6N 2017: France v Scotland, 12 February

by **George Carlin** Mon 06 Feb 2017, 11:56 am

First topic message reminder :

6N 2017: France v Scotland, 12 February - Page 2 France10

6N 2017: France v Scotland, 12 February - Page 2 Scot_f10

FRANCE v SCOTLAND
12 February 2017
16:00 CET (UTC+1)
Stade de France, Paris

Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)
Touch judges: John Lacey (IRE) & Luke Pearce (ENG)
TMO: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRE)

Live on [BBC, RTE, DMAX, FR2, ITV (H)]

A. Head to Head

90 Played 90
52 Won 35
3 Drawn 3
35 Lost 52
1,280 Points 1,102

B. Recent Form

13 March 2016
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
29 – 18 to Scotland

5 September 2015
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
19 – 16 to France

7 February 2015
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
15 – 8 to France

8 March 2014
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
17 – 19 to France

16 March 2013
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
23 – 16 to France

26 February 2012
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
17 – 23 to France

C. Teams

FRANCE
6N 2017: France v Scotland, 12 February - Page 2 Gerard10

6N 2017: France v Scotland, 12 February - Page 2 Gerard10

15-Scott Spedding; 14-Noa Nakaitaci, 13-Remi Lamerat, 12-Gael Fickou, 11-Virimi Vakatawa; 10-Camille Lopez, 9-Baptiste Serin; 1-Cyril Baille, 2-Guilhem Guirado, 3-Uini Atonio, (captain), 4-Sebastien Vahaamahina, 5-Yoann Maestri, 6-Loann Goujon, 7-Kevin Gourdon, 8-Louis Picamoles,

Replacements: 16-Christopher Tolofua, 17-Rabah Slimani, 18-Xavier Chiocci, 19-Julian Le Devedec, 20-Damien Chouly, 21-Maxime Machenaud, 22-Jean-Marc Doussain, 23-Yoann Huget

SCOTLAND

15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Sean Maitland, 13-Tommy Seymour, 12-Huw Jones, 11-Alex Dunbar, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw; 1-Allan Dell, 2-Fraser Brown, 3-Zander Fagerson, 4-Richie Gray, 5-Jonny Gray, 6-John Barclay, 7-Josh Strauss, 8- Hamish Watson.

Replacements: 16-Ross Ford, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Tim Swinson, 20-John Hardie, 21-Alistair Price, 22-Duncan Weir, 23-Mark Bennett.

by 123456789 Wed 08 Feb 2017, 12:55 am

Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.

by Cyril Wed 08 Feb 2017, 1:20 am

123456789 wrote:Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.

Hogg is the 2nd biggest diver in international rugby (only because Habana is shorter). Another reason why he's a Gatland Lion through and through.

by GLove39 Wed 08 Feb 2017, 1:47 am

Cyril wrote:
123456789 wrote:Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.
Hogg is the 2nd biggest diver in international rugby (only because Habana is shorter). Another reason why he's a Gatland Lion through and through.

Lee Byrne might have a thing or two to say about that...

by cakeordeath Wed 08 Feb 2017, 8:33 am

GLove39 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
123456789 wrote:Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.
Hogg is the 2nd biggest diver in international rugby (only because Habana is shorter). Another reason why he's a Gatland Lion through and through.

Lee Byrne might have a thing or two to say about that...

That was a moral dive. You are mixing the two up

by Cyril Wed 08 Feb 2017, 8:39 am

cakeordeath wrote:
GLove39 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
123456789 wrote:Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.
Hogg is the 2nd biggest diver in international rugby (only because Habana is shorter). Another reason why he's a Gatland Lion through and through.

Lee Byrne might have a thing or two to say about that...

That was a moral dive. You are mixing the two up

Byrne has only dived once, hasn't he?

I think Habana has done it twice.

Hogg probably half a dozen times.

It's a shame because he's a decent player (just not a decent person). Still, rugby's not really about being nice so he just gets away with what he can (unless Nige is watching!).

by **RDW** Wed 08 Feb 2017, 8:59 am

You exaggerate like a million times...

I'm pretty sure Hogg's only 'dive' was in the World Cup at St James' Park. Throw in the Biggar incident and that's 2 black marks.

Oh if we're on the topic of divers you can add Pascal Pape (Stade Francais v Edinbrugh) and Mike McCarthy (Glasgow v Leinster) to the mix. I'm sure there have been a few more frenchmen in recent years too.

Interesting to hear you you have a personal relationship with Hogg to know what he's like as a person - how did that link come about?

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:00 am

Cyril wrote:
cakeordeath wrote:
GLove39 wrote:
Cyril wrote:
123456789 wrote:Interestingly it's Hogg's 50th cap on Wednesday, not sure if he is younger than Paterson was when he reached the milestone but quite the achievement nonetheless, especially when you consider Hogg missed a summer to go with the Lions.

Chris Paterson scored 22 international tries, Hogg is already on 15 although it must he said Paterson didn't score after 2007, which is a fairly damning indictment of any backline when the first choice full back doesn't score for 4 years.

Chris Paterson also never assaulted Dan Biggar mind you so it is swings and roundabouts.
Hogg is the 2nd biggest diver in international rugby (only because Habana is shorter). Another reason why he's a Gatland Lion through and through.

Lee Byrne might have a thing or two to say about that...

That was a moral dive. You are mixing the two up
Byrne has only dived once, hasn't he?

I think Habana has done it twice.

Hogg probably half a dozen times.

It's a shame because he's a decent player (just not a decent person). Still, rugby's not really about being nice so he just gets away with what he can (unless Nige is watching!).

EDIT.....stop you mooching around different threads trying wind folk up.

I'd say 60 weeks worth of bans for different violent misconducts from your leader, out trumps a couple of, er, slips.

by Cyril Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:02 am

I'd ban someone for 61 weeks for diving.

Hogg doesn't return my calls any more. He's changed.

by **RDW** Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:03 am

In other news apparently Jonny Gray is the brain behind Dunbar's lineout try at the weekend. They've also supposedly had it in their armoury for a while and even tried it against Tonga a couple of years ago but Dunbar knocked it on!

Humphries our forwards coach said Jonny suggested running through it during the captain's run and the coach said no - good thing Jonny stuck to his guns!

by tigertattie Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:11 am

How any Welshman can throw stones for players diving is beyond me!

The nation that spawned Garth Bale for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!

by Cyril Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:16 am

tigertattie wrote:How any Welshman can throw stones for players diving is beyond me!

The nation that spawned Garth Bale for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!

Welsh?!

I hope that wasn't aimed at me Shocked

by IanBru Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:34 am

Cyril wrote:
tigertattie wrote:How any Welshman can throw stones for players diving is beyond me!

The nation that spawned Garth Bale for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!
Welsh?!

I hope that wasn't aimed at me

If he walks like a duck and talks like a duck...

by tigertattie Wed 08 Feb 2017, 9:48 am

Thought it were crows?

by EWT Spoons Wed 08 Feb 2017, 11:23 am

Not applicable to this game, but rumours are that Dicko could still play a part in the 6 nations. Guessing he's getting close to coming back from injury.

Also I'll chuck this in the Glasgow/Edinburgh chat, but Sutherland has apparently signed a new deal with Edinburgh.

by tigertattie Wed 08 Feb 2017, 11:35 am

If Dicko is well then I have no issue with him coming back. He'd need a couple of run outs for Edinburgh though and we can't afford to rush him back.

by **George Carlin** Wed 08 Feb 2017, 2:12 pm

Cyril wrote:I'd ban someone for 61 weeks for diving.

Hogg doesn't return my calls any more. He's changed.

by highland_scot Wed 08 Feb 2017, 4:29 pm

Anyone else enjoy Finn taking our Conor Murray behind the ruck at 16.37 on the match clock in the Ireland game?

We'll need that kind of commitment to slowing the ball and winning turnovers. Get them p*ssed off, get their fans p*ssed off!

by tigertattie Wed 08 Feb 2017, 5:09 pm

Finn actually put in a couple of good tackles!

Even wee Grieg Laidlaw smashed someone near the end of the game! He was rather pumped up by it and started getting the crowd going lol.

Hopefully the fans that are lucky enough to be going to Paris can make a good racket for the boys again!

by GLove39 Wed 08 Feb 2017, 5:14 pm

highland_scot wrote:Anyone else enjoy Finn taking our Conor Murray behind the ruck at 16.37 on the match clock in the Ireland game?

We'll need that kind of commitment to slowing the ball and winning turnovers. Get them p*ssed off, get their fans p*ssed off!

That is delightful.
Also enjoyed the one at 63:26 with both Grays getting a nudge on, can only imagine how raging he must've been.

Of course, nothing is a as sweet as knowing the miscommunication between him & Kearney led to Dunbar's try.

by bsando Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:39 am

Bit random, I noticed Scotland have been training with French rugby balls. I've always wondered if teams use the oppositions balls in training before a game as Welsh rugby balls are very different to the Scottish ones etc and now my intrigue has been answered. Also there was a photo of mark bennett juggling, interesting to see the variety of skills they have them doing to fine tweak every aspect of their game. Or it may have just been a photo of Bennett juggling tennis balls.

by **RDW** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:41 am

I know that tennis balls are often used in rugby training - my team have used them in the past when doing handling drills as your reactions and skills need to be a lot sharper for a much smaller ball.

Scotland were probably doing the same and he decided to give them a bit of a juggle!

by SecretFly Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:42 am

tigertattie wrote:Finn actually put in a couple of good tackles!

Even wee Grieg Laidlaw smashed someone near the end of the game! He was rather pumped up by it and started getting the crowd going lol.

Hopefully the fans that are lucky enough to be going to Paris can make a good racket for the boys again!

Yeah, Dustin is a cheeky little divil.

by tigertattie Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:50 am

Dustin?

by tigertattie Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:54 am

bsando wrote:Bit random, I noticed Scotland have been training with French rugby balls. I've always wondered if teams use the oppositions balls in training before a game as Welsh rugby balls are very different to the Scottish ones etc and now my intrigue has been answered. Also there was a photo of mark bennett juggling, interesting to see the variety of skills they have them doing to fine tweak every aspect of their game. Or it may have just been a photo of Bennett juggling tennis balls.

There's plenty pictures floating about of kickers practicing with the Italian balls as they are by far the most different ball (they are rounder). The shape of the ball will have a much greater impact if you are kicking it than if you are passing it!

The ting I've never understood, is you'd think that in a competition the balls would all be the same! I'm pretty sure in the WC every match is played with a Gilbert! Why is the 6Ns allowing different balls to be used???????

by **RDW** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:56 am

Cornell Du Preez is not including in the Ulster squad for tomorrow's game.

He's the only change to the team from last week so Hardie is still with Edinburgh.

by **BigGee** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:58 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Cornell Du Preez is not including in the Ulster squad for tomorrow's game.

He's the only change to the team from last week so Hardie is still with Edinburgh.

Does that mean he is with Scotland still. A bench option?

by **RDW** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:06 pm

*Edinburgh squad, obviously...

Unless he's injured I think that's the logical conclusion!

by **BigGee** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:06 pm

Jon Welsh playing for Newcastle again this weekend, so clearly not involved.

Henry P and Rob Harley back in the Glasgow side as well.

by SecretFly Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:10 pm

tigertattie wrote:Dustin?

Little Laidlaw always reminds me of a young Dustin Hoffman. Looks and those little lively dancing eyes.

by cakeordeath Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:11 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:*Edinburgh squad, obviously...

Unless he's injured I think that's the logical conclusion!

Strauss might not be match fit and we are struggling to match our quota of large South Africans

by **RDW** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:21 pm

CDP would be a good option given that he's probably the most physical forward that we have in Scotland (despite his recent form not being great) but which backrower would you get rid of to accommodate him? It would be harsh on whoever gets dropped.

by **BigGee** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:29 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:CDP would be a good option given that he's probably the most physical forward that we have in Scotland (despite his recent form not being great) but which backrower would you get rid of to accommodate him? It would be harsh on whoever gets dropped.

Unless we go for a 6/2 split, which would make some sense as he has no plans to play Weir unless FR is injured. Greg or Hoggy could step up to FH is required and Jones or Seymour could cover FB.

I would quite like to see that actually, has CDP just become a poorer player this season, or is it just part of the general malaise at Edinburgh, VC seems to rate him, perhaps we just need to cap him and give him a 15 minute spell to see how he does. Who knows, it may re-invigorate him.

by tigertattie Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:30 pm

What BigGee said!

by cakeordeath Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:34 pm

I was expecting the team announcement today, but forgot the game is Sunday.

by highland_scot Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:34 pm

I'd like to see a 6/2 bench split with a proper second row on the bench, then Barclay and Du Preez covering back row.

Saying that, starting Barclay and bringing Watson against some knackered forwards in the early second half could also be a shout.

by Anglobraveheart Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:35 pm

With the 6/2 split, there is also the option of Maitland to FB for Hogg, if he is needed at 10, and Bennett or Taylor to be wing bench option.

by **RDW** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:41 pm

Jones covers wing - he'd probably be first choice wing cover

by IanBru Thu 09 Feb 2017, 12:49 pm

So basically...

We have a 9 who can cover 10, a 10 who can cover 12, a 12 who can cover 13, a 13 who can cover 14, a 14 who can cover 15, and a 15 who can cover 10.

But here's the fundamental question folks: which of Gordie Reid or Jonny Gray will be covering 9?

by **BigGee** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 1:26 pm

Its all a bit cryptic the team announcement this time, with a few clues out in the two club sides announced. It's quite fun really, I am quite enjoying it.

So if Grant Gilchrist was the extra man last week and is not in the Edinburgh squad this week, does that mean he is occupying the same position. Does the absence of CDP from the Edinburgh squad, assuming that GG is the extra man, then mean that he is on the bench?

We could definitey do with another big brute to carry the ball once Strauss runs out of puff at the 60 minute mark. CDP definitely fits that bill more than any of the other available back rows, not of whihc can really be described as a big carrier, though Swinson did a job and got over the gain line when he came on last week.

by **NeilyBroon** Thu 09 Feb 2017, 2:24 pm

BigGee wrote:Its all a bit cryptic the team announcement this time, with a few clues out in the two club sides announced. It's quite fun really, I am quite enjoying it.

So if Grant Gilchrist was the extra man last week and is not in the Edinburgh squad this week, does that mean he is occupying the same position. Does the absence of CDP from the Edinburgh squad, assuming that GG is the extra man, then mean that he is on the bench?

We could definitey do with another big brute to carry the ball once Strauss runs out of puff at the 60 minute mark. CDP definitely fits that bill more than any of the other available back rows, not of whihc can really be described as a big carrier, though Swinson did a job and got over the gain line when he came on last week.

I'd actually put Adam Ashe ahead of CDP at the moment in terms of ball carrying 8s - I think Strauss will have trouble reclaiming his place on the Glasgow squad. This said I'm not uncomfortable with the idea of CDP on the bench, maybe he will up his game.

by No9 Thu 09 Feb 2017, 4:48 pm

Anyone know when the Scottish and French teams are to be announced...

by whocares Thu 09 Feb 2017, 5:05 pm

Friday 10 am CET for the frogs

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 09 Feb 2017, 5:07 pm

whocares wrote:Friday 10 am CET for the frogs

How do our Gallic cousins view this match Whocares?

by R!skysports Thu 09 Feb 2017, 5:08 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
whocares wrote:Friday 10 am CET for the frogs

How do our Gallic cousins view this match Whocares?

Hopefully behind a pillow

by whocares Thu 09 Feb 2017, 5:18 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
whocares wrote:Friday 10 am CET for the frogs

How do our Gallic cousins view this match Whocares?

A must win game.

by majesticimperialman Thu 09 Feb 2017, 5:19 pm

If France play like they did against England last week i can see them winning this game by a good amount.

However i would not want to underestimate Scotland at the moment. They shown against Ireland that they do not give up very easily these days.

by maestegmafia Thu 09 Feb 2017, 10:35 pm

If Scotland play like they did last week then this could be a great result for them.

by GLove39 Thu 09 Feb 2017, 11:06 pm

maestegmafia wrote:If Scotland play like they did last week then this could be a great result for them.

For the first 20 odd & last 10. But yes!

by maestegmafia Fri 10 Feb 2017, 7:16 am

GLove39 wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:If Scotland play like they did last week then this could be a great result for them.

For the first 20 odd & last 10. But yes!

They have a smart team who many have the experience to go to Tough games and get results.

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri 10 Feb 2017, 8:59 am

Stroks had an article in the mail this morning saying that Scotland could run them ragged if they move their forwards about. He's played against 14 of the likely starting 15 and reckons they be blowing out their erses 2nd half.

I think Cotter needs to keep the same team and bench where possible although I'd start Barclay and bring Watson on 2nd half.

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