Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread 17 - Almost Legal

[Hazel Sapling]

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Glasgow Warriors & Edinburgh

The Histories:

Guiness Pro 12
Edinburgh Rugby
Glasgow Warriors

Edinburgh Rugby Highlights 2016/2017
Glasgow Warriors Pro 12 Highlights 2016/2017  

[BigGee]

I live in hope and a lot might depend on how things are going under Rennie. Playing in a winning team might make the difference if a player is wavering.

Logic would suggest though that we won't be able to afford to keep both Russell and Gray this year, so one of them may be off. I really hope that we don't lose both at once though, that would be very tough on Glasgow as a club.

[George Carlin]

I live in hope and a lot might depend on how things are going under Rennie. Playing in a winning team might make the difference if a player is wavering.

Logic would suggest though that we won't be able to afford to keep both Russell and Gray this year, so one of them may be off. I really hope that we don't lose both at once though, that would be very tough on Glasgow as a club.

I think that people are forgetting Russell has already signed with Montpellier for next season:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/glasgow-warriors/scotland-rugby-team-finn-russell-to-join-montpellier-1-4479364

[BigGee]

I live in hope and a lot might depend on how things are going under Rennie. Playing in a winning team might make the difference if a player is wavering.

Logic would suggest though that we won't be able to afford to keep both Russell and Gray this year, so one of them may be off. I really hope that we don't lose both at once though, that would be very tough on Glasgow as a club.

I think that people are forgetting Russell has already signed with Montpellier for next season:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/glasgow-warriors/scotland-rugby-team-finn-russell-to-join-montpellier-1-4479364

The Hootsman is not exactly renowned for its investigative journalism and a few more informed journos tweeted at the time that this was not a done deal. The fact that they have since signed Cruden probably makes it less likely that Finn would go to Pelly, despite BVC being there.

That does not mean that he won't go to another French or English club though and whatever he does it is going to involve a pretty hefty pay rise. You would hope that if the SRU decide that they want to put together a package in the ball park of his market value, he would at least listen to what they have got to offer. They may just feel though that they can't compete and be resigned to letting him go. At the end of the day we know that we can't keep them all.

[RDW]

Hopefully Adam Hastings shows this season that he's the real deal - that would certainly soften the blow of losing Russell (and may mean that Glasgow decide it is best just to let him go).

[NeilyBroon]

Hopefully Adam Hastings shows this season that he's the real deal - that would certainly soften the blow of losing Russell (and may mean that Glasgow decide it is best just to let him go).

I think the recent loss to Fiji shows that it would be no bad thing for the young hopeful FHs to get some pro gametime. Hastings is a prospect for sure, and I do wonder whether Bath failed to use him to his full ability because he was very much second fiddle to Priestland so my concern would be that he's the same to Russell, I guess we shall see. Rather that than him being ruined by Edinburgh! (praying that won't happen to D'Arcy Graham because he looks sensational).

[George Carlin]

I live in hope and a lot might depend on how things are going under Rennie. Playing in a winning team might make the difference if a player is wavering.

Logic would suggest though that we won't be able to afford to keep both Russell and Gray this year, so one of them may be off. I really hope that we don't lose both at once though, that would be very tough on Glasgow as a club.

I think that people are forgetting Russell has already signed with Montpellier for next season:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/glasgow-warriors/scotland-rugby-team-finn-russell-to-join-montpellier-1-4479364

The Hootsman is not exactly renowned for its investigative journalism and a few more informed journos tweeted at the time that this was not a done deal. The fact that they have since signed Cruden probably makes it less likely that Finn would go to Pelly, despite BVC being there.

That does not mean that he won't go to another French or English club though and whatever he does it is going to involve a pretty hefty pay rise. You would hope that if the SRU decide that they want to put together a package in the ball park of his market value, he would at least listen to what they have got to offer. They may just feel though that they can't compete and be resigned to letting him go. At the end of the day we know that we can't keep them all.

Agreed - what he signed was a pre-contract which probably means that FR cannot accept another offer from another club without Pelly giving him a chance to match the terms. 

Glasgow had to break the bank to keep Hogg so I would think that their priority is keeping Little Jonny who has the precedent of his brother enjoying the life over in France. 

I would have thought that he's not fat, expensive, overrated or spoiled enough to go to Toulon at this stage of his career but who knows. 

I agree with the recent Hootsmon article which said that we need a replacement for Russell desperately because he's the most irreplaceable member of the Scotland squad. I have a lot of faith that Hastings the Younger will be the next great Pale Blue Hope.

[BigGee]

Hopefully Adam Hastings shows this season that he's the real deal - that would certainly soften the blow of losing Russell (and may mean that Glasgow decide it is best just to let him go).

I think the recent loss to Fiji shows that it would be no bad thing for the young hopeful FHs to get some pro gametime. Hastings is a prospect for sure, and I do wonder whether Bath failed to use him to his full ability because he was very much second fiddle to Priestland so my concern would be that he's the same to Russell, I guess we shall see. Rather that than him being ruined by Edinburgh! (praying that won't happen to D'Arcy Graham because he looks sensational).

Hastings problem at Bath was that he was third choice at best, behind Ford and Priestland and so even allowing for rotation and injuries he was only getting the crumbs from the table. It was also fairly obvious that he was leaving from an early part of the season and so there was not really much incentive for Bath to develop him, he was only getting a few minutes off the bench here and there whenever he was in the squad.

He will get a lot more game time with Glasgow who have Russell away a lot and will naturally rotate more than Bath and most English teams do as well. The number two spot is his to nail down and he will get his chance in the first few games before Finn comes back in. He had a pretty promising debut against the Saints last week and played the whole game, which bodes well. Hopefully he will develop and be as good as we hope he can be.

[RDW]

All we need now is a promising up and coming 10 at Edinburgh and Scottish rugby will be in a much better position!

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Finn Russell just wants parity with Stuart Hogg, which given his, at times, outrageous talent is a price worth paying. France would ruin him but hey ho we can't fault the guy for looking for financial stability in a short career span.

[jimbopip]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1654468927898302&set=pb.100000056339022.-2207520000.1503481366.&type=3&size=1154%2C2048
Ok, if any of IT-literate types can convert that gobbledegook into an image you'll see the new Warriors captain. And a lairy, naughty boy. You can decide which is which.

[RDW]

[George Carlin]

Ryan Wilson made captain of Glasgow Warriors for this season.

That should be fine provided that nobody looks at his bird or jumps the queue in the kebab shop.

[jimbopip]

Thanks RDW.

[NeilyBroon]

Interesting choice... I guess seeing as he can slot in anywhere across the back-row it has minimal effect on team selection. I do wonder if, had he been fit, Johnny would be up for it again. Can't really think of any other candidates though! It's a very young squad this year!

[jimbopip]

Renzo, he say...

"He was part of the leadership group last season and even in my short time here so far he speaks really well and is demanding. 

"Ryan has a real ability to challenge others, but also put an arm around those who need it and I think that is a really rare quality.

By "speaks really well" I think he means, "He's the only one I can actually recognise as speaking English".
And "ability to challenge others" is obviously Kiwi speak for "meets them off the bus".

p.s. Anyone on here considering schlepping down to Execeterr?

[RDW]

I like what Cockers is saying here - he's obviously identified that in the past Edinburgh players have been on auto pilot between international games. He says if they're not performing for Edinburgh they won't get picked, and if they don't get picked they won't play for Scotland!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41028956

[George Carlin]

I like what Cockers is saying here - he's obviously identified that in the past Edinburgh players have been on auto pilot between international games. He says if they're not performing for Edinburgh they won't get picked, and if they don't get picked they won't play for Scotland!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41028956

Brilliant I love this guy. 

Key statement for me:

"We've got to go back to basics - firstly, we need to realise where we're at, which is a bottom-four team as it stands and that's the reality. We've got to create a culture of hard work and understanding what it takes to be a successful team every day.

"We need to build some foundations that we can move forward on for the next three, four, five, six years."

[George Carlin]

Was on YouTube last night and realised how much love there was for Oli Kebble at Western Province/Stormers.

There are a number of farewell videos and game clips - bodes well for us - the guy looks like a brick outhouse.

[RDW]

I like what Cockers is saying here - he's obviously identified that in the past Edinburgh players have been on auto pilot between international games. He says if they're not performing for Edinburgh they won't get picked, and if they don't get picked they won't play for Scotland!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41028956

Brilliant I love this guy. 

Key statement for me:

"We've got to go back to basics - firstly, we need to realise where we're at, which is a bottom-four team as it stands and that's the reality. We've got to create a culture of hard work and understanding what it takes to be a successful team every day.

"We need to build some foundations that we can move forward on for the next three, four, five, six years."

On the other hand he's getting his excuses in early since he only has a 2 Year deal!

[EWT Spoons]

I like what Cockers is saying here - he's obviously identified that in the past Edinburgh players have been on auto pilot between international games. He says if they're not performing for Edinburgh they won't get picked, and if they don't get picked they won't play for Scotland!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41028956

Brilliant I love this guy. 

Key statement for me:

"We've got to go back to basics - firstly, we need to realise where we're at, which is a bottom-four team as it stands and that's the reality. We've got to create a culture of hard work and understanding what it takes to be a successful team every day.

"We need to build some foundations that we can move forward on for the next three, four, five, six years."

On the other hand he's getting his excuses in early since he only has a 2 Year deal!

Yeah, this is what concerns me.  This is sounding very similar to pretty much every Alan Solomons interview.  I really hope Cockerill isn't going to be the next AS, and based on nothing more than the Sale game so far, I don't think he is, but it's the same thing we've been hearing for years.  The moment he starts talking about not having a full preseason with the players or rain causing the team issues then we're in trouble.

[EWT Spoons]

There's a story in the hootsman, with Cockerill saying he plans on announcing the Edinburgh captain next week and it's likely to be one of the young lads.  Not sure how young he's thinking but will be interesting to see who he picks.

Edinburgh head coach 
Richard Cockerill is poised to hand the club captaincy to a young, up-and-coming player in a bid to underline the message that this is a fresh start 
for the under-performing 
capital side.

Glasgow have gone with relative experience, appointing 28-year-old, 30-times capped Ryan Wilson as their skipper for the new season yesterday. But Cockerill said he would be looking to give youth a chance.

“With respect to some of the senior guys, they’ve been 
captains and it’s not worked,” was the Englishman’s blunt assessment at yesterday’s Guinness Pro14 launch in Dublin yesterday.

“So I’m going to look to try to bring one of those younger players through.” Scotland internationalists Grant Gilchrist and 
Stuart McInally initially shared the captaincy last season but, with both struggling with injury and form, it was Scotland’s most-capped player Ross Ford who latterly took on the mantle as yet another disappointing season unfolded. “We’ll announce [the captain] next week,” said Cockerill, pictured. “I will look to use one of those younger guys to come through and captain the side. “We’ve got some good young players and we’ve got to build this squad for the future. “They will have to develop as a captain and a player and hopefully in the next two to three years we’ll be building into a team that has been together for a few seasons and can compete and hopefully do what Glasgow, Connacht and Scarlets have done in recent years.”

Former England hooker Cockerill spent the bulk of his playing and coaching career at Leicester, where the home 
fortress of Welford Road was held proudly as a badge of 
honour and deeply ingrained in the culture of the club. It couldn’t be more different for Edinburgh, who have spent years playing at a 
sparsely-attended Murrayfield, easily the least hostile venue in the competition. The decision to move to a more compact, atmospheric home at Myreside didn’t bring an immediate improvement in results last season but they will continue there this season. Cockerill is wary about making any rash “Fortress Myreside” statements, though.

“We don’t want to lose at home but there’s no point 
saying that then you play your first game at home, lose and that’s all shattered,” said the 46-year-old.

[RDW]

There's a story in the hootsman, with Cockerill saying he plans on announcing the Edinburgh captain next week and it's likely to be one of the young lads.  Not sure how young he's thinking but will be interesting to see who he picks.

Edinburgh head coach 
Richard Cockerill is poised to hand the club captaincy to a young, up-and-coming player in a bid to underline the message that this is a fresh start 
for the under-performing 
capital side.

Glasgow have gone with relative experience, appointing 28-year-old, 30-times capped Ryan Wilson as their skipper for the new season yesterday. But Cockerill said he would be looking to give youth a chance.

“With respect to some of the senior guys, they’ve been 
captains and it’s not worked,” was the Englishman’s blunt assessment at yesterday’s Guinness Pro14 launch in Dublin yesterday.

“So I’m going to look to try to bring one of those younger players through.” Scotland internationalists Grant Gilchrist and 
Stuart McInally initially shared the captaincy last season but, with both struggling with injury and form, it was Scotland’s most-capped player Ross Ford who latterly took on the mantle as yet another disappointing season unfolded. “We’ll announce [the captain] next week,” said Cockerill, pictured. “I will look to use one of those younger guys to come through and captain the side. “We’ve got some good young players and we’ve got to build this squad for the future. “They will have to develop as a captain and a player and hopefully in the next two to three years we’ll be building into a team that has been together for a few seasons and can compete and hopefully do what Glasgow, Connacht and Scarlets have done in recent years.”

Former England hooker Cockerill spent the bulk of his playing and coaching career at Leicester, where the home 
fortress of Welford Road was held proudly as a badge of 
honour and deeply ingrained in the culture of the club. It couldn’t be more different for Edinburgh, who have spent years playing at a 
sparsely-attended Murrayfield, easily the least hostile venue in the competition. The decision to move to a more compact, atmospheric home at Myreside didn’t bring an immediate improvement in results last season but they will continue there this season. Cockerill is wary about making any rash “Fortress Myreside” statements, though.

“We don’t want to lose at home but there’s no point 
saying that then you play your first game at home, lose and that’s all shattered,” said the 46-year-old.

Trying to think who is in the squad and not too inexperienced but still classed as a young 'un

Ritchie
Bradbury
Dean

Slightly more experienced

Dell
Toolis
SHC
Watson

There's no real standouts on that list - I suspect Jamie Ritchie is a captain of the future but he's not going to be first choice in a very competitive back row and he's still pretty young.  I'd go for Toolis or Watson with Toolis being my front runner - he's been our best player for 2 seasons in a row (not difficult granted) and although he's quite a laid back character he's the kind of player you can build a team around. SHC might be a dark horse for the role.

I'd like Watson to be left doing what he does best!

[EWT Spoons]

Yeah I think it might be toolis as well.

The only other young player who I think who has shown 'leadership' qualities is hunter-hill, he was really vocal when he came on the other week, plus he's got a fair bit of experience at u20 level. I realise that's hardly conclusive, but given previous captains, that is more than most of them have managed. However, he's in a massively competitive position, and is unlikely to be involved that much, so I doubt it would be him.

SHC - needs to get his own form back rather than having to worry about captaining the team.
Agree about Ritchie.
Watson is an option, but same as yourself I think he works best just doing his thing.

I just hope it's not Weir, someone on the Edinburgh forum touted him as a possible option.

[RDW]

Yeah I think it might be toolis as well.

The only other young player who I think who has shown 'leadership' qualities is hunter-hill, he was really vocal when he came on the other week, plus he's got a fair bit of experience at u20 level.   I realise that's hardly conclusive, but given previous captains, that is more than most of them have managed.  However, he's in a massively competitive position, and is unlikely to be involved that much, so I doubt it would be him.

SHC - needs to get his own form back rather than having to worry about captaining the team.
Agree about Ritchie.
Watson is an option, but same as yourself I think he works best just doing his thing.

I just hope it's not Weir, someone on the Edinburgh forum touted him as a possible option.

That pretty much sums up the knowledge of the average supporter on that forum / the Facebook brigade!

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Yeah I think it might be toolis as well.

The only other young player who I think who has shown 'leadership' qualities is hunter-hill, he was really vocal when he came on the other week, plus he's got a fair bit of experience at u20 level.   I realise that's hardly conclusive, but given previous captains, that is more than most of them have managed.  However, he's in a massively competitive position, and is unlikely to be involved that much, so I doubt it would be him.

SHC - needs to get his own form back rather than having to worry about captaining the team.
Agree about Ritchie.
Watson is an option, but same as yourself I think he works best just doing his thing.

I just hope it's not Weir, someone on the Edinburgh forum touted him as a possible option.

Sweet jesus, that would destroy my mounting excitement for the coming season in one single blow!

I can see Cockers making Watson captain, he's got exactly the sort of attitude Cockers wants to see and always plays like every inch of turf means something to him and is willing to fight for it. Toolis also a good shout. It'll certainly be interesting to see just how young Cockers is talking with this captaincy decision!

[EWT Spoons]

It'll be interesting to see which way Edinburgh go on this.  I mean Glasgow have gone with potentially their worst player   , which will confuse the opposition no end.  

So should Edinburgh go with their best (Watson/Toolis)?

I agree with MFL , if Weir is announced captain it will ruin the season for me before it's even started.

[tigertattie]

To me, Watson is too quiet (vocally) to be captain. He works his socks off but his style of play means he'll spend all his time looking at what the opposition are doing to be able to look at what his own team are doing.

Toolis is the better shout I reckon. He's already the lineout caller so he's adept at shouting out instructions during the game.

[George Carlin]

A little bit sad to say that nobody really stands out at Edinburgh as a young player who is guaranteed to start.

Watson and Toolis are the most nailed on, are club men and quite inspiring as full cap internationals. Sam Clyne is not guaranteed to start by any means. Maybe one of the young props?

[EWT Spoons]

A little bit sad to say that nobody really stands out at Edinburgh as a young player who is guaranteed to start.

Watson and Toolis are the most nailed on, are club men and quite inspiring as full cap internationals. Sam Clyne is not guaranteed to start by any means. Maybe one of the young props?

I think that's the same at most clubs GC.  For example I don't think there is a young player at Glasgow who is guaranteed a start either, but happy to be corrected.

At Edinburgh (same with Glasgow) there are young lads who are going to be involved in games, but in the same way as older players, they will be rotated and rested and not played week in week out.  If Edinburgh were playing Ritchie every week for example, then people would complain he is being overplayed.

[jimbopip]

A little bit sad to say that nobody really stands out at Edinburgh as a young player who is guaranteed to start.

Watson and Toolis are the most nailed on, are club men and quite inspiring as full cap internationals. Sam Clyne is not guaranteed to start by any means. Maybe one of the young props?

I think that's the same at most clubs GC.  For example I don't think there is a young player at Glasgow who is guaranteed a start either, but happy to be corrected.Slightly different here, Mr Spoons, Fagerson2 is a special player as is Ashe, but we have Harley, Gibbins, Vunisa, Harley, Batman and Fozzie. Who is guaranteed a start there? Similarly, Scott Cummings looks like he could be the next Richie Gray but has to compete with Swinson, Brian, Little Jonny and Oscar Peterson. Actually, Apart from Dancer and Hoggy, possibly Tennesee Tam and Jean Paul on the wings, I don't see too many "guaranteed starters" at Glasgow. That may be the crucial difference between the clubs. That and the fact that one of them quite likes winning rugby matches, and the other lot are usually very well turned out.

At Edinburgh (same with Glasgow) there are young lads who are going to be involved in games, but in the same way as older players, they will be rotated and rested and not played week in week out.  If Edinburgh were playing Ritchie every week for example, then people would complain he is being overplayed.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Holy Moley, I'm away for a couple of weeks and Schiz is back

[EWT Spoons]

Jimbo I agree  with you entirely, some of the lads you mention look real quality, but you can't say any of the young lads are guaranteed a start.  I mean at Edinburgh we have Ritchie, Bradbury, Crosbie, Graham, Kinghorn, all of whom look like they could be very good players, but I'm not sure I would say any of them are guaranteed a start at this stage.

I don't think there is that much difference in terms of quality between most of the players at each club, with the exception of Hogg, Finn & Seymour who are streets ahead of Weir, Bryce/Kinghorn and whoever ends up playing on the wing for us this season.

The biggest difference between the two clubs is that Glasgow have had a decent set of coaches and developed a winning mentality which has rubbed off on their players.  Whereas Edinburgh have had a collection of halfwits coaching the team, and that has also rubbed off on the players.

I'm optimistic that with a good coach the players can start curbing that tradition and begin to catch up with Glasgow, because without a doubt Edinburgh are several years behind and have a losing mindset, and that will take time to turn around and getting the players to play at the level they can, and not the level they have been.

[jimbopip]

I very much agree with your last paragraph, Spoons.
I think that Cockers has identified the way some players have emotionally distanced themselves from being a member of a failing club and instead identify themselves as part of a successful Scotland squad. This is a surprisingly subtle line of reasoning for a front row, don't you think?
However, as it says in The Art Of War, if you punish your troops before they come to love you...you will breed resentment and they will not follow you. If you make them love you first they will see the punishment as just and accept it as such.
Let's hope they all think Cockers is the dog's and want to die for him: otherwise it's all going to end in tears, probably by Chrimbo.

[EWT Spoons]

Aye that is a concern shared by a number of Edinburgh fans (myself included) that he's come in and been possibly too vocal about how poor they are. Don't get me wrong I think a lot of it needed said, maybe not in a public environment, but it's hard to argue with what he's said to date. I just hope he's not switched the players off to him already, because it's easier to get rid of him than them. That said if he can get them winning then it's going to be hard for the players to not warm to him in someway.

[RDW]

There certainly are remarkable similarities between what Solomons said at the start of him reign and what Cockerill is saying - let's just hope Cockers has more success at implementing his plan.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

One obvious difference is that Cockers isn't 300 years old, which has to be a good start!

[Welly]

I suspect Cockers it trying to find out which of his players are going to rise to his comments and which will fold.

 End of the day if a player can't handle the cold hard truths then they are not going to improve and if they can't improve it will be better to find someone who will.

He was like this at Tigers very a front to the media about perfomances, Players will either buy into him or not, the ones that did tended to be the ones who always gaved 100%.

The trouble with Edinburgh is they have a lot of good players but the team mentality isn't one of winning.


I mean i don't know much about AS, but Cockers has been like this for every club he has played and coached (which is only like 3 pro teams so far) he isn't one for just saying things to get in an early excuse.

[RDW]

One obvious difference is that Cockers isn't 300 years old, which has to be a good start!

The other difference is I can't imagine anyone would get away with treating Cockers like their favourite grandpapy

[RDW]

Ryan Grant named on the bench this weekend - in classic Edinburgh style this is the first time they have said anything about it, and they don't even mention the fact he's included in the squad in the news article!

Dougie Fife starting - suggesting he may get more involved in the team again this season.

Head Coach Richard Cockerill has made five changes to his starting line-up for tomorrow night’s pre-season fixture against Newcastle Falcons at the home of Melrose, The Greenyards (Friday 25 August, kick-off 6pm).

Rasolea starts at inside centre

Two of the amendments come in the back-three, where Blair Kinghorn and Dougie Fife start at full-back and wing respectively.

Junior Rasolea comes in to the starting side at centre, with Nathan Fowles set to don the number nine jersey.

Magnus Bradbury comes into start at number eight, in the only change to the starting pack.

Cockerill said: “We learned a lot about ourselves in last week’s hit-out against Sale, and it was a good chance to get a feel for where we are as a group at the start of the season.

“As a group, we played with real intention and a lot of passion, and I was encouraged by the performances of some of our younger Academy players.

“We need to keep building, and this is a big chance to show that we’ve improved from last week. We need to keep developing as individuals and as a team, and showing people that we’re working hard to get better every day.

“Newcastle will prove as a further test of this team, but we need to see players front-up and show that they’re ready to compete both mentally and physically. We need to go into our first league game in the best position possible, and a lot of that boils down to how we perform tomorrow night.”

Tickets for the friendly match against Newcastle Falcons are available to purchase online here. Season Ticket Members can enjoy the match as part of their package – more information on Season Ticket Memberships can be found here.

Edinburgh team to play Newcastle Falcons at The Greenyards in a pre-season fixture tomorrow (Friday 25 August, kick-off 6pm)

15. Blair Kinghorn

14. Darcy Graham
13. Chris Dean
12. Junior Rasolea
11. Dougie Fife

10. Duncan Weir
9. Nathan Fowles

1. Darryl Marfo
2. Stuart McInally
3. Simon Berghan
4. Anton Bresler
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. John Hardie
8. Magnus Bradbury

Replacements

Neil Cochrane, Cammy Fenton, Ryan Grant, Ross Dunbar, Murray McCallum, Kevin Bryce, Fraser McKenzie, Callum Hunter-Hill, Cornell du Preez, Luke Crosbie, Ally Miller, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Jason Tovey, Jason Baggot, Tom Brown, Jason Harries, Glenn Bryce, James Johnstone, Jamie Farndale

[EWT Spoons]

Ryan Grant named on the bench this weekend - in classic Edinburgh style this is the first time they have said anything about it, and they don't even mention the fact he's included in the squad in the news article!

Dougie Fife starting - suggesting he may get more involved in the team again this season.

Ignoring the team for now, they have thankfully advertised for a communication manager (or something like that) so with any luck we might see some form of actual comms from the club rather than the deathly silence we currently get.

[Welly]

Talk that Rizzo is going to Edinburgh on a short term loan.

[jimbopip]

No Toolis in the squad: saving the captain for the opening game of the season?

[cakeordeath]

Aye that is a concern shared by a number of Edinburgh fans (myself included) that he's come in and been possibly too vocal about how poor they are.  Don't get me wrong I think a lot of it needed said, maybe not in a public environment, but it's hard to argue with what he's said to date.  I just hope he's not switched the players off to him already, because it's easier to get rid of him than them.  That said if he can get them winning then it's going to be hard for the players to not warm to him in someway.

if this is what is being said in an open forum I shudder* to think what is happening behind the scenes.

*It needs to be said.

[RDW]

Talk that Rizzo is going to Edinburgh on a short term loan.

Who?

[EWT Spoons]

Assuming it's Ryan Grant

[RDW]

He's not currently assigned to a club so it won't be a loan!

[BigGee]

Glasgow Warriors team to play The Dragons at Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale, Friday 25 August (kick-off 2pm):

15. Ruaridh Jackson
14. Lee Jones
13. Nick Grigg
12. Sam Johnson
11. Rory Hughes
10. Adam Hastings
9. George Horne

1. Jamie Bhatti
2. James Malcolm
3. D'arcy Rae
4. Brian Alainu'uese
5. Scott Cummings
6. Lewis Wynne
7. Chris Fusaro
8. Adam Ashe (C)

Replacements

16. George Turner
17. Gary Strain (Glasgow Hawks)
18. Adam Nicol
19. Greg Peterson
20. Kiran McDonald
21. Hamilton Burr
22. Matt Smith
23. Matt Fagerson
24. Henry Pyrgos
25. Peter Horne
26. Patrick Kelly
27. Lelia Masaga
28. Stafford McDowell


Glasgow putting out another reasonably strong team and bringing a few more back into the fold, Horne, Henry P and Masaga, it will certainly be good to see what he can do.

Hastings getting another run out and he seems likely to start against Connacht and it will probably be between Jacko and Hughes for the full back slot.

I would hope that they will be going up another gear tomorrow against the Drag Queens.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Talk that Rizzo is going to Edinburgh on a short term loan.

Who?

Assuming its this guy from Tigers

https://www.leicestertigers.com/player/michele-rizzo

[Welly]

yep

[RDW]

Any good?

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