Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XIII - Camp Crystal Meth

[A Simply Mesmeric Try]

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The season has commenced

[RDW]

Just to round off a sh!t weekend Scotland are getting pumped by England at the Dubai 7's

Jesus H Christ talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

For those of you that did not see it:

Scotland were leading and time was dead, they won a penalty and forgot that you can't kick it straight out in sevens. That rattled them and they then lost the lineout, England got possession and scored. A slightly fortuitous victory.

All they had to do was pass it then kick it out, even if they had knocked the pass on it would have been time!

It has not been our weekend

It certainly has not. Thanks for BeeGee for the commentary.

In other news I was having a look over the table and Glasgow are in real danger of finishing outside the top 6

And things aren't gonna get any easier for them - the 1872 cup is coming up!

[BigGee]

Frantically searching for some good new and fortunately London Scottish provided it by beating Ealing at home. That has jumped them right back up to 5th again and in with a play off shout, which would be some achievement given the start they had to the season.

McQuillan, Cherry, Sheils, Turner, Hunter-Hill, Miller, Kelly, Ferguson, Coombes and Gallbraith where all in that squad.

Ally Miller I think has played just about every game for them this season and has been a stand out player. Not easy to fill the boots of Mark Bright, who was actually playing for Ealing!

Despite its shaky start this arrangement seems to be working very well and a lot od these young players are getting a level of rugby that they could only have dreamed about had they stayed in Scotland. Hopefully some of them will return much better and more experienced players as well.

Big shout out to John Dalziel as well who is definitely improving his coaching reputation down there. We could see him back with one of the professional teams sooner rather than later as well.

Surely common sense will prevail and this arrangement will continue.

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t64636-champions-cup-pool-1-racing-92-v-glasgow-warriors-10-december

[BigGee]

Scotland partially redeem themselves for their co#k up against England with a gutsy win against France. They are going to be playing Oz now for 5th or 6th place.

They have actually looked very competent and been playing well. George Horne has looked very lively when he has come on in the second half of most games.

[George Carlin]

Scotland partially redeem themselves for their co#k up against England with a gutsy win against France. They are going to be playing Oz now for 5th or 6th place.

They have actually looked very competent and been playing well. George Horne has looked very lively when he has come on in the second half of most games.

Good news. 

What is incredibly bloody annoying is that this is happening about 20 minutes drive away from me. I was offered tickets by a law firm that we use, which means great stand seats, free(ish) booze and the promise of not being able to spell my own face after an hour. So of course, this is the day when I am stuck in the office working.  

[funnyExiledScot]

Scotland partially redeem themselves for their co#k up against England with a gutsy win against France. They are going to be playing Oz now for 5th or 6th place.

They have actually looked very competent and been playing well. George Horne has looked very lively when he has come on in the second half of most games.

Good news. 

What is incredibly bloody annoying is that this is happening about 20 minutes drive away from me. I was offered tickets by a law firm that we use, which means great stand seats, free(ish) booze and the promise of not being able to spell my own face after an hour. So of course, this is the day when I am stuck in the office working.  

[funnyExiledScot]

Sorry, were we supposed to offer sympathy??

[RDW]

Did anyone watch the AP highlights last night?

Tim Visser scored a sensational try - reminded me of his early Edinburgh days where he would power through a gap and show incredible pace to swerve round the fullback. He was also prominent throughout setting up another try.

Shame he's not been able to do that for Scotland of late! I wonder if he's told to just hand out on his wing for Scotland whereas for Quins he goes looking for work.

[George Carlin]

Sorry, were we supposed to offer sympathy??

No, you were right the first time.

[funnyExiledScot]

Did anyone watch the AP highlights last night?

Tim Visser scored a sensational try - reminded me of his early Edinburgh days where he would power through a gap and show incredible pace to swerve round the fullback.  He was also prominent throughout setting up another try.

Shame he's not been able to do that for Scotland of late! I wonder if he's told to just hand out on his wing for Scotland whereas for Quins he goes looking for work.

I did see the try. Scotland would be utterly daft to discard him and whilst I think Seymour and Maitland are both also on decent form (and more rounded players), we don't have anything like the depth on the wing that we'd need to ignore the Flying Dutchman. Other than the two I've mentioned there's Rory Hughes (big, powerful, direct and with promise, but nothing like the try scoring record of Visser), Damian Hoyland (an exciting prospect and happy to throw himself about but could use a map and compass in defence), Tom Brown (a good club player but lacks international class) and Sean "so fast it looks like he's not moving" Lamont.

One option we may see develop on the wing is Mark Bennett, assuming Huw Jones keeps stealing his lunch money. But we saw with Elliot Daly in England colours that wing is a specialist position and we shouldn't assume that a centre will slot in immediately.

Right now Visser doesn't get into my Scotland 23, but he'd be the first guy I'd call on should Seymour and Maitland not be fit.

[RDW]

Did anyone watch the AP highlights last night?

Tim Visser scored a sensational try - reminded me of his early Edinburgh days where he would power through a gap and show incredible pace to swerve round the fullback.  He was also prominent throughout setting up another try.

Shame he's not been able to do that for Scotland of late! I wonder if he's told to just hand out on his wing for Scotland whereas for Quins he goes looking for work.

I did see the try. Scotland would be utterly daft to discard him and whilst I think Seymour and Maitland are both also on decent form (and more rounded players), we don't have anything like the depth on the wing that we'd need to ignore the Flying Dutchman. Other than the two I've mentioned there's Rory Hughes (big, powerful, direct and with promise, but nothing like the try scoring record of Visser), Damian Hoyland (an exciting prospect and happy to throw himself about but could use a map and compass in defence), Tom Brown (a good club player but lacks international class) and Sean "so fast it looks like he's not moving" Lamont.

One option we may see develop on the wing is Mark Bennett, assuming Huw Jones keeps stealing his lunch money. But we saw with Elliot Daly in England colours that wing is a specialist position and we shouldn't assume that a centre will slot in immediately.

Right now Visser doesn't get into my Scotland 23, but he'd be the first guy I'd call on should Seymour and Maitland not be fit.

Completely agree, other than the Bennett suggestion - keep him where he is!

Bennett is still young and is still an incredibly exciting player who I'm sure will go on to get lots of caps for Scotland at 13.

[BigGee]

Bennetts try for Glasgow on Friday does show that he does have the pace to play on the wing. I am not saying that is his best position, nor that he should be playing there regularly, but it could mean that he takes the bench spot for Scotland as he is versatile enough to cover right across the back line. You could say the same for Duncan Taylor, who has often played wing for Sarries.

I think that there is a decent argument for playing him on the wing this weekend for Glasgow, now that Sarto and Hughes are going to be out injured. Grigg has shown he is perfectly capable at 13 and given the injuries, they are both to good to be left out. If not Bennett, then it is going to be Lamont or Jones and I suspect he could do a better job than either of them.

I would play Bennett on the wing and let one of Jones or Lamont bench.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

[RDW]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

Ignoring the obvious jokes here, there's a couple of big HMV's in the centre (Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street) that will probably have a small selection.

Fopp on Union Street is a Glasgow institution and may have some too.

[Hazel Sapling]

Jones already plays wing often for the Stormers and Taylor as well. Either one of them should hopefully either be on the pitch or on the bench for Scotland.

Is Johnson out long term for Glasgow?

I think LJ is perfectly fine on the wing and deserves a run. Junior ought to get an opportunity as well.

[BigGee]

I think LJ is perfectly fine on the wing and deserves a run. Junior ought to get an opportunity as well.

Not in a Euro game against Racing!

[Mad for Chelsea]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

Ignoring the obvious jokes here, there's a couple of big HMV's in the centre (Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street) that will probably have a small selection.

Fopp on Union Street is a Glasgow institution and may have some too.

Thanks. Tried the HMV on Argyle Street, "small selection" is right, and unfortunately didn't have what I was looking for. Didn't know there was also one on Sauchiehall, but will pop in there and in Fopp to check.

[cakeordeath]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

Ignoring the obvious jokes here, there's a couple of big HMV's in the centre (Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street) that will probably have a small selection.

Fopp on Union Street is a Glasgow institution and may have some too.

Thanks. Tried the HMV on Argyle Street, "small selection" is right, and unfortunately didn't have what I was looking for. Didn't know there was also one on Sauchiehall, but will pop in there and in Fopp to check.

There are a couple of smaller shops. One under the bridge at Central Station and one beside Queen Street. Both there names escape me, but if you walk to Queen Street and go up the side as if walking to Buchanan Galleries it's there

[cakeordeath]

Bennetts try for Glasgow on Friday does show that he does have the pace to play on the wing. I am not saying that is his best position, nor that he should be playing there regularly, but it could mean that he takes the bench spot for Scotland as he is versatile enough to cover right across the back line. You could say the same for Duncan Taylor, who has often played wing for Sarries.

I think that there is a decent argument for playing him on the wing this weekend for Glasgow, now that Sarto and Hughes are going to be out injured. Grigg has shown he is perfectly capable at 13 and given the injuries, they are both to good to be left out. If not Bennett, then it is going to be Lamont or Jones and I suspect he could do a better job than either of them.

I would play Bennett on the wing and let one of Jones or Lamont bench.

I like Little Nick a lot. He reminds me of an oompa loompa on steroids. I think he could be a good option for Scotland in the future.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

Ignoring the obvious jokes here, there's a couple of big HMV's in the centre (Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street) that will probably have a small selection.

Fopp on Union Street is a Glasgow institution and may have some too.

Thanks. Tried the HMV on Argyle Street, "small selection" is right, and unfortunately didn't have what I was looking for. Didn't know there was also one on Sauchiehall, but will pop in there and in Fopp to check.

There are a couple of smaller shops. One under the bridge at Central Station and one beside Queen Street. Both there names escape me, but if you walk to Queen Street and go up the side as if walking to Buchanan Galleries it's there

Ta. Will have a look around...

[RDW]

Rumours of Dave Rennie shunning Glasgow for the Springboks job

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11760512

This is fairly unlikely to be true but would add even more farce to the Townsend / Cotter situation!

[funnyExiledScot]

Rumours of Dave Rennie shunning Glasgow for the Springboks job

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11760512

This is fairly unlikely to be true but would add even more farce to the Townsend / Cotter situation!

You can see it happening!

It's a massive shame that Cotter couldn't be convinced to take the Edinburgh job, rather than filling his pockets/topping up his tan in France. I have a horrible feeling that we'll end up with Duncan Hodge.

[Hazel Sapling]

Would Sean Lineen or any of the LS coaches want the Edinburgh role? Would Andy Robinson?

[George Carlin]

Nothing to do with rugby, but does anyone know of a decent shop where I can find classical music CDs in Glasgow?

Ignoring the obvious jokes here, there's a couple of big HMV's in the centre (Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street) that will probably have a small selection.

Fopp on Union Street is a Glasgow institution and may have some too.

Thanks. Tried the HMV on Argyle Street, "small selection" is right, and unfortunately didn't have what I was looking for. Didn't know there was also one on Sauchiehall, but will pop in there and in Fopp to check.

I miss Fopp. Go to the one on Byres Road to find enough vinyl hipsters to make you want to remove your own leg and hit yourself with it.

[funnyExiledScot]

Would Sean Lineen or any of the LS coaches want the Edinburgh role? Would Andy Robinson?

I'd love old Robbo back. He'd be a great influence on Bradbury and Ritchie.

[EST]

I notice Matt Scott scored another try for Gloucester this week - that's his 8th of the season. I would imagine he will be back around the squad if Jones and Horne are both out for the 6N. Its funny, I wonder if he wishes he remained as a 10/12, as he was when he was coming through the ranks. I doubt he has the game to slot in at 10 anymore, or indeed if he ever had at pro level, but he would have been very handy for us right now, especially considering how stacked the centre position is and how limited out back up is for Finn.

[funnyExiledScot]

I notice Matt Scott scored another try for Gloucester this week - that's his 8th of the season.  I would imagine he will be back around the squad if Jones and Horne are both out for the 6N.  Its funny, I wonder if he wishes he remained as a 10/12, as he was when he was coming through the ranks.  I doubt he has the game to slot in at 10 anymore, or indeed if he ever had at pro level, but he would have been very handy for us right now, especially considering how stacked the centre position is and how limited out back up is for Finn.

Was Jackson not playing for Quins at the weekend? I know he isn't getting regular game time there, but at least he should be fit and available. He's a better 10 than Duncan Weir every day of the week and twice on Saturdays. He's also the closest we have to Finn Russell in terms of style of play.

Scott is having a stormer with Glaws. He should be pushing Dunbar really hard. With Jones out injured, Bennett has a clear run at the 13 jersey unless Taylor gets back into the reckoning with Sarries.

[EST]

I notice Matt Scott scored another try for Gloucester this week - that's his 8th of the season.  I would imagine he will be back around the squad if Jones and Horne are both out for the 6N.  Its funny, I wonder if he wishes he remained as a 10/12, as he was when he was coming through the ranks.  I doubt he has the game to slot in at 10 anymore, or indeed if he ever had at pro level, but he would have been very handy for us right now, especially considering how stacked the centre position is and how limited out back up is for Finn.

Was Jackson not playing for Quins at the weekend? I know he isn't getting regular game time there, but at least he should be fit and available. He's a better 10 than Duncan Weir every day of the week and twice on Saturdays. He's also the closest we have to Finn Russell in terms of style of play.

Scott is having a stormer with Glaws. He should be pushing Dunbar really hard. With Jones out injured, Bennett has a clear run at the 13 jersey unless Taylor gets back into the reckoning with Sarries.

That's true fES, although I have no idea how he played. I would much rather see Jackson (despite his flaws) warming the bench than the meatball, who I think we can all now agree is just not good enough for international rugby, despite how committed he may be.

[RDW]

Jackson came off the bench on 55 minutes or so and helped Quins' fightback.

The fact that he was still on the bench despite Nick Evans being injured speaks volumes though - he's 3rd choice at Quins.

[funnyExiledScot]

Jackson came off the bench on 55 minutes or so and helped Quins' fightback.  

The fact that he was still on the bench despite Nick Evans being injured speaks volumes though - he's 3rd choice at Quins.

It's time he returned to Scotland. There's this little-known professional rugby club, nicely situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by coastline or mountains...... he wouldn't even experience a change of accent from Richmond.....

[tigertattie]

weekend once again showed that when our top players are unavailable (international duty, bans, injuries, etc) Scotland are completely bereft of good quality depth!

[BigGee]

weekend once again showed that when our top players are unavailable (international duty, bans, injuries, etc) Scotland are completely bereft of good quality depth!

Not sure I agree with that, certainly from the Glasgow perspective. We had enough out to beat Munster last Friday but just did not play well enough. Munster were a long way off full strength as well but managed to fall over the line. Glasgow have made a habit of taking points from these games over the past few years but just don't seem to be doing it this year. Toonie, after the game came as close as he ever does to criticising his players, they were very lacklustre in the first half.

The Glasgow squad does seem to be needing a bit of a freshen up but it is not just about that. Some big name performers for us, like Josh Strauss, just don't seem to be showing their form at the moment. I think the lack of leadership on the pitch is as much of an issue as the players we have got.

[tigertattie]

leadership and ability, both are sorely missing from our game when you remove the first XV from the equation!

try it!

List who you would have as your match day squad for Scotland, then pretend they are not available and try to put out another squad! You'll struggle!

[BigGee]

leadership and ability, both are sorely missing from our game when you remove the first XV from the equation!

try it!

List who you would have as your match day squad for Scotland, then pretend they are not available and try to put out another squad! You'll struggle!

That has not changed from the last few years though. Glasgow have provided the bulk of the Scotland squad for some time. Glasgow on paper, had a decent team out there. Games are not won on paper though. For the past few years, our squad have got us through these games. We all joked that Toonie did not know his best team.

We are probably not joking about it now, some of the squad players are being shown up. Maybe that was not entirely obvious at the beginning of the season but it is looking a bit clearer now.

Glasgow at full strength are still going to be very competitive but it is clearly going to be much harder to get to get as far as the playoffs where our best team can show what it is worth. Championships, as it is often said, are won by squads and not teams.

[tigertattie]

such is my point!

We're improving, yes, but we're still a long way off the other nations!

I'd love to see a return of the regular "A" teams following the first XV and playing their counter parts. If there was still a 2nd XV 6 nations, Scotland would be firmly in 5th place with only the Italians for company! But this competition would be used to expose fringe players to the next step up and hopefully prepare them for full international caps!

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Plus, it may just give Duncan Weir the opportunity to put in one more solid performance that he can live off for the next 3 years

[RDW]

Plus, it may just give Duncan Weir the opportunity to put in one more solid performance that he can live off for the next 3 years

To be fair Jackson has been doing that for the last 8 years!

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

To be fair Jackson had a run of good performances for Wasps at one point, so his past glories aren't so far distant at least at club level. Of course he then got injured/disappeared/fell apart shortly after that

[Hazel Sapling]

leadership and ability, both are sorely missing from our game when you remove the first XV from the equation!

try it!

List who you would have as your match day squad for Scotland, then pretend they are not available and try to put out another squad! You'll struggle!

For Glasgow you mean?

Reid
Flynn
Rae (assuming Fagerson is now ahead of Welsh)
Swinson
Brian
Harley
Fusaro
Strauss
Price (Pyrgos depending on pecking order)
Horne (Clegg depending on how you rate Jackson)
Hughes
Johnson
Vernon
Jones
Murchie

Malcolm
Allan
Nicol
Cummings/Uanivi
Wilson/Wynne/Blake
Hart
Clegg (Lyle?)
Griggs

Of those at least 6 are presently injured and Scotland injuries have dragged Allan, Wilson, Price and Swinson away at various points. Glasgow get absolutely destroyed in the backs from call ups although Edinburgh are producing more forwards. It will even up soon one hopes.

[cakeordeath]

Rory Clegg has been added to the European squad ahead of the Racing game. I hope it's because they need someone to carry the bag.

[RDW]

Good (or bad, depending on how you see it) news from Edinburgh - the Council have approved their move to Myreside.

Edinburgh City Council today granted Edinburgh Rugby’s planning application for the erection of temporary stands at Myreside.

Jonny Petrie, Managing Director of Edinburgh Rugby said: “We are delighted with the outcome of today’s ruling, and welcome the support of the council.”

“Edinburgh truly is one of Europe’s great rugby cities and this decision kicks off a very important time for Edinburgh Rugby and its partnership with George Watson’s College, who we would like to thank for their ongoing support.”

“We have been very proactive in our community engagement and as agreed at today's hearing will continue to communicate with local residents and other key organisations and groups during the rest of the 2016/17 season to ensure the trial is a successful as possible.”

[cakeordeath]

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if hundreds of Morningsiders suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

My god, theres going to be a nimby apocalypse!

[funnyExiledScot]

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if hundreds of Morningsiders suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened

As a North Edinburgh dweller, I'd suggest that Edinburgh rugby pioneer the distribution of an "Edinburgh Rugby Vuvuzela" to celebrate the arrival at the new ground.

[tigertattie]

leadership and ability, both are sorely missing from our game when you remove the first XV from the equation!

try it!

List who you would have as your match day squad for Scotland, then pretend they are not available and try to put out another squad! You'll struggle!

For Glasgow you mean?

Reid
Flynn
Rae (assuming Fagerson is now ahead of Welsh)
Swinson
Brian
Harley
Fusaro
Strauss
Price (Pyrgos depending on pecking order)
Horne (Clegg depending on how you rate Jackson)
Hughes
Johnson
Vernon
Jones
Murchie

Malcolm
Allan
Nicol
Cummings/Uanivi
Wilson/Wynne/Blake
Hart
Clegg (Lyle?)
Griggs

Of those at least 6 are presently injured and Scotland injuries have dragged Allan, Wilson, Price and Swinson away at various points. Glasgow get absolutely destroyed in the backs from call ups although Edinburgh are producing more forwards. It will even up soon one hopes.

Well you can do it for Glasgow, but I was really meaning for Scotland!

If you take out our best players in each position, the drop in quality to the next person on the list is vast!

Look at some examples
Hartley is unavailable for England, so they turn to Jamie George
Kuris is goosed so they turn to Launchbury

or Ireland
SOB is goosed so they go to Stander

or Oz
Foley is knackered so they bring in Cooper

For us
If Dancer is goosed, we look to Horne or meatball!
If Ickle Johnny is injured, we turn to Tim Swinson
If Hogg is out, we look Murchie (or move no Maits)
If Seymour is injured it's Rory Hughs or Hoyland!

Currently it's only centre where we have any real depth!

[funnyExiledScot]

leadership and ability, both are sorely missing from our game when you remove the first XV from the equation!

try it!

List who you would have as your match day squad for Scotland, then pretend they are not available and try to put out another squad! You'll struggle!

For Glasgow you mean?

Reid
Flynn
Rae (assuming Fagerson is now ahead of Welsh)
Swinson
Brian
Harley
Fusaro
Strauss
Price (Pyrgos depending on pecking order)
Horne (Clegg depending on how you rate Jackson)
Hughes
Johnson
Vernon
Jones
Murchie

Malcolm
Allan
Nicol
Cummings/Uanivi
Wilson/Wynne/Blake
Hart
Clegg (Lyle?)
Griggs

Of those at least 6 are presently injured and Scotland injuries have dragged Allan, Wilson, Price and Swinson away at various points. Glasgow get absolutely destroyed in the backs from call ups although Edinburgh are producing more forwards. It will even up soon one hopes.

Well you can do it for Glasgow, but I was really meaning for Scotland!

If you take out our best players in each position, the drop in quality to the next person on the list is vast!

Look at some examples
Hartley is unavailable for England, so they turn to Jamie George
Kuris is goosed so they turn to Launchbury

or Ireland
SOB is goosed so they go to Stander

or Oz
Foley is knackered so they bring in Cooper

For us
If Dancer is goosed, we look to Horne or meatball!
If Ickle Johnny is injured, we turn to Tim Swinson
If Hogg is out, we look Murchie (or move no Maits)
If Seymour is injured it's Rory Hughs or Hoyland!

Currently it's only centre where we have any real depth!

It's a fair point you're making, but I'd also add openside to the list of "depth" positions. Hardie and Watson are two handy specialists, and I think there's little to choose between them after this AI series. There is, of course, also the option of John Barclay at 7. He's played a fair bit before in that position.

[tigertattie]

Townends list to Santa

"Dear Santa

I've been a very good boy this year.  I've not once laughed at the soap dodgers in my team for being clarty (maybe it's coz I'm from Gala and we're a bit stinky too)

Anyway. As I've been a good boy pretty please for christams this year, can I have:
A replacement Loosehead
A replacement Hooker (for Brown, coz Chinhook is gonna be retired soon)
A replacement Tighthead
Two replacement Locks for the Gray boys
One proper blindside (of the tackling, rucking and carrying variety)
A replacement 8 (to cover for Bradbury - that or some get well soon medicine for CDP)
A replacement 9 (or even a new good 9)
A replacement 10 (or new like 9)
Two replacement wingers
A very comprehensive medical insurance for Hogg

Thank you
Gregor

[Hazel Sapling]

Townends list to Santa

"Dear Santa

I've been a very good boy this year.  I've not once laughed at the soap dodgers in my team for being clarty (maybe it's coz I'm from Gala and we're a bit stinky too)

Anyway. As I've been a good boy pretty please for christams this year, can I have:
A replacement Loosehead (Dickinson, Sutherland, Dell, Allan, Reid (Got 5 choices, Shiells may be a late bloomer for LS))
A replacement Hooker (for Brown, coz Chinhook is gonna be retired soon) (McInally, Brown then we are looking at Malcolm, Fenton and Turner to do something)
A replacement Tighthead (Nel, Fagerson, Welsh are all fine (Low is inconsistent and no idea why he is above Welsh in the pecking order and one of Rae, McCallum and Berghan may show a bit more as they play more than a couple of dozen games each)
Two replacement Locks for the Gray boys (Gilchrist is okay for Scotland not for Edinburgh (somehow), no idea what B Toolis has to do to get ahead of Swinson, Cummings needs to get healthy)
One proper blindside (of the tackling, rucking and carrying variety) (I concur, come on CDP...and Ritchie's S&C coach)
A replacement 8 (to cover for Bradbury - that or some get well soon medicine for CDP) (Denton? Ashe has not developed due to being injury prone, Eadie has been ignored but Miller may break out next year)
A replacement 9 (or even a new good 9) (Price has shown some promise)
A replacement 10 (or new like 9) (Please Santa)
Two replacement wingers (Seymour, Maitland starting then Visser (who is lighting up the AP), Hughes (injured now), Hoyland (showing signs))
A very comprehensive medical insurance for Hogg (Kinghorn needs to develop quickly)

Thank you
Gregor

I don't think it is all that bad. Certainly 3 deep in the front row, at 7 and the centres. Probably 2 deep on wings, SH's, locks (if they can avoid constantly playing Swinson) and no 8 (Denton and Bradbury certainly look okay, don't know what happened to Strauss).  It is BS, FH and FB that really needs stepping up.

[tigertattie]

Its a bit nippy but like it or loathe it, your team really does revolve around your 10!

As I said on the thread that Really Daft Wummer locked up, Dancer, while doing a job, is not a stand out stand off! I'm really really hoping that Hastings can step up! I just pray that he's got to where he is now down to ability and not due to his family name!

And we need a 9! We used to have good nines coming out of our ears but the production line on them is stalling!

[RDW]

Its a bit nippy but like it or loathe it, your team really does revolve around your 10!

As I said on the thread that Really Daft Wummer locked up, Dancer, while doing a job, is not a stand out stand off! I'm really really hoping that Hastings can step up! I just pray that he's got to where he is now down to ability and not due to his family name!

And we need a 9! We used to have good nines coming out of our ears but the production line on them is stalling!

I don't think I'm willing to take that abuse from someone who uses so many exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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