Fiji v Scotland, 24 June

by **George Carlin** Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:04 am

FIJI v SCOTLAND
24 June 2017
KO: 14:30 FJT (UTC+12)
ANZ National Stadium, Suva

Live on telly somewhere with the mad Fijian commentator

Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
ARs: [tbc]
TMO: [tbc]

A. Head to Head

6 Played 6
1 Won 5
0 Drawn 0
5 Lost 1
145 Points 182

B. Recent Form

16 June 2012
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Fiji 25 – 37 Scotland

14 November 2009
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Scotland 23 – 10 Fiji

1 November 2003
Aussie Stadium, Sydney
Scotland 22 – 20 Fiji

24 November 2002
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Scotland 36 – 22 Fiji

C. TEAMS:

FIJI
K Murimurivalu; J Tuisova, A Vulivuli, J Vatubua, P Osborne; B Volavola, S Vularika; P Ravai, S Koto, K Tawake, T Cavubati; L Nakarawa, D Waqaniburotu; P Yato, A Qera (capt).

Replacements: T Talemaitoga, J Veitayaki, M Ducivaki, S Nabou, N Dawai, H Seniloli, J Stewart, B Masilevu.

SCOTLAND
R Jackson; D Hoyland, N Grigg, D Taylor, T Visser; P Horne, H Pyrgos; A Allan, R Ford, WP Nel; T Swinson, J Gray; J Barclay (capt), J Hardie, J Strauss.

Replacements: F Brown, G Reid, Z Fagerson, B Toolis, H Watson, R Wilson, A Price, G Tonks.

by **RDW** Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:10 am

Knowing that it is pointless to predict the tombola, here's my team:

1 Alan
2 Brown
3 Nel
4 Toolis
5 Gray
6 Barclay
7 Watson
8 Wilson (Strauss will tire quickly in the heat)

9 Pyrgos
10 Jackson
11 Jones
12 Taylor
13 Scott
14 Hoyland
15 Tonks

Subs - Reid, Turner, Rae, Swinson, Hardie, Kennedy, Horne, Grigg

Fiji only beat Italy by 3 points at the weekend so hopefully we can experiment a little.

by **RDW** Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:21 am

Also, it's being lived streamed by the SRU not Sky...

by nickj Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:06 am

It could really go any which way, but if he's going to give everyone a game, I think we'll see:
1 Allan
2 Turner
3 Nel / Rae
4 Toolis
5 Harley
6 Hardie? Fitness permitting, but surely he'd have gone home if not?
7 Watson
8 Strauss

9 Pyrgos
10 Horne
11 Jones
12 Scott
13 Grigg
14 Visser
15 Taylor

Subs - Reid, Brown, Rae, Gray, Barclay /Wilson, Kennedy, Jackson, Hoyland

And we'll lose...

by **BigGee** Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:55 am

I did not think that Pyrgos had that great a game after he came on against Aus. He made real hard work of a few exits at the end and just put the pressure straight back on us. If Price is to be the main man going forward, which I think he might, then it would make more sense to start him again to keep his learning curve going upwards. If Kennedy is worth a shot, then he can bench for this one.

Jacko is likely to get a run out as well, as Toonie does seem to be of a mind to give everyone a shot. More likely as FB though, as that was where he was originally picked.

Turner could likely debut off the bench, Ford probably deserves a weekend off, the humidity almost killed him in Singapore and it won't be much better in Fiji. Whatever combo we put out, we should have the edge in the scrums in any case.

by jimbopip Tue Jun 20, 2017 2:27 am

I can see this game being a lot tougher than we might like it to be.
Fiji have had a lot of possession in recent matches, and scored tries. They are at home and the heat will be brutal. We are favourites and on the crest of a wave. That last sentence will send shivers down most Scotland fans' spines.
We should win, but now we have to get used to winning games we should win.
My team, for a fast and loose running game

15. Tonks (deserves it after last week)
14. Selkirk Pixie
13. MattScott12
12. Furra Linee
11. Hoyland
10. Jacko
9. Aldi Price
8. Batman
7. Hamish frae the glen (although 6. Giant Red Crayon, 7. hardie, 8. Bluto may spew forth from the Tombola)
6. Barcs
4. Toolis
5. Ickle Jonny "Hmm, be a mid-week sub for the Lions and then be sent packing or captain my country? Let me get back to you on that Warren."
3. Rae/Nel half each
2. Brown /Turner
1. Allan/Shrek

by **George Carlin** Tue Jun 20, 2017 4:01 am

jimbopip wrote:I can see this game being a lot tougher than we might like it to be.
Fiji have had a lot of possession in recent matches, and scored tries. They are at home and the heat will be brutal. We are favourites and on the crest of a wave. That last sentence will send shivers down most Scotland fans' spines.
We should win, but now we have to get used to winning games we should win.
My team, for a fast and loose running game

15. Tonks (deserves it after last week)
14. Selkirk Pixie
13. MattScott12
12. Furra Linee
11. Hoyland
10. Jacko
9. Aldi Price
8. Batman
7. Hamish frae the glen (although 6. Giant Red Crayon, 7. hardie, 8. Bluto may spew forth from the Tombola)
6. Barcs
4. Toolis
5. Ickle Jonny "Hmm, be a mid-week sub for the Lions and then be sent packing or captain my country? Let me get back to you on that Warren."
3. Rae/Nel half each
2. Brown /Turner
1. Allan/Shrek

Jaysus Jim - wash your mouth out lad.

The Rhubarb at 10 would be awful. Surely it will be Horney Furra at 10 with Sideshow at 13 (although I do recall that Dunbar was sent home) and Jackson on the bench, or preferably in a pub outside the stadium wondering where it all went wrong.

by jimbopip Tue Jun 20, 2017 5:58 am

George, I know what you're saying; looked at one way it is very sad story, every club he joins greets him as a rare talent then moves him on before he really achieves anything. But Toonie took him out there and will play him. Mind you, if it's not the Last Chance Saloon I don't know what is.

by TJ Tue Jun 20, 2017 6:54 am

Horne at 10, Jacko at FB

We need to develop Horne at 10. We know who Jacko is and he wiull never be good enough. Horne might be.

by GLove39 Tue Jun 20, 2017 9:20 pm

Well I'm sure glad Russell was flown out to New Zealand, he'll have gained invaluable experience... Sad

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue Jun 20, 2017 9:28 pm

Well you can't give him game time. He'll show up the fly halfs who have been picked already!

So far Biggar has played the best rugby at 10 in the Lions Jersey.

Farrell has been ok in patches but has missed some really easy kicks.

Sexton has been awful or mediocre.

by IanBru Tue Jun 20, 2017 9:35 pm

Hey guys, I'm back from a little 606 break. I'm sure you're all delighted...

If it wasn't for the fact that I already knew Gatland was a contemptuous trouser-sneeze, I'd be amazed that he didn't even try to use his bench properly today. Glove and Radge are right - Russell can't help but benefit from warming the pine today. And it's not like we'll need him against Fiji...

If I had an empty can, or maybe a bucket in my room, I'd kick them really hard. But I don't, so I wont.

by Mad for Chelsea Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:04 pm

So Russell, the form FH for the NH right now, creating more tries in 130 minutes of rugby than the Lions did in their first 4 games, gets flown to NZ to warm the bench in case Biggar gets injured. Beggars belief really. Can we have him back for Fiji please?

by mikey_dragon Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:07 pm

Fiji 30 - 20 Scotland.

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:14 pm

so this game kicks off at 2am?

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jun 21, 2017 6:50 am

What are the odds that Finn Russell starts the test on Saturday...

Now before you think I've crawled into a bottle on a school night, let me explain...

Gatland never intended to play Farrell or Sexton or Biggar in the test matches, and it was always his intention to play Russell... Gatland keeps going on about the fact he has a few surprises, could this be one of them? Why else would you call him up? He's been playing just the sort of creative game the Lions have been lacking...

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:02 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Fiji 30 - 20 Scotland.

Wales 8-32 Australia
Wales 6-15 Australia
Wales 28-33 Australia
Wales 26-30 Australia
Wales 12-14 Australia
Australia 2-19 Wales
Australia 25-23 Wales
Australia 27-19 Wales
Wales 18-24 Australia

The list goes on and on and on.

Poor rugby team with a couple of really poor rugby fans.

by Guest Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:30 am

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Fiji 30 - 20 Scotland.

Wales 8-32 Australia
Wales 6-15 Australia
Wales 28-33 Australia
Wales 26-30 Australia
Wales 12-14 Australia
Australia 2-19 Wales
Australia 25-23 Wales
Australia 27-19 Wales
Wales 18-24 Australia

The list goes on and on and on.

Poor rugby team with a couple of really poor rugby fans.

Strewth, some close games in there! Nothing tops our 2-19 away win though. We let Aus have a free conversion with no try to get the 2 points. Felt sorry for them Wink

by mikey_dragon Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:55 am

Griff wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Fiji 30 - 20 Scotland.

Wales 8-32 Australia
Wales 6-15 Australia
Wales 28-33 Australia
Wales 26-30 Australia
Wales 12-14 Australia
Australia 2-19 Wales
Australia 25-23 Wales
Australia 27-19 Wales
Wales 18-24 Australia

The list goes on and on and on.

Poor rugby team with a couple of really poor rugby fans.

Strewth, some close games in there! Nothing tops our 2-19 away win though. We let Aus have a free conversion with no try to get the 2 points. Felt sorry for them

Not sure why he's posting about Wales and Australia on this thread though? I gave an honest prediction; it could be right or it could be wrong. We'll have to wait and see. I frequent a few platforms and these days it's often full of Scots moaning and hating on Wales, I'm not sure why but surely it's embarrassing for you all now? I've enjoyed watching Glasgow play for a few years and will likely continue to do so when they're under Rennie. Scotland are a lot better too and play much 'better looking' rugby than Wales, Ireland, etc have played. I think it's great for the Pro12 and 6N but some of the fans though... thumbsdown

by IanBru Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:09 am

Anyway... What are the odds of a start for Nick Grigg? I'd love to see what the little stick of dynamite can do on the international stage.

by Anglobraveheart Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:09 am

Given that Toonie seems to favour having the plan B option on the bench when making an experimental selection, i.e. Nel's first game back, you could have expected to see Grigg start. BUT, as we are missing Finn and Dunbar, meaning that Horne may start at 10, I think it will be Taylor and Scott outside of Horne to start, with Jackson/Tonks as candidates for 15 and the bench.
Wings will be Visser and Jones, with Hoyland or Grigg benching, HP as scrum half cover, Price starting.
WRT the forwards, I think it'll pretty much be the same pack, but with maybe Allen in for Dell (not sure if Allen is on the same side of propping as Dell?) and probably Harley in for Bradbury.
Is there anyone who's not played a game in this squad yet?

by Thunderthighs Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:22 am

15. Taylor
14. Jones
13. Scott
12. Horne
11. Visser
10. Tonks
9. Pyrgos

Let's see the tombola beat that.

by Anglobraveheart Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:42 am

I can't see him playing Taylor at FB, he's our best centre option that is left. Plus he'll go with an established half back pairing, and Price/Horne or Pyrgos/Horne provide that.
We might even see 3sevens as the back row to secure the breakdown battle, so I wouldn't be surprised at a 6, 7, 8 of Hardie, Watson, Barclay with Strauss on the bench.

by Thunderthighs Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:16 am

I agree that Taylor is currently our best centre, but to me, it's a case of making the most of what's left in front and behind the centres. I'm just not convinced by Horne at 10. He's been tried, repeatedly, and is not much more than steady (sometimes, not even that). Think he's a better 12. His defence at 10 suffers from his lack of bulk, and I'd rather give him the extra second to line his man up. My memory of watching him is that he's less likely to be run over in the centres than in the halfs - his technique is fine, he's just very lightweight. Scott has been a revelation at outside centre for Gloucs, put him outside Horne to shore up the midfield. So to my mind, 10 is not Horne, and it's certainly not Jackson, whose form is still rocketing backwards, so who else is there? It's highly unlikely that any of Jackson, Tonks or Horne are the future as Russell's back-up, but we do need someone to fill the gap until Hastings or Hutchinson (please) step up. I would be more inclined to give 10 to Tonks. He's a solid tackler, isn't afraid to run, has played a lot at fly-half (maybe not so much recently), and has a huge boot. So if we play him there, and I don't think it's beyond the bounds of possibility, who do we have at fullback? Jackson or Taylor? Easy choice.

I love the idea of a Hardie-Watson-Barclay back row though, the breakdown would be ours.

by TJ Wed Jun 21, 2017 5:21 pm

thunderthighs

Horne has not had that many chances at 10 and one in particular I remember Russell went off early injured and Horne took over and acquitted himself well

We don't have much choice at 10 and IMO Horne needs to be played more at 10 until we know he is either the man for the job or not

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jun 21, 2017 6:50 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Fiji 30 - 20 Scotland.

You post a predicted score, based on no evidence or no form whatsoever then have the brass neck to come out with:

mikey_dragon wrote:
Scotland are a lot better too and play much 'better looking' rugby than Wales, Ireland, etc have played. I think it's great for the Pro12 and 6N but some of the fans though...

I'd wager that sort of comment from you is one of the greatest compliment a rugby fan could ever have. thumbsup

by mikey_dragon Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:54 pm

I just think Fiji are good too is all. Like I said, my prediction could turn out wrong. You're allowed to be confident without being called arrogant btw, as you're not welsh Wink

. And no need to thank me for speaking highly of you.

by Scottrf Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:57 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:I just think Fiji are good too is all. Like I said, my prediction could turn out wrong. You're allowed to be confident without being called arrogant btw, as you're not welsh . And no need to thank me for speaking highly of you.

Based on what? Scotland just beat Australia. Fiji are a side everyone hypes up until they meet a Tier One side and reality comes. You're trolling because you're annoyed about Scotland fans is the truth.

by Anglobraveheart Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:59 pm

Radge, take a leaf out of Bru book...... Anyway..... and move on.
Don't let the trolls spoil your thread on here too?
Are there any hints of selection creeping out from anywhere? I think we'll do a fine job up front with the depth of squad we have there, and maybe it'll just be a canny forwards game until we get advantage via better technique, then allow the backs some freedom to run once Fiji are knackered?

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:04 pm

Anglobraveheart wrote:Radge, take a leaf out of Bru book...... Anyway..... and move on.
Don't let the trolls spoil your thread on here too?
Are there any hints of selection creeping out from anywhere? I think we'll do a fine job up front with the depth of squad we have there, and maybe it'll just be a canny forwards game until we get advantage via better technique, then allow the backs some freedom to run once Fiji are knackered?

Fiji are a good side, I would also wager that the conditions will play a significant part, it will be rather muggy out there.

by **RDW** Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:05 pm

Forecast is 28 degrees which doesn't sound too bad but I suspect it will be very moist

by Anglobraveheart Wed Jun 21, 2017 9:15 pm

If we can control the game, we'll snuff them out. It may not be exciting, but I think given the circumstances of availability, especially in the backs, we need to put a stranglehold on the breakdown (3 x7's) and wait for technical errors and offside to allow us to gain field advantage.
There's no point in us tearhorsing around the pitch like madmen. That's what Fiji excell at. We need to play a shrewd game and keep some enetgy in the tanks. Our fitness is good, so that will see us through.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:18 pm

Isn't this game just a Glasgow scouting trip anyway? Run

We should start a sweepstake on who in the Fiji side is going to become the next Weegie fae Fiji

by cakeordeath Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:02 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Isn't this game just a Glasgow scouting trip anyway?

We should start a sweepstake on who in the Fiji side is going to become the next Weegie fae Fiji

Sounds like a great idea, we should stop by SA on the way home and do a scouting mission for the MFLs as well

by tigertattie Wed Jun 21, 2017 11:19 pm

Thunderthighs wrote:15. Taylor
14. Jones
13. Scott
12. Horne
11. Visser
10. Tonks
9. Pyrgos

Let's see the tombola beat that.

15. Hughes
14. Jones
13. Grigg
12. Horne
11. Hoyland
10. Jackson
9. Mildy racist uncle Dougie

by **NeilyBroon** Thu Jun 22, 2017 12:46 am

Anglobraveheart wrote:Radge, take a leaf out of Bru book...... Anyway..... and move on.
Don't let the trolls spoil your thread on here too?
Are there any hints of selection creeping out from anywhere? I think we'll do a fine job up front with the depth of squad we have there, and maybe it'll just be a canny forwards game until we get advantage via better technique, then allow the backs some freedom to run once Fiji are knackered?

Hardie had an interview prior to the game, reckon he'll get a run out.

by TJ Thu Jun 22, 2017 1:41 am

Aye - don't feed the trolls

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Thu Jun 22, 2017 3:40 am

My team for Fiji in Fiji

Backs

15. Tonks
14. Jones
13. Scott
12. Taylor
11. Visser
10. Jackson
9. Pyrgos

21. Kennedy
22. Horne
23. Hughes

Forwards

1. Allan
2. Brown
3. Fagerson
4. Toolis
5. Gray
6. Barclay
7. Hardie
8. Stauss

16. Ford
17. Reid
18. Nel
19. Swinson
20. Wilson

Gives a few lads a rest and game time for those that have not had a chance yet.

by **RDW** Thu Jun 22, 2017 3:41 am

That's the fanciest team prediction I've ever seen Fiji v Scotland, 24 June 3559488474

by Thunderthighs Thu Jun 22, 2017 3:58 am

My brother in law, who's from Saltcoats and hence would have been world class if he'd ever picked up a rugby ball, is in Fiji on business (tough gig...). He spent last night in his hotel bar with the Fijian team and "a very nice French bloke" who claimed to be the match referee. If the ref is drinking with the Fijians, we're doomed I tell you, doomed mug

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:48 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's the fanciest team prediction I've ever seen

by Anglobraveheart Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:52 am

Mesmeric, have you dropped Watson?

by **RDW** Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:08 am

Anglobraveheart wrote:Mesmeric, have you dropped Watson?

All signs point to Hardie starting - he hasn't played yet.

by jimbopip Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:40 am

On that note: Giant Red Crayon, Hardie, Jackson, Furra Linee are all due a start. So, 10. Jackson (George, he's there-he's playing) 12. Furra Linee.
Horne is not a 10, so why crowbar him in at 10 in order to play Jackson at 15 (where he seldom, if ever, appeared for Glasgow)?
A full Tombola would see Griggs starting at 13, but I think he'll sub with Matt Scott12 starting. Unless Toonie remembers Samoa. Then he'll use Taylor as insurance, a quarter Tombola.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu Jun 22, 2017 7:47 am

Have people not realised that predicting a Scotland team is now completely and utterly doomed to failure? This is the era of the Toonie tombola, get used to it. Very Happy

I reckon he does it on the basis that it makes it impossible for the opposition to work out plans to counter the team. I mean, Australia would have spent most of the week negating the danger that Taylor brought by coming into the line from 15, shoring up their scrum to deal with the returning Nel, etc., all preparation wasted. Must be quite demoralising Very Happy

by Anglobraveheart Thu Jun 22, 2017 7:58 am

You never know, we may end up with Russell back at 10..... If I was him, I'd be mighty peeved off that I'd cut my Scotland tour short ti sit on the bench for one game and be completely overlooked for the second.
He could've just gone to NZ after the Fiji game.

by nickj Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:08 pm

Team's out: Scotland side to face Fiji:

Backs: Henry Pyrgos, Peter Horne, Tim Visser, Duncan Taylor, Nick Grigg, Damien Hoyland, Ruaridh Jackson.

Forwards: Alex Allan, Ross Ford, Willem Nel, Tim Swinson, Jonny Gray, John Barclay (capt), John Hardie, Josh Strauss.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Zander Fagerson, Ben Toolis, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson, Ali Price, Greig Tonks.

by **RDW** Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:12 pm

Not very tombola like at all! Looking forward to seeing what Grigg can do at this level.

Jackson at 15 though...

by jimbopip Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:51 pm

jimbopip wrote:On that note: Giant Red Crayon, Hardie, Jackson, Furra Linee are all due a start. So, 10. Jackson (George, he's there-he's playing) 12. Furra Linee.
Horne is not a 10, so why crowbar him in at 10 in order to play Jackson at 15 (where he seldom, if ever, appeared for Glasgow)?
A full Tombola would see Griggs starting at 13, but I think he'll sub with Matt Scott12 starting. Unless Toonie remembers Samoa. Then he'll use Taylor as insurance, a quarter Tombola.

Just shows what I know.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu Jun 22, 2017 5:53 pm

Horne has played 10 for Scotland a few times hasn't he?

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