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

[George Carlin]

RDW - yes, it's definitely odd but I think that it's also clear to most thoughtful people in the sport that on the issue of eligibility, the polemicists usually tend to focus in forensic detail on an individual player or country to the absolute exclusion of (a) balance, (b) a meaningful knowledge of whether there are analogous circumstances which apply to any other nation and (c) any self awareness of how bloody boring it is for us all to keep reading about this poopie.

[George Carlin]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

[RDW]

RDW - yes, it's definitely odd but I think that it's also clear to most thoughtful people in the sport that on the issue of eligibility, the polemicists usually tend to focus in forensic detail on an individual player or country to the absolute exclusion of (a) balance, (b) a meaningful knowledge of whether there are analogous circumstances which apply to any other nation and (c) any self awareness of how bloody boring it is for us all to keep reading about this poopie.

There are a lot of big words in there for a Thursday morning!

[George Carlin]

RDW - yes, it's definitely odd but I think that it's also clear to most thoughtful people in the sport that on the issue of eligibility, the polemicists usually tend to focus in forensic detail on an individual player or country to the absolute exclusion of (a) balance, (b) a meaningful knowledge of whether there are analogous circumstances which apply to any other nation and (c) any self awareness of how bloody boring it is for us all to keep reading about this poopie.

There are a lot of big words in there for a Thursday morning!

[EWT Spoons]

I'm sure Struass's time will come when he actually starts a game for us.

[BigGee]

We are all very used to Josh Strauss, he has been here for three years,signed up for at least another two, has captained Glasgow and helped lead them to a championship title. I know not everyone will agree with my view, but he has earned his call up and the great majority of people are comfortable with it.

Nel has also been capped without any great fanfare or gnashing of teeth, for similar reasons.

Hardie just appeared and was capped very quickly, though if he had had his way, he may have been over here a while ago. Memories of Laney linger on, probably for good reasons. However as VC points out, the rules are the rules. I just hope he stays in Scottish rugby, then all this may well be forgotten.

[funnyExiledScot]

RDW - yes, it's definitely odd but I think that it's also clear to most thoughtful people in the sport that on the issue of eligibility, the polemicists usually tend to focus in forensic detail on an individual player or country to the absolute exclusion of (a) balance, (b) a meaningful knowledge of whether there are analogous circumstances which apply to any other nation and (c) any self awareness of how bloody boring it is for us all to keep reading about this poopie.

There are a lot of big words in there for a Thursday morning!

For the front row forwards out there: GC thinks that people should shut their pie holes on the whole eligibility racket, because they don't know what they're talking about.

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

I'm also in: Stockbridge Royalty.

[tigertattie]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

I'm just glad you remembered the comma or that statement could have endused mass boaking!

[Majestic83]

Still a chance to show each other who is top of the ranking in rugby knowledge

http://fantasyrugby.espn.co.uk/ESPN/en/1/clienthome.do

league code:  1114090-966

I'm in as well......the majestics.

[tigertattie]

Good grief its no easy to pick players! stupid rules on how many you have from one country!!!

[RDW]

It is a bit of a dilemma how to approach the tournament too - some teams will be playing their 2nd game by the time other teams are playing their first, but you have limited number of subs so need to take the long view too!

[funnyExiledScot]

It is a bit of a dilemma how to approach the tournament too - some teams will be playing their 2nd game by the time other teams are playing their first, but you have limited number of subs so need to take the long view too!

This was my struggle - when to deploy the subs. Taking the long view also tricky, as teams will invariably rotate (including some of the best players) so knowledge of the starting line-ups at this stage is helpful.

Why is Nel not included as well? There's a try scoring prop right there!

[lostinwales]

Dunno if its old news but McInally is out (neck injury) and replaced by Bryce

[RDW]

Dunno if its old news but McInally is out (neck injury)  and replaced by Bryce

3 pages ago news!

Given how much we're all on here you can probably take it as read that as soon as something is announced it will be discussed on here!

[jimbopip]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

[EWT Spoons]

Is it me or does this seem a pretty poor effort from the Scotsman in terms of world cup preview of Scotland in our group, especially the in depth analysis of “Laidlaw is a fine goalkicker”  insightful stuff:

FORM
A first win of 2015 came in the World Cup warm-up contest with Italy in Turin after another Six Nations whitewash. Victories in November 2014 over Argentina and Tonga had provided some confidence, but there is still plenty of room for improvement and coach Vern Cotter is looking to imports to provide it.

COACH
Vern Cotter: New Zealander Cotter took up the reins as Scotland head coach just over a year ago, but the former Clermont Auvergne supremo has experienced a testing time, with his squad suffering a Six Nations nightmare last season. A probable quarter-final against England, Australia or Wales awaits if Scotland emerge from their pool.

CAPTAIN
Greig Laidlaw: Laidlaw has captained Scotland of late, but his own scrum-half position has come under threat from Henry Pyrgos and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne. Laidlaw is a fine goalkicker.

STAR PLAYER
Stuart Hogg: The Glasgow Warriors full-back is versatile, confident under the high ball and a fine and elusive runner from deep. It is down to whether Scotland can use him.

[funnyExiledScot]

The "Vern Cotter is looking to imports" line is pretty crass as well.

[RDW]

Their coverage in general has been pretty guff - they tend to interview a player then somehow make two articles out of it, even though they are pretty much saying the same thing. They have done it with Visser, Hardie and Grant this week.

[RuggerRadge2611]

One worry I have is that we seem to fade badly in the second half of games. I doubt it is anything to do with fitness as our guys seem to be as well conditioned as others domestically but I've looked into it.

Summer tour 2014 -

We won the second half 7-3 against USA
Lost 9-6 against Canada
Won 14-11 v Argentina
Lost 37-0 v the Boks

2014 AIs

Lost 21-17 v Argentina
Lost 10-6 v NZ 2nd XV
Won 23-0 v Tonga

6 Nations

Lost 6-0 v France
Drew 13-13 v Wales
Lost 7-3 v Italy
Lost 15-0 v England
Lost 20-0 v Ireland

Warm-ups

Lost 21-15 v Ireland
Won 7-6 v Italy
Won 25-0 v Italy
Lost 7-13 v France

5 of those games we were winning at half time and ended up losing. Only once (against Argentina last summer) did we win from being down at half time. The only thing I can think of is that the players make too many mistakes when the pressure ramps up.

It starts when the bench comes into play. Our 1st XV is excellent. There is a bit of a drop off in quality when big Vern "rings the changes."

[IanBru]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

Two nuns are taking a taxi through Glasgow.

As the taxi turns up through Blythswood Square, one nun remarks to the other "Oh, I haven't come this way before."

The other nun replies "Yes, it's the cobbles, Sister Mary."

[Weegie Wizard]

It starts when the bench comes into play. Our 1st XV is excellent. There is a bit of a drop off in quality when big Vern "rings the changes."

That may well explain the results against England etc but I don't think it works for Italy, Argentina and most of all Canada.

It will prove a huge problem against SA and if we make the quarters but surely Japan, USA and even Samoa should have a weaker bench than us?

[RDW]

It starts when the bench comes into play. Our 1st XV is excellent. There is a bit of a drop off in quality when big Vern "rings the changes."

That may well explain the results against England etc but I don't think it works for Italy, Argentina and most of all Canada.

It will prove a huge problem against SA and if we make the quarters but surely Japan, USA and even Samoa should have a weaker bench than us?

It depends on if the bench features

T Swinson
A Strokosh

[jimbopip]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

Two nuns are taking a taxi through Glasgow.

As the taxi turns up through Blythswood Square, one nun remarks to the other "Oh, I haven't come this way before."

The other nun replies "Yes, it's the cobbles, Sister Mary."

In my day they were cycling.

Oh what fun we'll have sharing jolly japes at St James'. Can I be the first to say you sang those anthems like an angel. Our victory was doubtless inspired by the way you murdered N'Kosi Sikilele Afrika.

[IanBru]

It starts when the bench comes into play. Our 1st XV is excellent. There is a bit of a drop off in quality when big Vern "rings the changes."

That may well explain the results against England etc but I don't think it works for Italy, Argentina and most of all Canada.

It will prove a huge problem against SA and if we make the quarters but surely Japan, USA and even Samoa should have a weaker bench than us?

It depends on if the bench features

T Swinson
A Strokosh

I can actually see those two starting against Japan, particularly where winning quick ball against a light opposition pack is important.

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

Two nuns are taking a taxi through Glasgow.

As the taxi turns up through Blythswood Square, one nun remarks to the other "Oh, I haven't come this way before."

The other nun replies "Yes, it's the cobbles, Sister Mary."

In my day they were cycling.

Oh what fun we'll have sharing jolly japes at St James'. Can I be the first to say you sang those anthems like an angel. Our victory was doubtless inspired by the way you murdered N'Kosi Sikilele Afrika.

Indeed. The first solo a capella falsetto rendition at a rugby match. Apparently the Boks found it mildly insulting. Looking forward to it.

[IanBru]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

Two nuns are taking a taxi through Glasgow.

As the taxi turns up through Blythswood Square, one nun remarks to the other "Oh, I haven't come this way before."

The other nun replies "Yes, it's the cobbles, Sister Mary."

In my day they were cycling.

Oh what fun we'll have sharing jolly japes at St James'. Can I be the first to say you sang those anthems like an angel. Our victory was doubtless inspired by the way you murdered N'Kosi Sikilele Afrika.

Indeed. The first solo a capella falsetto rendition at a rugby match. Apparently the Boks found it mildly insulting. Looking forward to it.

The thing is, my pronunciation is ropey at best, and however angelic my voice might be, the choir master is insisting on us singing without musical scores - get ready for a total clusterf**k.

[RDW]

It starts when the bench comes into play. Our 1st XV is excellent. There is a bit of a drop off in quality when big Vern "rings the changes."

That may well explain the results against England etc but I don't think it works for Italy, Argentina and most of all Canada.

It will prove a huge problem against SA and if we make the quarters but surely Japan, USA and even Samoa should have a weaker bench than us?

It depends on if the bench features

T Swinson
A Strokosh

I can actually see those two starting against Japan, particularly where winning quick ball against a light opposition pack is important.

Strokosh was a liability when we last played Japan - he was so slow around the pitch

[jimbopip]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

If he has to tell her it's either a poor reflection on his stature or her capaciousness.

Which reminds me of the guaranteed winner should you ever find yourself in a "Bad Taste Joke" contest. (They have them in the Stockbridge Los Iguanas every Thursday)

So, there's this Irishman in bed with a nun.
"You're not very tight for a nun."
"No, I am. You're just not very thick for an Irishman"

Two nuns are taking a taxi through Glasgow.

As the taxi turns up through Blythswood Square, one nun remarks to the other "Oh, I haven't come this way before."

The other nun replies "Yes, it's the cobbles, Sister Mary."

In my day they were cycling.

Oh what fun we'll have sharing jolly japes at St James'. Can I be the first to say you sang those anthems like an angel. Our victory was doubtless inspired by the way you murdered N'Kosi Sikilele Afrika.

Indeed. The first solo a capella falsetto rendition at a rugby match. Apparently the Boks found it mildly insulting. Looking forward to it.

The thing is, my pronunciation is ropey at best, and however angelic my voice might be, the choir master is insisting on us singing without musical scores - get ready for a total clusterf**k.

N'kosi Sikilele Clusterf**k

I can see it catching on, Ian. Give it laldy.

[RDW]

In other news, 4 years ago today I had touched down in New Zealand for the RWC having had 36 hours of travelling with no sleep. I went down to the fanzone in Auckland to watch England-Georgia but by 7pm was struggling to stay away so went to bed – had the best night’s sleep of my life and woke up at 4am!

Was the happiest 3 and a bit weeks of my life (apart from the rugby) – am definitely longing to go back!

[flyhalffactory]

Ok I am starting to get excited...... thinking we could actually give SA a good game and meet Group A Runners up which probably will be Australia or Wales.

I am changing my forecast and punting on a semi final spot.

[fa0019]

Will Scotland put out a first team vs. SA. The crunch match is what 6 days after?

Can Scotland beat AUS or ENG at Twickenham? Weather is quite bad right... bad weather in a months time would certainly act in Scotland's favour and away from England's quick backs, AUS' running game etc.

[BamBam]

Guys, I think you are all spending too much time discussing the Scotland team, and not the things that really matter!!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/11871213/Scotland-fans-furious-as-bagpipes-banned-from-Rugby-World-Cup-grounds.html

[RDW]

Here's another question - Scotland are having their 'capping' ceremony today. Will Strauss get one??

[MacKnocked-on]

I'm in, Nicola sturgeon

Well according to a number of spoilt IndyRef ballot papers she does 'love the boaby'...

[GLove39]

Guys, I think you are all spending too much time discussing the Scotland team, and not the things that really matter!!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/11871213/Scotland-fans-furious-as-bagpipes-banned-from-Rugby-World-Cup-grounds.html

Not to worry in place of bagpipes, myself & IanBru will serenade the team...
https://vine.co/v/eUrBHgDmM5t

[R!skysports]

Will Scotland put out a first team vs. SA. The crunch match is what 6 days after?

Can Scotland beat AUS or ENG at Twickenham? Weather is quite bad right... bad weather in a months time would certainly act in Scotland's favour and away from England's quick backs, AUS' running game etc.

I actually think we would prefer good weather.

Poor weather will mean we get into an arm wrestle and the last 10 years have shown we are second best at that

Our first string backs are a very potent attacking force

Good weather and fast paced game - is honey for the Scottish team

[funnyExiledScot]

Will Scotland put out a first team vs. SA. The crunch match is what 6 days after?

Can Scotland beat AUS or ENG at Twickenham? Weather is quite bad right... bad weather in a months time would certainly act in Scotland's favour and away from England's quick backs, AUS' running game etc.

I actually think we would prefer good weather.

Poor weather will mean we get into an arm wrestle and the last 10 years have shown we are second best at that

Our first string backs are a very potent attacking force

Good weather and fast paced game - is honey for the Scottish team

In a break with tradition I actually agree with Risky. Gone are the days where we had a team solely built around spoiling the opposition and dragging them down to our level (where a torrential down pour was extremely helpful).

This Scotland team need optimal conditions in which to execute skills - poor weather puts those skills under pressure. Russell is not a "hoof the ball" fly half and the likes of Bennett and Hogg are not the trundlers we used to have like Morrison and Lamont (oh, hang on...). These guys want a fast and dry pitch and an open game.

Our pack is also pretty mobile as well, or at least the first choice pack is. Big lumps like Euan Murray, Chunk, Hamilton and Strokosch (oh, hang on...) have been (or should have been) jettisoned in favour of younger and more mobile players. We want the game to be fast - the sorted of "organised chaos" that Glasgow has been thriving on in the last couple of years. That would really play to our strengths.

[IanBru]

FES and Risky have it right - if the last three years have taught us one thing, it's that ToonieBall is nowhere near as effective in the wet. There's a reason that Glasgow suddenly come alive in the springtime - dry ball, a dry track, and lots of sunshine.

So... a roof for Scotstoun, anyone?

[fa0019]

Its not that is Scotland's game negatively impacted by bad weather... its that is your game relative to your oppositions game negatively impacted by bad weather???

For a prospective QF vs AUS or ENG I'd say bad weather is still preferable for Scotland than not. Yes it means that Scotland aren't as potent as possible, but England's back 3 will be heavily neutralised and AUS will not be able to play their destructive running game.

[Weegie Wizard]

If I may interpret that for the neds..."we will be pisher than normal, but they will be pisher too and our pish might be better than their pish"

Can't argue with that to be honest.

[RDW]

Ooft, not sure what to make of the Scotland team's official outfit!

[jimbopip]

Ooft, not sure what to make of the Scotland team's official outfit!

If we need to see people in plaid skirts can we limit it to that Japanese lady we saw last week?

[RuggerRadge2611]

FES and Risky have it right - if the last three years have taught us one thing, it's that ToonieBall is nowhere near as effective in the wet. There's a reason that Glasgow suddenly come alive in the springtime - dry ball, a dry track, and lots of sunshine.

So... a roof for Scotstoun, anyone?

I'm not entirely sure that's such a good idea. After what I heard about some other Glasweagians, in particular Celtic fans...

[RuggerRadge2611]

Ooft, not sure what to make of the Scotland team's official outfit!

If we need to see people in plaid skirts can we limit it to that Japanese lady we saw last week?

The Japanese lady was no doubt attractive, however the outfit is better than the commie games outfit.

Mind you saying that the Scotland team's outfit is better than Scotland's commie games outfit is a bit like saying it is better to lose your arm at the elbow rather than at the shoulder.

[jimbopip]

The team outfit, obviously designed by Chic Murray as an "ironic tribute" to Jimmy Crankie's influence on Scottish culture, should do no lasting harm to the players' sense of self worth.

As long as they don't see themselves standing beside either the French or Italian squads.

N.B I haven't seen either of those squads but ...hell I'll just take a guess.

[George Carlin]

Ooft, not sure what to make of the Scotland team's official outfit!

Vern seems, quite understandably, to be giving us the finger in that shot.

Being around all of these soapdodgers seems to be rubbing off.

[RDW]

Josh Strauss is no more - introducing Tosh Hamish William Wallace McStrauss!

[R!skysports]

Will Scotland put out a first team vs. SA. The crunch match is what 6 days after?

Can Scotland beat AUS or ENG at Twickenham? Weather is quite bad right... bad weather in a months time would certainly act in Scotland's favour and away from England's quick backs, AUS' running game etc.

I actually think we would prefer good weather.

Poor weather will mean we get into an arm wrestle and the last 10 years have shown we are second best at that

Our first string backs are a very potent attacking force

Good weather and fast paced game - is honey for the Scottish team

In a break with tradition I actually agree with Risky. Gone are the days where we had a team solely built around spoiling the opposition and dragging them down to our level (where a torrential down pour was extremely helpful).

This Scotland team need optimal conditions in which to execute skills - poor weather puts those skills under pressure. Russell is not a "hoof the ball" fly half and the likes of Bennett and Hogg are not the trundlers we used to have like Morrison and Lamont (oh, hang on...). These guys want a fast and dry pitch and an open game.

Our pack is also pretty mobile as well, or at least the first choice pack is. Big lumps like Euan Murray, Chunk, Hamilton and Strokosch (oh, hang on...) have been (or should have been) jettisoned in favour of younger and more mobile players. We want the game to be fast - the sorted of "organised chaos" that Glasgow has been thriving on in the last couple of years. That would really play to our strengths.

I feel a little bit dirty

[IanBru]

Will Scotland put out a first team vs. SA. The crunch match is what 6 days after?

Can Scotland beat AUS or ENG at Twickenham? Weather is quite bad right... bad weather in a months time would certainly act in Scotland's favour and away from England's quick backs, AUS' running game etc.

I actually think we would prefer good weather.

Poor weather will mean we get into an arm wrestle and the last 10 years have shown we are second best at that

Our first string backs are a very potent attacking force

Good weather and fast paced game - is honey for the Scottish team

In a break with tradition I actually agree with Risky. Gone are the days where we had a team solely built around spoiling the opposition and dragging them down to our level (where a torrential down pour was extremely helpful).

This Scotland team need optimal conditions in which to execute skills - poor weather puts those skills under pressure. Russell is not a "hoof the ball" fly half and the likes of Bennett and Hogg are not the trundlers we used to have like Morrison and Lamont (oh, hang on...). These guys want a fast and dry pitch and an open game.

Our pack is also pretty mobile as well, or at least the first choice pack is. Big lumps like Euan Murray, Chunk, Hamilton and Strokosch (oh, hang on...) have been (or should have been) jettisoned in favour of younger and more mobile players. We want the game to be fast - the sorted of "organised chaos" that Glasgow has been thriving on in the last couple of years. That would really play to our strengths.

I feel a little bit dirty

I wouldn't worry bud, a strong dose of doxycycline will clear that right up. Where the hell is UlstermanInGlasgow when you need him?

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