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

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

Alasdair Reid has also written a non-article in The Times today bemoaning the lack of pace in the current Scotland backline - apparently only Visser has true pace in the squad.

This again is just rubbish. Hogg, Maitland, Seymour and Bennett are all pretty darn quick, particularly over the sort of distance that matters, and at top speed I suspect Maitland is every bit as quick as Visser.

There was no context to his article either. We've come from a era of having a back three of Southwell, Danielli, S Lamont and De Luca in the equivalent positions, so it's pretty odd to pick on this point with the current team. Of all the problems we have in the Scotland XV, I have no concerns over the pace of our outside backs. Odd article.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

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.

Surely Doddie Weir is still knocking about like a giraffe with thatched hair and a Rab C white headband?

George Carlin wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

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.

Surely Doddie Weir is still knocking about like a giraffe with thatched hair and a Rab C white headband?

I doubt we could afford Doddie. He's got that lucrative modelling contract with the company that makes tartan trousers.

Just seen this on the Edinburgh Rugby twitter (for anyone attending the Wales Scotland game)

funnyExiledScot wrote:

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

Alasdair Reid has also written a non-article in The Times today bemoaning the lack of pace in the current Scotland backline - apparently only Visser has true pace in the squad.

Lack of pace? Really?

How do these people get paid, seriously, amidst all the falling profits that newspapers are facing? In fact, how can you produce such drivel knowing that you might be getting fired next?

You'd get a more accurate picture of Scottish rugby if you outsourced the rugby pages to a moderately intelligent baboon.

Or have they already done that?

Richie Grey now working with Scotland squad as a consultant on the breakdown. Good news there!

Not long to make an impact though, guess we'll see how it goes.

After Denton's horrow show the other night, can someone please remind of why 'received wisdom' on these boards seems to have it that Dozer starts for Scotland at 8?

I don't think anyone is claiming that Strauss has hit the heights of last season, but I don't recall him being as mistake-prone as Denton and I cannot image that DD's confidence is at its peak at present either. I'd rather a safe pair of hands start.

George Carlin wrote:After Denton's horrow show the other night, can someone please remind of why 'received wisdom' on these boards seems to have it that Dozer starts for Scotland at 8?

I don't think anyone is claiming that Strauss has hit the heights of last season, but I don't recall him being as mistake-prone as Denton and I cannot image that DD's confidence is at its peak at present either. I'd rather a safe pair of hands start.

Well if Strauss is picked then he won't have played in over a month - hardly the best preparation to play England.

Barclay also hasn't played in recent weeks, and simply isn't an international 8 IMO.

My only hope is thT Denton will welcome coming back into an environment that suits him and uses his strengths properly!

On a side note, Sean Maitland once again didn't play for LI yesterday.

Denton's mistake yesterday in setting up Habana's try could conceivably have happened to anyone, he was attempting a pass that if it had come off may well have resulted in a try for Bath. What bothers me about his game is the ease with which he often loses the ball in contact, something a player of his size shouldn't be so prone to.
Given the alternatives are Strauss who hasn't played recently and Ashe who looks very under powered then the idea of playing Barclay at 8 might not be so risky, what he lacks in traditional 8 skills he may well make up for in other aspects of his play? The idea of Hardie, Cowan, Barclay and a hopefully fit Dunbar all on the field at the same time could make an absolute shambles of the opposition's breakdown.
Must admit I don't recall if Barclay has ever played at 8 internationally but I'm sure Cotter must be giving it some thought at least. Of course Cowan has plenty of club experience at 8 so Barclay may well be an option at 6.

Barclay played 8 with Rossco at 7 a few times. Including the manshaming of pooper in newcastle 2012

I would be a bit worried about how lightweight our loosie combo would be without a Strauss or a Butterfingers Denton. Vunipola's right boot must weigh as much as Greig Laidlaw.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

George Carlin wrote:After Denton's horrow show the other night, can someone please remind of why 'received wisdom' on these boards seems to have it that Dozer starts for Scotland at 8?

I don't think anyone is claiming that Strauss has hit the heights of last season, but I don't recall him being as mistake-prone as Denton and I cannot image that DD's confidence is at its peak at present either. I'd rather a safe pair of hands start.

Well if Strauss is picked then he won't have played in over a month - hardly the best preparation to play England.

Barclay also hasn't played in recent weeks, and simply isn't an international 8 IMO.

My only hope is thT Denton will welcome coming back into an environment that suits him and uses his strengths properly!

On a side note, Sean Maitland once again didn't play for LI yesterday.

Thats why they call him Seany nomaits hoho

But seriously, is he injured or just not getting game time?

Back row, I think Denton should start and if he has a howler then having a bloke like Strauss or Ashe on the bench isn't too bad. Denton hasn't been used by Bath in the same way Scotland use him, however from what I have seen he looked a little too relaxed and not overly switched on for Bath.

I wouldn't be surprised if the exact same team who faced the wallabies (bar any injuries) is fielded.

Maitland has just been injured I think.

Does anyone know what's been going on with Richie Gray? He hasn't played for Castres since 2nd January!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Maitland has just been injured I think.

Does anyone know what's been going on with Richie Gray? He hasn't played for Castres since 2nd January!

They pretty much put out there B team for the euro games and he would not be in that. Maybe he has fallen a little bit out of favour now he is leaving. I had not heard he is injured so would not read to much into it.

Other than he will also be lacking match fitness!

Just read an interview Witt Cotter saying Maitland is having hamstring issues - are we really going to be left with Lamont??

Alex Allan and Hamish Watson added to the squad - it doesn't look like they've replaced anyone though.

Shows how far Ryan Grant has fallen from grace - he's now 5th choice at least!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Alex Allan and Hamish Watson added to the squad - it doesn't look like they've replaced anyone though.

Shows how far Ryan Grant has fallen from grace - he's now 5th choice at least!

Good news. Like many others here I really rate Watson, he has a very bright future. RWC 2019 he will be our first choice 7, I think.

Anyone got any thoughts on Dunbar and Bennett's chances of recovering from their injuries in time for the England game?

"Centre Alex Dunbar sustained a mild posterior thigh strain in Glasgow Warriors’ 22-5 win over Racing 92 at Rugby Park in the European Champions Cup, and will require ongoing assessment and treatment. Fellow Warriors centre Mark Bennett continues to make good progress on the shoulder injury he sustained against Racing 92 in Paris earlier this month."

RDW_Scotland wrote:Alex Allan and Hamish Watson added to the squad - it doesn't look like they've replaced anyone though.

Shows how far Ryan Grant has fallen from grace - he's now 5th choice at least!

Cusack and Grant were the props for currie on saturday...and hawick were on top with no pros !

If Scott and Taylor are fit then I think start them against England, with whichever one of Dunbar or Bennett are deemed to be the most fit on the bench.

We don't want to rush them back and lose them for the rest of the championship, especially since Scott-Taylor are both on form just now.

RDW_Scotland wrote:If Scott and Taylor are fit then I think start them against England, with whichever one of Dunbar or Bennett are deemed to be the most fit on the bench.

We don't want to rush them back and lose them for the rest of the championship, especially since Scott-Taylor are both on form just now.

I'd be inclined to agree, but I can't help thinking Bennett and Dunbar are our best backs. Despite their club form, I'm not convinced about Scott and Taylor at international level, I really, really hope they prove me wrong.

nickj wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:If Scott and Taylor are fit then I think start them against England, with whichever one of Dunbar or Bennett are deemed to be the most fit on the bench.

We don't want to rush them back and lose them for the rest of the championship, especially since Scott-Taylor are both on form just now.

I'd be inclined to agree, but I can't help thinking Bennett and Dunbar are our best backs. Despite their club form, I'm not convinced about Scott and Taylor at international level, I really, really hope they prove me wrong.

Fit and on form I think Dunbar-Bennett are our best combo but if they aren't fully fit then I don't think it is worth risking.

Scott-Dunbar also looked to be a very promising partnership but unfortunately we haven't been able to see it much lately due to all their injuries.

People confident of the forthcoming match? Surely Scotland have to be favourites for this one and should go into with high confidence?

Looked very good in the world cup, England have a new coach going into 6N cold and it doesn't look a complete revamp of their side.

Not sure how the domestic set up has gone since then but no real major injuries right. Got to look for the players to take the next step rather than remain plucky losers.

Russell fit and playing well? If so got to think they will have a decent tournament.

fa0019 wrote:People confident of the forthcoming match? Surely Scotland have to be favourites for this one and should go into with high confidence?

Looked very good in the world cup, England have a new coach going into 6N cold and it doesn't look a complete revamp of their side.

Not sure how the domestic set up has gone since then but no real major injuries right. Got to look for the players to take the next step rather than remain plucky losers.

Russell fit and playing well? If so got to think they will have a decent tournament.

On paper we're looking good but scratch beneath the surface there are real concerns.

At least half of our best 23 are either just back from injury or are not yet back from injury, and until the Racing game at the weekend our key backs (Russell, Hogg) had shown poor form.

There are a lot of what if's to come before the England game - and at least some of our players will be going into it without any match fitness.

Don't know why people are stressing about Scott and Taylor being our fit and form centre partnership.

Both playing very well for their clubs.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't know why people are stressing about Scott and Taylor being our fit and form centre partnership.

Both playing very well for their clubs.

Exactly, we have put out many pairs of centres in the past who could not hold a candle to those two. I think if Duncan Taylor had been fit for the WC, he may well have been our first choice 12 or 13 by now anyway, he is having a storming season. I would even play him on the wing ahead of Lamont. He played there for Sarries at the weekend and had another very good game.

Alex Allan and Hamish Watson added to the squad, no mention of anyone being replaced but that has to mean some injury concerns about someone. Gordon Reid was concussed in the Northampton game, which might explain Allan, not so sure about the opensides. Fusaro looked ok this weekend. Did Hardie get hurt, I hope not!

BigGee wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't know why people are stressing about Scott and Taylor being our fit and form centre partnership.

Both playing very well for their clubs.

Exactly, we have put out many pairs of centres in the past who could not hold a candle to those two. I think if Duncan Taylor had been fit for the WC, he may well have been our first choice 12 or 13 by now anyway, he is having a storming season. I would even play him on the wing ahead of Lamont. He played there for Sarries at the weekend and had another very good game.

The only issue I have with Scott and Taylor is that they won't have had much time playing together.

Even if Dunbar and Bennett are only about 85%, is their collective understanding enough to give them the nod? Something that we really have to think about.

Mind you, the England midfield will just have been introduced too, probably.

George Carlin wrote:

BigGee wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Don't know why people are stressing about Scott and Taylor being our fit and form centre partnership.

Both playing very well for their clubs.

Exactly, we have put out many pairs of centres in the past who could not hold a candle to those two. I think if Duncan Taylor had been fit for the WC, he may well have been our first choice 12 or 13 by now anyway, he is having a storming season. I would even play him on the wing ahead of Lamont. He played there for Sarries at the weekend and had another very good game.

The only issue I have with Scott and Taylor is that they won't have had much time playing together.

Even if Dunbar and Bennett are only about 85%, is their collective understanding enough to give them the nod? Something that we really have to think about.

Mind you, the England midfield will just have been introduced too, probably.

Chemistry in a partnership is important. However not important not important enough for me to suggest not playing a fully fit Duncan Taylor and Matt Scott. Dunbar has barely played since the last 6N, Bennett has been playing well but I wouldn't risk his recovery when Scott and Taylor can do a job. People questioning their international credentials should have a look at how Scott played in the 2013 6N and the good work he did in the RWC.

Taylor does have a bit to prove, I agree. However his form for Sarries has been scintillating. Andf against some top teams. Going most of the season unbeaten in the premiership is an outstanding achievement and Taylor has been an important contributor. Scott at 12 and Taylor at 13 for the England game please.

I'd agree with Radge for the first two games at least, and give Scott/Taylor two games. I really don't want to be rushing Dunbar and Bennett back, particularly Bennett after his epic WC efforts. I also agree with BigGee that even if Bennett is fit and plays 13 outside Matt Scott, I'd put Taylor on the wing ahead of Lamont. I can't think of a reason not to, other than experience.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd agree with Radge for the first two games at least, and give Scott/Taylor two games. I really don't want to be rushing Dunbar and Bennett back, particularly Bennett after his epic WC efforts. I also agree with BigGee that even if Bennett is fit and plays 13 outside Matt Scott, I'd put Taylor on the wing ahead of Lamont. I can't think of a reason not to, other than experience.

Lamont's pace will stand him in good stead.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd agree with Radge for the first two games at least, and give Scott/Taylor two games. I really don't want to be rushing Dunbar and Bennett back, particularly Bennett after his epic WC efforts. I also agree with BigGee that even if Bennett is fit and plays 13 outside Matt Scott, I'd put Taylor on the wing ahead of Lamont. I can't think of a reason not to, other than experience.

Lamont's pace will stand him in good stead.

Watching Lamont trying to keep up with Daly, Joseph, Watson et al would be funny on one level.

Speaking of pace, I was a bit disappointed to see Matt Scott has lost a fair bit of it since he bulked up. You know Dunbar or Bennett would have scored the intercept against Grenoble. More worryingly he didn't see the two support runners.

Watch from 13:11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOt23GW9Hao

To be fair pace has never been his strong point, think back to 2012 and his intercept against the AB's, was never going to make it but thankfully found Visser.

And on another note, ohhh sweet jesus. Totally missed the Edinburgh game. Had no idea the end was quite that bad. Thought Aplon somehow beating everyone to the up and under was the low point and then I skipped to the end

To be fair he had Aplon chasing him down, who was the fastest man on the pitch!

Scott is pretty sharp on the burst which is really what you need at 12. He doesn't have great flat out speed, and probably lags a bit behind Alex Dunbar (who started out on the wing), but I don't think it's much of an issue. We've got pretty quick players in the outside backs and Russell is no slouch either. Once Laidlaw makes way for SH-C we'll have gas at 9 as well.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Once Laidlaw makes way for SH-C we'll have gas at 9 as well.

That is not going to happen soon, Sammy has not kicked on quite as fast as we had hoped this season and still has a way to go. He would be third choice if henry was fit!

funnyExiledScot wrote:Scott is pretty sharp on the burst which is really what you need at 12. He doesn't have great flat out speed, and probably lags a bit behind Alex Dunbar (who started out on the wing), but I don't think it's much of an issue. We've got pretty quick players in the outside backs and Russell is no slouch either. Once Laidlaw makes way for SH-C we'll have gas at 9 as well.

Your outside backs look very fast. If Finn gets a break or two he could set them alight.

I agree that a fast nippy Scrumhalf would do wonders for Scotland. Someone who is quick enough to keep the opposition back row guessing, opening spaces further out.

I really do hope Scotland do well. It's been too long.

I quite like the backline below. Funny how they appear to list Jackson as a 15 at the RBS 6 nations site. Enough on the bench as well if we are chasing the game.

9) Laidlaw
10) Russell
11) Seymour
12) Scott
13) Taylor
14) Maitland/Visser
15) Hogg

21) SHC
22) Jackson
23) Horne (assuming he is fit)/Lamont

Hazel Sapling wrote:I quite like the backline below. Funny how they appear to list Jackson as a 15 at the RBS 6 nations site. Enough on the bench as well if we are chasing the game.

9) Laidlaw
10) Russell
11) Seymour
12) Scott
13) Taylor
14) Maitland/Visser
15) Hogg

21) SHC
22) Jackson
23) Horne (assuming he is fit)/Lamont

I suspect that will be it - if Maitland isn't fit then Lamont, or if Bennett is fit then Taylor will be shifted to 14.

I know which one I'd prefer!

fa0019 wrote:People confident of the forthcoming match? Surely Scotland have to be favourites for this one and should go into with high confidence?

Looked very good in the world cup, England have a new coach going into 6N cold and it doesn't look a complete revamp of their side.

Not sure how the domestic set up has gone since then but no real major injuries right. Got to look for the players to take the next step rather than remain plucky losers.

Russell fit and playing well? If so got to think they will have a decent tournament.

That is the bit I keep having to disagree with

We played poorly in almost every game - with only a half here and there being good - which saw us through the opening games

We were terrible against Samoa, and probably should have lost and the only game we played well at was against Australia and even then we were playing a dangerous game of little possession and forcing mistakes

So to answer your question

No certainly not confident and fully expect to be playing for the wooden spoon again - BUT and doing my wee ' I am wrong' dance as I type

Agree with Risky on the Samoa game. Our defence was abysmal in that match, dropping off tackles left, right and centre. If we take that level of performance into the 6 Nations the Wooden Spoon will most certainly be ours.

I feel I need cheering up, not all is that bad! This said watching the last try reminded me of the emotional rollercoaster I endured in that semi-final...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5vCm0Bzjk

If we see more tries like these I will be delighted. If our defence and kickoff receives improve there is no reason why we can't perform to a high standard this 6Ns. Three games would leave me satisfied - might as well aim high!

I think two I'd be a little disappointed. Yes I know we've been rock bottom for the last few years but it's not like it's beyond the teams ability to win 3 games, it's not like they build up game by game each year. Wales were having a horrible time before they won their first 6Ns grandslam.

NeilyBroon wrote:I feel I need cheering up, not all is that bad! This said watching the last try reminded me of the emotional rollercoaster I endured in that semi-final...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV5vCm0Bzjk

If we see more tries like these I will be delighted. If our defence and kickoff receives improve there is no reason why we can't perform to a high standard this 6Ns. Three games would leave me satisfied - might as well aim high!

I think two I'd be a little disappointed. Yes I know we've been rock bottom for the last few years but it's not like it's beyond the teams ability to win 3 games, it's not like they build up game by game each year. Wales were having a horrible time before they won their first 6Ns grandslam.

Careful ...you are getting into dangerous territory there...belief is a terrible thing

Scotland improved thru the warm up games and the WC - culminating in them playing to their potential against Aus. Can we play as well as we did against Aus - in which case 3 games at least should be ours - or will the injuries / loss of form / lack of depth cost us?

TJ wrote:Scotland improved thru the warm up games and the WC - culminating in them playing to their potential against Aus.  Can we play as well as we did against Aus - in which case 3 games at least should be ours - or will the injuries / loss of form / lack of depth cost us?

I thought our worst performance came in the last game against Samoa.

Not a smooth climb by any means - but the overall trajectory was upwards culminating in a display that almost turned potential into reality. The Aus game they finally looked like a team.

TJ wrote:Not a smooth climb by any means - but the overall trajectory was upwards culminating in a display that almost turned potential into reality.  The Aus game they finally looked like a team.  

I see it different

We were poor in all games and got worst when we hit Samoa - we were lucky that the teams we played were not good

We are absolutely pants in the first half against the USA (THE USA FOR goodness sake, who could not buy a win for all the Cools Light in the world) and Absolute pants against Japan in the first half

Not, slightly poor, not ok, not unlucky - but RUBBISH - I was at the USA game, and I felt so embarrassed at half time - the whole place was just resigned to the usual rubbish from us - lucky the USA tired and we found a half of a good performance


We played well against Australia -

So in fact, we did the typical Scotland way - play well once and nearly get a massive upset - but fell typically short

I have very little positive feelings about the World Cup, as I think the positive spin on it is over egged massively and I saw very little to say we rounded any corners from the performances at the world cup

Ever thought about life coaching and motivation Risky?