old warhorse like him to go with the two young bucks.