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

[cakeordeath]

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!

[RDW]

I'd say I'm pleased with the 4 tests, and things seem to have fallen into place nicely:..

- the first two games were used to test the wider squad
- the 3rd game have us a morale boosting dominant performance
- the 4th game was an incredibly gutsy performance that would have brought the squad closer together more than any training game or big victory overv lesser opposition. It showed the players that they can compete at that level, and we shouldn't go into the SA game with any fears
- We are going into the wc battle hardened and with our confidence up

And finally, no obvious casualties so far!

[George Carlin]

The performance last night really turned me round on Vern's decision to play as close to a full strength side as possible. It's always easy to say in retrospect if you don't get any major injuries (Wales fans must be devastated this morning), but that was a full blooded test match and the people that came through with merit must take a lot of confidence that we can give any of the tier 1 nations a black eye.

I was also turned round a bit on Denton - his importance to the Scotland pack is becoming increasingly clear in light of the fact that Wilson got frustrated with being pinged around like a labrador's chew toy.

Strauss, Denton and Hardie seems to be a potentially excellent unit - aggressive and physically brutal. Don't care how Strauss and Denton swap roles between 8 and 6 - it will be up to them to work it out but I am delighted with that as a combination.

Also pleased that Jon Welsh ponied up and showed something. I think that Glasgow will miss him badly this year.

[BigGee]

I agree with that, the preperataions have gone about as well as anyone could have hoped for.

It was good to see Sean Maitland back out there and I thought he had a pretty decent game considering how long he has been out for. A try saving tackle showed just what he can bring to the party. Our first choice back three surely has to be him, Hoggy and Seymour. SL, good as he has been playing, may still struggle to get to his 100 caps, though I have softend my view on that now and would say he does probably deserve to!

Of theat team, I would say only probably Wilson, who will surely give way to Strauss and maybe Matt Scott, who is going to have to fight off a very determined challenge from Peter Horne, will not be the starting 15.

He did not even put the bench half backs on the pitch, which does make you think that he wonders if SHC really is ready for this. If Pete Hornr does not start, I fancy he will cover centre and FH from the bench which will mean no place for DW. My starting team to look like this:

Nel
Ford
Dickinson
Gray
Gray
Hardie
Denton
Strauss
Laidlaw
Russell
Seymour
Scott
Bennett
Maitland
Hogg

Bench:

Welsh
Brown
Reid
Gilchrist
Wilson
Pyrgos
Horne
Lamont

[RDW]

I'd agree with that team 100% Biggee.

[RDW]

Also, anyone else reckon that the most concerning game in our group is the USA, given that it will most likely pretty much be our 2nd XV?

Australia ran out easy winners eventually last night but it wasn't plain sailing - the USA defence was apparently very aggressive and they have some real threats in the team. They're also going to be massively targeting us.

[George Carlin]

Also, anyone else reckon that the most concerning game in our group is the USA, given that it will most likely pretty much be our 2nd XV?

Australia ran out easy winners eventually last night but it wasn't plain sailing - the USA defence was apparently very aggressive and they have some real threats in the team. They're also going to be massively targeting us.

Yes, but for balance this was the same Eagles side that got gubbed by Harlequins last week.

The Wallabies did score 3 tries in the last 10 minutes (one of them by Big Tacky, on debut) but this was for a reason - they had a stronger bench and were better conditioned than their opposition. These are qualities which I expect us to have too. So as Hines has been saying to the press all week - no games are easy now. However, as has been alluded to on these threads last week - we should expect to beat the US and beat them well.

[GLove39]

Just wondering anyone else on here going to be in Glaws for the Japan game? Know that the BBC 5 live people are looking for fans to chat to on matchday.

[funnyExiledScot]

Agree with BigGee's team. My only swap would be SH-C for Pyrgos on the bench, but I don't feel strongly about that.

Japan only just managed to overcome Georgia at the weekend. We should be aiming for a big score to kick off the World Cup, getting lots of momentum and front foot ball.

[RDW]

We're all under the impression that our First XV will play Japan and the reserves against USA - is that really likely or even a good idea? In my mind it leaves us vulnerable against the USA. Or is it more realistic to expect a hybrid team for both games, then playing the strongest team for the last two?

[MacKnocked-on]

We've got to play as strong a tram as is possible/sensible in all our games, can't afford any slip ups and presumably points difference might be a factor as well. I would hope for a hybrid team at the least and certainly not a complete rotation, the potential for disaster is too much.

[RDW]

Problem is there is only 4 days between the first two games - there's no way a player could play more than a half against Japan and be expected to do the same against USA.

[funnyExiledScot]

We're all under the impression that our First XV will play Japan and the reserves against USA - is that really likely or even a good idea? In my mind it leaves us vulnerable against the USA. Or is it more realistic to expect a hybrid team for both games, then playing the strongest team for the last two?

I am 100% of the view that we should give the 1st XV a full outing against Japan. We are not an established side, and some of our players barely know eachother (ponder our flank combination of Strauss and Hardie!), let alone played 20 or so caps together. We should start the tournament with a bang and get the team for the South Africa game working together.

One thing we did learn from the France game is that our 2nd string front five is far more competitive than we thought. I have no issue with Welsh, Brown, Reid, Swinson and Gilchrist all starting together against the USA.

[RDW]

[quote="funnyExiledScot"]

One thing we did learn from the France game is that our 2nd string front five is far more competitive than we thought. I have no issue with Welsh, Brown, Reid, Swinson and Gilchrist all starting together against the USA.

I think that was one of the major positives from the game - who would have thought that Reid, Brown and Welsh could have stood up to the French scrum 5m from our line time and time again. And even with a back in the scrum at one point!

I'm not sure we can tag Swinson into that list yet though...

[funnyExiledScot]

How about this for a USA team:

1.Reid 2.Brown 3.Welsh 4.Swinson 5.Gilchrist(c) 6.Strokosch 7.Wilson 8.Strauss 9.Pyrgos 10.Weir 11.Visser 12.Horne 13.Vernon 14.Lamont 15.Maitland

16.Grant 17.McInally 18.Nel 19.R Gray 20.Hardie 21.SH-C 22.Scott 23.Seymour

Clearly Strauss and Maitland, having started the Japan game, should be judiciously subbed when possible, but I'm firmly of the view that we should use the squad fully in the first two games, giving the 1st XV a proper outing together as a unit.

[George Carlin]

We're all under the impression that our First XV will play Japan and the reserves against USA - is that really likely or even a good idea? In my mind it leaves us vulnerable against the USA. Or is it more realistic to expect a hybrid team for both games, then playing the strongest team for the last two?

I am 100% of the view that we should give the 1st XV a full outing against Japan. We are not an established side, and some of our players barely know eachother (ponder our flank combination of Strauss and Hardie!), let alone played 20 or so caps together. We should start the tournament with a bang and get the team for the South Africa game working together.

One thing we did learn from the France game is that our 2nd string front five is far more competitive than we thought. I have no issue with Welsh, Brown, Reid, Swinson and Gilchrist all starting together against the USA.

Agree with this. It even makes sense when you consider which of the teams in our group are of most threat on paper - Japan are ranked 14th in the world, with the USA ranked 16th. However, the most important thing by far in tournament play is to build momentum and the sense of the possible in the overall squad.

[fa0019]

I agree with that, the preperataions have gone about as well as anyone could have hoped for.

It was good to see Sean Maitland back out there and I thought he had a pretty decent game considering how long he has been out for. A try saving tackle showed just what he can bring to the party. Our first choice back three surely has to be him, Hoggy and Seymour. SL, good as he has been playing, may still struggle to get to his 100 caps, though I have softend my view on that now and would say he does probably deserve to!

Of theat team, I would say only probably Wilson, who will surely give way to Strauss and maybe Matt Scott, who is going to have to fight off a very determined challenge from Peter Horne, will not be the starting 15.

He did not even put the bench half backs on the pitch, which does make you think that he wonders if SHC really is ready for this. If Pete Hornr does not start, I fancy he will cover centre and FH from the bench which will mean no place for DW. My starting team to look like this:

Nel
Ford
Dickinson
Gray
Gray
Hardie
Denton
Strauss
Laidlaw
Russell
Seymour
Scott
Bennett
Maitland
Hogg

Bench:

Welsh
Brown
Reid
Gilchrist
Wilson
Pyrgos
Horne
Lamont

Its a very competitive first XV and one which I think can surprise a few teams. Hardie, Denton and Strauss backrow... from the clans mckiwi, mcrhodesia and mcboer no doubt. Bit of a shame given we've always be renowned for producing quality backrow forwards ourselves.

Anyhow, it is how it is.

[NeilyBroon]

Some entertaining soundbites from Schlong on the world cup here (although he looks a lot like Visser in the photo ;-) ), at least he claims the team aren't just focusing on SA, it sounds like BVC has been keeping it real in the Scotland camp. One game at a time!

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/a2927911.html

I agree with most posters that a hybrid team would be best. I'd say have Horne and Vernon starting in the centres for both Japan and USA with Bennett and Scott as subs for when the legs start to tire and it opens up a bit. If needs be Horne can move up to fly half, or Laidlaw back to FH (God forbid) to close out the games.

Up front I'd say go with our Strongest pack for first half against Japan and second half against USA. Japan need to be ground down from the get go to give our backs a fighting chance, USA showed against Australia they can cause problems, but don't have the conditioning.

I'd be happy with a 20 point lead over either side and would be a fair representation of current form, as Lamont said in the article, alarm bells started ringing when they struggled against Georgia in 2011. We need another confidence booster as the Scottish mentality is naturally fragile.

[funnyExiledScot]

Some entertaining soundbites from Schlong on the world cup here (although he looks a lot like Visser in the photo ;-) ), at least he claims the team aren't just focusing on SA, it sounds like BVC has been keeping it real in the Scotland camp. One game at a time!

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/a2927911.html

I agree with most posters that a hybrid team would be best. I'd say have Horne and Vernon starting in the centres for both Japan and USA with Bennett and Scott as subs for when the legs start to tire and it opens up a bit. If needs be Horne can move up to fly half, or Laidlaw back to FH (God forbid) to close out the games.

Up front I'd say go with our Strongest pack for first half against Japan and second half against USA. Japan need to be ground down from the get go to give our backs a fighting chance, USA showed against Australia they can cause problems, but don't have the conditioning.

I'd be happy with a 20 point lead over either side and would be a fair representation of current form, as Lamont said in the article, alarm bells started ringing when they struggled against Georgia. We need another confidence booster as the Scottish mentality is naturally fragile.

Totally disagree. Scott looks rusty and needs gametime. We should be very careful of not holding back our players too much. They need to be starting games and getting into this World Cup.

[NeilyBroon]

Some entertaining soundbites from Schlong on the world cup here (although he looks a lot like Visser in the photo ;-) ), at least he claims the team aren't just focusing on SA, it sounds like BVC has been keeping it real in the Scotland camp. One game at a time!

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/a2927911.html

I agree with most posters that a hybrid team would be best. I'd say have Horne and Vernon starting in the centres for both Japan and USA with Bennett and Scott as subs for when the legs start to tire and it opens up a bit. If needs be Horne can move up to fly half, or Laidlaw back to FH (God forbid) to close out the games.

Up front I'd say go with our Strongest pack for first half against Japan and second half against USA. Japan need to be ground down from the get go to give our backs a fighting chance, USA showed against Australia they can cause problems, but don't have the conditioning.

I'd be happy with a 20 point lead over either side and would be a fair representation of current form, as Lamont said in the article, alarm bells started ringing when they struggled against Georgia. We need another confidence booster as the Scottish mentality is naturally fragile.

Totally disagree. Scott looks rusty and needs gametime. We should be very careful of not holding back our players too much. They need to be starting games and getting into this World Cup.

Perhaps, although I'd only play them for a half - 60 mins for each game, just because of the logistics. We don't want to wrap them in cotton wool but we also don't want them to be as cream crackered as Harley was at the end of last season, especially as it's so important that we get out of the group this year. If we fail to again it'll be a sad time for Scottish rugby.

EDIT

I also think Vernon needs more gametime. Whilst he's not as much of a threat as he can still do a job in the centres, and was looking mediocre against Italy. Could prove to be important should Scott or Horne get injured (I'll be doing my hail Marys before and after each game, but always be prepared for the worst, I'd still rather Dunbar has a few games back at Glasgow before putting him back on the international stage). A good run out against Japan and USA would be good for both him and Horne. I'd still give the other two gametime though.

[funnyExiledScot]

This is the big show now, we're not trying to give people gametime. That's why we had 4 warm-up games and why Vernon played in two of them. He's warmed up now and I would give him 80 minutes against USA. He was looking mediocre against Italy because he is mediocre. Had Dunbar and Taylor been fit he wouldn't have made the squad. But he's the second best 13 we have now and Bennett can't start both games.

I really do think it would be completely daft for Scott/Bennett to make their first start of the tournament against South Africa. The 1st XV need time of the pitch together to work on combinations and increase familiarity. If we take a hybrid approach over these games the 1st XV will be making its debut as a complete unit against South Africa. Crackers.

Other more settled sides can afford to do that. They've spent years preparing their first choice combinations for this event. We have had a few weeks, and every minute together on the pitch is vital.

[NeilyBroon]

Fair point, I think I'm getting 'worried mum' syndrome. Start them for Japan.

This said I still think the US game should be a chance for the key positions to get a little rest although they can still play some of the game. I feel bad for the players in group A, they are going to knock the stuffing out of each other and be knackered come the QFs! Although that'd be good for the winners of pool B...

[funnyExiledScot]

Fair point, I think I'm getting 'worried mum' syndrome. Start them for Japan.

This said I still think the US game should be a chance for the key positions to get a little rest although they can still play some of the game. I feel bad for the players in group A, they are going to knock the stuffing out of each other and be knackered come the QFs! Although that'd be good for the winners of pool B...

Agreed on that. I'd propose wholesale rotation for the USA game and get the entire squad involved over the first two matches. Thereafter it's effectively knock-out rugby and the best 23 should take over.

My proposed approach isn't without risk, I'll admit that. I may well be underestimating the USA, but with a 4 day turnaround I see no other way. We have to back the wider squad, which is why it's so annoying that Cotter went with Strokosch. I'm 100% certain that Harley, Cowan or Barclay would have made us more competitive against the USA.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

1st XV against Japan please.

The absolute disgrace of missing a certain try after Bennett making that break on Saturday night will be fresh in the minds and they need to iron out these little oversights pronto.

Plus, I don't want to part with my hard earned cash going to Gloucester to watch our reserves scrape past Japan.

[IanBru]

So we're agreed, it should be a first-string lineup against Japan?

In other news, a bear just defecated in a wooded area, and the archbishop of Rome is fully committed to transubstantiation.

[funnyExiledScot]

So we're agreed, it should be a first-string lineup against Japan?

In other news, a bear just defecated in a wooded area, and the archbishop of Rome is fully committed to transubstantiation.

Pretty sure he's just the Bishop of Rome. Technically.

[IanBru]

To quote Beverly Hills Cop II:

"You! You're supposed to be on traffic duty!"

[Standing next to overturned car, riddled with bullet holes and with a dead body hanging out of the window]

"Uh well technically sir, this is traffic duty."

[funnyExiledScot]

To quote Beverly Hills Cop II:

"You! You're supposed to be on traffic duty!"

[Standing next to overturned car, riddled with bullet holes and with a dead body hanging out of the window]

"Uh well technically sir, this is traffic duty."

Great film. Billy Rosewood was my childhood hero.

[bsando]

Something like this maybe for each of the pool games..Strauss, Hardie, Scott can all get a good dose of game time. The 1st XV should be pretty damn good if they can all play to their potential.

My worry coming into this tournament is Scotland's potential to mess up those crucial big game moments. However, I feel like Scotland could be a little like Wales was during RWC 2011, a team full of confidence and lots of explosive energy. I am confident Scotland will surprise a few people.

Vs Japan - Reid, Ford, Welsh Gilchrist, J Gray, Wilson, Hardie, Strauss
Prygos, Russell, Visser, Scott, Bennett, Maitland, Hogg
Bench: MacInally, Dickinson, Nel, R Gray, Denton, Laidlaw, Horne, Seymour

Vs USA - Grant, Brown, Nel, R Gray, Swinson, Denton, Strockosh, Strauss
Laidlaw, Weir, Seymour, Scott, Vernon, Lamont, Maitland
Bench: Ford, Dickinson, Welsh, Gilchrist, Hardie, SHC, Horne, Hogg

VS SA - Dickinson, Ford, Nel, R Gray, J Gray, Denton, Hardie, Strauss
Laidlaw, Russell, Seymour, Scott, Bennett, Maitland, Hogg
Bench: Brown, Reid, Welsh, Gilchrist, Strockosh, P or SHC, H or W, Lamont

Vs Samoa - Dickinson, Ford, Nel, R Gray, J Gray, Denton, Hardie, Strauss
Laidlaw, Russell, Seymour, Scott, Bennett, Maitland, Hogg
Bench: Brown, Reid, Welsh, Gilchrist, Strockosh, P or SHC, H or W, Lamont

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t60393-glasgow-warriors-v-connacht-11-september

[RDW]

Scotland team reporting that Dickinson is doing well and is going through the return to play protocol.

Hopefully he'll be ok cpme two weeks on Wednesday.

[funnyExiledScot]

Very good news indeed. He's become a key player in the pack.

[IanBru]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

I'll insert some subliminal words into the Samoan anthem about the need for slow line-speed in the 10-12 channel.

[reallybored]

Any news on the niggles that Hogg and Horne picked up?

Be great to give Bennett a rest at some point but I'd prefer he played every minute possible with Scott before SA.

Would be inclined to give Jnr a rest but he seems to always produce, so not a necessity.

Denton surely needs a break before the final two matches, maybe start Strauss against Japan.

Wrap Russell in cotton wool whenever possible.

Possibly give Nel a rest before SA, Welsh proved he could do the job.  I do wish we had another TH in the squad rather than 3 LHs, the Dr would be a reliable man to call upon.

[George Carlin]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

Bru - be honest, is this the Newcastle Choral Society at rehearsal?:

[RDW]

I for one am very much looking forward to hearing the Samoan national anthem sung in a Geordie accent!

Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Vaai 'i na fetu o lo'ua agiagia ai:
Le faailoga lea o Iesu, na maliu ai mo Samoa.
Oi, Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.
'Aua e te fefe; o le Atua lo ta fa'avae, o lota sa'olotoga.
Samoa, tula'i: 'ua agiagia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!

[George Carlin]

I for one am very much looking forward to hearing the Samoan national anthem sung in a Geordie accent!

Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Vaai 'i na fetu o lo'ua agiagia ai:
Le faailoga lea o Iesu, na maliu ai mo Samoa.
Oi, Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.
'Aua e te fefe; o le Atua lo ta fa'avae, o lota sa'olotoga.
Samoa, tula'i: 'ua agiagia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!

Reminds me of one of the Fast Show's finest moments:

[RDW]

[IanBru]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

Bru - be honest, is this the Newcastle Choral Society at rehearsal?:

Yes, yes it is.

In fact, I'm the chubby one in the hat.

I for one am very much looking forward to hearing the Samoan national anthem sung in a Geordie accent!

Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Vaai 'i na fetu o lo'ua agiagia ai:
Le faailoga lea o Iesu, na maliu ai mo Samoa.
Oi, Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.
'Aua e te fefe; o le Atua lo ta fa'avae, o lota sa'olotoga.
Samoa, tula'i: 'ua agiagia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!

Ha ha, you're not wrong mate - our musical scores actually have phoneticised wording. The Bok anthem is going to be fun...

[funnyExiledScot]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

I'll insert some subliminal words into the Samoan anthem about the need for slow line-speed in the 10-12 channel.

That's an outstanding effort. Treble or alto?

[funnyExiledScot]

Ha ha, you're not wrong mate - our musical scores actually have phoneticised wording. The Bok anthem is going to be fun...

I actually had to sing the Bok anthem when South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth, with similarly phoneticised wording. That was a long time ago!

[jimbopip]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

I'll insert some subliminal words into the Samoan anthem about the need for slow line-speed in the 10-12 channel.

Excellent news Bru bro.

This means we'll all be in the stadium together: you on the pitch and me and Caz the quiet Bokkie at opposite ends of the ground.Mind you I'll still be able to hear him.

I like your foolproof plan to get into the match without actually having to pay for a ticket

[jimbopip]

having just seen the photo of your rehearsal, why did they crop Schiz's head out of it? Apart from asthetic reasons.

[fa0019]

Ha ha, you're not wrong mate - our musical scores actually have phoneticised wording. The Bok anthem is going to be fun...

I actually had to sing the Bok anthem when South Africa rejoined the Commonwealth, with similarly phoneticised wording. That was a long time ago!

You probably sang more than half the players usually do then. Jean De Villiers looks like he's about to cry each time the big jessie, the rest of the players mumble through the xhosa verse until die stem starts belting out. Same with NZ's anthem.. if a bunch of welshman (most of who barely get a c in Welsh GCSE) can learn their own anthem then others don't really have an excuse.

[cakeordeath]

That's great news about Dickinson! The showing of Gordie Reid on Saturday allayed my fears somewhat about our backup front row, but it's certainly good to have the Dick frae Dundee available.

In potentially even bigger news, I successfully auditioned tonight for the Newcastle Choral Society, only to find out that they're providing the choir to sing the national anthems at St James' Park! So... in among all these geordies, there'll be me in the kilt and Scotland shirt (junior XS, in case I haven't mentioned it...) belting out the anthems!

I'll insert some subliminal words into the Samoan anthem about the need for slow line-speed in the 10-12 channel.

That's an outstanding effort. Treble or alto?

I was thinking more soprano or mezzo soprano

[RDW]

Especially after losing his stones last season!

[cakeordeath]

Especially after losing his stones last season!

castrato it is then

[R!skysports]

I am really worried out our wing cover now

With only 4 wings and one likely to cover fullback - can we afford to have the flouncing McMisser doing nothing but avoiding playing rugby

He even does not even want to catch a ball

The concern is palatable

[funnyExiledScot]

I am really worried out our wing cover now

With only 4 wings and one likely to cover fullback - can we afford to have the flouncing McMisser doing nothing but avoiding playing rugby

He even does not even want to catch a ball

The concern is palatable

Palpable?

Visser will be fine. His role will be flat track bully against the USA, and score some run-ins. There's no-one better in the squad, perhaps apart from Tommy Seymour. Visser won't feature against South Africa or Samoa.

Just on defence, worth adding that Seymour is little better. He's a bit more enthusiastic, but no more solid or effective.

[R!skysports]

I am really worried out our wing cover now

With only 4 wings and one likely to cover fullback - can we afford to have the flouncing McMisser doing nothing but avoiding playing rugby

He even does not even want to catch a ball

The concern is palatable

Palpable?

Visser will be fine. His role will be flat track bully against the USA, and score some run-ins. There's no-one better in the squad, perhaps apart from Tommy Seymour. Visser won't feature against South Africa or Samoa.

Just on defence, worth adding that Seymour is little better. He's a bit more enthusiastic, but no more solid or effective.

A wet paper bag is more solid and effective than McVisser - at least it does not run away from a tackle

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