Scotland 6N lookahead

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

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
Wales V Scotland

Italy V Scotland

Scotland V France
Ireland V Scotland

Further to chat earlier about whether McKibbin was still SQ or not, he obviously thinks he is:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/rugby-union-mckibbin-scotland-idUKL3N0Z225K20150616

Hmmm, I thought his inclusion in a Wallabies match-day squad would mean he isn't SQ anymore, even if he didn't get off the bench.

Still, he was born in Ayrshire and we all know what that means.....

MacKnocked-on wrote:Further to chat earlier about whether McKibbin was still SQ or not, he obviously thinks he is:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/rugby-union-mckibbin-scotland-idUKL3N0Z225K20150616

We have had this chat a few times on here and someone even pasted up the rule book which seemed to show fairly clearly that on the bench makes you ineligable.

Something like that really should be crystal clear and not be up for interpretation, but it has got me wondering now anyway.

I watched the LI game at the weekend and he actually played pretty well, definitely better than S H-C has played recently, he has not really pushed on this year after being the young player of the year last year. With Henry still crocked, if he is eligable and was picked on form, he could easily be in with a shout. All the other options, Steele, Price and Kennedy and Hartson are no where near ready and may never be. One thing is for sure, no-one is really pushing Greg for the starting spot at the moment. This could actually become a problem for us if he gets injured.

I would imagine that if he is eligable, then VC will have him in the squad. Big Vern is not sentimental about these things.

I haven't seen McKibbon play recently, but I thought SH-C showed signs of coming back into form against Treviso. One lovely break and he was trying to take quick taps after the Treviso penalties but the ref wouldn't let him because the Treviso defence wasn't ready. His kicking boots are working nicely at the moment as well.

I wouldn't be sentimental over McKibbon making the squad either. Behind Laidlaw, SH-C and Pyrgos there's a big jump in readiness for international rugby. It's probably Kennedy but he blows hot and cold; more cold recently.

As far as I am aware McKibbin is no longer able to play for Scotland because he sat on the bench for the Wallabies and that ties him to them which I think is fair enough.
I don't think it is a major loss as I think SHC is just as good as him if not better. Pyrgos is also as good as him. Think long term at London Irish Scott Steele will be their main number 9 and looks promising for Scotland as well.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I haven't seen McKibbon play recently, but I thought SH-C showed signs of coming back into form against Treviso. One lovely break and he was trying to take quick taps after the Treviso penalties but the ref wouldn't let him because the Treviso defence wasn't ready. His kicking boots are working nicely at the moment as well.

I wouldn't be sentimental over McKibbon making the squad either. Behind Laidlaw, SH-C and Pyrgos there's a big jump in readiness for international rugby. It's probably Kennedy but he blows hot and cold; more cold recently.

S-H-C hasn't been as fantastic as he was last season but I agree he is ocming into better form now. I think his world cup experience probably hindered him as much as it helped him as he really need to get gametime and instead spent months holding tackle bags and doing fitness. I'm sure he would have gained a lot from it though.

In any case, his goal kicking is still just as good as Laidlaw's (and better than Russell and Weir's IMO) so that is a big bonus to have.

For goal kicking alone I think the choice is clearly Laidlaw and then SHC on the bench, Russell is too erratic to rely on (as are Jackson or Weir or Heathcote, whoever is the bench 10). However with Pyrgos out the question is who should be the 3rd scrumhalf and of all the options McKibbin, if eligible, is the next obvious one given the level he is playing at, unless either Cusiter or Blair come out of retirement.

Cusiter never actually retired, he just did not wish to committ to the WC training schedule given he had a baby on the way and probably did not fancy his chances of making the final cut.

He is not playing badly for Sale either at the moment, but I can't see any real sense in going back to him unless we are completely up the gum tree. If Laidlaw got injured though and without Pyrgos we easily could be. I am not sure that S H-C is really ready to be a starting international yet. He has certainly got the potential but he has got to work at his game management an awful lot yet. There was a reason that VC picked Henry over him throughout the WC.

Surely a bit of a journalistic wind up?;
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/6822929/Vern-Cotter-wants-Kevin-Sinfield-in-the-Scotland-team.html

Obviously a great rugby player and fantastic goal kicker but; 35 yrs old, only been in union a few months and playing in the Championship, can't see it somehow.

MacKnocked-on wrote:Surely a bit of a journalistic wind up?;
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/6822929/Vern-Cotter-wants-Kevin-Sinfield-in-the-Scotland-team.html

Obviously a great rugby player and fantastic goal kicker but; 35 yrs old, only been in union a few months and playing in the Championship, can't see it somehow.  

I'm hoping that is a load of Love sacks!

The sun..... my guess is love sacks.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The sun..... my guess is love sacks.

My thoughts exactly

Wow, it's a genuine story!

I assumed it would be along the lines of a News In Briefs: "Rhona, 19, a Catering, Interior Design and International Development student at University of the West of Scotland, thinks Vern Cotter should bolster his resources by calling on experienced rugby league players, who will be more comfortable attacking the gain-line."

3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

Re: Lamont and his comments about being the quickest in the Glasgow squad. Was this in the 3 legged race?

bsando wrote:3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

Bennet is injured, however Taylor is more than capable of perfoming at 13 and in fact I'm looking forward to seeing him play beside the creative Matt Scott instead of Brad Barritt.

lostinwales wrote:Re: Lamont and his comments about being the quickest in the Glasgow squad. Was this in the 3 legged race?

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

bsando wrote:3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

Bennet is injured, however Taylor is more than capable of perfoming at 13 and in fact I'm looking forward to seeing him play beside the creative Matt Scott instead of Brad Barritt.

Oh I thought Bennet was just a concern at the moment. However it would be good to see more of Taylor for Scotland, I couldn't comment on his recent form for Saracens.

Did anyone read Iain Morrisons article? http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/iain-morrison-vern-cotter-has-tough-six-nations-calls-to-make-1-3996438#comments-area

He seems to think Cotter has a selection issue at 7!?! ..errr pick Hardie, the guy who played his socks off for Scotland and has been terrific for Edinburgh. Done. I enjoy reading his articles but I think he is way off the mark on this one. Surely the Cowan/Hardie/Denton combo is the most appealing choice.

bsando wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

bsando wrote:3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

Bennet is injured, however Taylor is more than capable of perfoming at 13 and in fact I'm looking forward to seeing him play beside the creative Matt Scott instead of Brad Barritt.

Oh I thought Bennet was just a concern at the moment. However it would be good to see more of Taylor for Scotland, I couldn't comment on his recent form for Saracens.

Did anyone read Iain Morrisons article? http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/iain-morrison-vern-cotter-has-tough-six-nations-calls-to-make-1-3996438#comments-area

He seems to think Cotter has a selection issue at 7!?! ..errr pick Hardie, the guy who played his socks off for Scotland and has been terrific for Edinburgh. Done. I enjoy reading his articles but I think he is way off the mark on this one. Surely the Cowan/Hardie/Denton combo is the most appealing choice.

Read it online, bizarre stuff really. I actually used to subscribe to The Scotsman, read it for many years but just couldn't take anymore ramblings from the parallel universe the likes of Morrison and others such as Lesley Riddoch live in. I think Morrison probably can't bring himself to praise a 'tartan kiwi' regardless of how well Hardie plays.

It's annoying because in Morrison's favour he's usually pretty well informed from contacts at the SRU. He always seemed to have the skinny on the latest Scott Johnson brainfart a day or so before the teamsheet confirmed the bad news.

Hopefully his "intelligence" on Ryan Wilson being ahead of Blair Cowan in the 6 pecking order is off the mark. My respect for Vern will diminish rapidly if I have to watch Ryan Wilson making a fool of himself and pushing and shoving the likes of Billy Vunipola and Joe Launchberry off the ball in the Calcutta Cup.

On a slightly different note, anyone ever been to the international in Rome. We are likely going to be there that weekend now, my daughters are doing their Italian leg of their university year in Europe and that weekend coincides with the younger ones 21st birthday, so we are all planning on rendezvous in Rome.

I am not sure what the best way to get tickets is. Is there an official source? I am pretty sure it won't sell out now it is in the Stade Olympico. I have seen them on Viagogo, but I suspect you end up paying over the odds for them there and will get lumped for an expensive postage tag.

Anyone got any suggestions?

I think all nations will have one eye on Scotland they are looking on the verge of something special.
They just need to make sure that the passion is controlled and not get frustrated and stay focused for the full 80 minutes

bsando wrote:3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

I've been watching the AP highlights on ITV4 lately and I have to say that I have a truly awful feeling that we're going to get torn a new hole.

I believe that if Bennett is out, it will be tournament over as he is, in my opinion, the most crucial back we have.

And it's got fck all to do with Ayr.

BigGee wrote:On a slightly different note, anyone ever been to the international in Rome. We are likely going to be there that weekend now, my daughters are doing their Italian leg of their university year in Europe and that weekend coincides with the younger ones 21st birthday, so we are all planning on rendezvous in Rome.

I am not sure what the best way to get tickets is. Is there an official source? I am pretty sure it won't sell out now it is in the Stade Olympico. I have seen them on Viagogo, but I suspect you end up paying over the odds for them there and will get lumped for an expensive postage tag.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Was there two years ago and going again this year.

Viagogo is actually really good, the tickets are reasonable used them both times and no issues and prices seem pretty much in line with what you would expect to pay. I think you can also download an e-ticket from them so would remove the p&p, but not used that function so can't say for sure.

BigGee wrote:On a slightly different note, anyone ever been to the international in Rome. We are likely going to be there that weekend now, my daughters are doing their Italian leg of their university year in Europe and that weekend coincides with the younger ones 21st birthday, so we are all planning on rendezvous in Rome.

I am not sure what the best way to get tickets is. Is there an official source? I am pretty sure it won't sell out now it is in the Stade Olympico. I have seen them on Viagogo, but I suspect you end up paying over the odds for them there and will get lumped for an expensive postage tag.

Anyone got any suggestions?

It looks a though there are still tickets available on the Italian rugby website.

http://ticket.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=32&lang=en

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

bsando wrote:3.5 weeks until kick off! How are we feeling about Scotland vs England?

Quick thoughts..

- Edinburgh/Glasgow spread is much better
- Players now in England/France could show some renewed energy
- Scotland looking settled despite a few injury concerns
- England an unknown but full of class players who can secure the win despite some injury concerns for them
- Scotland in my opinion are on the cusp of recording their best result in 6N

2015 XV vs potential 2016 XV
1 Alasdair Dickinson (same?)
2 Ross Ford (same)
3 Euan Murray (Nel)
4 Jim Hamilton (R Gray)
5 Jonny Gray (same)
6 Robert Harley (Cowan/Strauss)
7 Blair Cowan (Hardie)
8 David Denton (same/Strauss)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Captain/same)
10 Finn Russell (same)
11 Tommy Seymour (same)
12 Matt Scott (same/Dunbar?)
13 Mark Bennett (same)
14 Dougie Fife (Maitland)
15 Stuart Hogg (same)

I've been watching the AP highlights on ITV4 lately and I have to say that I have a truly awful feeling that we're going to get torn a new hole.

I believe that if Bennett is out, it will be tournament over as he is, in my opinion, the most crucial back we have.

And it's got fck all to do with Ayr.

He is important. However Taylor has been keeping Bosch on the bench for Sarries. He's been one of the best players in the AP all season and even if Bennett wasn't injured Cotter I think would be fully justified in calling him in at 13 regardless.

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

Bad news for Scotland, Brad Barritt has been left out of the England squad. So that means they are likely to pick someone creative who can actually pass a ball!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Bad news for Scotland, Brad Barritt has been left out of the England squad.  So that means they are likely to pick someone creative who can actually pass a ball!

Owen Farrell is apparently lined up for the 12 jersey, don't know if that is good or bad for us.

It didn't work out so well for them in the world cup, but Farrell and Ford are both high class internationals so they will cause us problems.

I expect a mighty English pack and 10-12 axis getting England in the right places of the pitch.

Eddie Jones has said they need to play winning rugby, not necessarily expansive rugby.

That's what id expect is a big English pack and them to kick it into the right places however I don't think the forwards selected are particularly menacing. I think the Scottish pack will be able to match them especially the front five.

Owen Farrell is not a 12. If that is Jones' master plan then I'm delighted.

Sam Hill on the other hand is bad news.

You guys feeling a little better about the first game then?

Not really. There's going to be a great buzz around this England squad and Jones could pick a pretty formidable group from that squad:

1.M Vunipola 2.George 3.Cole 4.Launchbury(c) 5.Kruis 6.Robshaw 7.Kvesic 8.B Vunipola 9.Youngs 10.Ford 11.Nowell 12.Hill 13.Joseph 14.Watson 15.Brown

16.Thomas 17.Hartley 18.Marler 19.Itoje 20.Haskell 21.Care 22.Farrell 23.Yarde

We'd have to play pretty damn well to beat that side.

I'm apprehensive but hope that we put up a decent fight.

That's what I thought before Australia too when the guys really hung in there.

I don't think we'll win against a starting XV from that lot - my bet is on another 'brave' loss. The teams fragile psychee will be fairly battered from a tough Pro12 (Glasgow) and the memory of the Australia loss.

Going out on a whim here, anyone want to see Jackson back starting at 10? Russell needs to do a bit of soul searching to regain his previous form and when Jackson has played for Wasps he's been superb.

Russell is a good player. I do think Jackson is also rediscovering how well he can play.

If performance in Navy Blue is the benchmark Russel stays. If form is the benchmark Jackson plays.

I would stick with Russell personally (continuity as much as anything else), although Jackson should certainly be on the bench.

Just looking at that proposed England XV it's hard to make a compelling case for many Scots being included in a combined team based on recent form. I'd go with Nel, J Gray, Hardie and Scott.

Taylor, a fit Visser and Bennett might have been able to make a case for inclusion in the England team.

Also worth noting how highly thought of Laidlaw is at Glaws. I personally think he is better than either Youngs or Care.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Taylor, a fit Visser and Bennett might have been able to make a case for inclusion in the England team.

Also worth noting how highly thought of Laidlaw is at Glaws. I personally think he is better than either Youngs or Care.

Personally I'm surprised that Joe Simpson still hasn't been considered for England.

It's a shame as he's a great sniping scrum half.

Radge - no case for Laidlaw ahead of Youngs on current form. Laidlaw hasn't even started all of Glaws' recent games. I notice he was on the bench against LI game before last and against Sale prior to the Quins game. Seems to alternate with Heinz. Youngs meanwhile has been integral to Leicester this season.

Laidlaw is extremely important for Scotland, but I think Youngs is the better player at the moment.

If Bennett were to be fit then I think there's a good case vs Joseph, but I disgree on Taylor. Taylor is a good strong and direct option at 13, but he doesn't have the class in attack that Bennett and Joseph share.

I suppose if Yarde and Ashton can make the England squad then you have to say that Visser (on this season's form) has a case, but he's injured so I discounted him.

NeilyBroon wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Taylor, a fit Visser and Bennett might have been able to make a case for inclusion in the England team.

Also worth noting how highly thought of Laidlaw is at Glaws. I personally think he is better than either Youngs or Care.

Personally I'm surprised that Joe Simpson still hasn't been considered for England.

It's a shame as he's a great sniping scrum half.

I rate him as well, particularly his ability to break from the back of the scrum/ruck, but his passing can be erratic. He's akin to one of these modern day props who puts in a rampaging shift oin the loose only to fold like a cheap suit at the set piece. I think it's his basics that hold him back.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Radge - no case for Laidlaw ahead of Youngs on current form. Laidlaw hasn't even started all of Glaws' recent games. I notice he was on the bench against LI game before last and against Sale prior to the Quins game. Seems to alternate with Heinz. Youngs meanwhile has been integral to Leicester this season.

Laidlaw is extremely important for Scotland, but I think Youngs is the better player at the moment.

If Bennett were to be fit then I think there's a good case vs Joseph, but I disgree on Taylor. Taylor is a good strong and direct option at 13, but he doesn't have the class in attack that Bennett and Joseph share.

I suppose if Yarde and Ashton can make the England squad then you have to say that Visser (on this season's form) has a case, but he's injured so I discounted him.

I think that is unfair on Laidlaw – he has started a lot of games for Gloucester this year and has even captained them on several occasions. I think it is more a rotation thing than anything else.

Indeed he is credited with completely turning a game off the bench recently – I can’t remember which one though!

I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying he's better than Care or Young though!

What I cannot understand is, one of the best Scottish players playing in the Pro12, playing for and captaining a side that are currently at the top of the league, and has been one of their best players, will get overlooked and left out of the squad.

But hey ho, Scotland's loss is Scarlets gain.

LordDowlais wrote:What I cannot understand is, one of the best Scottish players playing in the Pro12, playing for and captaining a side that are currently at the top of the league, and has been one of their best players, will get overlooked and left out of the squad.

But hey ho, Scotland's loss is Scarlets gain.

We're with you on that one LD. I'd have Barclay right behind Hardie in the pecking order at 7. My back row options for the Scotland 6 Nations squad would certainly include Barclay, along with Cowan, Strauss, Hardie and Denton. Anyone else included is just there to hold the tackle bags.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:What I cannot understand is, one of the best Scottish players playing in the Pro12, playing for and captaining a side that are currently at the top of the league, and has been one of their best players, will get overlooked and left out of the squad.

But hey ho, Scotland's loss is Scarlets gain.

We're with you on that one LD. I'd have Barclay right behind Hardie in the pecking order at 7. My back row options for the Scotland 6 Nations squad would certainly include Barclay, along with Cowan, Strauss, Hardie and Denton. Anyone else included is just there to hold the tackle bags.

He has been awesome for Scarlets this season, a real joy to watch, he has been playing on the flanks and no.8. I really cannot fathom why he is being overlooked, it is not as if he is going through a purple patch either, he has been quality since he arrived in South Wales.

He was outstanding in the WC warm-ups and lost out to Ryan Wilson and Al Strokosch. Wilson is rubbish and Strokosch was off the pace for at least 12 months prior having only played in the second tier in France. The inclusion of Barclay and Cowan from the outset would have made the squad much stronger. When Cowan was called-up it was no surprise to see him instantly leapfrog Wilson and Strokosch in the pecking order, despite playing at 6 which is their natural position and not his.

I don't think Barclay is better than Hardie at 7, and he probably isn't viable as a starting option at 8 with Cowan at 6 (that's basically three opensides in the back row), but he's certainly got a strong case vs Cowan at 6, or alternatively as a bench option (leaving Strauss and Denton with a straight shoot for the 8 jersey).

RDW_Scotland wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Radge - no case for Laidlaw ahead of Youngs on current form. Laidlaw hasn't even started all of Glaws' recent games. I notice he was on the bench against LI game before last and against Sale prior to the Quins game. Seems to alternate with Heinz. Youngs meanwhile has been integral to Leicester this season.

Laidlaw is extremely important for Scotland, but I think Youngs is the better player at the moment.

If Bennett were to be fit then I think there's a good case vs Joseph, but I disgree on Taylor. Taylor is a good strong and direct option at 13, but he doesn't have the class in attack that Bennett and Joseph share.

I suppose if Yarde and Ashton can make the England squad then you have to say that Visser (on this season's form) has a case, but he's injured so I discounted him.

I think that is unfair on Laidlaw – he has started a lot of games for Gloucester this year and has even captained them on several occasions. I think it is more a rotation thing than anything else.

Indeed he is credited with completely turning a game off the bench recently – I can’t remember which one though!

I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying he's better than Care or Young though!

I am a Glaws fan and even I do not think Laidlaw is as good a scrum half as Youngs or Care. He does bring a very reliable place kicking game at least on short and mid range kicks.

It think it will be tight and should be a great game and I have managed to get tickets.

Exiledinborders wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Radge - no case for Laidlaw ahead of Youngs on current form. Laidlaw hasn't even started all of Glaws' recent games. I notice he was on the bench against LI game before last and against Sale prior to the Quins game. Seems to alternate with Heinz. Youngs meanwhile has been integral to Leicester this season.

Laidlaw is extremely important for Scotland, but I think Youngs is the better player at the moment.

If Bennett were to be fit then I think there's a good case vs Joseph, but I disgree on Taylor. Taylor is a good strong and direct option at 13, but he doesn't have the class in attack that Bennett and Joseph share.

I suppose if Yarde and Ashton can make the England squad then you have to say that Visser (on this season's form) has a case, but he's injured so I discounted him.

I think that is unfair on Laidlaw – he has started a lot of games for Gloucester this year and has even captained them on several occasions. I think it is more a rotation thing than anything else.

Indeed he is credited with completely turning a game off the bench recently – I can’t remember which one though!

I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying he's better than Care or Young though!

I am a Glaws fan and even I do not think Laidlaw is as good a scrum half as Youngs or Care. He does bring a very reliable place kicking game at least on short and mid range kicks.

It think it will be tight and should be a great game and I have managed to get tickets.  

Do live in Hawick and have you just won the lottery?

If so, can I have some money?

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Exiledinborders wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Radge - no case for Laidlaw ahead of Youngs on current form. Laidlaw hasn't even started all of Glaws' recent games. I notice he was on the bench against LI game before last and against Sale prior to the Quins game. Seems to alternate with Heinz. Youngs meanwhile has been integral to Leicester this season.

Laidlaw is extremely important for Scotland, but I think Youngs is the better player at the moment.

If Bennett were to be fit then I think there's a good case vs Joseph, but I disgree on Taylor. Taylor is a good strong and direct option at 13, but he doesn't have the class in attack that Bennett and Joseph share.

I suppose if Yarde and Ashton can make the England squad then you have to say that Visser (on this season's form) has a case, but he's injured so I discounted him.

I think that is unfair on Laidlaw – he has started a lot of games for Gloucester this year and has even captained them on several occasions. I think it is more a rotation thing than anything else.

Indeed he is credited with completely turning a game off the bench recently – I can’t remember which one though!

I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying he's better than Care or Young though!

I am a Glaws fan and even I do not think Laidlaw is as good a scrum half as Youngs or Care. He does bring a very reliable place kicking game at least on short and mid range kicks.

It think it will be tight and should be a great game and I have managed to get tickets.  

Do live in Hawick and have you just won the lottery?

If so, can I have some money?

The good news is I do not live in Hawick. The bad news is I did not win the big lottery. I did win the tickets in a lottery though!

Here's the scotland under 20 squad, wee call up for Adam Hastings.
Scotland under-20 squad for Six Nations training camp on Tuesday 12-14 January at BT Murrayfield:

Forwards

Stephen Ainslie (Currie)
Lewis Anderson (Ayr)
Hamilton Burr (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby)
Sebastian Cecil (Nottingham University)
Ben Christie (Loughborough)
Luke Crosbie (Currie) *
Scott Cummings (Glasgow Hawks) **
Andrew Davidson (Glasgow Hawks) **
Matt Emmison (Aberdeenshire)
Bruce Flockhart (Glasgow Hawks) **
Callum Hunter-Hill (Stirling County) **
Murray McCallum (Heriot’s) **
Ally Miller (Melrose) **
Adam Nicol (Stirling County)
Gary Robertson (Gala) **
Callum Sheldon (University of Leeds)
Matt Smith (Glasgow Hawks) **

Backs

Reiss Cullen (Watsonians)
Hugh Fraser (Heriot’s) **
Tom Galbraith (Melrose) **
Darcy Graham (Hawick) *
Adam Hastings (Bath Rugby)
Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints)
Chris Lines (Boroughmuir)
Ross McCann (Stewart’s Melville) *
Matt McPhillips (Currie)
Robbie Nairn (Harlequins)
Ben Robbins (Currie) **
Charlie Shiel (Currie) *
George Taylor (Melrose) **

Unavailable for selection due to injury

Scott Burnside (Boroughmuir)*, Jake Kerr (Boroughmuir)**, Dan Elkington (Melrose), Alex Craig (Gloucester), Tom Gordon (Currie)*, Lewis Wynne (Stirling County)**, Ruairi Howarth (Gala)**

Unavailable for selection due to pro-team commitments

Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby)

*BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 2 player 2015/16
** BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy Stage 3 player 2015/16