Australia v Scotland, 17 June

by **George Carlin** Sun 11 Jun 2017, 9:05 am

First topic message reminder :

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Wallab10

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Scot_f10

AUSTRALIA v SCOTLAND
17 June 2017
15:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Live on Sky

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
ARs: [tbc]
TMO: [tbc]

A. Head to Head

30 Played 30
21 Won 9
0 Drawn 0
9 Lost 21
729 Points 386

B. Recent Form

12 November 2016
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
22 – 23 to Australia

18 October 2015
Twickenham
35-34 to Australia

23 November 2013
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
15 – 21 to Australia

5 June 2012
Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
6 – 9 to Scotland

21 November 2009
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
9 – 8 to Scotland

C. TEAMS:

AUSTRALIA
Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Roy__h10

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Roy__h10

Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Tevita Kuridrani, Karmichael Hunt, Eto Nabuli; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; Tom Robertson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Allan Alaalatoa; Sam Carter, Adam Coleman; Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper (capt), Scott Higginbotham.

Bench to be announced.

SCOTLAND
Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Stillg10

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Stillg10

Greig Tonks; Lee Jones, Alex Dunbar, Duncan Taylor, Rory Hughes; Finn Russell, Ali Price; Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson; Ben Toolis, Jonny Gray; John Barclay (capt), Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson.

Replacements: Ross Ford, Allan Dell, WP Nel, Tim Swinson, Josh Strauss, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Matt Scott.

by RossAnderson Thu 15 Jun 2017, 7:49 am

NeilyBroon wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:The tombola is back!

I'm not so confident now I've seen that back 3.

Scotland team to play Australia at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia
Saturday (17 June, kick-off 3pm, 6am BST)

15. Greig Tonks (London Irish) – 6 caps

14. Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors) – 4 caps
13. Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) – 25 caps
12. Duncan Taylor (Saracens) – 19 caps
11. Rory Hughes (Glasgow Warriors) – 3 caps

10. Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors) – 28 caps
9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 6 caps

1. Gordon Reid (London Irish) – 25 caps
2. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 26 caps
3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) – 10 caps
4. Ben Toolis (Edinburgh Rugby) – 2 caps
5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 33 caps
6. John Barclay CAPTAIN – 61 caps
7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) – 10 caps
8. Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) – 28 caps

Substitutes
16. Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) – 108 caps
17. Allan Dell (Edinburgh Rugby) – 9 caps
18. Willem Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) – 16 caps
19. Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) – 30 caps
20. Josh Strauss (Sale Sharks) – 12 caps
21. Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) – 22 caps
22. Ruaridh Jackson (Wasps) – 30 caps
23. Matt Scott (Gloucester) – 38 caps

He said it was because he promised players gametime - I guess he views the whole summer tour as a developmental opportunity??

Or maybe he's seeing something in training with Tonks - I like to think I'm fair on players but Tonks has shown nothing that gives me any confidence, I'd actually be more relaxed if Jackson was at FB and he doesn't exactly fill me with hope.

Hughes on the wing is another puzzler. I'd have liked to have seen Grigg in this squad somewhere.

I guess we do need more fullbacks but I don't think Tonks is the answer...

If he had promised players game time then surely the Italy and Fiji games were the ones to do it? That back 3 fills me with dread. Greig Ducking Tonks!?

Edit: learning the forum rules. Frak doesn't quite have the same effect.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 7:57 am

When did Tonks pick up 6 caps??

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 15 Jun 2017, 8:06 am

Tonks vs Falou...

What was wrong with the backline that we had against Italy? This could be a car crash

by tigertattie Thu 15 Jun 2017, 8:13 am

Toonie Tombola lives

Gregor Townsend. Consistently bonkers

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 8:56 am

On the plus side the pack should be competitive (although probably not dominant) and there's great impact off the bench. That won't count for much though if we're 30 points down after a Folau double hattrick by half time...

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 15 Jun 2017, 9:04 am

Tonks? Really? I though Taylor was excellent at full back!

Lee Jones? Rory Hughes!

There is a reason Quinns bought Visser and not Lee Jones. The answer should be obvious.

Pack does look good though.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 9:06 am

Visser is injured BTW - rib injury apparently. I'm not sure how - maybe after his lame attempt to tap tackle the Italian player for their try!

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 15 Jun 2017, 9:11 am

TBH i'd be calling Darcy Graham before capping Lee Jones again.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 9:25 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:TBH i'd be calling Darcy Graham before capping Lee Jones again.

I'd maybe not go that far but I certainly don't think Lee Jones is the future of Scotland wing options (or Hughes for that matter). Hoyland is far more likely to be and would have gained a lot of confidence from last week's performance - shame he's not been given another shot.

Graham and Nairn will hopefully get pro gametime next season and beyond as they are the future. We've had plenty talented young wingers at under 20s level that never make it but hopefully they're the exception to the rule.

by Anglobraveheart Thu 15 Jun 2017, 9:52 am

Let's not forget that we are missing Maitland, Seymour and Hogg for the back three. With Visser now injured, Murchie surplus to requirements (he always played a steady game) and Taylor utilsed in the centre, there needs to be a certain amount of using 3rd choice back 3 players.
If Taylor plays FB, we have little bench impact. Having Scott (who was fairly quiet v Italy) to come on and prove a point, as well as strong forwards bench options, we have a robust 23.
I wonder too if Toonie is expecting the Aussies to fade second half, and with our strong/grumpy bench to come on, it may swing the game in our favour?
GT is always going to have a juggle, and with so many first choice squad members unavailable (Dickinson, Gray senior, Hardie, Laidlaw, Visser, Maitland, Seymour, Hogg) it's inevitable that we need to dig deep.
Interesting too that Harley and Horne are omitted completely from the matchday squad.
They just need to get a hold of Folau and Genia and knock the stuffing out of them. (If they can catch them that is.....).

by tigertattie Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:01 am

I know this is a development tour and that we need to give boys a crack.

Lee Jones and Rory Hughes though smacks of Glasgow bias from GT.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:02 am

Genuine question here and not a wind up - has Rory Hughes ever done anything for Glasgow never mind Scotland? I don't remember ever seeing him scoring a spectacular try, amazing break or huge defencive play. He's not massively quick or overly physical. He just seems to be completely average in everything he does.

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:08 am

That back three is terrible really. Just shows the lack of depth at the moment, although in three years time, this should be addressed.

Not looking forward to this now.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:08 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:What the hell is that?

It's Toonie sidestepping all of us (and Tom English: sports writers, what do they know?). I genuinely thought we'd seen the last of Greg Tonks in a Scotland jersey: is he just there so we stop referring to John Barclay as Lazarus?

So, just as we're all chanting the "Our strength is 6-16, not 1-8" mantra Toonie puts out a side with a stonking pack and a powerhouse bench supported by a back three with 13 caps between them, and even more question marks about their ability to perform at international level. Erm

You've got to love him.

Lee Jones has improved massively over his time at Glasgow. I feel less concerned about his defence than the other two thirds of the back three.

Rozza Hughes? Will this be the season he shakes off the "Coming Man" tag? Toonie has worked with him for some time and obviously sees something there. Hopefully on Saturday he will step up and show us what it is.

Greg Tonks? Greg Tonks? I just can't get his performance against England at Twickers out of my head. Sorry but I can't.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:13 am

I appreciate as head coach he can't come out and say:

"I know our back 3 are bit mince, mainly because of x, y and z."

but c'mon! We aren't daft. If Timbo is injured lets play:

10. Russell
11. Hoyland
12. Dunbar
13. Horne
14. Jones
15. Taylor

With Hughes and Scott or Jackson on the bench.

Dunbar is not a 13. By any stretch of the imagination.

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:17 am

GREIG FARKING TONKS

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:27 am

If we wanted to put out a comedy back 3 surely last week was the time to do it. We've got a point to prove against Australia and we needed our strongest lineup out against them - use the other games to develop players - we need to unleash some payback on these rabble!

Looking forward to a Gray Toolis row, and delighted to see Watson coming back in, just annoying that we could have put out a stronger backline and we haven't done it.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:27 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I appreciate as head coach he can't come out and say:

"I know our back 3 are bit mince, mainly because of x, y and z."

but c'mon! We aren't daft. If Timbo is injured lets play:

10. Russell
11. Hoyland
12. Dunbar
13. Horne
14. Jones
15. Taylor

With Hughes and Scott or Jackson on the bench.

Dunbar is not a 13. By any stretch of the imagination.

Neither is Horne!

by nickj Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:28 am

Blimey. The paucity of our back three options laid bare!

I'd have loved to see Visser, Hoyland and Taylor again personally, but I suppose this is the only way to create the depth we need.

Plenty of beef on the bench, but we are screwed if Finn gets crocked.

Scott didn't do enough last week, but I'm not a huge fan of the blend in the centres.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:33 am

tigertattie wrote:I know this is a development tour and that we need to give boys a crack.

Lee Jones and Rory Hughes though smacks of Glasgow bias from GT.

Tiger, you are so wide of the mark here you have almost come back in at the other side. Bias is so linear and predictable that Toonie would reject it like a Conscientious Objector rejecting the chance to press the launch button for Trident.
I think Toonie may possibly have started by looking at the need to negate the human battering ram that is KHunt.
So, who is the best 12 for that? Dunbar and SideshowBob are way ahead of Scott on current form.
Secondly, if the back row has been tied into the breakdown before the ball has reached the 13 channel who is the best 13 to jackal a turnover before the Ozzie back row arrive? Dunbar is far and away the best candidate for that.
This gives us a 12-13 of Sideshow-Dunbar, and Matt Scott's current form leaves him no grounds to argue.

If Sideshow is not at 15 then who is? previously in this thread I argued why it couldn't be either Jackson or Hughes. I am surprised that the Tombola has given us Tonks rather than Horne, possibly Tonks' "howitzer kicking" got him the nod; if Toolis can lord it over the lineout like he did last week we do want to kick deep and often. However, surely dropping Horne would argue against a GW bias? Actually there is an argument that choosing Tonks over anyone is so random that it negates anything as logical as bias.

As for the wingers; Jones' displays for Glasgow, especially his defence in the first half v Saracens, merit a call up. Rozza Hughes....I think he's a bit more physical than Hoyland, certainly seems to be someone of whom it can be said, and often, "You can take the boy out of Glasgow...but you can't take Glasgow out of the boy."

So, no bias. None at all. Hug

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:38 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I appreciate as head coach he can't come out and say:

"I know our back 3 are bit mince, mainly because of x, y and z."

but c'mon! We aren't daft. If Timbo is injured lets play:

10. Russell
11. Hoyland
12. Dunbar
13. Horne
14. Jones
15. Taylor

With Hughes and Scott or Jackson on the bench.

Dunbar is not a 13. By any stretch of the imagination.

Neither is Horne!

At least Horne has the distribution skill to get the ball out! I would personally have kept Scott at 13.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:41 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I appreciate as head coach he can't come out and say:

"I know our back 3 are bit mince, mainly because of x, y and z."

but c'mon! We aren't daft. If Timbo is injured lets play:

10. Russell
11. Hoyland
12. Dunbar
13. Horne
14. Jones
15. Taylor

With Hughes and Scott or Jackson on the bench.

Dunbar is not a 13. By any stretch of the imagination.

Neither is Horne!

Dunbar regularly plays 13 for Glasgow. Bear in mind that until he was injured and missed the Tigers' game Sam Johnson started at 12 for every euro cup match, which meant Dunbar moved out to 13. If Horne and Dunbar were the only two centres available then Toonie would almost certainly put Dunbar at 13. Just to labour the point, remember when we referred to MattScott12? Where did Dunbar play for Scotland then? Give you a clue, it comes just before 14.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:54 am

jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:I appreciate as head coach he can't come out and say:

"I know our back 3 are bit mince, mainly because of x, y and z."

but c'mon! We aren't daft. If Timbo is injured lets play:

10. Russell
11. Hoyland
12. Dunbar
13. Horne
14. Jones
15. Taylor

With Hughes and Scott or Jackson on the bench.

Dunbar is not a 13. By any stretch of the imagination.

Neither is Horne!

Dunbar regularly plays 13 for Glasgow. Bear in mind that until he was injured and missed the Tigers' game Sam Johnson started at 12 for every euro cup match, which meant Dunbar moved out to 13. If Horne and Dunbar were the only two centres available then Toonie would almost certainly put Dunbar at 13. Just to labour the point, remember when we referred to MattScott12? Where did Dunbar play for Scotland then? Give you a clue, it comes just before 14.

That's not like you! Laugh

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 10:57 am

You can laugh.But both my outlaws are dead so I can watch rugby whenever I like. Yahoo

by MacKnocked-on Thu 15 Jun 2017, 11:22 am

I would have liked to have seen Grigg included on the bench for this match, he shows real attacking potential. The inclusion of Hughes is really going back to the Lamont/Danielli type of winger, something I'd hoped we had left behind. Obviously given injuries and the Lions we are missing our first choice back three and more but there does seem to be a real lack of squad depth there, the young guys coming through the U20s look good but they must realistically be a couple of seasons away from being ready to step up and presumably Bassett and MacNicholl have both been approached but decided Scotland isn't for them. Given we've got so many centres to choose from then perhaps we need to look at developing one or two of them as wing options, obviously Taylor can play back three easily but maybe Bennett should be looked at there as well when he returns.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 11:26 am

6am kick off on Sky - who is getting up early??

I'm yet to broach the idea with the wife - an early wake up call is unlikely to be appreciated.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 15 Jun 2017, 11:30 am

I don't mind the team so much. I wasn't totally convinced by Taylor at FB. He did some excellent work coming into the line but was caught out defensively on a couple of occasions I thought. Fine player, but definitely a centre, and happy to see him picked there. Hughes I thought was playing well for Glasgow earlier in the season before his injury, and Jones has been playing well all season. Yes they aren't the best options, but that's because the best options we have are away with the Lions or injured. Would probably have given Hoyland another start though TBH, thought he showed some nice touches against Italy.

Tonks at FB is a worry, but there are a real lack of options there TBH. As I said, I'm not completely convinced by Taylor there, and with Maitland and Hogg not available there aren't really many choices. You're pretty much resigned to picking a non specialist and hoping he'll do OK.

Pack looks good, and there's a pretty useful looking bench too. Agree with those saying I'd like Grigg to get some gametime against Fiji.

But yes, this selection has once again exposed our lack of depth, in this case in the back three.

by tigertattie Thu 15 Jun 2017, 12:05 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:6am kick off on Sky - who is getting up early??

I'm yet to broach the idea with the wife - an early wake up call is unlikely to be appreciated.

can you update the main post which incorrectly states this match is live on BBC - GC's incompetence is ruining the thread!

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 12:10 pm

Just can't get the staff these days.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:07 pm

Ok boys, all this technicological mumbojumbo is probably beyond me, but.... I think I have posted three images; Duncan (which his mother calls him), SideshowBob and Screech (which apparently Batman calls him).
Make your mind up time.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=OYNXQ71k&id=0DB559C8D5195169CD6047261532BB0034B23E9E&thid=OIP.OYNXQ71kgGZ2Lyk-05CsrgDaEs&q=sideshow+bob&simid=607987806680452665&selectedIndex=9&ajaxhist=0

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=5FFt4z7q&id=5C9EA393A8F5800329ED926A60D65BBE9690309E&thid=OIP.5FFt4z7q1DmDAc2d88tN8wFIC-&q=screech+saved+by+the+bell&simid=607994433802931765&selectedIndex=7&ajaxhist=0

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=%2FmVWAzQ%2F&id=FC7C4C037FFBB43DCF2771C86E70E12A11A814B8&thid=OIP._mVWAzQ_DkJ1qf42HXlhVgEsC4&q=duncan+taylor&simid=608000704464487111&selectedindex=65&mode=overlay&first=1

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:08 pm

Aaaahhh fecc it.

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:10 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Just can't get the staff these days.

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Mr-ped11

Does that mean I don't need to do any more match threads? Very Happy

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:38 pm

jimbopip wrote:Aaaahhh fecc it.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:40 pm

I would insert a Mr Bumble image...but that's probably beyond me too.

by RossAnderson Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:43 pm

I'll be at prestwick airport when the game is on, hoping there's somewhere there to watch.

by Scottrf Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:45 pm

jimbopip wrote:Ok boys, all this technicological mumbojumbo is probably beyond me, but.... I think I have posted three images; Duncan (which his mother calls him), SideshowBob and Screech (which apparently Batman calls him).
Make your mind up time.

FTFY.

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:45 pm

Just showing off here. Is Jimbo:

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Father-jack_3584724k

or

Australia v Scotland, 17 June - Page 2 Grumpymood-512499

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 1:53 pm

Scottrf, why thankyou. If we're ever at the same match I'll gladly stand you a drink.
Admin Boy, warning

You can take the boy out of Luvvietoon, but you can't take Luvvietoon out of the boy. oh yeah

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 2:01 pm

According to Toony this team is better than last week's

BBC Sport wrote:Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made eight changes for Saturday's Test against Australia in Sydney.

Greig Tonks takes over at full-back, with Lee Jones and Rory Hughes completing a new back three that boasts a total of 13 caps.

There is also a whole new front row with Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown and Zander Fagerson selected.

Jonny Gray comes into the second-row to partner Ben Toolis, while Hamish Watson returns at openside.

Duncan Taylor moves from number 15, where he played in the win over Italy in Singapore, to inside centre.

Australia make one change from the starting XV that beat Fiji last week, with Fiji-born Eto Nabuli making his debut on the left wing, in place of the injured Henry Speight.

Joker Ryan Wilson confident of beating Wallabies
Australia are a good side, but so are we - John Barclay column
"I believe our team is stronger this week," said Townsend. "This will be a much tougher game than against Italy."

Townsend said he had no problem in pitching in Tonks, Jones and Hughes together against what can be a lethal Australia attack.

Tonks has been playing second-tier English rugby this past season and has not played a Test in nearly two years. Jones, who has had a fine season with Glasgow, has not represented Scotland for more than five years. Hughes has only started one international.

"No worries," said Townsend. "Lee was always going to start in this game. We were pleased with how Damien Hoyland played against Italy. He defended really well, made good decisions on the ball, so that's great, but Lee is in great form.

"He's a brilliant story and he's a much better player now [than when when he played for Scotland before]. He's shown that in a number of big games, especially Champions Cup games. He's in great physical condition.

Lee Jones
Former Sevens specialist Jones make his first Test appearance since 2012 to win his fifth cap
"That back three are going to have to work very hard. Not just in defence. We want them getting hands on the ball as much as possible.

"Greig is someone I've always admired as a player. He was always dangerous for Edinburgh. He's very good at putting people into space, has a very good wide passing game off either hand.

"Tim Visser is out with a rib injury - hopefully he'll be available for Fiji - so Rory gets another opportunity. He didn't get his hands on ball against Italy but worked really hard in attack and defence.

"We need that because they are playing against guys like Israel Folau, who's getting to get a lot of ball."

by **George Carlin** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 2:29 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:According to Toony this team is better than last week's

BBC Sport wrote:Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made eight changes for Saturday's Test against Australia in Sydney.

Greig Tonks takes over at full-back, with Lee Jones and Rory Hughes completing a new back three that boasts a total of 13 caps.

There is also a whole new front row with Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown and Zander Fagerson selected.

Jonny Gray comes into the second-row to partner Ben Toolis, while Hamish Watson returns at openside.

Duncan Taylor moves from number 15, where he played in the win over Italy in Singapore, to inside centre.

Australia make one change from the starting XV that beat Fiji last week, with Fiji-born Eto Nabuli making his debut on the left wing, in place of the injured Henry Speight.

Joker Ryan Wilson confident of beating Wallabies
Australia are a good side, but so are we - John Barclay column
"I believe our team is stranger this week," said Townsend. "This will be a much tougher game than against Italy."

Townsend said he had no problem in pitching in Tonks, Jones and Hughes together against what can be a lethal Australia attack.

Tonks has been playing second-tier English rugby this past season and has not played a Test in nearly two years. Jones, who has had a fine season with Glasgow, has not represented Scotland for more than five years. Hughes has only started one international.

"No worries," said Townsend. "Lee was always going to start in this game. We were pleased with how Damien Hoyland played against Italy. He defended really well, made good decisions on the ball, so that's great, but Lee is in great form.

"He's a brilliant story and he's a much better player now [than when when he played for Scotland before]. He's shown that in a number of big games, especially Champions Cup games. He's in great physical condition.

Lee Jones
Former Sevens specialist Jones make his first Test appearance since 2012 to win his fifth cap
"That back three are going to have to work very hard. Not just in defence. We want them getting hands on the ball as much as possible.

"Greig is someone I've always admired as a player. He was always dangerous for Edinburgh. He's very good at putting people into space, has a very good wide passing game off either hand.

"Tim Visser is out with a rib injury - hopefully he'll be available for Fiji - so Rory gets another opportunity. He didn't get his hands on ball against Italy but worked really hard in attack and defence.

"We need that because they are playing against guys like Israel Folau, who's getting to get a lot of ball."

Ah, I see what must have happened - there is a one letter typo in that quote. Have corrected it.

by jimbopip Thu 15 Jun 2017, 2:40 pm

GC,

by EST Thu 15 Jun 2017, 3:11 pm

Haha - I enjoyed that GC.

It sums up this selection pretty well. We are down to the bare bones, but it's still a strange selection.

I think Lee Jones was always playing in this game, and to be fair he has had a better season that Hoyland. Once Visser was injured, I suppose Toonie wanted a bigger wing and so had to go for Hughes - a player who I don't think will ever be an international standard player.

As for Tonks, well.......no, I've got nothing.

by **BigGee** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 5:06 pm

EST wrote:Haha - I enjoyed that GC.

It sums up this selection pretty well. We are down to the bare bones, but it's still a strange selection.

I think Lee Jones was always playing in this game, and to be fair he has had a better season that Hoyland. Once Visser was injured, I suppose Toonie wanted a bigger wing and so had to go for Hughes - a player who I don't think will ever be an international standard player.

As for Tonks, well.......no, I've got nothing.

Probably going to give him and Jacko a half each to see if either of them have still got it (assuming they had it in the first place!)

There was talk of FR having a run out at FB at one stage. I guess he is worried about or lack of options there and just wants to see what we have got. I could easily see Finn there for the Fiji game and Horne starting at FH if he does not get invited over to NZ after this weekend (which I think is quite possible given the FH injury situation)

by tigertattie Thu 15 Jun 2017, 5:10 pm

WOAH THERE!!!!!!!!

JUST WOAH THERE A WEE MINUTE!!!!

Is this BBC Sport writer taking the mick?

Has no one else spotted this wee cheeky comment?

"Joker Ryan Wilson confident of beating Wallabies"

by **RDW** Thu 15 Jun 2017, 5:34 pm

Turns out Townsend did actually mean stronger...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/40290288

I'm not sure why he's felt the need to say this - hardly a confidence boost for those that were dropped (especially since it isn't true!)

by boomeranga Fri 16 Jun 2017, 1:12 am

I'm feeling mild confidence at best.

We haven't been good in Super this year and were pretty average last week. Robertson, AAA and Hannigan will be good players for us in the years ahead but only Alaalatoa is really up to it yet.

The real stinker is picking Eto Nabuli. He looks a million bucks - a 195cm and 110 kg Fijian and not so much in the Big T fat way - but has feet for hands and turns like a freight train.

Cheika loves debuting a Fijian winger with Eto his fourth in two years, to go with Speight, and Kurindrani and Kerevi in the centres.

Good luck to you fellas. Hopefully a good game either way. I love the afternoon tests.

by bsando Fri 16 Jun 2017, 9:19 am

That back three for Scotland is pretty damn risky in my opinion. Taylor did a great job at fullback last week and I would of expected Scott to improve on his performance if he were selected at centre alongside Dunbar again. Worrying! The pack looks good though, shame about Hardie not being involved. I would actually prefer to see a more cleverly constructed set piece game plan for this one.. I can't see much attacking success in the back three. No offence to these players but in professional rugby they would be 4th, 5th or 6th choice in terms of Australia, England etc.. Tonks is an excellent kicker though so if he took on a Halfpenny like role perhaps that could bode well in terms of a territorial game.

34 - 15 to Australia is my guess, some easy try's courtesy of weak defence in the Scottish backline.

by bsando Fri 16 Jun 2017, 9:26 am

Fordie to get another brace!!! Wink

by TJ Fri 16 Jun 2017, 9:32 am

the selkirk pixie is a much better player now than when he first played for scotland - and really what other choices are there?

by beshocked Fri 16 Jun 2017, 9:58 am

To be honest I think it makes sense to put Taylor into the centres because I think he's one of your best players and I think the best partnership is Taylor and Dunbar.

Taylor isn't a serious competitor to Hogg at 15 or Seymour,Visser or Maitland and 14 - he's just cover.

Your back three aren't going to stay when your best players come back anyway.

Taylor > Scott clearly IMO. Taylor's biggest issue has been staying fit. If he can maintain a run of games without getting injured it will be hard to shift him as he's generally so consistently good when fit.

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