Scotland - World Cup General Thread

[Majestic83]

First topic message reminder :

This should serve as our general moaning thread between World Cup matches.

     
SCOTLAND V JAPAN
23 September 2015
Kingsholm - Gloucester

    
SCOTLAND v USA
27 September 2015
Elland Road - Leeds

          
SCOTLAND v SOUTH AFRICA
03 October 2015
St James Park - Newcastle

      
SCOTLAND v SAMOA
10 October 2015
St James Park - Newcastle                                       

SCOTLAND SQUAD FOR THE 2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP:

Props: Al Dickinson, Ryan Grant, Gordon Reid, Willem Nel, Jon Welsh

Hooker: Fraser Brown, Ross Ford, Stuart McInally

Lock: Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray and Tim Swinson

Loose Forward: David Denton, John Hardie, Josh Strauss, Alasdair Strokosch and Ryan Wilson

Scrum Halves: Greig Laidlaw (captain), Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Henry Pyrgos

Fly Half: Finn Russell, Duncan Weir

Centre: Mark Bennett, Peter Horne, Matt Scott and Richie Vernon

Wing: Sean Lamont, Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour and Tim Visser

Full Back: Stuart Hogg

[IanBru]

No.....no it's ok.

We'll leave Wales as the only 'big' team that's lost to Japan

USA and JAPAN are not to be worried about and I'm pretty confident of Scotland easily beating both.

Ahem... Japan 28 - 24 Scotland - 1989  
Of course what we wont say is Japan outscored you 5 tries to 1!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d_t7wWGMw8

at least can say we had a 3rd choice team out with a shedload of kids and new caps on that tour!

Aye fair play.

Except that it was a Scotland XV select and not a capped international.

Only because Wales had the balls to award full caps while their 15 lions were away on tour, while during 1989 Scotland didnt while they had 9 players in Australia for that years Lions tour.

Possibly because Japan in 1989 weren't anywhere near the same standard of rugby team as they are now, and the occurrence of non-capped matches was far more common in the '80s.

Wales have a habit of turning showpiece matches into capped internationals - I remember an England XV playing the BaaBaas in 2011 in an un-capped match, then Wales handing out caps against the same opposition a week later. We'd better be careful, we might get Wales caps just for sitting here, they seem so easy to get!

[Tattie Scones RRN]

No.....no it's ok.

We'll leave Wales as the only 'big' team that's lost to Japan

USA and JAPAN are not to be worried about and I'm pretty confident of Scotland easily beating both.

Ahem... Japan 28 - 24 Scotland - 1989  
Of course what we wont say is Japan outscored you 5 tries to 1!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d_t7wWGMw8

at least can say we had a 3rd choice team out with a shedload of kids and new caps on that tour!

Aye fair play.

Except that it was a Scotland XV select and not a capped international.

Tattie, please stop bringing facts to this forum.

:laugh:I know I should know better.....sorry.

Shifty - please take my comments as they were meant - tongue in cheek

[Nematode]

As usual I'm late to comment, both on the Italy game and the squad, so sorry Here's my thoughts:

Alex Dunbar
I think this is right. We're not going to win the RWC (or make it to the semis if we're being realistic) so to risk further injury for the sake of beating Samoa would be unforgivable.

Strockosch
The fact that Strockosch was captain vs Italy perhaps indicates he's worth quite a bit off the pitch. Also, when I watch him play he doesn't really do much wrong - there's very few silly penalties or missed tackles.

Wilson
Sorry, but he was missing so many tackles vs Italy he wouldn't even have been able to grip a crayon or catch a banana... Barclay should have taken his place.

Swinson
If it was a shoot-out between Swinson and Harley for the second row, then Swinson gets it. He is a second row (albeit too light).

Strauss
Deserves his inclusion.

And lastly Hamilton. It really is sad to see such a passionate stalwart leave. He was a great nuisance, at the maul, the ruck and the lineout especially, and I'll always remember him squaring up to Etzebeth vs SA and that fight vs LI a few years back. I just wonder when we'll see someone with that hard edge again.

[Shifty]

Guys I'm not arguing. I just dont think the USA should be looked past it's not a bad squad they have, when they can actually get them altogether.

Both Scotland and Wales tours were during Lions tour years, the only difference bein is Wales awarded caps when they were on tour and Scotland didnt in 1989 when the Lions won out in Australia.

[123456789]

Thought I'd give my tuppence worth, I only briefly saw the squad announcement yesterday as I was at a school reunion all day garden party thing. I was sat at the table with a lot of the old rugby team and one of my friends reminded me about the Scotland squad so having made more than the most, and potentially too much, of the discounted alcohol already I struggled to negotiate my way to the BBC app on my phone where I discovered that John Barclay hadn't been picked, so naturally I was devastated, in fact I probably took the news worse than he did if I'm being honest.

Anyhow I'm starting to get the impression that old Vern is a bit of a rugby snob, by which I mean if you've played in France or New Zealand you're good and if you play in Wales you're bad. I don't think the selection is all too bad to be honest, the backs and front row pretty much pick themselves and I think long term the decision to leave out Dunbar is the right one, coming back from an injury like his is never as simple as being fit to play and the chances of him coming straight back to form sufficient for Rugby World Cup were slim to say the least. The back row is a dreadful selection, the fact that a man who, in theory, should know more about rugby than we do thinks Barclay is not a better player than Strockosh baffles me, as does Swinson over Hamilton. Swinson's selection is confusing in itself, if he was always going to be picked why put Hamilton who has a young family through all the travelling and hard work of the training camp? Aside from Strockosh, Wilson and Swinson the squad is exactly what I thought it should have been in all honesty, so ninety percent isn't too bad, I do think it takes an enormous leap of faith to expect Wilson to be able to compete at open side with the likes of Louw if need be. It does however open up the possibility of four number 8s in one side with Vernon, Strauss, Denton and Wilson so perhaps it was a job requirement to keep the Australian happy when the news was broken to him that his unquestioned power was being ever so slightly diluted.

[madmaccas]

This is what Cotter said about picking one recoginised openside:

“Fraser Brown is a very accomplished No 7 and Stuart McInally can play loose forward as well,”

“If we want to go further Richie Vernon has played there. So that offers that versatility.

“We’ve got Ryan Wilson who can play seven. We have to make sure we have the right mix. John (Hardie) has played rugby at a high level for a number of years.”

Fraser Brown an accomplished openside?! Not for a very long time. Does he know what he's talking about?

I'm starting to worry about Cotter's thinking now!

[IanBru]

Not that I'd play him at 7 in a World Cup, but Brown went toe-to-toe against Francois Louw back in January for Glasgow, and come off pretty well.

[George Carlin]

This is what Cotter said about picking one recoginised openside:

“Fraser Brown is a very accomplished No 7 and Stuart McInally can play loose forward as well,”

“If we want to go further Richie Vernon has played there. So that offers that versatility.

“We’ve got Ryan Wilson who can play seven. We have to make sure we have the right mix. John (Hardie) has played rugby at a high level for a number of years.”

Fraser Brown an accomplished openside?! Not for a very long time. Does he know what he's talking about?

I'm starting to worry about Cotter's thinking now!

Well, Wilson is the fastest loose forward that Glasgow have and he has good hands, but he still doesn't do what I want from a 7 which is the reason that Glasgow play Fusaro or Sherlock in that role.

Does sounds as though Vern has been reading Rugby Coaching for Sheilas from cover to cover.

[funnyExiledScot]

This is what Cotter said about picking one recoginised openside:

“Fraser Brown is a very accomplished No 7 and Stuart McInally can play loose forward as well,”

“If we want to go further Richie Vernon has played there. So that offers that versatility.

“We’ve got Ryan Wilson who can play seven. We have to make sure we have the right mix. John (Hardie) has played rugby at a high level for a number of years.”

Fraser Brown an accomplished openside?! Not for a very long time. Does he know what he's talking about?

I'm starting to worry about Cotter's thinking now!

I'm sorry but Cotter is talking complete and utter bollix. He has one player in his squad who is a specialist 7, with one other (Ryan Wilson) who can "do a job" there.

[alive555]

This is what Cotter said about picking one recoginised openside:

“Fraser Brown is a very accomplished No 7 and Stuart McInally can play loose forward as well,”

“If we want to go further Richie Vernon has played there. So that offers that versatility.

“We’ve got Ryan Wilson who can play seven. We have to make sure we have the right mix. John (Hardie) has played rugby at a high level for a number of years.”

Fraser Brown an accomplished openside?! Not for a very long time. Does he know what he's talking about?

I'm starting to worry about Cotter's thinking now!

Im also starting to worry about Cotters thinking now.

Surely there is one and one optimal strategy here a blind man could see, and that is to have 2 specialists in every position and, at least 1 specialist replacement on the bench . Right now if specialist Hardie gets injured there is not specialist to replace him ! bunkum !!!!

And surely having a squad member who can "cover another position" is almost irrelevant. we dont want journeymen - we want the best tools for the job .

Example ;-

if, in a game specialist #1 gets injured, you call off the bench specialist #2, and immediately that afternoon you call up specialist #3 to the squad. hes literally up the road ffs !

[alive555]

watch this from .15 to confirm how immobile stroker used to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CeOWwVlM5s

he will be targeted  

[funnyExiledScot]

I think I prefer it when Cotter doesn't say anything at all. At least the optimist within me can assume that he's a grumpy Kiwi genius who "gets" rugby and that it's all part of some clever mystique to motivate the players.

When he comes out with shyte like "Vernon has played there" (where hasn't he played??) and "Fraser Brown is a very accomplished No 7" (he simply isn't), it makes you wonder whether all the naysayers who point to the fact that Clermont were simply a bunch of well funded chokers rather than a superbly coached outfit had it right, and that Scott Johnson has indeed hired the village idiot of NZ rugby at great expense on a long term contract.

That probably sounds disrespectful, but then again we are holding a Wooden Spoon, he has just selected Al Strokosch as a member of our elite 31 players and he has suggested that Fraser Brown (who barely got a look in at hooker when Dougie Hall was fit last season) is a viable option to counter Francois Louw at openside at the World Cup.

Cotter will be judged on this World Cup, but he would have made life far easier for himself had he not made a few daft decisions and justified them with some complete bull.

[Guest]

watch this from .15 to confirm how immobile stroker used to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CeOWwVlM5s

he will be targeted  

That is appalling to watch. Really appalling.

[Guest]

Reckon Hamilton has announced retirement so he can focus on e.g. coaching now? He's probably aware that in all likelihood an injury to a second row and his call up means he will be reserve lock and no better (thus no game time at all if beyond the USA match) for the campaign

[funnyExiledScot]

Reckon Hamilton has announced retirement so he can focus on e.g. coaching now? He's probably aware that in all likelihood an injury to a second row and his call up means he will be reserve lock and no better (thus no game time at all if beyond the USA match) for the campaign

Rugby? Or boxing?

[Nematode]

Could just picking Hardie at 7 be a sign that he's going to play his best XV throughout the group stages & hopefully 1/4 final?

[funnyExiledScot]

I would be staggered if he played the same XV against the USA, 4 days after playing Japan. He must surely use a 2nd XV against one of those sides, and with Japan being the stronger of the two I'd have thought the more obvious choice for thew 1st XV.

My bet is that Wilson will get a stretch at 7 against USA.

[tigertattie]

Could just picking Hardie at 7 be a sign that he's going to play his best XV throughout the group stages & hopefully 1/4 final?

If he tries that then the players will be absolutely Donald Ducked come gametime for the 1/4 final!

They say it takes two weeks to recover from an intenrational game!

[jimbopip]

Who said...

"We are looking at bringing in powerful players who can dominate contact because there's no point throwing your darts at the right places if they don't have the weight to stick to the board.

was it
A. Eric Bristow

B. Rab C Johnson

C. Jamesie Cotter

Is it an antipodean thing? Or is it that when you feel that the Emperor's Clothes are about to be held up to the light overblown metaphors work well as a diversion?

[funnyExiledScot]

My worry is that in 5 years time we all have to agree that Andy Robinson was indeed the best Scotland coach we've had since Jim Telfer resigned......

[NeilyBroon]

My worry is that in 5 years time we all have to agree that Andy Robinson was indeed the best Scotland coach we've had since Jim Telfer resigned......

After reading Cotter's justification for having one openside, I'm beginning to think he's floating dangerously into Matt Williams territory.

[Nematode]

Does seem strange to play an out-an-out 7 in each warm up game, yet only pick one for the squad. 

VC knows what he's doing though.

[sensisball]

One of the things that annoyed me during Cotter's last year at Clermont, apart from putting off his Scotland duties for a year!!, was the bias he showed towards his more experienced players, even if they were past their best.

In particular he stuck with Lee Byrne at FB even though he had lost a yard, at least, of pace and was no longer troublling defences. Particularly silly when he had the option Jean Marcel Buttin, who had recently been capped by France and was able to glide through defendes almost at will and ran great lines.

Seems to be the same with Strokosch, once a great Scotland player but no longer anywhere near his best. Yet he sees fit to pick him ahead of Harley who has an engine that never stops, is a great lineout option and will tackle all day long. Stroker is slow, is not a lineout option and isnt as strong as Harley in contact.
I have heard that the ginger tackle monster would like to sample life in France ( he is a fluent French speaker) and if Dot Cotton views him as surplus to requirements perhaps he will go sooner rather than later.

[InjuredYetAgain]

Right. Can't be bothered reading all the last 4 pages of mince as I have just come online for the first time since the squad was announced. I would put players into 4 buckets
Lucky
Strauss - he just is not fit enough. He was not particularly visible against Canada
Maitland - see Strauss apart from the Canada part. I am not convinced that he doesn't have an attitude either
Swinson - that came off the bottom of the deck!
Strokosch - why?????? Hasn't done anything constructive for yonks
Welsh & Reid - both were absolutely humming and man-owned in the warm-up games
Weir - Jackson is the lesswer of two evils to back-up Russell

Unlucky
Harley - mystifying decision
Ashe - I would have taken him ahead of Strauss

Right decision
Barclay - similar to Strokosch, a number 7 has to be constructive as well as the cliched "annoying at the breakdown"
Hardie - seems to have more strings to his bow than Barclay
Lamont - shows real commitment and no lack of nous. May not be the fastest or the strongest but won't go AWOL
Hamilton - a game or two too far for the big guy

Everyone else was predictable.

On another note, sad but not too surprised to see Big JH retire from internationals. As one of his few apologists/admirers on here, I think he did a particular role and with his sheer bulk helped shore up what could be quite a creeky scrum. I expect Barclay to retire too but in a huff. Others who don't play for Edinburgh or Glasgow will go after the WC, I think

[RDW]

So, does the team selection for France suggest the following?

- Hidalgo-Clyne is seen as number 2 scrum half

- Horne is best deployed off the bench when the game has broken up


As for the first point, I'm not sure. Pyrgos has done better in the warm up games, but Cotter has shown that warm up game form has had bugger all to do with his world cup plans! I'd be happy with either player on the bench, but Cotter maybe views Hidalgo-Clyne's pace as a better asset to have off the bench

Second point - I probably agree with this. Again Horne has had a strong few weeks, but again that obviously doesn't count for much! He showed in the first Italy game what he can do off the bench, and I think he can do well there. Especially against the big lumps of Samoa who will hopefully be be tiring by then. Hopefully with Scott's injury woes behind him he can shore up the defence and take the brunt of the Samoan and South African physicality, allowing Horne to come on fresh and up the tempo.

Thoughts?

Of course I might just be looking too much into it!

[funnyExiledScot]

1. I agree. I think SH-C will be on the bench for all the games, with Laidlaw starting the big games and Pyrgos starting against the USA. I'm not as down on Laidlaw as many others on here, and SH-C makes a very handy impact sub with his pace and ability to break from the back of the ruck. Pyrgos has shown that he can manage the USA game nicely, but his issue vs Laidlaw is that he isn't a proven goal kicker, making him more likely to start against the USA with Weir taking the kicks from 10.

2. I also agree. I think Horne's ability to cover a number of positions (and kick goals if needed) makes him an ideal bench player. He's also a clever footballer and capable of proactively watching the game as it unfolds, and making a difference off the bench. He's basically a less good version of Mike Catt! What the France selection suggests to me is that Matt Scott is finally going to have the 12 jersey, which I'm pretty pleased about. He's a far more physical player than Horne, and capable of making the breaks as well as carrying the ball over the advantage line. A Russell/Scott/Bennett midfield is an exciting prospect.

Worth noting that my ability to predict what's in Cotter's head has so far been completely wrong!

[jimbopip]

RDW, I tend to agree with you that Samwise should be the impact S-H. However, I still contend Henners should be our starting 9.Frodo should be getting his round in with Hagrid and Curley Cowan.

I think you're right that a fully confident Family-Sized Meatball at 12 will probably start against the Bok and Samoa. Furra Linee offers a lot more, in terms of positional cover, from the bench.

The thing with Matt Scott is he reminds me of Monica Seles. For our younger readers she was an extremely talented tennis player who was on her way to being world number one for as long as she wanted when she was stabbed on court by a "fan" at the French Open.

So, what's she got to do with Matt Scott? Well, when she had recovered from her injury she was back playing but never really hit the heights she was capable of. Many commentators pointed out that she was carrying a lot more weight than previously and that if she lost it she would be faster around the court. Seles' response was that she felt "comfortable " with the extra layer around her. You don't need to be Sigmund Freud to see that it represented an extra barrier between her and the perceived danger. Similarly Matt Scott was a defensive liability in the 6 Nations and he has been at great pains to tell us how he wasn't able to do the gym work required to keep him bulked up. Now he is almost as wide as Richie V and Horne Furra standing side by side and seems to have regained his confidence. I think his confidence is intrinsically linked to how BIG he feels. Perhaps we should draft the Selkirk Pixie into the squad to be his room-mate?

[RDW]

Given that pretty much every top rugby nation now has a big lump in the centres it comes as no surprise that Matt Scott feels most confident when he's in prime physical shape - let's hope the bulk hasn't affected he's speed or agility.

[jimbopip]

Let's match him up against Bastaraeu. Speed and agility won't really matter then.

Also that would match against Wesley Fofana. Worth the admission money all by itself.

[funnyExiledScot]

So if Scott is Monica Seles does that make Horne Steffi Graf??

I saw Andre Agassi interviewed once and he was asked how, being a global tennis star, he stays grounded. His response was great. He said that he just reminds himself that he isn't even the most successful tennis player around his kitchen table.

[jimbopip]

In a similar vein; a journalist once suggested to John Lennon that Ringo wasn't the best drummer in the world.
"He's not even the best drummer in the Beatles!" was the reply.

[R!skysports]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015

Hello!

Your friend Ralph Risk has created a league called Riskys league of fun in ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015.

Joining the Mini-League couldn't be easier. Simply use this link and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.

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You shouldn't need the Mini-League code, but just in case here it is: 1114090-966.

[RDW]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015

Hello!

Your friend Ralph Risk has created a league called Riskys league of fun in ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015.

Joining the Mini-League couldn't be easier. Simply use this link and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.

http://espn.dreamleague.co.uk/CleverTV_espn/en/espn/fantasy/1/joinminileague.do?privateCodefromMinileague=1114090-966&privateC=true


You shouldn't need the Mini-League code, but just in case here it is: 1114090-966.

Can I just say, if that's your real name then that's an awesome name!

[funnyExiledScot]

Deed poll I reckon.

[IanBru]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

Words you should never shout out in a packed Newcastle pub.

[R!skysports]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015

Hello!

Your friend Ralph Risk has created a league called Riskys league of fun in ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015.

Joining the Mini-League couldn't be easier. Simply use this link and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.

http://espn.dreamleague.co.uk/CleverTV_espn/en/espn/fantasy/1/joinminileague.do?privateCodefromMinileague=1114090-966&privateC=true


You shouldn't need the Mini-League code, but just in case here it is: 1114090-966.

Can I just say, if that's your real name then that's an awesome name!

Yes it is - sadly not the most fun name when at school, but now that I am a secret agent porn star.....all good

[lostinwales]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015

Hello!

Your friend Ralph Risk has created a league called Riskys league of fun in ESPN Fantasy Rugby 2015.

Joining the Mini-League couldn't be easier. Simply use this link and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.

http://espn.dreamleague.co.uk/CleverTV_espn/en/espn/fantasy/1/joinminileague.do?privateCodefromMinileague=1114090-966&privateC=true


You shouldn't need the Mini-League code, but just in case here it is: 1114090-966.

Can I just say, if that's your real name then that's an awesome name!

Yes it is - sadly not the most fun name when at school, but now that I am a secret agent porn star.....all good

Awesome. Do you have a friend called Hughie?

[cakeordeath]

Someone posted this on Twitter, mildly interesting. Number of minutes a third hooker played in the 2011 RWC
https://twitter.com/rpetty80/status/639783537160376320

[funnyExiledScot]

Ah, but both our reserve hookers are World Class openside flankers!

[NeilyBroon]

Ah, but both our reserve hookers are World Class openside flankers!

And our first choice hooker/flanker, we also have Vernon who can do a job at hooker, although I think I'd prefer to see him at fly half. Vernon for head coach.

[funnyExiledScot]

Well I've just seen that none other than the great Sir Clive Woodward ("Winner") has come out blasting Wales and Australia for failing to select three specialist hookers. The problem Wales and Australia have is that they don't have players so wonderfully versatile as Scotland. No-one is perfect.

Fraser Brown vs David Pocock
Stuart McInally vs Sam Warburton

Discuss.

[IanBru]

Between now and 18 September, I'm going to be developing an ITV Rugby commentary of Scotland Rugby drinking game, and when I say 'I', I really mean 'you'.

So... give me your best clichéd facts and remarks that a commentator will bring up about certain players, along with your suggested forfeits.

For example, one finger for every time
- Stuart McInally is described as 'dynamic'
- Finn Russell is described as ''
- Greig Laidlaw is 'shouting out orders' while the opposing defensive line reset, have cups of tea, pay off their mortgages and re-tie their shoelaces.
- Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is described as 'mercurial'
- Sean Lamont is described as 'an old war horse'
- Glasgow's Pro12 title is credited with giving the team confidence
- Josh Strauss's beard is described as 'Samson-esque'
- Any reference at all to 'Fifty shades of Gray'.

[IanBru]

Fraser Brown vs David Pocock
Stuart McInally vs Sam Warburton

Discuss.

It has to be said, Stuart McInally is far better at flying a plane than Sam Warburton. Credit where credit's due.

Then again, I'm better at assigning leases for commercial property (as of ten minutes ago...) than Richie McCaw, so I'll expect my World Cup winner's medal in the post over the weekend, thanks Mr Gosper.

[jimbopip]

Anyone interested in joining my Fantasy league?

Words you should never shout out in a packed Newcastle pub.

Are there any other things you should never shout in a Newcastle pub? Other than "My round" obviously.

[jimbopip]

John Hardie..."one time Kiwi, chosen over many people's favourite John Barclay"

[funnyExiledScot]

Between now and 18 September, I'm going to be developing an ITV Rugby commentary of Scotland Rugby drinking game, and when I say 'I', I really mean 'you'.

So... give me your best clichéd facts and remarks that a commentator will bring up about certain players, along with your suggested forfeits.

For example, one finger for every time
- Stuart McInally is described as 'dynamic'
- Finn Russell is described as ''
- Greig Laidlaw is 'shouting out orders' while the opposing defensive line reset, have cups of tea, pay off their mortgages and re-tie their shoelaces.
- Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is described as 'mercurial'
- Sean Lamont is described as 'an old war horse'
- Glasgow's Pro12 title is credited with giving the team confidence
- Josh Strauss's beard is described as 'Samson-esque'
- Any reference at all to 'Fifty shades of Gray'.

- Strokosch being described as "tough", "physical" or any reference to his "black belt in karate".
- Jonny Gray being touted as a "potential Lion".
- Visser being described as a "try machine".
- The word "pedigree" being used in conjunction with Hardie or Maitland.
- Any reference to the fact that Finn Russell is dating Miss Scotland - and you have to down your drink followed by a round of applause if there's an accompanying camara shot.

[R!skysports]

Between now and 18 September, I'm going to be developing an ITV Rugby commentary of Scotland Rugby drinking game, and when I say 'I', I really mean 'you'.

So... give me your best clichéd facts and remarks that a commentator will bring up about certain players, along with your suggested forfeits.

For example, one finger for every time
- Stuart McInally is described as 'dynamic'
- Finn Russell is described as ''
- Greig Laidlaw is 'shouting out orders' while the opposing defensive line reset, have cups of tea, pay off their mortgages and re-tie their shoelaces.
- Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is described as 'mercurial'
- Sean Lamont is described as 'an old war horse'
- Glasgow's Pro12 title is credited with giving the team confidence
- Josh Strauss's beard is described as 'Samson-esque'
- Any reference at all to 'Fifty shades of Gray'.

1872 being referenced about an player as an indication of winning mentality

[George Carlin]

Updated the OP from the Scotland announcement thread to give us a place to bicker and throw stones at effigies of Tim Visser.

[cakeordeath]

Since everyone ignored me in the other thread, did we lost any players to injury last night?

[BigGee]

Since everyone ignored me in the other thread, did we lost any players to injury last night?

Dickinson went off quite early on, to what appeared to be a head knock. He did not look to bad leaving the pitch, though with head knocks you obviously never can tell. Other than that we appeared to be unscathed, though I did see JG getting iced up to his calf after he was subbed. You can bet there will be some pretty sore bodies out in France this morning, that was a full on test match. The French if anything looked more battered than we did!

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