Scotland 6N lookahead

by **RDW** Mon Oct 19, 2015 9:28 am

First topic message reminder :

Scotland 45 – Japan 10

Hardie, Bennett (2), Seymour, Russell

Scotland 39 – USA 16

Visser, Maitland, Nel, Scott, Weir

South Africa 34 – Scotland 16

Seymour

Samoa 33 – Scotland 36

Seymour, Hardie, Laidlaw

Australia 35 – Scotland 34 Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 11 Bangin11

Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 11 Bangin11

Horne, Seymour, Bennett

Tries this world cup:

Seymour – 4
Bennett – 3
Hardie – 2
Russell, Visser, Maitland, Nel, Scott, Weir, Laidlaw, Horne – 1

6 Nations fixtures:
Scotland V England Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 11 2gwb9210

Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 11 2gwb9210

Wales V Scotland

Italy V Scotland

Scotland V France
Ireland V Scotland

by MacKnocked-on Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:04 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
Nematode wrote:
MacKnocked-on wrote:Is anyone expecting any new faces in the squad when Cotter eventually announces it?

I think the squad will have a familiar look mostly. Some players coming in might be the likes of Sutherland, Low, Toolis, Kennedy, T. Brown

Assuming you mean Moray rather than Kieran that's a good shout. I've heard he's doing really well at Exeter. I've also heard that Jon Welsh has been useful at Newcastle, which surprised me.

I think Alex Toolis could get a call-up. In fact I think he's pushing Tim Swinson for that bench spot behind the Gray brothers. He's about twice the size of Tim Swinson, which helps.

I had wondered, given the injuries to Gilchrist and Harley and lack of game time for Ben Toolis, if Alex might get called up. Also wondered if Ollie Atkins might be in with a shout as well.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:08 pm

Is Atkings getting gametime?

He's a good player, was just down the pecking order at Edinburgh. We could have done with him this season though!

by Nematode Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:21 pm

I don't think Atkins has had many, if any, starts at Exeter. They have had a few injuries at lock recently so I expect he might want to stay down there and get some starts.

Alex Toolis has been playing well recently and was more impressive than Swinson I thought.

Toolis is 6,7 (115kg) and Swinson is 6,4 (116kg)

I just hope they don't opt for Denton in the second row Sad

by MacKnocked-on Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:23 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Is Atkings getting gametime?

He's a good player, was just down the pecking order at Edinburgh. We could have done with him this season though!

He's on the bench with Moray Low at Exeter most weeks so is getting some gametime at least. Quite a good abrasive player and bigger than Swinson obviously.

by MacKnocked-on Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:26 pm

Nematode wrote:I don't think Atkins has had many, if any, starts at Exeter. They have had a few injuries at lock recently so I expect he might want to stay down there and get some starts.

Alex Toolis has been playing well recently and was more impressive than Swinson I thought.

Toolis is 6,7 (115kg) and Swinson is 6,4 (116kg)

I just hope they don't opt for Denton in the second row

Hope not as neither Strauss or Ashe are really playing that well at present. Not sure Ashe is really developing as hoped. As long as nobody thinks Ryan Wilson can do a job at 8..

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:27 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:
Nematode wrote:. As long as nobody thinks Ryan Wilson can do a job at 8..

Or 6, or 7, or bench....

by Nematode Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:33 pm

To be fair to Wilson, he was not bad at the World Cup.

Actually, he nearly got a red card for a stamp against Samoa...

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:39 pm

I thought he was pretty anonymous in the WC! And in all his other appearances for Scotland.

by Captain_Sensible Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:46 pm

Wilson's decent at club level, but out of his depth for Scotland. Tries to make up for it with niggly 'hard-man' stuff and just ends up giving away silly penalties and dropping his team into further trouble. With Du Preez looming on the horizon, his services won't be in demand for much longer.

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:59 pm

Wilson is lightweight and ineffective. He's also a complete bell end.

by Captain_Sensible Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:05 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Wilson is lightweight and ineffective. He's also a complete bell end.

That would be a shorter, more brutal version of my post.

by Nematode Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:13 pm

Does anyone know how Ally Hogg is playing for Newcastle? Could he be a surprise inclusion?

* If you have a squad of 30 (Hardie, Cowan, Denton, Strauss, Watson, 6?)

by Captain_Sensible Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:15 pm

Nematode wrote:Does anyone know how Ally Hogg is playing for Newcastle? Could he be a surprise inclusion?

I think we all need to accept that the Ally Hogg ship has sailed.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:26 pm

6 is actually a bit of a problem position for us, as our first choice options are playing out of position and aren't out and out 6's - Cowan, Struass, Denton.

I really like Rob Harley but he just doesn't really fit in Cotter's style - him and Hardie would be quite a defence orientated combo. I think it would be a good combo if he was paired with someone like Hamish Watson or (if he comes good in the end) Hugh Blake.

by MacKnocked-on Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:27 pm

Captain_Sensible wrote:Wilson's decent at club level, but out of his depth for Scotland. Tries to make up for it with niggly 'hard-man' stuff and just ends up giving away silly penalties and dropping his team into further trouble. With Du Preez looming on the horizon, his services won't be in demand for much longer.

Never mind Du Preez, I think you'll find that Coman becomes SQ before him....

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:28 pm

I'd take Coman over Wilson!

by Captain_Sensible Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:28 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:
Captain_Sensible wrote:Wilson's decent at club level, but out of his depth for Scotland. Tries to make up for it with niggly 'hard-man' stuff and just ends up giving away silly penalties and dropping his team into further trouble. With Du Preez looming on the horizon, his services won't be in demand for much longer.

Never mind Du Preez, I think you'll find that Coman becomes SQ before him....

Eh, no thanks.

by Captain_Sensible Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:36 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:6 is actually a bit of a problem position for us, as our first choice options are playing out of position and aren't out and out 6's - Cowan, Struass, Denton.

I really like Rob Harley but he just doesn't really fit in Cotter's style - him and Hardie would be quite a defence orientated combo. I think it would be a good combo if he was paired with someone like Hamish Watson or (if he comes good in the end) Hugh Blake.

I think we're in an ok place, even with Harley injured. We can either play Hardie and Cowan on the flanks, as we did against Australia, or put Strauss at 6. The first option worked pretty well, and Strauss has played 6 enough times for Glasgow if we wanted to go for a meatier backrow in bad weather or against particularly hefty oppo packs.

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jan 07, 2016 4:49 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:6 is actually a bit of a problem position for us, as our first choice options are playing out of position and aren't out and out 6's - Cowan, Struass, Denton.

I really like Rob Harley but he just doesn't really fit in Cotter's style - him and Hardie would be quite a defence orientated combo. I think it would be a good combo if he was paired with someone like Hamish Watson or (if he comes good in the end) Hugh Blake.

For blindside I would select Cowan, Strauss and Harley in that order. After that I'd look to John Barclay who is my second choice 7 after Hardie, assuming Cowan is at 6).

6. Cowan, Strauss, Harley, Barclay, Wilson
7. Hardie, Barclay, Watson, Blake, Fusaro
8. Denton, Strauss, Ashe, Eadie, Wilson

That would be my pecking orders for each of the backrow positions, obviously a couple of players covering several positions. When Coman qualifies he'll go in ahead of Wilson in that order for both 6 and 8. When Du Preez qualifies he'll go in as first choice 8, with Denton becoming first reserve at 8 and slotting in as 3rd choice at 6 behind Cowan and Strauss.

Looking at those options I really don't think we can say any of these positions are a weakness for Scotland, even relative to our 6 Nations rivals. Of that group I think only Eadie, Wilson and Fusaro would really struggle at international level - at least on what I've seen so far. Certainly not an issue when you consider our depth at tighthead and fly half - basically only one international class player in each position, possibly two at fly half if you count Jackson.

by MacKnocked-on Thu Jan 07, 2016 5:22 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:6 is actually a bit of a problem position for us, as our first choice options are playing out of position and aren't out and out 6's - Cowan, Struass, Denton.

I really like Rob Harley but he just doesn't really fit in Cotter's style - him and Hardie would be quite a defence orientated combo. I think it would be a good combo if he was paired with someone like Hamish Watson or (if he comes good in the end) Hugh Blake.

For blindside I would select Cowan, Strauss and Harley in that order. After that I'd look to John Barclay who is my second choice 7 after Hardie, assuming Cowan is at 6).

6. Cowan, Strauss, Harley, Barclay, Wilson
7. Hardie, Barclay, Watson, Blake, Fusaro
8. Denton, Strauss, Ashe, Eadie, Wilson

That would be my pecking orders for each of the backrow positions, obviously a couple of players covering several positions. When Coman qualifies he'll go in ahead of Wilson in that order for both 6 and 8. When Du Preez qualifies he'll go in as first choice 8, with Denton becoming first reserve at 8 and slotting in as 3rd choice at 6 behind Cowan and Strauss.

Looking at those options I really don't think we can say any of these positions are a weakness for Scotland, even relative to our 6 Nations rivals. Of that group I think only Eadie, Wilson and Fusaro would really struggle at international level - at least on what I've seen so far. Certainly not an issue when you consider our depth at tighthead and fly half - basically only one international class player in each position, possibly two at fly half if you count Jackson.

I'm not sure it's fair to lump him with Wilson and Fusaro who both have weaknesses at international level, obviously Eadie is totally untested and could be terrible but from what I've seen of him he is big enough and is also extremely quick so he has two advantages over the other pair immediately.

by **BigGee** Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:19 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:6 is actually a bit of a problem position for us, as our first choice options are playing out of position and aren't out and out 6's - Cowan, Struass, Denton.

I really like Rob Harley but he just doesn't really fit in Cotter's style - him and Hardie would be quite a defence orientated combo. I think it would be a good combo if he was paired with someone like Hamish Watson or (if he comes good in the end) Hugh Blake.

For blindside I would select Cowan, Strauss and Harley in that order. After that I'd look to John Barclay who is my second choice 7 after Hardie, assuming Cowan is at 6).

6. Cowan, Strauss, Harley, Barclay, Wilson
7. Hardie, Barclay, Watson, Blake, Fusaro
8. Denton, Strauss, Ashe, Eadie, Wilson

That would be my pecking orders for each of the backrow positions, obviously a couple of players covering several positions. When Coman qualifies he'll go in ahead of Wilson in that order for both 6 and 8. When Du Preez qualifies he'll go in as first choice 8, with Denton becoming first reserve at 8 and slotting in as 3rd choice at 6 behind Cowan and Strauss.

Looking at those options I really don't think we can say any of these positions are a weakness for Scotland, even relative to our 6 Nations rivals. Of that group I think only Eadie, Wilson and Fusaro would really struggle at international level - at least on what I've seen so far. Certainly not an issue when you consider our depth at tighthead and fly half - basically only one international class player in each position, possibly two at fly half if you count Jackson.

I'm not sure it's fair to lump him with Wilson and Fusaro who both have weaknesses at international level, obviously Eadie is totally untested and could be terrible but from what I've seen of him he is big enough and is also extremely quick so he has two advantages over the other pair immediately.

I think you can safety leave Eadie out of the equation until he has played at a higher level than the championship. Someone who is SQ and played u20s a couple of years ago is Masterson, who plays for Connacht and has been putting in decent performances this year and last. At the level he is playing at, I would have him way up the list compared to Mitch Eadie (who is definitely one for the future though if Bristol do ever get promoted!)

by Gwlad Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:29 pm

Scotland's (next) biggest game ever coming up

England at home….can you do it?

Its a hugely exciting prospect because wits a must win for them after losing to Aus; Jones will know that honeymoon period or not a loss to Scots will signal a new low.

Consequently i expect a 10 man game with a massive emphasis on the pack, especially as the usual uncertainty in who/what should play from essentially 10-15 is clear.

If Scots can hold their own up front i just think your backs have the edge.

Its a gussett tingling prospect

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:44 pm

Are we seriously considering that Mike Coman is likely to be a Scottish international? and we are all ok with this? a back row with strength in depth foreign players? honestly I cant get my head round this. Genuinely boils my urine.

However as world rugby has recently said there is no appetite for changing the system at the moment it would seem Im in the minority.

As far as I can see the only way that some sort of sanity will prevail is if Scotland or Italy fill there team with 20+ mercenary's and regularly start taking scalps of the big boys? would be interesting to see how quick attitudes change then.

The current Scottish Back row should be 6, Harley 8, Ashe 7, Barclay
search your heart's you know it to be true.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:46 pm

Prothero wrote:Are we seriously considering that Mike Coman is likely to be a Scottish international? and we are all ok with this? a back row with strength in depth foreign players? honestly I cant get my head round this. Genuinely boils my urine.

However as world rugby has recently said there is no appetite for changing the system at the moment it would seem Im in the minority.

As far as I can see the only way that some sort of sanity will prevail is if Scotland or Italy fill there team with 20+ mercenary's and regularly start taking scalps of the big boys? would be interesting to see how quick attitudes change then.

The current Scottish Back row should be 6, Harley 8, Ashe 7, Barclay
search your heart's you know it to be true.

No, I said I'd rather him than Wilson! That isn't saying much though.

Ashe at 8??

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:53 pm

Denton was born in Zimbabwe but has a Scottish mother and has played all through the Scottish Rugby system I'm not entirely sure what you are on about Prothero

by jimbopip Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:55 pm

Ashe at 8 is the future. Start getting used to it.

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:57 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Prothero wrote:Are we seriously considering that Mike Coman is likely to be a Scottish international? and we are all ok with this? a back row with strength in depth foreign players? honestly I cant get my head round this. Genuinely boils my urine.

However as world rugby has recently said there is no appetite for changing the system at the moment it would seem Im in the minority.

As far as I can see the only way that some sort of sanity will prevail is if Scotland or Italy fill there team with 20+ mercenary's and regularly start taking scalps of the big boys? would be interesting to see how quick attitudes change then.

The current Scottish Back row should be 6, Harley 8, Ashe 7, Barclay
search your heart's you know it to be true.

No, I said I'd rather him than Wilson! That isn't saying much though.

I mean under a system where only Scottish born players should represent Scotland. If Im being completely honest id like to see a Scotland team made up of good honest working class border's lads only, but maybe that might be pushing it a wee bit?

My tonge is in my cheek here but the principle remains.

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:02 pm

sorry the buggered up the quote feature Crying or Very sad

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:04 pm

Prothero wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
Prothero wrote:Are we seriously considering that Mike Coman is likely to be a Scottish international? and we are all ok with this? a back row with strength in depth foreign players? honestly I cant get my head round this. Genuinely boils my urine.

However as world rugby has recently said there is no appetite for changing the system at the moment it would seem Im in the minority.

As far as I can see the only way that some sort of sanity will prevail is if Scotland or Italy fill there team with 20+ mercenary's and regularly start taking scalps of the big boys? would be interesting to see how quick attitudes change then.

The current Scottish Back row should be 6, Harley 8, Ashe 7, Barclay
search your heart's you know it to be true.

No, I said I'd rather him than Wilson! That isn't saying much though.

I mean under a system where only Scottish born players should represent Scotland. If Im being completely honest id like to see a Scotland team made up of good honest working class border's lads only, but maybe that might be pushing it a wee bit?

My tonge is in my cheek here but the principle remains.

It's a bit death eatery... As in not letting Mud Bloods play for Scotland.

Residency is a farce but speaking as someone who would be eligible for 2 countries who are you to say who I can or can't play got?

Denton is the best example I can think of. Always desired to play for Scotland due to his mum's influence. Just because he wasn't born here doesn't mean he should be denied to play for us.

If I were good enough and Scotland didn't call me but Wales did, I can only imagine how proud I would be and my Dad would be if I played for Wales. Scotland would be my first choice but if my only chance to play came I'm the form of Wales I would take it.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:06 pm

Wilson wasn't born in Scotland either!

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:08 pm

jimbopip wrote:Ashe at 8 is the future. Start getting used to it.

God help us all then!

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:09 pm

Who cares? He's a bit pants anyway.

by **RDW** Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:15 pm

I don't care, I just got the impression that Prothero thought he was pure blood Scottish!

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:16 pm

Ill always support whoever wears a Scotland Shirt, All I am saying is that the residency rule is wrong. Guys like Coman are ultimately benefiting from it over guys that have much more rights to the shirt and in Coman's case he is probably holding back Ritchies and Bradbury's development at Edinburgh.

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:17 pm

nah Wilsons a Geordie is he not? and a knobhead by all accounts.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:21 pm

Residency is a joke, but blood ties can be very strong.

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:45 pm

Hey honestly I think its the same in any level of rugby when you step on the pitch it doesn't matter where you come from as long as you front up, do your job and contribute. From a playing point of view it wont matter.

To me its more about keeping the soul of the six nations clean. 15 irish guys against 15 scots or whatever. I enjoy the anthems, the ancient rivalry the pomp and circumstance. That's the the thing that makes it popular and enduring. the primal connection to the soil the guys are playing on.

The progression from being the best tight-head at your school, then your region, then your age group, then when you are of age you take the national jersey you have wanted since 10 years of age. That's the beauty of rugby feeling the connection with everybody who experienced the same thing and representing them at the same time.

its becoming something different when a youngster has to compete with every other countries cast offs who walk into the team from a plane.

As Dodson says you have to live in the world you are given, doesn't make it right. We are currently throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

by **BigGee** Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:49 pm

Prothero wrote:Ill always support whoever wears a Scotland Shirt, All I am saying is that the residency rule is wrong. Guys like Coman are ultimately benefiting from it over guys that have much more rights to the shirt and in Coman's case he is probably holding back Ritchies and Bradbury's development at Edinburgh.

The guys who have the rights to the shirt are the best players in their position who are eligible to play for that team, be it Glasgow, Edinburgh or Scotland.

Deviating from that simple truth may give you the moral high ground but it usually gives you a poorer rugby team!

by Prothero Thu Jan 07, 2016 8:03 pm

Sorry guys just never mention Mike Coman to me again and ill shut up, he has always been a red rag to a bull for me. Sorry

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jan 07, 2016 11:32 pm

I don't think Scotland needs Coman. We have a very good core of players across the backrow. Despite having a very Scottish name and very Scottish parents Hamish Watson was born in England too.

by **RDW** Fri Jan 08, 2016 7:21 am

Apologies it is probably my fault that you-know-who's name became a debate! I don't think anyone has seriously suggested him as an option for Scotland though, and my comment about preferring you-know-who to Wilson was more a reflection of Wilson'a abilities. You-know-who is a good solid pro for Edinburgh and is obviously very well respected, and he wouldn't let anyone down, but he certainly isn't international class.

by **RDW** Fri Jan 08, 2016 7:43 am

And anyway, it is actually quite easy to come up with a pureblood XV, and we actually have depth in some positions (only picking players who have recently played or could feasibly play this season)

1 Dickinson, Sutherland, Reid
2 Ford, Brown, McInally, McArthur, Bryce
3 Welsh, Low, Cross
4/5 Gray, Gray, Gilchrist, McKenzie
6/8 Harley, Ashe
7 Barclay, Fusaro

9 Laidlaw, Hidalgo-Clyne (Spanish born and mother but he's practically lived all his life in Scotland), Kennedy
10 Russell, Jackson, Weir
12/13 Scott, Bennett, Dunbar, Horne, Taylor (Edinburgh born)
11/14/15 Hoyland, Fife, Hogg, Brown, Jones

So looking at that it probably comes as no surprise that our weakest positions - back row and back 3 - has the highest number of moodbloods. I could only think of 4 pureblood back row players!

Compare that to the mudblood equivalent:

1 Dell
2 ?
3 Nel, Cusak
4/5 Toolis, Toolis, Swinson, Atkins
6/8 Strauss, Denton, Cowan, Wilson, Coman ( Run

)
7 Hardie, Watson

9 Pyrgos
10 Tonks
12/13 Grove
11/14/15 Visser, Seymour, Maitland

I might have missed one or two players but it is clear that a significant majority of players available for Scotland are 'pure Scottish'. Indeed only 5 of the players mentioned above qualify on residency.

So I really don't think our position is that bad!

by funnyExiledScot Fri Jan 08, 2016 10:27 am

I think John Barclay was born in Hong Kong actually, so we'd have to go with Chris Fusaro. He was born in Kirkcaldy, which makes him very Scottish indeed.

by funnyExiledScot Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:05 am

Greg Tonks is a proper mongrel. Born in South Africa. Lived in England since 3 years old. Mum born in Ayrshire, making him 50% world class.

by yappysnap Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:15 am

What are Scots Fans thoughts on playing England first up?

Obviously you're at home which is a bonus, England will probably still be trying to workout gameplan and tactics, plus bed in any new players.

A very good chance for a win, and not just a win but perhaps a big win to lay down a marker?

by yappysnap Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:17 am

yappysnap wrote:

A very good chance for a win, and not just a win but perhaps a big win to lay down a marker?

And no in not drunk! Or high... Shocked

by GLove39 Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:39 am

yappysnap wrote:What are Scots Fans thoughts on playing England first up?

Obviously you're at home which is a bonus, England will probably still be trying to workout gameplan and tactics, plus bed in any new players.

A very good chance for a win, and not just a win but perhaps a big win to lay down a marker?

Think we all thought that, or at least the first part, 4 years ago when Lancaster had just taken over. That young, inexperienced England team seemed ripe for the picking and look how that turned out.

Leaving England aside a moment there's also the fact that when it comes to the first game of the 6 Nations we have a terrible record. 1 solitary win V France on the first weekend in 2006 & that's our lot.

So when I head to Murrayfield in a few weeks it'll be in hope rather than expectation.

by **George Carlin** Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:40 am

Q. What do Brian Moore, Mike Coman and my increasingly racist and belligerent Uncle Dougie have in common?

A. None of them will play rugby for Scotland.

by **RDW** Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:41 am

GLove39 wrote:
yappysnap wrote:What are Scots Fans thoughts on playing England first up?

Obviously you're at home which is a bonus, England will probably still be trying to workout gameplan and tactics, plus bed in any new players.

A very good chance for a win, and not just a win but perhaps a big win to lay down a marker?

Think we all thought that, or at least the first part, 4 years ago when Lancaster had just taken over. That young, inexperienced England team seemed ripe for the picking and look how that turned out.

Leaving England aside a moment there's also the fact that when it comes to the first game of the 6 Nations we have a terrible record. 1 solitary win V France on the first weekend in 2006 & that's our lot.

So when I head to Murrayfield in a few weeks it'll be in hope rather than expectation.

That was as much down to us playing really badly (Dan Parks charge down) as opposed to England being good, but you are right to draw similarities.

I don't think anyone knows what to expect from England (or Scotland for that matter!), but if ever there was a good time to be playing them it is first up at home!

by GLove39 Fri Jan 08, 2016 11:54 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
GLove39 wrote:
yappysnap wrote:What are Scots Fans thoughts on playing England first up?

Obviously you're at home which is a bonus, England will probably still be trying to workout gameplan and tactics, plus bed in any new players.

A very good chance for a win, and not just a win but perhaps a big win to lay down a marker?

Think we all thought that, or at least the first part, 4 years ago when Lancaster had just taken over. That young, inexperienced England team seemed ripe for the picking and look how that turned out.

Leaving England aside a moment there's also the fact that when it comes to the first game of the 6 Nations we have a terrible record. 1 solitary win V France on the first weekend in 2006 & that's our lot.

So when I head to Murrayfield in a few weeks it'll be in hope rather than expectation.

That was as much down to us playing really badly (Dan Parks charge down) as opposed to England being good, but you are right to draw similarities.

I don't think anyone knows what to expect from England (or Scotland for that matter!), but if ever there was a good time to be playing them it is first up at home!

True, although poor Parks should never have been put in that position. Pus of course Rennie scything through the defence only to butcher a 2 on 1. And Laidlaw being robbed by the TMO.

And I like that spirit!

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