Scotland 6N lookahead

by **RDW** Mon 19 Oct 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 16 Bangin11

Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 16 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 16 2gwb9210

Scotland 6N lookahead - Page 16 2gwb9210

Wales V Scotland

Italy V Scotland

Scotland V France
Ireland V Scotland

by funnyExiledScot Tue 19 Jan 2016, 5:25 pm

I just wonder whether Anthony Watson will be able to handle Sean Lamont's pace.

by Tattie Scones RRN Tue 19 Jan 2016, 5:26 pm

jimbopip wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Nice piece from Tom English...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35354504

It is worrying though - the lack of form from some players. Perhaps the high intensity of test matches will bring them back to their playing best.

Although I still think we'll get battered by England, I'm hugely looking forward to the battle of the packs.

I have a feeling you could well be right there.

15. Hogg Looked less than 100% when he came off against Saints; seemed to be nursing his groin
14. Seymour Glasgow fans are beginning to forget what he looks like; could he possibly be match fit for the England game?
13. Can he possibly rise from his sick bed in time? It would be a miracle.
12. Scott12 and Dunbar both seem fit.
11. McMisser crocked

We could easily see a back three of Schlong-Jackson- NoMaits. Lots of tries there. Lots of attacking prowess.

The English will be quaking in their boots.

Is this one of those times we pray for a cold rainy day resulting in an arm wrestle?

by 123456789 Tue 19 Jan 2016, 6:03 pm

Stop all of the negativity, stop it right now.

England out of Rugby World Cup as Australia win 33-13

Rugby World Cup 2015: Australia beat Scotland in final minute

Personally I'd pick:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Barclay
7. Hardie
8. Denton
9. Laidlaw
10. Russell
11. Visser
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Reid 17. MacInally 18. Fagerson 19. Toolis 20. Strauss 21. Hidalgo-Clyne 22. Jackson 23. Seymour

I cannot remember the last time Scotland could put out a side of that quality; 4 Lions, 3 Players with Super Rugby experience, 2 players nominated for World Rugby Awards and 1 sentient being.

Of course a lot of them are out of sorts but Wales have shown for a long time that club form is not always representative of International, Glasgow have played a lot of almost scratch teams without settled combinations, Scotland have them, remember Scotland spent all summer developing them Glasgow had no chance of that at all with around 20 players away at the world cup and quite a high turnaround of players as well. There's a time and a place for negativity which is after losing to England and not before.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue 19 Jan 2016, 7:33 pm

123456789 wrote:Stop all of the negativity, stop it right now.

England out of Rugby World Cup as Australia win 33-13
Rugby World Cup 2015: Australia beat Scotland in final minute

Personally I'd pick:

1. Dickinson
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Barclay
7. Hardie
8. Denton
9. Laidlaw
10. Russell
11. Visser
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Reid 17. MacInally 18. Fagerson 19. Toolis 20. Strauss 21. Hidalgo-Clyne 22. Jackson 23. Seymour

I cannot remember the last time Scotland could put out a side of that quality; 4 Lions, 3 Players with Super Rugby experience, 2 players nominated for World Rugby Awards and 1 sentient being.

Of course a lot of them are out of sorts but Wales have shown for a long time that club form is not always representative of International, Glasgow have played a lot of almost scratch teams without settled combinations, Scotland have them, remember Scotland spent all summer developing them Glasgow had no chance of that at all with around 20 players away at the world cup and quite a high turnaround of players as well. There's a time and a place for negativity which is after losing to England and not before.

Well said.

by **RDW** Tue 19 Jan 2016, 8:00 pm

So without being overly negative, or overly optimistic, the straight up hard cold facts with numbers' team is:

1. Dickinson (injured for several weeks, will be lacking match practice)
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Barclay (hasn't played 6 much, has had a few injuries lately too)
7. Hardie
8. Denton (will be lacking confidence in a struggling Bath team)
9. Laidlaw
10. Russell (lacking form and confidence)
11. Visser (unavailable for the England game - injured)
12. Dunbar (just back from an injury nightmare - fitness can't be relied upon)
13. Bennett (likely injured, or at least lacking match fitness)
14. Maitland (had injuries lately and hardly featured in a losing LI team)
15. Hogg (lacking form and heavily overplayed in recent weeks)

16. Reid
17. MacInally (just back from long term injury)
18. Fagerson (20 years old, uncapped)
19. Toolis (just back from long term injury)
20. Strauss (lacking form and match fitness)
21. Hidalgo-Clyne
22. Jackson (lacking regular game time)
23. Seymour (currently injured, lacking any match practice)

So I'm in agreement with Tom English - on paper we're looking good, scratch slightly beneath the surface and things ain't so rosey!

by Fanster Tue 19 Jan 2016, 8:09 pm

Got to be honest, it's not looking rosy for you guys, however I think this is a team that will get stronger as the comptition goes on, expect some rust and disjointedness early on, but by game 3 or 4 I see you guys starting to put stuff together like we havn't seen for a long time from the Scottish, paving the way for a good autumn and a real crack at next years 6N

by funnyExiledScot Tue 19 Jan 2016, 9:03 pm

The other version of events is that the Weegie players will be liberated by the chance to put club troubles behind them and have a crack at the 6 Nations. I can certainly see Jonny Gray and Josh Strauss enjoying the chance to combine with some quality forwards.

I think we'll narrowly lose to England, albeit claiming a moral victory, and beat Italy and France. That'll be enough progress for one year. Don't see us prospering in Ireland or Wales.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 7:59 am

Ian Morrison strikes again:

For all that, there is a dearth of young wingers coming through and demanding inclusion as Zander Fagerson has done in the front row. Of the seven players who can fill the back three slots just two of them, Stuart Hogg and Jackson, came through the Scottish system.

I'm sure Boroughmuir's Damien Hoyland and Currie's Tom Brown won't agree!

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 10:36 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Ian Morrison strikes again:

For all that, there is a dearth of young wingers coming through and demanding inclusion as Zander Fagerson has done in the front row. Of the seven players who can fill the back three slots just two of them, Stuart Hogg and Jackson, came through the Scottish system.

I'm sure Boroughmuir's Damien Hoyland and Currie's Tom Brown won't agree!

Do this guy get paid to write this drivel? It really is amateur hour. Rugby went professional and the same hacks just stuck around writing ill-informed dross. The case for picking Brown and Hoyland over Lamont, for example, is pretty easy to make. Lamont isn't first choice at Glasgow and isn't having a good season. In fact I can't remember the last thing he did as a winger to suggest to me that he was still a viable option at international level. Hoyland and Brown on the other hand have performed strongly this season, Hoyland in particular is scoring tries. I should also mention Blair Kinghorn who is certainly one for the future and who has already shown talent at 15 for Edinburgh this season.

That's of course without mentioning Robbie Nairn, Jamie Farndale and Rory Hughes, other prospects which although they haven't as yet put together a case for selection are certainly in the pipeline.

People with opinions that differ from my own I can just about live with, but Morrison is just getting it wrong.

by 123456789 Wed 20 Jan 2016, 11:36 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:So without being overly negative, or overly optimistic, the straight up hard cold facts with numbers' team is:

1. Dickinson (injured for several weeks, will be lacking match practice)
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Barclay (hasn't played 6 much, has had a few injuries lately too)
7. Hardie
8. Denton (will be lacking confidence in a struggling Bath team)
9. Laidlaw
10. Russell (lacking form and confidence)
11. Visser (unavailable for the England game - injured)
12. Dunbar (just back from an injury nightmare - fitness can't be relied upon)
13. Bennett (likely injured, or at least lacking match fitness)
14. Maitland (had injuries lately and hardly featured in a losing LI team)
15. Hogg (lacking form and heavily overplayed in recent weeks)

16. Reid
17. MacInally (just back from long term injury)
18. Fagerson (20 years old, uncapped)
19. Toolis (just back from long term injury)
20. Strauss (lacking form and match fitness)
21. Hidalgo-Clyne
22. Jackson (lacking regular game time)
23. Seymour (currently injured, lacking any match practice)

So I'm in agreement with Tom English - on paper we're looking good, scratch slightly beneath the surface and things ain't so rosey!

Again I'm becoming increasingly sure that confidence at club level is almost completely distinct from at international level; I'd say the confidence gained from playing with players they are familiar with (Glasgow have had too many changes and rotations for that familiarity) after spending the summer together and the world cup furthermore given that they will have the shared memories of pushing Australia, who were at that point the form team in world rugby, right to the wire. The point on Barclay not playing 6 often is irrelevant in my opinion, picking Barclay and Hardie would be in order to get two opensides on the pitch and at the breakdown, I'm not convinced an out and out 6 in necessary if we have Dickinson, Ford, Nel and the Grays as our front five, all of who are pretty mobile and able tacklers. For me that's the only way we'll beat England, to have two opensides and Dunbar on the pitch getting turnovers, I'd be tempted even to put Cowan at 8 and really attempt to dominate the breakdown.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 20 Jan 2016, 11:40 am

123456789 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:So without being overly negative, or overly optimistic, the straight up hard cold facts with numbers' team is:

1. Dickinson (injured for several weeks, will be lacking match practice)
2. Ford
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Gray
6. Barclay (hasn't played 6 much, has had a few injuries lately too)
7. Hardie
8. Denton (will be lacking confidence in a struggling Bath team)
9. Laidlaw
10. Russell (lacking form and confidence)
11. Visser (unavailable for the England game - injured)
12. Dunbar (just back from an injury nightmare - fitness can't be relied upon)
13. Bennett (likely injured, or at least lacking match fitness)
14. Maitland (had injuries lately and hardly featured in a losing LI team)
15. Hogg (lacking form and heavily overplayed in recent weeks)

16. Reid
17. MacInally (just back from long term injury)
18. Fagerson (20 years old, uncapped)
19. Toolis (just back from long term injury)
20. Strauss (lacking form and match fitness)
21. Hidalgo-Clyne
22. Jackson (lacking regular game time)
23. Seymour (currently injured, lacking any match practice)

So I'm in agreement with Tom English - on paper we're looking good, scratch slightly beneath the surface and things ain't so rosey!

Again I'm becoming increasingly sure that confidence at club level is almost completely distinct from at international level; I'd say the confidence gained from playing with players they are familiar with (Glasgow have had too many changes and rotations for that familiarity) after spending the summer together and the world cup furthermore given that they will have the shared memories of pushing Australia, who were at that point the form team in world rugby, right to the wire. The point on Barclay not playing 6 often is irrelevant in my opinion, picking Barclay and Hardie would be in order to get two opensides on the pitch and at the breakdown, I'm not convinced an out and out 6 in necessary if we have Dickinson, Ford, Nel and the Grays as our front five, all of who are pretty mobile and able tacklers. For me that's the only way we'll beat England, to have two opensides and Dunbar on the pitch getting turnovers, I'd be tempted even to put Cowan at 8 and really attempt to dominate the breakdown.

We'll stop being negative numbers, if you stop making suggestions like that Wink

Denton at 8, full stop.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 11:55 am

Good lord, the "let's play people in silly positions" brigade are out in force.

Can I ask the Mods to double check that Scott Johnson and Andy Robinson haven't hacked into the system with multiple accounts?

This is a good principle: players cannot be expected to dominate at international level in a position they do not play at club level. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

by EWT Spoons Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:00 pm

To be fair to numbers, the three backrow players could play together, just swap Barclay from 6 to 8 where he has played quite a lot for Scarlets and put Cowan at 6.

6 Cowan
7 Hardie
8 Barclay

I personally wouldn't go with that line up as it's too similar. I'd go with

Cowan
Hardie
Dents

Played well during the Oz game. My only concern is Cowan has a tendency to give away a lot of pens

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:03 pm

It is also worth noting that Australia are pretty much the only international team that has regularly and successfully utilised the two out and out opensides tactic, and that works for them because across the board their team is full of incredible athletes with very high skill levels. Although we are in a similar mould in terms of players available we don’t have anything like the quality across the park to be able to successfully implement a gameplan reliant on turnovers and disrupting opposition ball. Indeed the rest of our team are terrible at turnovers – we were lagging behind other teams in terms of turnovers during the world cup.

And of course if you bring in two opensides you lose out in other aspects – there’s a reason the vast majority of international rugby teams play a good big ‘un at blindside – including the world champions!

I’m not saying we need to go the polar opposite and stick it up the jumper, but something of a hybrid of the 2. IMO Cowan is a good option at 6 as he offers the 6.5 role that will allow us to do that.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:04 pm

At the World Cup we landed upon the most effective back row combination I've seen Scotland deploy in years. All those players are currently fit. Let's just stick with that.

The only debate for me is who to have on the bench: Barclay or Strauss? I'm easy to be honest. The key thing is to ensure that Barclay is on the Scotland bench for the weekend Edinburgh travel away to play the Scarlets. That should be a priority for Vern.

by 123456789 Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:14 pm

Well in the squad we have four opensides and no blindsides, of course Strauss and Denton can both play there but realistically it'll probably come down to a simple case of Cowan or Barclay at six and for me Barclay is an infinitely better player, furthermore with our ability (or lack of) to defend the maul Barclay seems the better option given Cowan's penalty record.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:19 pm

123456789 wrote:Well in the squad we have four opensides and no blindsides, of course Strauss and Denton can both play there but realistically it'll probably come down to a simple case of Cowan or Barclay at six and for me Barclay is an infinitely better player, furthermore with our ability (or lack of) to defend the maul Barclay seems the better option given Cowan's penalty record.

You’re right – there isn’t a 6 in the squad but I don’t think anyone but Strauss or Cowan should be considered there.

And Cowan did give a lot of penalties away last 6N but was much better in the World Cup, not giving many away at all if I remember rightly. And a good 7 is more likely to give away more penalties than anyone else!

As for the bit in bold – Headscratch

I don’t see how Barclay instead of Cowan would make any difference on maul defence? Is Cowan a serial offender in bringing down mauls and would it mean our maul defence would be significantly better if Barclay was there instead??

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:23 pm

Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

by 123456789 Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:28 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
123456789 wrote:Well in the squad we have four opensides and no blindsides, of course Strauss and Denton can both play there but realistically it'll probably come down to a simple case of Cowan or Barclay at six and for me Barclay is an infinitely better player, furthermore with our ability (or lack of) to defend the maul Barclay seems the better option given Cowan's penalty record.

You’re right – there isn’t a 6 in the squad but I don’t think anyone but Strauss or Cowan should be considered there.

And Cowan did give a lot of penalties away last 6N but was much better in the World Cup, not giving many away at all if I remember rightly. And a good 7 is more likely to give away more penalties than anyone else!

As for the bit in bold –

I don’t see how Barclay instead of Cowan would make any difference on maul defence? Is Cowan a serial offender in bringing down mauls and would it mean our maul defence would be significantly better if Barclay was there instead??

Cowan gives away a penalty, they kick it into our 22, they drive over.

And given Cowan played maybe two full games during the world cup one would expect him to give away far fewer, furthermore what is it that Cowan offers in the 6 shirt that Barclay does not?

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:40 pm

123456789 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
123456789 wrote:Well in the squad we have four opensides and no blindsides, of course Strauss and Denton can both play there but realistically it'll probably come down to a simple case of Cowan or Barclay at six and for me Barclay is an infinitely better player, furthermore with our ability (or lack of) to defend the maul Barclay seems the better option given Cowan's penalty record.

You’re right – there isn’t a 6 in the squad but I don’t think anyone but Strauss or Cowan should be considered there.

And Cowan did give a lot of penalties away last 6N but was much better in the World Cup, not giving many away at all if I remember rightly. And a good 7 is more likely to give away more penalties than anyone else!

As for the bit in bold –

I don’t see how Barclay instead of Cowan would make any difference on maul defence? Is Cowan a serial offender in bringing down mauls and would it mean our maul defence would be significantly better if Barclay was there instead??

Cowan gives away a penalty, they kick it into our 22, they drive over.

And given Cowan played maybe two full games during the world cup one would expect him to give away far fewer, furthermore what is it that Cowan offers in the 6 shirt that Barclay does not?

Absolutely agree - the best way to prevent those kind of opportunities is to try and give away less penalties in your own half, but it is grossly simplistic to suggest that replacing Cowan with Barclay would mean we lose less maul tries IMO.

And there's nothing stopping Barclay doing a job at 6 but that's not really the point. With Cowan at 6 we stumbled on a combo that looked like it worked well and there's absolutely no reason to change that now before giving it a chance to flourish. Also, Cowan often plays 6 for London Irish too - more often than Barclay does for the Scarlets anway.

Also, when Barclay plays 8 for Scarlets he is fulfilling a very specific role that works because of the other players around him that make up the back row and the tactics they implement. That role and those tactics will be very different from what Scotland does, so again it is too simplistic to say that you can throw Barclay on at 8 for Scotland and it will be as successful.

by **George Carlin** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:49 pm

Yes, it is important to realise that Cowan conceded far fewer penalties in the last two games because he had Hardie to help him do the donkey work at the breakdown. Cowan at 6 works only with Hardie or Barclay at 7, not otherwise.

With a fetcher at 7 and a quasi-fetcher at 6, that should be perfectly sufficient to be competitive at the breakdown. I wouldn't sacrifice Denton or Strauss' bulk and carrying power at 8 just to get another openside onto the field.

I am also concerned that Eddie Jones will be alive to the benefits of having 2 breakdown specialists on at the same time (or 1 specialist and 1 support) and will choose something like 6 Robshaw 7 Kvesic.

by cakeordeath Wed 20 Jan 2016, 12:59 pm

So to sum up, the overall feeling is that, as dark horses, we may scrape a win against Italy. We are going to get a pumping from any team half competent.

by Nematode Wed 20 Jan 2016, 2:39 pm

I'm not too sure I'd go with Denton (based on his current form). He just isn't playing well enough for international rugby. He looks almost lost. It may be that in the Scotland set up he is back to his best (where he seems to be at the heart of everything good) although when he isn't playing well he is invisible.

I'd go with Barlcay, Hardie and Strauss, with Barlcay there for turnovers, Hardie tackling and Strauss go forward.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 2:44 pm

Nematode wrote:He just isn't playing well enough for international rugby. He looks almost lost.

To be fair you could say the same about Strauss just now too - I don't think many Glasgow fans would agree he's been at his best this season. Plus he's not played since the second 1872 leg.

I'd hope Denton would be much more effective when he's back in a time that actually uses him for his ball carrying!

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 2:56 pm

Strauss isn't getting in the Glasgow side ahead of Wilson and Ashe. That's a massive concern.

We know that Cowan, Hardie and Denton works well. Let's give them a chance to carry on where they left off at the World Cup.

by Hazel Sapling Wed 20 Jan 2016, 4:42 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Strauss isn't getting in the Glasgow side ahead of Wilson and Ashe. That's a massive concern.

We know that Cowan, Hardie and Denton works well. Let's give them a chance to carry on where they left off at the World Cup.

I think they may be realising they have overplayed Strauss for a while and Ashe is finally healthy enough to take some of the slack.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 4:50 pm

What has happened to Mike Cusak by the way? When did he last actually play for Glasgow?

Is he listed as injured?

by **NeilyBroon** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 4:53 pm

I'd say Barclay on bench because of combos but on form he's actually the best 8 we have at the moment, despite the fact he's actually a 7 (I like Denton but he's having a bit of a torrid time at Bath).

I would like to see the Cowan, Barclay, Hardie axis deployed to be honest but it depends on how things go at camp. I'd be disappointed if Strauss was on the bench over Barclay. Again I like Strauss but like Denton he's not having a great season. Barclay has played out of his skin since he got to Scarlets, which was... 3 seasons ago?

He's 29, we may as well make the most of him while he's still in his prime.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Wed 20 Jan 2016, 5:14 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:What has happened to Mike Cusak by the way? When did he last actually play for Glasgow?

Is he listed as injured?

As far as I can remember, he started on 27th November 13-6 victory over Treviso.

He probably is still suffering from indigestion from eating too much Italian...

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 5:21 pm

Injury update from Glasgow on Harley, Horne and Vernon

Following an MRI scan at BMI Ross Hall Hospital, Richie Vernon has undergone shoulder surgery.

The centre is expected to be out of action for an extended period of time and will hopefully return before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that Peter Horne (foot) and Rob Harley (thumb) are making good progress as they continue their rehab from injury.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "We're disappointed to lose Richie (Vernon) for the next few months.

"He failed to progress as expected, so in the end an operation was required, which will keep him out for most of the season. We wish him all the best with his recovery.

"Rob Harley has joined in with training over the last few days and Peter Horne is working hard to get back soon."

by jimbopip Wed 20 Jan 2016, 5:22 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

So, Mr Scones let off the new daddy leash plus five "friends" in Dublin for a Six Nations weekend.

My liver weeps at the thought of it. RedWine

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 20 Jan 2016, 5:41 pm

jimbopip wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

So, Mr Scones let off the new daddy leash plus five "friends" in Dublin for a Six Nations weekend.

My liver weeps at the thought of it.

My 40th present to myself considering previous plans are now scuppered!! Another good present would be for Ireland to get pumped in the first three games so that the current cheapest price for tickets (£150) goes down to a more realistic level.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 5:57 pm

Tim Swinson has only copped a 1 week ban so is available for the England game.

by munkian Wed 20 Jan 2016, 8:03 pm

Glasgow flanker Ryan Wilson has been cleared of grabbing the testicles of Northampton's scrum-half Lee Dickson in a European Champions Cup match.

by Exiledinborders Wed 20 Jan 2016, 8:15 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Tim Swinson has only copped a 1 week ban so is available for the England game.

This is ridiculous. A clear punch against a player who was unable to defend himself. It was completely unprovoked. Swinson is both a dirty player and a coward. A long ban would be appropriate.

by Exiledinborders Wed 20 Jan 2016, 8:19 pm

munkian wrote:Glasgow flanker Ryan Wilson has been cleared of grabbing the testicles of Northampton's scrum-half Lee Dickson in a European Champions Cup match.

Even though it was clear for all to see on video. It does make one wonder about the impartiality of the tribunal when Wilson gets off for clear foul play, Swinson gets a week and Ashton gets a long ban. I have no real problem with Ashton's ban. Although clearly unintentional it was dangerous but grabbing the balls of another player carries a similar ban and Swinson's cowardly punch against a player who was unable to defend himself deserved a long ban.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Jan 2016, 8:23 pm

I wouldn't say it was clear for all to see - Dickson's body was in the way so you couldn't actually see what happened.

It looks very much like he grabbed his nuts but there's no proof beyond reasonable doubt that he did!

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 9:01 pm

They should have asked whether Dickson spoke in a high pitched voice after the game....

Thankfully Vern didn't pick him. Fingers crossed no back row injuries.

by cakeordeath Wed 20 Jan 2016, 9:19 pm

Swinson deserved a longer ban, which would have also had the advantage of removing him from the Scotland squad

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Jan 2016, 10:51 pm

I'm not so down on Swinson. There was a case for Alex Toolis but Swinson always gets through a ton of work and is a pretty solid customer in defence.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Wed 20 Jan 2016, 11:24 pm

I think Swinson was lucky with 1 week, his good record probably reduced his ban, as he is not a dirty player. To be honest, that punch was by far the worst I've seen from him.
Had the ban been more, Alex Toolis would've been adequate cover. But after him who would we call on?

by **George Carlin** Thu 21 Jan 2016, 7:08 am

More joy and laughter from Iain 'Corporal Jones' Morrison in the Hootsmon:

Iain Morrison: Imbalanced look to Scotland Six Nations squad

In announcing his “big squad” for the tournament Vern Cotter found himself the centre of attention with four video cameras, the same number of snappers and perhaps 30 journalists all told. Welcome to the Six Nations, which boasts its very own magnetic attraction, not necessarily matched by the quality of the sport on offer.

The 35-man Scotland selection – 15 backs and 20 forwards – looked hopelessly ill-balanced at first glance. There were just two scrum-halves named which is odd because two nines will always be involved in the matchday 23 and they have about 101 different codes and calls to memorise between now and the opening match at home to England on  6 February.

It looks like Cotter is taking a huge gamble or perhaps he just knows that Henry Pyrgos is due back from injury at any moment and he didn’t want to name Ali Price only to drop the young Warrior when  Pyrgos bins the crutches.

In the back line there were only five players named to fill the back three slots which looks fine until you realise that three of the five specialists, Tommy Seymour, Tim Visser and Sean Maitland, are currently sidelined by injury.

The good news is that all three men are due back fairly soon and the better news is that Sarries’ centre Duncan Taylor can double up as a winger – he scored a try against the England Saxons while wearing 14 on his back – and Ruaridh Jackson is a handy enough full-back.

For all that, there is a dearth of young wingers coming through and demanding inclusion as Zander Fagerson has done in the front row. Of the seven players who can fill the back three slots just two of them, Stuart Hogg and Jackson, came through the Scottish system.

But the biggest imbalance in the yesterday’s squad came in the third row of the scrum where Cotter announced four specialist sevens and three specialist No 8 forwards with not one blindside flanker in sight!

The coach insisted that he had determined not to pick Ryan Wilson in this squad even before the Glasgow man picked up a citing for grabbing the testicles of Saints’ skipper Lee Dickson. If we take his word for that then the Kiwi appears happy to go into the tournament without a specialist six but it’s not quite that simple.

“What’s in front of them will excite them. They’ve been selected for their national team and especially with a big game first up, the Calcutta Cup, the focus will quickly switch to that.”

That England game fills the horizon at present but, asked if Scotland could have genuine aspirations of aiming to win the championship for the first time in 17 years, Cotter said: “I think it’s important to believe that we can.

“The World Cup is behind us now and we want to move forward. The desire is to improve, kick on and take the next step.”

Also, Strauss and Denton have played blindside a lot, so I don't even think that he's correct.

by **RDW** Thu 21 Jan 2016, 7:39 am

I posted part of that yesterday - his 'dearth of young wingers' comment was particularly bad!

by gregortree Thu 21 Jan 2016, 7:46 am

The phantom testicle tackler is cleared for landing.

by **George Carlin** Thu 21 Jan 2016, 8:36 am

gregortree wrote:The phantom testicle tackler is cleared for landing.

It seems so. Serena Williams had better watch out.

by Majestic83 Thu 21 Jan 2016, 9:57 am

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

So, Mr Scones let off the new daddy leash plus five "friends" in Dublin for a Six Nations weekend.

My liver weeps at the thought of it.

My 40th present to myself considering previous plans are now scuppered!! Another good present would be for Ireland to get pumped in the first three games so that the current cheapest price for tickets (£150) goes down to a more realistic level.

Was shocked when I saw the price of the Ireland v Scotland tickets yesterday. We had been looking to go for my stag do as we found pretty cheap flights and reasonable price accommodation but the price of the tickets definitely knocked going to the game on the head.

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 21 Jan 2016, 10:22 am

Majestic83 wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

So, Mr Scones let off the new daddy leash plus five "friends" in Dublin for a Six Nations weekend.

My liver weeps at the thought of it.

My 40th present to myself considering previous plans are now scuppered!! Another good present would be for Ireland to get pumped in the first three games so that the current cheapest price for tickets (£150) goes down to a more realistic level.

Was shocked when I saw the price of the Ireland v Scotland tickets yesterday. We had been looking to go for my stag do as we found pretty cheap flights and reasonable price accommodation but the price of the tickets definitely knocked going to the game on the head.

Especially when the IRFU announced the prices which were nearly £100 less! I wouldn't lose all hope Maj, as time draws nearer, prices should fall, especially if Ireland are out of the running. Touts on the day will also be selling way cheaper.

Failing that, a weekend in Dublin during St Patrick's celebrations sans match tickets will be just as good (perhaps even better if it's like the last game).

You know it makes sense.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 21 Jan 2016, 12:19 pm

A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:I think Swinson was lucky with 1 week, his good record probably reduced his ban, as he is not a dirty player. To be honest, that punch was by far the worst I've seen from him.
Had the ban been more, Alex Toolis would've been adequate cover. But after him who would we call on?

Well we're a bit unlucky to have Gilchrist and McKenzie both out of action, as well as Bob Harley (not that I deem him a lock), but I guess you're then onto silly ideas like using Denton at lock, or a bright young thing like Scott Cummings, or a less bright young thing like Kieran Low. Perhaps more likely would be an emergency call to Jim Hamilton to haul him out of retirement for one last yellow card.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 21 Jan 2016, 12:20 pm

Majestic83 wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Right folks...

I'm after up to 6 tickets (any category) for the Ireland v Scotland game on the 19th March providing they are less than the stupid prices of £150 for restricted view!!

Any help (RDW) would be appreciated.

So, Mr Scones let off the new daddy leash plus five "friends" in Dublin for a Six Nations weekend.

My liver weeps at the thought of it.

My 40th present to myself considering previous plans are now scuppered!! Another good present would be for Ireland to get pumped in the first three games so that the current cheapest price for tickets (£150) goes down to a more realistic level.

Was shocked when I saw the price of the Ireland v Scotland tickets yesterday. We had been looking to go for my stag do as we found pretty cheap flights and reasonable price accommodation but the price of the tickets definitely knocked going to the game on the head.

It's obviously not the same if you don't go to the game but the atmosphere in Dublin will still be pretty awesome, particularly given the likely outcome of the game for the Irish!

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 21 Jan 2016, 12:21 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
A Simply Mesmeric Try wrote:I think Swinson was lucky with 1 week, his good record probably reduced his ban, as he is not a dirty player. To be honest, that punch was by far the worst I've seen from him.
Had the ban been more, Alex Toolis would've been adequate cover. But after him who would we call on?

Well we're a bit unlucky to have Gilchrist and McKenzie both out of action, as well as Bob Harley (not that I deem him a lock), but I guess you're then onto silly ideas like using Denton at lock, or a bright young thing like Scott Cummings, or a less bright young thing like Kieran Low. Perhaps more likely would be an emergency call to Jim Hamilton to haul him out of retirement for one last yellow card.

It wasn't that long ago, some were calling for Hines!!!!

I'd go with Scott Murray personally.

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