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

[madmaccas]

Stuart McInally is out inured. Bryce in to replace.

Gutting for the big man and further reduces out back row options. Hardie to play every minute?

[funnyExiledScot]

Stuart McInally is out inured. Bryce in to replace.

Gutting for the big man and further reduces out back row options. Hardie to play every minute?

That's a real shame but it's the right replacement called-up. Still, big drop now between Ford and Brown on the one hand, and Bryce on the other. I don't think Bryce will play much.

[jimbopip]

I'd imagine a certain degree of horse-trading went on behind the scenes: Bryce is second choice behind WeePee at Scotstoun and MacArthur is more experienced but I would imagine the club probably preferred to keep him.

[funnyExiledScot]

You could be right, but I also wonder whether Cotter wanted a bigger option.

[RDW]

Gutting for McInally to get so far along the journey only to have it pulled away from him at the last minute.  Also concerning to hear that it is a neck injury – maybe the demands of change to hooker and promoting him into the International arena having not played there overly much has taken its toll? Hopefully this is a matter of a few months as opposed to 6 months to a year.

In hindishgt I think this move has just come too early for McInally – if he hadn’t been out injured for almost all of last season then fair enough, but that injury really set him back.

I’m not convinced we’re going to see Bryce at all really, but he can provide cover.  McArthur is just too small for an International hooker.

As sad as it is for McInally, in terms of world cup injuries losing your 3rd choice hooker isn’t a massive blow!

[demosthenes]

Stuart McInally is out inured. Bryce in to replace.

Gutting for the big man and further reduces out back row options. Hardie to play every minute?

Isnt Brown a converted back-row as well?

[RDW]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan??

[jimbopip]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan??

Probably the smartest comment to appear on these boards all day.

[funnyExiledScot]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan??

This whole hooker at 7 concept is just stupid. I don't know why he keeps mentioning it!

[RDW]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan??

Probably the smartest comment to appear on these boards all day.

I'm going to print and frame that - the first nice thing Jimbo has said to me!

[funnyExiledScot]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan??

Probably the smartest comment to appear on these boards all day.

I'm going to print and frame that - the first nice thing Jimbo has said to me!

But he's so friendly and convivial....like all Weegies.

[GLove39]

From an article entitled, "Three Outlandish Rugby World Cup Predictions That Might Actually Happen"...

Scotland to reach the semi-final

Scotland are nowhere close to being among the four best teams in the world at present, but looking at the facts, this might not be such an outrageous prediction after all. South Africa will top Pool B with relative ease, leaving Scotland in a straight shoot-out with Samoa for second place.

Samoa look in OK shape heading to England, particularly in light of their strong showing against the All Blacks earlier in the season.

However, Vern Cotter’s side are coming in under the radar, despite some strong showings. Last November, they beat Argentina before losing narrowly to New Zealand. Some promising performances in the Six Nations did not translate to results, finishing the tournament with the Wooden Spoon.

However, they showed at times what they are capable of, and could easily have ended the tournament with three wins. This summer’s warm-ups have been similarly impressive. Narrow losses in Dublin and Paris and a dominant win over Italy ensure the Scots are coming in on decent form.

Second place in Pool B will play the winners of Pool A in a semi-final. This writer is tipping Australia to come through. The Scots have a good recent record against the Wallabies, winning two of the last three ties. Following grueling games with Wales and England, the Aussies may be vulnerable, and Vern Cotter’s side may be primed to cause an upset.

Could happen... And yes it's classic pre tournament optimism starting to grow inside me! Next Wednesday can't come soon enough!!!!!

[Gwlad]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

[George Carlin]

Ah, here now Gwlad. Lots of us aren't happy about the 'imports', but we currently live in a world where these are the rules, Justin Bieber is allowed to live and Keira Knightley has not yet married me.

All Very Wrong, but that's the way it is.

[Gwlad]

'Scottish' rugby is about to meet its nemesis.

Samoa will target SA and while i hope they win its touch and go. For sure they will treat Scotland as a more than achievable target to come in 2nd. IMO Scotland will lose to both and Scottish rugby - with its stated aim of winning RWC 2015 - may never recover.

As a taff i have always loved watching the Scots who in Calder Whyte and Jeffrey had one of the most beautifully balanced back rows of all time.

No pressure but beating Samoa is year zero.

[RDW]

I think Vern Cotter has been spending too much time with Scott Johnson!

The start will be important, the speed of recovery too. There will be days when we need to put the shotgun on the other shoulder and learn to shoot left handed.”

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Mmmmmmmm, thank god Wales only have 100% Welsh born players eh!

[tigertattie]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Mmmmmmmm, thank god Wales only have 100% Welsh born players eh!

Don't try to have a sensible debate with a one eyed Welshman! It will never work!

Apparently the following were all born and bred in one little valley deep in rural Wales:
Alex "I'm not English" Cuthbert
Tomas "I may sound French but I'm actually English" Francis
James "G'day mate" King
Ross "St Helens rulez" Moriarty
Talupe "I tried calling myself Toby for a while" Falatau

[EWT Spoons]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Whilst I don't totally disagree with you (I think the rules should be changed) we're actually no worse than a lot of other nations, including Wales.

Warren Gatland could field up to nine English-born players during Wales' Rugby World Cup Pool of Death.
That is one of the fascinating statistics to emerge from an in-depth analysis of the 20 competing countries in the global bonanza kicking off this week by americasrugbynews.com.

With all 31-strong squads finalised, revealing stats show Wales stand joint third for having the most foreign-born players while Argentina can claim all 31 players in their line-up are native to their country.

It will prove a popular topic of debate going into the start World Cup that in all 33 countries will be involved with Samoa having the most foreign-born players in their squad with 13. Incredibly all 13 players are New Zealand born and qualify through having Samoan parents while Tonga are hot on their heels having 12 of their 31-strong squad coming from outside the Polynesian kingdom.

Wales are joint third with 11 players, more than a third of their squad, alongside Japan and Scotland, with nine of Warren Gatland’s squad born across the Severn in England with James King (Australia) and Taulupe Faletau (Tonga) the two exceptions.

Unlike Wales, 10 of Japan's 11 'foreign-born' players qualify on residency alone.

Africa leads the way with World Cup players born on the continent with the likes of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria all represented.

Spain will have players representing multiple countries while others include Belgium, Israel, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands.

Here’s the breakdown of country by country giving you the foreign-born players and their eligibility to put on the shirt of their adopted nation in the Rugby World Cup....

SAMOA (13)
All of Samoa’s players born in another country are New Zealanders who are eligible based on having one or both parents from Samoa. A handful of them have previously represented other nations at other levels. Tim Nanai-Williams was a New Zealand Sevens international before using the Olympic loophole to switch his allegiance during the past year.

Players: Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu’u, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Kahn Fotuali’i, Mike Stanley, Johnny Leota, Tim Nanai-Williams. All born in New Zealand with Samoan parent eligibility.

TONGA (12)
It’s alleged many of Tonga’s foreign legion never played rugby in the country prior to senior Tests.

Players: Tevita Mailau and Steve Mafi born in Australia with parent eligibility; Joe Tu’ineau born in Fiji with parent eligibility; Paul Ngauamo, Uili Kolo’ofai, Lua Lokotui, Jack Ram, Kurt Morath, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu’a, Will Helu and Telusa Veainu born in New Zealand with Tongan parent eligibility.

WALES (11)
Most of the foreign-born players in the squad grew up in Wales, with props Tomas Francis and Aaron Jarvis, second-row Jake Ball and wing Alex Cuthbert the exceptions. Could have been one more had not Solihull-born Jonathan Davies not been injured

Players: Tomas Francis and Aaron Jarvis born in England and qualify through Welsh grandparents; Luke Charteris, Matthew Morgan, Hallam Amos, Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert, Jake Ball and George North born England qualify through Welsh parents or/and residency; James King born Australia qualifies residency; Taulupe Faletau born Tonga qualifies residency.

JAPAN (11)
The Brave Blossoms are reaping the rewards from having a number of expatriate internationals moving to the land of the rising sun on professional contracts.

Players: Luke Thompson, Michael Broadhurst, Justin Ives, Michael Leitch, Hendrik Tui, Male Sa’u and Karne Hesketh born in New Zealand qualify on residency; Koliniasi Holani and Amanaki Mafi born in Tonga qualify on residency; Craig Wing born Australia qualify on residency; Kotaro Matsushima born in South Africa qualifies on Japanese parent.

SCOTLAND (11)
Vern Cotter’s squad is scattered with overseas-born players who have parents or grandparents from Scotland. Granada-born Sam Hidalgo-Clyne moved to Scotland at an early age.

Players: WP Nel and Josh Strauss born South Africa qualify on residency; Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson born in England qualifies Scottish grandparents; John Hardie born in New Zealand qualifies Scottish grandparent; David Denton born in Zimbabwe qualifies Scottish grandparent; Sam Hidalgo-Clyne born in Spain qualifies Scottish parent; Henry Pyrgos born England qualifies Scottish parent; Sean Maitland born New Zealand qualifies Scottish grandparent; Tommy Seymour born USA qualifies Scottish parent; Tim Visser born Netherlands qualifies residency.

FRANCE (10)
African-born players make up most of Philippe Saint-Andre’s foreign legion. African imports Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Sofiane Guitoune, and captain Thierry Dusautoir all moved to France during their childhoods.

Players: Rory Kockott, Scott Spedding and Bernard le Roux born in South Africa qualify on residency; Vincent Debaty born Belgium qualifies residency; Uini Atonio born New Zealand qualifies residency; Thierry Dusautoir born Cote d’Ivoire qualifies French parent; Yannick Nyanga born DR Congo qualifies on residency; Fulgence Ouedraogo born Burkina Faso qualifies residency; Sofiane Guitoune born Algeria qualifies on residency; Noa Nakaitaci born Fiji qualifies on residency.

AUSTRALIA (Nine)
From their imports only Henry Speight did not play schoolboy rugby in Australia, instead having done so in New Zealand. Will Skelton and Tevita Kuridrani played under-20 rugby for Samoa and Fiji respectively, but each did so while still residing in Australia.

Players: Stephen Moore born Saudi Arabia qualifies residency; Quade Cooper, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton and Joe Tomane born Nedw Zealand qualifies on residency; David Pocock born Zimbabwe qualifies residency; Will Genia born Papua New Guinea qualifies residency; Tevita Kuridrani born Fiji qualifies residency; Henry Speight born Fiji qualifies residency.

ITALY (Nine)
Among the Azzurri, Fiji’s Samuela Vunisa is unique in being the only Italian squad member qualifying on residency since the last World Cup.

Players: Matías Aguero born Argentina qualifies residency; Martín Castrogiovanni and Gonzalo García born Argentina qualify Italian grandparents; Dario Chistolini born South Africa qualifies Italian parent; Joshua Furno born Australia qualifies Italian parent; Quintin Geldenhuys born South Africa qualifies residency; Sergio Parisse born Argentina qualifies Italian parent; Samuela Vunisa born Fiji qualifies residency; Luke McLean born Australia qualifies Italian grandparent.

USA (Nine)
In previous World Cups the USA has been closer to being among the leading countries in terms of players born abroad. Their number could even be lower had Scott LaValla not been forced out of the World Cup through injury and former captain Todd Clever mot been dropped by the coaching staff.

Players: Mate Moeakiola born Tonga qualifies residency; Greg Peterson born Australia qualifies US grandparent; Matt Trouville, Hayden Smith and Al McFarland born Australia qualify residency; John Quill born Ireland qualifies US parent; Niku Kruger born South Africa qualifies residency; AJ MacGinty born Ireland qualifies residency; Taku Ngwenya born Zimbabwe qualifies residency.

CANADA (Five)
Of those born abroad all but one of Kieran Crowley’s squad were selected after playing rugby domestically, with Richard Thorpe the lone exception, qualifying through his Canadian mother.

Players: Nanyak Dala born Nigeria qualifies residency; Richard Thorpe born England qualifies Canadian parent; Gordon McRorie born Scotland qualifies residency; DTH van der Merwe born South Africa qualifies residency; Matt Evans born England qualifies residency.

IRELAND (Five)
Ireland has relatively few players from abroad but has the same number as Scotland qualifying on residency grounds. Jamie Heaslip and Jordi Murphy were both born while their Irish parents were working abroad.

Players: Richardt Strauss born South Africa qualifies residency; Nathan White and Jared Payne born New Zealand qualify residency; Jamie Heaslip born Israel qualifies Irish parent; Jordi Murphy born Spain qualifies Irish parent.

NEW ZEALAND (Five)
The defending champions somewhat kick into touch claims of their ‘poaching’ players from the Pacific Islands in this Rugby World Cup. Only Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo qualify on residency in recent years, both having moved to New Zealand on academy contracts during their teens.

Players: Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Ben Franks born Australia qualify NZ parents; Jerome Kaino born American Samoa qualifies residency; Malakai Fekitoa born Tonga qualify residency; Waisake Naholo born Fiji qualify residency.

ROMANIA (Four)
In 2011 the Romanians were alongside Argentina and Georgia as being the three only teams with no player from abroad in their squad. Three of the four who have made the class of 2015 roster all moved to the country for what was in effect a trial, and have come through to now be playing in the tournament.

Players: Otar Turashvili born Georgia qualifies residency; Johannes van Heerden born South Africa qualifies residency; Michael Wiringi born New Zealand qualifies residency; Paula Kinikinilau born Tonga qualifies residency.

ENGLAND (Three)
Injuries and disciplinary reasons sees Stuart Lancaster’s squad down to just three born outside of England. It could have been double that number had Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley and Manu Tuilagi made the squad..

Players: Mako Vunipola born New Zealand qualifies residency; Billy Vunipola born Australia qualifies residency; Brad Barritt born South Africa qualifes English grandparent.

FIJI (Three)
Considering there are players from Fiji representing Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Tonga, the Fijians themselves have just three in their 31-strong squad from outside their country. All three have at least one Fijian parent.

Players: Campese Ma’afu born Australia qualifies Fijian parent; Josh Matavesi born England qualifies Fijian parent; Ben Volavola born Australia qualifies Fijian parent.

NAMIBIA (Two)
Namibia, coached by Welshman Phil Davies, will have just two players born abroad. Both players are South African born and raised who qualify to represent Namibia based on parentage.

Players: Louis van der Westhuizen and Renaldo Bothma born South Africa qualify Namibian parents.

GEORGIA (One)
Merab Sharikadze, born in Moscow to Georgian parents who returned to Tbilisi shortly after, is the only exception to the Georgians having a completely homegrown squad, as they did four years ago.

Player: Merab Sharikadze born Russia qualifies Georgian parent.

SOUTH AFRICA (One)
Tendai Mtawarira. ‘The Beast’ is the only Springbok from outside the Rainbow Nation. Spotted playing in South Africa as No.8 for Zimbabwe Under-18s he was snapped up by the Sharks academy and converted into a prop.

Player: Tendai Mtawarira born Zimbabwe qualifies residency.

URUGUAY (One)
The single exception in Los Teros is prop Alejo Corral – younger brother of former Pumas prop Matías – who was born in Buenos Aires and lives there today. He qualifies due to having spent his teenage and early adult years in Uruguay.

Player: Alejo Corral born Argentina qualifies residency.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Whilst I don't totally disagree with you (I think the rules should be changed) we're actually no worse than a lot of other nations, including Wales.

Warren Gatland could field up to nine English-born players during Wales' Rugby World Cup Pool of Death.
That is one of the fascinating statistics to emerge from an in-depth analysis of the 20 competing countries in the global bonanza kicking off this week by americasrugbynews.com.

With all 31-strong squads finalised, revealing stats show Wales stand joint third for having the most foreign-born players while Argentina can claim all 31 players in their line-up are native to their country.

It will prove a popular topic of debate going into the start World Cup that in all 33 countries will be involved with Samoa having the most foreign-born players in their squad with 13. Incredibly all 13 players are New Zealand born and qualify through having Samoan parents while Tonga are hot on their heels having 12 of their 31-strong squad coming from outside the Polynesian kingdom.

Wales are joint third with 11 players, more than a third of their squad, alongside Japan and Scotland, with nine of Warren Gatland’s squad born across the Severn in England with James King (Australia) and Taulupe Faletau (Tonga) the two exceptions.

Unlike Wales, 10 of Japan's 11 'foreign-born' players qualify on residency alone.

Africa leads the way with World Cup players born on the continent with the likes of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria all represented.

Spain will have players representing multiple countries while others include Belgium, Israel, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands.

Here’s the breakdown of country by country giving you the foreign-born players and their eligibility to put on the shirt of their adopted nation in the Rugby World Cup....

SAMOA (13)
All of Samoa’s players born in another country are New Zealanders who are eligible based on having one or both parents from Samoa. A handful of them have previously represented other nations at other levels. Tim Nanai-Williams was a New Zealand Sevens international before using the Olympic loophole to switch his allegiance during the past year.

Players: Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu’u, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Kahn Fotuali’i, Mike Stanley, Johnny Leota, Tim Nanai-Williams. All born in New Zealand with Samoan parent eligibility.

TONGA (12)
It’s alleged many of Tonga’s foreign legion never played rugby in the country prior to senior Tests.

Players: Tevita Mailau and Steve Mafi born in Australia with parent eligibility; Joe Tu’ineau born in Fiji with parent eligibility; Paul Ngauamo, Uili Kolo’ofai, Lua Lokotui, Jack Ram, Kurt Morath, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu’a, Will Helu and Telusa Veainu born in New Zealand with Tongan parent eligibility.

WALES (11)
Most of the foreign-born players in the squad grew up in Wales, with props Tomas Francis and Aaron Jarvis, second-row Jake Ball and wing Alex Cuthbert the exceptions. Could have been one more had not Solihull-born Jonathan Davies not been injured

Players: Tomas Francis and Aaron Jarvis born in England and qualify through Welsh grandparents; Luke Charteris, Matthew Morgan, Hallam Amos, Dan Lydiate, Alex Cuthbert, Jake Ball and George North born England qualify through Welsh parents or/and residency; James King born Australia qualifies residency; Taulupe Faletau born Tonga qualifies residency.

JAPAN (11)
The Brave Blossoms are reaping the rewards from having a number of expatriate internationals moving to the land of the rising sun on professional contracts.

Players: Luke Thompson, Michael Broadhurst, Justin Ives, Michael Leitch, Hendrik Tui, Male Sa’u and Karne Hesketh born in New Zealand qualify on residency; Koliniasi Holani and Amanaki Mafi born in Tonga qualify on residency; Craig Wing born Australia qualify on residency; Kotaro Matsushima born in South Africa qualifies on Japanese parent.

SCOTLAND (11)
Vern Cotter’s squad is scattered with overseas-born players who have parents or grandparents from Scotland. Granada-born Sam Hidalgo-Clyne moved to Scotland at an early age.

Players: WP Nel and Josh Strauss born South Africa qualify on residency; Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson born in England qualifies Scottish grandparents; John Hardie born in New Zealand qualifies Scottish grandparent; David Denton born in Zimbabwe qualifies Scottish grandparent; Sam Hidalgo-Clyne born in Spain qualifies Scottish parent; Henry Pyrgos born England qualifies Scottish parent; Sean Maitland born New Zealand qualifies Scottish grandparent; Tommy Seymour born USA qualifies Scottish parent; Tim Visser born Netherlands qualifies residency.

FRANCE (10)
African-born players make up most of Philippe Saint-Andre’s foreign legion. African imports Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Sofiane Guitoune, and captain Thierry Dusautoir all moved to France during their childhoods.

Players: Rory Kockott, Scott Spedding and Bernard le Roux born in South Africa qualify on residency; Vincent Debaty born Belgium qualifies residency; Uini Atonio born New Zealand qualifies residency; Thierry Dusautoir born Cote d’Ivoire qualifies French parent; Yannick Nyanga born DR Congo qualifies on residency; Fulgence Ouedraogo born Burkina Faso qualifies residency; Sofiane Guitoune born Algeria qualifies on residency; Noa Nakaitaci born Fiji qualifies on residency.

AUSTRALIA (Nine)
From their imports only Henry Speight did not play schoolboy rugby in Australia, instead having done so in New Zealand. Will Skelton and Tevita Kuridrani played under-20 rugby for Samoa and Fiji respectively, but each did so while still residing in Australia.

Players: Stephen Moore born Saudi Arabia qualifies residency; Quade Cooper, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton and Joe Tomane born Nedw Zealand qualifies on residency; David Pocock born Zimbabwe qualifies residency; Will Genia born Papua New Guinea qualifies residency; Tevita Kuridrani born Fiji qualifies residency; Henry Speight born Fiji qualifies residency.

ITALY (Nine)
Among the Azzurri, Fiji’s Samuela Vunisa is unique in being the only Italian squad member qualifying on residency since the last World Cup.

Players: Matías Aguero born Argentina qualifies residency; Martín Castrogiovanni and Gonzalo García born Argentina qualify Italian grandparents; Dario Chistolini born South Africa qualifies Italian parent; Joshua Furno born Australia qualifies Italian parent; Quintin Geldenhuys born South Africa qualifies residency; Sergio Parisse born Argentina qualifies Italian parent; Samuela Vunisa born Fiji qualifies residency; Luke McLean born Australia qualifies Italian grandparent.

USA (Nine)
In previous World Cups the USA has been closer to being among the leading countries in terms of players born abroad. Their number could even be lower had Scott LaValla not been forced out of the World Cup through injury and former captain Todd Clever mot been dropped by the coaching staff.

Players: Mate Moeakiola born Tonga qualifies residency; Greg Peterson born Australia qualifies US grandparent; Matt Trouville, Hayden Smith and Al McFarland born Australia qualify residency; John Quill born Ireland qualifies US parent; Niku Kruger born South Africa qualifies residency; AJ MacGinty born Ireland qualifies residency; Taku Ngwenya born Zimbabwe qualifies residency.

CANADA (Five)
Of those born abroad all but one of Kieran Crowley’s squad were selected after playing rugby domestically, with Richard Thorpe the lone exception, qualifying through his Canadian mother.

Players: Nanyak Dala born Nigeria qualifies residency; Richard Thorpe born England qualifies Canadian parent; Gordon McRorie born Scotland qualifies residency; DTH van der Merwe born South Africa qualifies residency; Matt Evans born England qualifies residency.

IRELAND (Five)
Ireland has relatively few players from abroad but has the same number as Scotland qualifying on residency grounds. Jamie Heaslip and Jordi Murphy were both born while their Irish parents were working abroad.

Players: Richardt Strauss born South Africa qualifies residency; Nathan White and Jared Payne born New Zealand qualify residency; Jamie Heaslip born Israel qualifies Irish parent; Jordi Murphy born Spain qualifies Irish parent.

NEW ZEALAND (Five)
The defending champions somewhat kick into touch claims of their ‘poaching’ players from the Pacific Islands in this Rugby World Cup. Only Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo qualify on residency in recent years, both having moved to New Zealand on academy contracts during their teens.

Players: Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Ben Franks born Australia qualify NZ parents; Jerome Kaino born American Samoa qualifies residency; Malakai Fekitoa born Tonga qualify residency; Waisake Naholo born Fiji qualify residency.

ROMANIA (Four)
In 2011 the Romanians were alongside Argentina and Georgia as being the three only teams with no player from abroad in their squad. Three of the four who have made the class of 2015 roster all moved to the country for what was in effect a trial, and have come through to now be playing in the tournament.

Players: Otar Turashvili born Georgia qualifies residency; Johannes van Heerden born South Africa qualifies residency; Michael Wiringi born New Zealand qualifies residency; Paula Kinikinilau born Tonga qualifies residency.

ENGLAND (Three)
Injuries and disciplinary reasons sees Stuart Lancaster’s squad down to just three born outside of England. It could have been double that number had Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley and Manu Tuilagi made the squad..

Players: Mako Vunipola born New Zealand qualifies residency; Billy Vunipola born Australia qualifies residency; Brad Barritt born South Africa qualifes English grandparent.

FIJI (Three)
Considering there are players from Fiji representing Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Tonga, the Fijians themselves have just three in their 31-strong squad from outside their country. All three have at least one Fijian parent.

Players: Campese Ma’afu born Australia qualifies Fijian parent; Josh Matavesi born England qualifies Fijian parent; Ben Volavola born Australia qualifies Fijian parent.

NAMIBIA (Two)
Namibia, coached by Welshman Phil Davies, will have just two players born abroad. Both players are South African born and raised who qualify to represent Namibia based on parentage.

Players: Louis van der Westhuizen and Renaldo Bothma born South Africa qualify Namibian parents.

GEORGIA (One)
Merab Sharikadze, born in Moscow to Georgian parents who returned to Tbilisi shortly after, is the only exception to the Georgians having a completely homegrown squad, as they did four years ago.

Player: Merab Sharikadze born Russia qualifies Georgian parent.

SOUTH AFRICA (One)
Tendai Mtawarira. ‘The Beast’ is the only Springbok from outside the Rainbow Nation. Spotted playing in South Africa as No.8 for Zimbabwe Under-18s he was snapped up by the Sharks academy and converted into a prop.

Player: Tendai Mtawarira born Zimbabwe qualifies residency.

URUGUAY (One)
The single exception in Los Teros is prop Alejo Corral – younger brother of former Pumas prop Matías – who was born in Buenos Aires and lives there today. He qualifies due to having spent his teenage and early adult years in Uruguay.

Player: Alejo Corral born Argentina qualifies residency.

Very interesting post that! Tonga and Australia really surprise me.

[cp10]

This article has Wales up at 12 non welsh born

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/09/13/foreign-born-players-rwc-2015/

[RuggerRadge2611]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Mmmmmmmm, thank god Wales only have 100% Welsh born players eh!

Don't try to have a sensible debate with a one eyed Welshman! It will never work!

Apparently the following were all born and bred in one little valley deep in rural Wales:
Alex "I'm not English" Cuthbert
Tomas "I may sound French but I'm actually English" Francis
James "G'day mate" King
Ross "St Helens rulez" Moriarty
Talupe "I tried calling myself Toby for a while" Falatau

[EWT Spoons]

This article has Wales up at 12 non welsh born

http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/09/13/foreign-born-players-rwc-2015/

Thats a better article as well, easier to follow. Wish I had found that one instead, as trying to sort the Wales Online one into something readable was a chore.

[lostinwales]

Just been looking that is actually a very good website all round. RWC by numbers is a good article
http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/09/11/rwc-by-the-numbers-part-1/

[jimbopip]

Our hookers can cover loose forward and Kevin [Bryce] come in with that ability, which gives us some continuity in squad selection

Because Ford, Brown or Bryce in the back row is obviously better than Barclay, Harley or Cowan Shuggie B??

Apparently Shuggie B is the "new Richie Vernon" according to Hugh Dan the Heedrum Hodrum Man.

Probably the smartest comment to appear on these boards all day.

I'm going to print and frame that - the first nice thing Jimbo has said to me!

Now, now I'm sure I have been kind to you on many occasions. Just check the Your Match thread for starters.

[nickj]

Good article. When you look at it our numbers are brought well up by the likes of Dents, SHC and Pygros who's parent or parents were born in Scotland.

Personally I don't think you can put those guys in the same bracket at a Hardie or even one of the project guys.

I don't think any change to the qualification rules would stop a kid who's parent is born in a country from playing for that country.

I was born in Inverness, but my main tie to Scotland and Scottish rugby was probably fostered by my parents as most things are with kids.

Who's to say Dents, SHC, Pygos weren't like that.

[RDW]

SHC moved to Scotland when he was 3!

[funnyExiledScot]

SHC moved to Scotland when he was 3!

Those are the kind of Jonny-Come-Latelys I would weed out and send home tae think again.

[jimbopip]

Yes and if he'd done the job properly and moved to Ayr he'd be first choice 9 by now.

On the residency debate: young Pipetto discussed/ informed me of his rugby ambitions the other day. He wants to be invited to the Essex training squad this season, then Glasgow Warriors when he leaves school and then a Scotland call up. This from a lad born and raised in deepest Essex.
Mind you his granny lives in Ayr.

[IanBru]

I was born in Inverness, but my main tie to Scotland and Scottish rugby was probably fostered by my parents as most things are with kids.

Who's to say Dents, SHC, Pygos weren't like that.

Very true Nick. My parents are Scottish, but I was born in England. In fact, I had never actually lived in Scotland until I was 23. Despite all that, I would never have considered playing for or supporting any team other than Scotland - even growing up in the Cincinnati suburbs, my brother and I were probably the only boys in a 500 mile radius pretending to be Armstrong and Chalmers!

I'd never consider myself an 'import', so I think it's absolute b*****s that journos are throwing that term around for Pyrgos, SHC, Denton and even No Maits.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

She must be some player.

[RDW]

She  must be some player.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

I was born in Inverness, but my main tie to Scotland and Scottish rugby was probably fostered by my parents as most things are with kids.

Who's to say Dents, SHC, Pygos weren't like that.

Very true Nick. My parents are Scottish, but I was born in England. In fact, I had never actually lived in Scotland until I was 23. Despite all that, I would never have considered playing for or supporting any team other than Scotland - even growing up in the Cincinnati suburbs, my brother and I were probably the only boys in a 500 mile radius pretending to be Armstrong and Chalmers!

I'd never consider myself an 'import', so I think it's absolute b*****s that people are throwing that term around for Pyrgos, SHC, Denton and even No Maits.

Mr Bru - you still looking for a SA ticket?

[IanBru]

Mr Bru - you still looking for a SA ticket?

Not sure, mate. The RWC people will be getting in contact with my choir to tell us which match we have tickets to - I've requested the SA match, but waiting to hear.

[Weegie Wizard]

Whilst I'm sure it will clear up in the next 24-48hrs, I am currently worried about my creeping sense of optimism on our prospects.

Does anyone have anything I can use to get rid of this?

[RDW]

Whilst I'm sure it will clear up in the next 24-48hrs, I am currently worried about my creeping sense of optimism on our prospects.

Does anyone have anything I can use to get rid of this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRz2W6Hs4m4

[jimbopip]

She  must be some player.

Took me a while, but

[bsando]

It's great we have some decent project players propping us up this World Cup. I think it makes Scotland more competitive, gives the players who could have played international rugby a chance to do so, albeit, for a different country, and it also makes the World Cup a fiercer contest.

Of course, if Scotland were to be primarily made of project players that would be ridiculous. As it stands we have Visser, Struass, Nel in our WC squad. None of these guys have any real tie to Scotland other than the 3 year residency rule and playing their club rugby there.

Scotland is still very much Scotland though. Bennett, Dunbar, Hogg, Russell, Laidlaw, Gray x2 are all big Scottish names. Scotland is such a small nation and is a proud nation, undoubtedly because Scots have moved all over the world and been hugely successful. Therefore, someone who had a Scottish granny and is proud of their Scottish heritage is more than welcome to translate that passion on the rugby pitch in my opinion.

[RuggerRadge2611]

It's great we have some decent project players propping us up this World Cup. I think it makes Scotland more competitive, gives the players who could have played international rugby a chance to do so, albeit, for a different country, and it also makes the World Cup a fiercer contest.

Of course, if Scotland were to be primarily made of project players that would be ridiculous. As it stands we have Visser, Struass, Nel in our WC squad. None of these guys have any real tie to Scotland other than the 3 year residency rule and playing their club rugby there.

Scotland is still very much Scotland though. Bennett, Dunbar, Hogg, Russell, Laidlaw, Gray x2 are all big Scottish names. Scotland is such a small nation and is a proud nation, undoubtedly because Scots have moved all over the world and been hugely successful. Therefore, someone who had a Scottish granny and is proud of their Scottish heritage is more than welcome to translate that passion on the rugby pitch in my opinion.

As long as they do so. Bitching that they didn't make the cut for the All Blacks doesn't qualify (Hardie you prat) !

As a love child of Welshman and a Scottish mum my loyalties have always been split. But I was raised and born in Scotland and it would always have been my first choice. Had I been good enough to play for Wales and Scotland didn't want my talents I would feel immense pride to represent the Sheep Worriers too.

[Weegie Wizard]

Yep that should do it. Thanks RDW.

What's amazing about that is that the game still looks unbelievably boring even in 7 minute highlights which include the anthems and some slow-mo Parisse action at the end.

[flyhalffactory]

Scotland's mercenary recruitment is a disgrace. Fact is they are no longer Scotland but a shipped in eligible side wearing a blue shirt with thistles.

And they will still lose the quarter final assuming the Samoans don't upset the party.

Mmmmmmmm, thank god Wales only have 100% Welsh born players eh!

Don't try to have a sensible debate with a one eyed Welshman! It will never work!

Apparently the following were all born and bred in one little valley deep in rural Wales:
Alex "I'm not English" Cuthbert
Tomas "I may sound French but I'm actually English" Francis
James "G'day mate" King
Ross "St Helens rulez" Moriarty
Talupe "I tried calling myself Toby for a while" Falatau

Add to that

Gareth "I played for NZ U20s mate" Ascombe  
Aaron "Clotted Cream" Jarvis
Jake "Coming up on the inside" Ball  
Luke "Clotted Cream" Charteris
Dan "Ooop North" Lydiate
Jon "Black Country" Davies  
Hallam "Ooop North" Amos
George "Midlands" North  

And the soap opera rolls on

[funnyExiledScot]

It's great we have some decent project players propping us up this World Cup. I think it makes Scotland more competitive, gives the players who could have played international rugby a chance to do so, albeit, for a different country, and it also makes the World Cup a fiercer contest.

Of course, if Scotland were to be primarily made of project players that would be ridiculous. As it stands we have Visser, Struass, Nel in our WC squad. None of these guys have any real tie to Scotland other than the 3 year residency rule and playing their club rugby there.

Scotland is still very much Scotland though. Bennett, Dunbar, Hogg, Russell, Laidlaw, Gray x2 are all big Scottish names. Scotland is such a small nation and is a proud nation, undoubtedly because Scots have moved all over the world and been hugely successful. Therefore, someone who had a Scottish granny and is proud of their Scottish heritage is more than welcome to translate that passion on the rugby pitch in my opinion.

As long as they do so. Bitching that they didn't make the cut for the All Blacks doesn't qualify (Hardie you prat)   !

As a love child of Welshman and a Scottish mum my loyalties have always been split. But I was raised and born in Scotland and it would always have been my first choice. Had I been good enough to play for Wales and Scotland didn't want my talents I would feel immense pride to represent the Sheep Worriers too.

Just think of all the moral victories you could have had!

[alive555]

Samoa All Blacks June 2015

These guys are going to be tough

[NeilyBroon]

Samoa All Blacks June 2015

These guys are going to be tough

They will be but I don't think our boys should have anything to fear from them, we're on a par minimum, if not better man for man for most of the squad. If we play with a sensible structure should be a reasonable win, perhaps by one score.

My only concern is Laidlaw, but it always is. I have a feeling we may have to get Pyrgos on during the latter stages of that game to speed up our delivery.

[Gwlad]

Samoa will push SA for at leaf 50 minutes

IMO they will knock Scotland into next week at least, but most likely the next RWC.

[flyhalffactory]

Samoa will push SA for at leaf 50 minutes

IMO they will knock Scotland into next week at least, but most likely the next RWC.

How much do you think they will hammer us by Gwlad?

[Gwlad]

Samoa will push SA for at leaf 50 minutes

IMO they will knock Scotland into next week at least, but most likely the next RWC.

How much do you think they will hammer us by Gwlad?

hard to say, 20 plus i expect though.

Tough on Scotzealand i know but fact is the Samoans know there is a huge opportunity for them to make the 1/4s. Scotland is not a tough ask for them.

[GLove39]

[flyhalffactory]

Samoa will push SA for at leaf 50 minutes

IMO they will knock Scotland into next week at least, but most likely the next RWC.

How much do you think they will hammer us by Gwlad?

hard to say, 20 plus i expect though.

Tough on Scotzealand i know but fact is the Samoans know there is a huge opportunity for them to make the 1/4s. Scotland is not a tough ask for them.

You do realise that Wales or perhaps we should say "The Combined Isle of Cornwall/Midlands/North England" have at least 11 out of the 31 players born in other countries, 2 injured players born in England, a Kiwi who was playing in Auckland until 2014, a Kiwi head coach and a rugby league northern defence coach.

I will match your forecast of a 20+ by fronting up and put up a 8+ win for us.

[IanBru]

Samoa will push SA for at leaf 50 minutes

IMO they will knock Scotland into next week at least, but most likely the next RWC.

How much do you think they will hammer us by Gwlad?

hard to say, 20 plus i expect though.

Tough on Scotzealand i know but fact is the Samoans know there is a huge opportunity for them to make the 1/4s. Scotland is not a tough ask for them.

You do realise that Wales or perhaps we should say "The Combined Isle of Cornwall/Midlands/North Lesser England" have at least 11 out of the 31 players born in other countries, 2 injured players born in England, a Kiwi who was playing in Auckland until 2014, a Kiwi head coach and a rugby league northern defence coach.

I will match your forecast of a 20+ by fronting up and put up a 8+ win for us.

Corrected to reflect the social, political, cultural, emotional and financial reality.

For what it's worth, I'm predicting that Scotland will beat Samoa by 14, and Wales will beat Fiji by -8.

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