Scotland v Italy, 29 August

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SCOTLAND v ITALY
29 August 2015
KO: 15:15 BST
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Live on BT Sport

Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant Referees: [TBC]
TMO: [TBC]

A. Head to Head

24 Played 24
16 Won 8
0 Drawn 0
8 Lost 8
540 Points 428

B. Recent Form

22 August 2015
Stadio Olimpico di Torino, Turin
12–16 to Scotland

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

SCOTLAND

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) – 32 caps; 9 tries, 1 pen, 48 points
14 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) – 95 caps; 12 tries, 60 points
13 Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors) – 7 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
12 Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps, 1 try, 1 con, 1 pen, 10 points
11 Tim Visser (Harlequins); 19 caps; 7 tries, 35 points
10 Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps; 1 try, 1 con, 7 points
09 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN (Gloucester) – 39 caps; 3 tries, 41 cons, 81 pens, 340 points

01 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 45 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
02 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) – 87 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
03 Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
04 Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) – 9 caps, 1 try, 5 points
05 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 13 caps; 1 try, 5 points
06 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) – 9 caps
07 John Barclay (Scarlets) – 44 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
08 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) – 26 caps

16 Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) – 1 cap
17 Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors) – 10 caps
18 Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors) – 5 caps; 1 try
19 Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors) – 16 caps; 1 try, 5 points
20 Blair Cowan (London Irish) – 12 caps; 2 tries, 10 points
21 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) – 15 caps; 4 tries, 20 points
22 Ruaridh Jackson (Wasps) – 26 caps; 4 cons, 2 pens, 2 drops, 20 points
23 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) – 27 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

ITALY

15 Luke McLean, 14 Angelo Esposito, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Luca Morisi, 11 Leonardo Sarto, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Guglielmo Palazzani; 1 Matias Aguero, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (c), 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 4 Marco Fuser, 5 Joshua Furno, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 7 Francesco Minto, 8 Samuela Vunisa.

Replacements: 16 Andrea Manici, 17 Michele Rizzo, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Quintin Geldenhuys, 20 Mauro Bergamasco, 21 Marcello Violi, 22 Carlo Canna, 23 Andrea Masi.

George Carlin wrote:In terms of what I think Vern may cook up (not what I would like to see), then I can see something like:
14 Maitland (please)

So that Nel can show him up with his far superior finishing abilities?

My initial thought was that's not a bad pack. Then I realised Rob Harley would be doing the 6's job in order to let Dozer, well do that standing out looking gorgeous thing he does at ruck time. It's not fair to ask Harley to put in a double shift: he's not Richie V is he?

Pretty much our first choice backs but as they're outside Frodo The Ponderous it's pretty much academic who plays.

Agreed Jimbo - but those are the players that Vern still needs to see more of.

Backs - Bennett, Hogg, Horne, Laidlaw (c), Lamont, Russell, Pyrgos, Seymour, Tonks, Scott & Visser
Forwards - Barclay, Brown, Cowan, Denton, Dickinson, Ford, Gilchrist, Gray, Harley, McInally, Nel, Wilson, Reid & Welsh.

Strong squad at last. Only Dunbar, Maitland, Gray missing from the full strength team. Maybe Hardie but it's a bit early to say for sure. With Laidlaw captain I think that means SHC & Pyrgos still haven't done enough to oust him. Surprised to see Tonks ahead of Jackson. I think Ashe, Vernon and Hamilton might be getting cut and Wilson will need a blinder here.

Possible team could be

Dickinson, McInally, Nel,
Gray Jnr, Gilchrist,
Wilson, Denton, Barclay
Laidlaw, Russell,
Lamont, Scott, Bennett, Seymour,
Hogg

That is damn near full strength.

SCOTLAND SQUAD (SPONSOR BT) TO PLAY ITALY AT BT MURRAYFIELD THIS SATURDAY (29 AUGUST, KICK-OFF 3.15PM) – LIVE ON BT SPORT.

FORWARDS: John Barclay (Scarlets), Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Blair Cowan (London Irish), David Denton, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist (all Edinburgh Rugby), Jonny Gray, Robert Harley (both Glasgow Warriors), Stuart McInally, Willem Nel (both Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Wilson, Gordon Reid (both Glasgow Warriors), Jon Welsh (Newcastle Falcons).

BACKS: Mark Bennett, Stuart Hogg, Peter Horne (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN (Gloucester), Sean Lamont, Finn Russell, Henry Pyrgos, Tommy Seymour (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tim Visser (Harlequins).

Bennet Back .....

Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN (Gloucester) - so wasted back line again

Vern must be looking at something like this:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gilchrist
5. Gray
6. Cowan
7. Barclay
8. Denton

9. Laidlaw
10. Russell
11.Visser
12. Scott (12)
13. Bennett
14. Seymour
15. Hogg

16. Reid; 17. Brown; 18. Welsh; 19. Harley; 20. Wilson; 21. Pyrgos; 22. Horne; 23. Tonks

Separated at birth

James May ---------- Grey Laidlaw
(@CaptainSlow)--------(@CaptainSlower)

Riskysports wrote:Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN (Gloucester) - so wasted back line again

We can only hope that when Laidlaw come off (after 60 minutes of stuttering ineptitude from the whole team) to be replaced by Pyrgos and we suddenly come alive, the contrast will be immediate and obvious.

Does anyone have proof of life with Maitland?

As much as I defend him, I don't fancy the prospect of Visser facing up to Tuilagi

Weegie Wizard wrote:Does anyone have proof of life with Maitland?

There were reports of a tall, dark figure not scoring tries on the training pitches last week, so anything's possible.

IanBru wrote:Vern must be looking at something like this:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gilchrist
5. Gray
6. Cowan
7. Barclay
8. Denton

9. Laidlaw
10. Russell
11.Visser
12. Scott (12)
13. Bennett  
14. Seymour
15. Hogg

16. Reid; 17. Brown; 18. Welsh; 19. Harley; 20. Wilson; 21. Pyrgos; 22. Horne; 23. Tonks

That's pretty close to first choice in my book. We expect Gilchrist to make way for the other Gray and for Harley to make way for Gilchrist in the bench, and I think Strauss will either come in for Cowan (with Cowan on the bench) or Wilson. If fit I'd have Maitland in over Visser, and again, if fit I'd have Dunbar at 12 with Scott on the bench (instead of Horne).

Still, finally we are seeing some of the combinations thay will like face South Africa/Samoa, and about time too!

Weegie Wizard wrote:Does anyone have proof of life with Maitland?

As much as I defend him, I don't fancy the prospect of Visser facing up to Tuilagi

He appeared in the SRU's 'emoji challenge' video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxUe_ezbybc the only one not wearing training gear.

In my mind this should mean that Dunbar and Maitland miss the cut. Particularly Dunbar - if they're not ready for this game then it is too big a risk.

RDW_Scotland wrote:In my mind this should mean that Dunbar and Maitland miss the cut. Particularly Dunbar - if they're not ready for this game then it is too big a risk.

That would be a damn shame.

When is the cut off for the final squad to be named?

I'm sure it's in many, many other threads (probably available via google too) but I'm too lazy to go and check...and yet I'm fine to type out a long winded question I could probably have answered by now...odd.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:In my mind this should mean that Dunbar and Maitland miss the cut. Particularly Dunbar - if they're not ready for this game then it is too big a risk.

That would be a damn shame.

It would be, but it’s probably the right call.

Also arguably Matt Scott (12) is as good at Dunbar on his day.  Problem for Matt is that his day hasn’t come around that often recently due to injuries.  However, if as reported he is now free of injuries, then he really needs to show the level he can perform at and ideally at 12.

Squad is announced next week.

Now if they are confident Maitland and Dunbar are ready to play 80 minutes next weekend that might be a different story, but I'd be surprised if they are (Dunbar especially)

I think we may as well accept that Dunbar isn't going to make it.

Psychologically, Maitland would be a bigger loss, because I think we all assumed he'd be fit in time.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Squad is announced next week.

Now if they are confident Maitland and Dunbar are ready to play 80 minutes next weekend that might be a different story, but I'd be surprised if they are (Dunbar especially)

I presume that's why Vernon and Lamont have both been given extended outings, to cover the eventuality that both Dunbar and Maitland don't make it.

Given his quality I'd be willing to give Dunbar as much of an opportunity as possible, but I'm less concerned about Maitland. Visser/Seymour would play the big games with Lamont trudling away against USA. I'd quite like to see Ngwenya take on Lamont......

RDW_Scotland wrote:Squad is announced next week.

Now if they are confident Maitland and Dunbar are ready to play 80 minutes next weekend that might be a different story, but I'd be surprised if they are (Dunbar especially)

I'd rather not risk it. Dunbar is too important in the long term to risk in the short term. Maitland needs a chance to recover and return to form, although if I'm honest I'm not sure LI is the place to do that...

I'm happy with Scott's return. I think he's been solid. This and Horne provides an excellent alternative (I really think Horne has been superb, but people seem to always underrate him over his size).

Happy enough for Laidlaw to prove me wrong at SH but then again, he's a bit of a Dan Parks figure there. Has a stormer when he needs to (like last Autumn) then faffs everything up in the important games (6N). I really think we should be starting Pyrgos, and have for a while. SHC is best left as impact sub, much better in broken play. What will happen though is Laidlaw will be flattered this Saturday, especially if we win, therefore be selected as captain, then awful in the important games.

With most on Strauss, he's been outstanding all season and brings a confidence to our backrow. Him and Hardie could link up well, although I'd like to see Barclay get a run this weekend.

I'd actually rather see Lamont on the wing than Visser. I think he adds more around the pitch, and is a brick wall. Yes he's the slowest winger we have but I think he's the best solid choice, and Visser hasn't finished any opportunities with Scotland in about 2 seasons, so really contributes less.

[quote="NeilyBroon"]

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'd actually rather see Lamont on the wing than Visser. I think he adds more around the pitch, and is a brick wall. Yes he's the slowest winger we have but I think he's the best solid choice, and Visser hasn't finished any opportunities with Scotland in about 2 seasons, so really contributes less.

Sean Lamont: 12 tries in 93 caps
Tim Visser: 7 tries in 18 caps

I'm ignoring club try scoring figures because they are hopelessly one sided in favour of Visser, despite the shorter career.

Lamont is the better tackler and can run the ball into contact better. No question. Please however do not pretend that there's anything remotely comparable in terms of their attacking abilities. Chalk and cheese.

If we had Weir/Parks at 10 and Morrison/Henderson in the centres then I would go with Lamont. If we're going to attack and give the ball some width then Visser is a no brainer.

GLove39 wrote:

Weegie Wizard wrote:Does anyone have proof of life with Maitland?

As much as I defend him, I don't fancy the prospect of Visser facing up to Tuilagi

He appeared in the SRU's 'emoji challenge' video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxUe_ezbybc the only one not wearing training gear.

Oh my god they really need new marketing guys. Can you imagine Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read and Ma'a Nonu doing that sh1t?! Talk about striking fear into the opposition! The closest they do to that are the utterly brilliant Air New Zealand ads, for which they and the union get paid and they come out looking great. There's engaging with the fans and there's painfully naff stuff like that.

I can just imagine Eddie Jones playing that rubbish on repeat to his Japanese charges to help demystify the opposition: "looks at these morons lads, we invented these things for kids. The long haired one actually looks like he suffers from a major disability"

Yes, in the cold light of day, whilst I think Lamont is a fabulous character to have around the squad and nobody would like the crusty, old love monkey to get 100 caps more than me, it is not possible to pick Lamont over Visser for rugby reasons.

I totally take the point that playing outside Parks-Morrison-Du Luca was a major reason for his try scoring rate, much as I would love to believe he'll turn into Julian Savea with the current Scottish midfield, I'm afraid that I know it's not true.

It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

The more I think about it the happier I am with how the first two games have gone. Remember Cotter said 4 games was too many.

The first two games have been used for fringe players to get a run out and an opportunity. The people already written in to the team have not been risked / overplayed. Hogg, Bennet, Dancer, Ickle Jonny and laidlaw

Now lets see how the first team goes. These two games for fine tuning

Laidlaw is the captain and thats clearly been Cotters choice. Pyrgos however has pushed thru to be understudy and could yet outplay Frodo in these two matches.

Captain is a real issue tho without Frodo who is the choice?

George Carlin wrote:It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

My new nickname for Visser is Bubble. Apparently he bathes twice a day (2 x 30 minute baths), because "he likes to relax"

I am really worried that that if Laidlaw isn't playing then Gilchrist will have to start as he's the second choice for captain, even though I wouldn't have him over either Gray (at present).

The more logical way to look at it is that Pyrgos will replace Laidlaw if subbed and Pyrgos will simply also take the captain's armband. That would be fine.

cakeordeath wrote:

George Carlin wrote:It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

My new nickname for Visser is Bubble. Apparently he bathes twice a day (2 x 30 minute baths), because "he likes to relax"

Young Bru does the same but apparently because it helps him re-shape his cuticles without the need for a more abrasive pumice pen. Allegedly.

George Carlin wrote:Yes, in the cold light of day, whilst I think Lamont is a fabulous character to have around the squad and nobody would like the crusty, old love monkey to get 100 caps more than me, it is not possible to pick Lamont over Visser for rugby reasons.

I totally take the point that playing outside Parks-Morrison-Du Luca was a major reason for his try scoring rate, much as I would love to believe he'll turn into Julian Savea with the current Scottish midfield, I'm afraid that I know it's not true.

It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

I'm not trying to say Lamont is a world beater - he certainly isn't. But if I weigh up Lamont's season at Glasgow and Visser's at Edinburgh, Lamont has definitely had a far better season. Again I know chalk and cheese and yes, he doesn't score as many tries, but he offers more on the whole, it's like having an extra flanker/centre/battering ram on the pitch.

The problem I have is that for Scotland I've seen Lamont pop up places and drive on and be physical and really knuckle in to each game and not score tries. Visser's contributions have been limited at best and he's not been scoring tries. I'd take Maitland over both of them anyday as I think he offers the best of both worlds, great support/offload play and physicality. I'd say have Visser as an impact sub when the game opens up to make the most of his skills as a finisher. We would benefit more as a whole having Lamont in the starting 15 imo.

George Carlin wrote:

cakeordeath wrote:

George Carlin wrote:It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

My new nickname for Visser is Bubble. Apparently he bathes twice a day (2 x 30 minute baths), because "he likes to relax"

Young Bru does the same but apparently because it helps him re-shape his cuticles without the need for a more abrasive pumice pen. Allegedly.

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep me looking this good, and I'll thank you not to laugh.

Some of us actually care about our cuticles.

Hear what you're saying Neily, but defence doesn't win you games.

Scoring tries does.

The opposition are more likely to be nervous facing an out and out finisher like Visser rather than a bosh merchant like Lamont.

If Lamont had a better strike rate e.g. 1 try every 5 matches then maybe, but sadly he's just not that good.

In addition, what with all the non-Scots flooding the team, it's time like these that I really really wish DTH hadn't been capped by Canada.

NeilyBroon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Yes, in the cold light of day, whilst I think Lamont is a fabulous character to have around the squad and nobody would like the crusty, old love monkey to get 100 caps more than me, it is not possible to pick Lamont over Visser for rugby reasons.

I totally take the point that playing outside Parks-Morrison-Du Luca was a major reason for his try scoring rate, much as I would love to believe he'll turn into Julian Savea with the current Scottish midfield, I'm afraid that I know it's not true.

It is undeniable that Visser is a gigantic jessie but his tracking and support play is superb and that's the reason he scores so many of these 'try' things that I've read about.

I'm not trying to say Lamont is a world beater - he certainly isn't. But if I weigh up Lamont's season at Glasgow and Visser's at Edinburgh, Lamont has definitely had a far better season. Again I know chalk and cheese and yes, he doesn't score as many tries, but he offers more on the whole, it's like having an extra flanker/centre/battering ram on the pitch.

The problem I have is that for Scotland I've seen Lamont pop up places and drive on and be physical and really knuckle in to each game and not score tries. Visser's contributions have been limited at best and he's not been scoring tries. I'd take Maitland over both of them anyday as I think he offers the best of both worlds, great support/offload play and physicality. I'd say have Visser as an impact sub when the game opens up to make the most of his skills as a finisher. We would benefit more as a whole having Lamont in the starting 15 imo.  

I'm with you Neily. If Maitland is injured then it's academic, but I'd push to get both in the squad. However, we talk about try-scoring records: Visser hasn't scored for Scotland in over a year, and that was against the USA, and his club form has been a shadow of its former self this year (I'll happily acknowledge the influence of SollyBall on this, however). By contrast, Lamont was central in our last two tries, and has been in good form for Glasgow. He offers so much more around the park, in both attack and defence, his off-the-ball work is usually great, and he even gets turnovers.

My point is that a normal Lamont v Visser debate inevitably comes down to try-scoring, which tips things in Visser's favour. If Visser isn't scoring, then it's more a question of the overall player and Lamont continues to win hands down.

Like I say, I'd try to find space for both, but Lamont takes it for me.

If Dunbar is out, there is a strong argument for picking Lamont on the wing because I think we do need at least one player in the backs who can make big carries off first-phase ball, running off the shoulder of the 9 or 10. None of the other players really offer that.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:In addition, what with all the non-Scots flooding the team, it's time like these that I really really wish DTH hadn't been capped by Canada.

I think we all wish that... Let's hope Junior proves to be a good replacement, especially as he wants to play for Scotland!

NeilyBroon wrote:

Again I know chalk and cheese and yes, he doesn't score as many tries, but he offers more on the whole, it's like having an extra flanker/centre/battering ram on the pitch.

There was such a time in the good old days of the early noughties when we had 5-6 extra flankers on the pitch. Greats like Rob Dewey, James McLaren, Ben MacDougall, 'G-Dog' Morrison, Simon Danielli, Nikki Walker, Ben Hinshelwood and who could forget Andrew 'the head' Henderson.

I'm not massively keen on having a battering ram style winger, not with Russell/Scott/Bennett in the midfield. I'd rather have a winger with pace who can exploit the space created, and Visser and Seymour are without question our sharpest finishers on the wing.

If it's an allrounder we want then I much prefer Maitland, precisely because he's good at pretty much all facets of the game, joking aside on his pathetic try scoring ratio at Glasgow. He's also less likely to be smoked by the pace we'll have to face against Japan, USA and South Africa, as is Visser.

My own view on Lamont is that he'd be better at 13 if we were to use him at all, and I see that as a straight shoot between him and Vernon as back-up to Bennett (given the absence of Duncan Taylor). However, if Dunbar is fit, then he could well partner with Matt Scott (12) if we wanted to give Bennett a game off.

Madmaccas - did you have to mention MacDougall and Hinshelwood. I've tried very hard to erase such memories!

To be fair Hinshelwood's career was cut short before it really started, through injury.

I think Visser would still struggle against a team like Japan. It doesnt matter that their wingers may be smaller than most Int opponents, McMisser still wont be interested in tackling a smaller, quick player just as he isnt interested in tackling a bigger,more direct opponent.

He is great going forward but a liabilty in the other direction. Lamont has had a strong end to the last season and really looks up for one last shot at the big show. With Visser i can never tell if he is interested or not.

Perhaps it's as simple as saying that Lamont should travel as he can cover 2 backline positions well, whereas the Large Girl's Shirt can't.

Looks like Tonks has won the apparent face off with Jackson. Jackson is not listed and therefore will not have another chance to influence the selectors. Whereas, Tonks' inclusion at this stage points to him as the preferred utility back to cover 10/15 - particularly as Maitland has yet to make an appearance.

As for the backrow rubiks cube, Barclay simply has to start (as does Wilson) - I don't think either of them can rely on bench appearances to see them through.
Strokosch not being short-listed for this match and yet NOT being released back to his club (at the same time as the others) suggests his spot might be safer than we think. ( and if any smart-alec points out the obvious inconsistency - that Jackson is in the same boat as Strokosch, well then )

This is probably as good a place as any to discuss this - Mark Dodson has signed a contract for another 5 years.

Thoughts?

The business is certainly in a much better state under him, but he has had his controversies too.

5 years is a hell of a whack, but I'm not overly concerned by this news. I'd have preferred 2 and to see where we stood. But perhaps it will take 5 years to implement the stage 2 plan now tey've got us on a more even keel.

Fair enough, the debt's dropped, but what exactly has he done for the development of the game?

It's apparent to one and all that the current system doesn't work and the need for pro opportunity for a lot of players is huge.

No clear strategy, no sign of further opportunities for the current and un-tapped talent that need high level game time.

Just another 5 years of back slapping every time a few hundred thousand comes off the debt figure.

I want to spend a few hundred quid watching Scotland win over a weekend, not think...'mmmmm the interest will decrease off the repayments.....super duper'

To be fair, we have now got regional academies that should form the link between young players coming through and the pro game.

Should...

On another note what does everyone think of the following first choice back row and bench cover?

Strauss
Hardie
Denton

Harley
Cowan

Denton and Strauss are completely interchangeable and it gives us a pretty dynamic bench?

Does any one think this might be the one Vern goes for?

Correct RDW, but 2 pro teams is not sustainable for all these approaching elite players.

But that argument has been done to death. Still relevant though.

Nickj - if Denton could pass, that back row would cause some severe damage to team.

No Scots though.......worrying.

Sorry I didn't mean to chuck a complete red herring into RDW's thread. Soz.

On Dodson's extension, I think the likes of Dean, Bradbury and Hoyland will be used to vindicate the changes made to the dev pathways, however it will be interesting to see the figures in about 2 years.

nickj wrote:On another note what does everyone think of the following first choice back row and bench cover?

Strauss
Hardie
Denton

Harley
Cowan

Denton and Strauss are completely interchangeable and it gives us a pretty dynamic bench?

Does any one think this might be the one Vern goes for?  

I think that's broadly where we're heading. I wonder with Strauss not being involved prior to the World Cup will mean that he's used as an impact sub rather than a starter, with Cowan starting at 6.

No sure about Harley on the bench though. I suspect Grant Gilchrist will end up on the bench covering lock. Not sure Harley is going to make the cut.