Fiji v Scotland, 24 June

by **George Carlin** Mon 19 Jun 2017, 2:04 pm

First topic message reminder :

Fiji v Scotland, 24 June - Page 2 Fiji_r10

Fiji v Scotland, 24 June - Page 2 Scot_f11

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 RuggerRadge2611 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 7:55 am

Also worth mentioning the Colossus from Kelso is about to become Scotland's most capped player. Well done to him.

by **BigGee** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 8:18 am

Horne definitely needed a start at FH. He is our next in line and we need to see what he can do.

Other than that, it is a little bit of gentle rotation as he has practiced throughout the tour. He does not seem to be giving caps away, so nothing on offer for Turner or Rae, but they will surely have benefitted from being with the squad. Grigg on the other hand has had a very impressive season with Glasgow and is deserving of his chance.

It's a 6/2 b3nch again, suggesting that the muggy conditions will play a part in the game. If we can keep them wrapped up in the forwards, then we will win quite comfortably. Plenty of fresh, high quality forwards to come on in the second half once the big boys start to flag. Seems like a sensible option.

I don't recognise all that many of the Fijian players. Leone is playing but no Niko. Hopefully we will have a few blank contract forms available if anyone we have not heard of is a stand out!

by **BigGee** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 8:20 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Also worth mentioning the Colossus from Kelso is about to become Scotland's most capped player. Well done to him.

The best thing about this is that he is playing as well as he ever has for Scotland and really seems to have risen to the challenge of having some genuine competition. It has taken him such a long time to be part of a decent Scotland side that he clearly wants to savour it for a while yet!

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 8:34 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Also worth mentioning the Colossus from Kelso is about to become Scotland's most capped player. Well done to him.

To him, a hell of an achievement and all the more so for doing it at the coal face.

Horne has played 10 often. But at Glasgow he was there as cover after Dancer and Meatball. Horne's most successful spell for Glasgow, IMO, was the title winning season when he and Richie V made more appearances as a 12-13 pairing than Dunbar-Bennett did. Granted, you can argue that this was caused by injuries but they both had a run in their position (or one of their 9 positions in Richie's case) and both played very well. Hornee's never had a LONG run at 10 so it could be argued that we have never seen the best of him there. I just get the feeling that he's a 12 who can cover 10 but should be seen primarily as a 12. However, despite all the Tombola foolishness we spout, Toonie has a gameplan for Scotland which is reliant on a Dancer type of fly-half. Apart from Dancer, who else fills the bill? Meatball? On the spectrum of Fly half styles you have Dan Parks at one end and Phil Bennett at the other; Meatball stands much closer to Dan Parks while Dancer is very much tiptoeing over towards the John Rutherford and Barry John section. So, is Horne going to be the squad player who can cover 12,15 and put in a shift at 10 without us having to change the whole game plan?
The question of who is the back up 10 is becoming quite urgent, mainly because with Dancer we can play the fast attacking game Toonie espouses but without him we lose so much offensive threat. The drop from Dancer to Meatball, in terms of creativity and unpredictability, is vertiginous but what other option do we have at 10?

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 8:57 am

BigGee wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Also worth mentioning the Colossus from Kelso is about to become Scotland's most capped player. Well done to him.

The best thing about this is that he is playing as well as he ever has for Scotland and really seems to have risen to the challenge of having some genuine competition. It has taken him such a long time to be part of a decent Scotland side that he clearly wants to savour it for a while yet!

A few years ago he probably wasn't too far away from being resigned to the international scrapheap - his form was poor and it was a bad period for Scottish rugby. He was much derided on here and perhaps seen as one of the failed old guard who didn't achieve overly much for Scotland (which is a little harsh).

Since then he's been a different player and is certainly playing as well as he ever has. Toony mentioned him being a good influence off the pitch and driving standards in training and that's all part of the package too.

For someone his size I'd like to see him carry more aggressively and be more dominant in the tackle but that ain't going to change now!

by EWT Spoons Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:20 am

jimbopip wrote:
The question of who is the back up 10 is becoming quite urgent, mainly because with Dancer we can play the fast attacking game Toonie espouses but without him we lose so much offensive threat. The drop from Dancer to Meatball, in terms of creativity and unpredictability, is vertiginous but what other option do we have at 10?

Has Jackson now been fully written off as a 10?

He seems to be playing more at 15 these days, but I would have thought his running game would be closer aligned to Russell, than the like of Weir. I realise Weir has been left out of this tour, but he's probably competing with Horne as back up 10.

But you're right Jimbo we need a clear back up or challenger to Russell as currently without him we're stuffed.

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:23 am

I think if I was Toonie (I know I'm too sensible to be him) the only teamsheet I'd be posting on the dressing room wall tomorrow would be the Lions 23. For the less experienced players; Allan, Grigg, there's the message, "You can be better than them." for the more experienced players it's sure to make them very angry.

by **George Carlin** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:34 am

Like that team a lot. Grigg and Taylor is actually a very powerful centre combination.

Grigg is a pocket battleship and I am dying to see how he acquits himself.

Horney Furra needs a good showing here and shouldn't be under too much pressure this game.

I am still horribly unexcited about Jackson at 15 but WTF is a coach to do? Kinghorn should hurry up and get better.

No Matawalu I see.

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:37 am

George Carlin wrote:Like that team a lot. Grigg and Taylor is actually a very powerful centre combination.

Grigg is a pocket battleship and I am dying to see how he acquits himself.

Horney Furra needs a good showing here and shouldn't be under too much pressure this game.

I am still horribly unexcited about Jackson at 15 but WTF is a coach to do? Kinghorn should hurry up and get better.

No Matawalu I see.

Apparently the locals felt he was too predictable and dogmatic in his thinking; they call it the Laidlaw effect in Suva.

by EST Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:45 am

jimbopip wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Like that team a lot. Grigg and Taylor is actually a very powerful centre combination.

Grigg is a pocket battleship and I am dying to see how he acquits himself.

Horney Furra needs a good showing here and shouldn't be under too much pressure this game.

I am still horribly unexcited about Jackson at 15 but WTF is a coach to do? Kinghorn should hurry up and get better.

No Matawalu I see.

Apparently the locals felt he was too predictable and dogmatic in his thinking; they call it the Laidlaw effect in Suva.

I enjoyed that one Jim.

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 9:52 am

EST wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Like that team a lot. Grigg and Taylor is actually a very powerful centre combination.

Grigg is a pocket battleship and I am dying to see how he acquits himself.

Horney Furra needs a good showing here and shouldn't be under too much pressure this game.

I am still horribly unexcited about Jackson at 15 but WTF is a coach to do? Kinghorn should hurry up and get better.

No Matawalu I see.

Apparently the locals felt he was too predictable and dogmatic in his thinking; they call it the Laidlaw effect in Suva.

I enjoyed that one Jim.

Alternatively they've found someone even more mental than Mad Matawalu... Shocked

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 10:15 am

Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

by funnyExiledScot Thu 22 Jun 2017, 10:38 am

I like the pack but the back line feels a bit cobbled together. Jackson, Visser and Hoyland isn't exactly a rock solid defensive trio so there should be a few tries in this game.

Nice to see Toonie taking his Tombola with him from Glasgow.

Last word to Doddie Weir. Sad news. Such a wonderful character, not to mention a very fine player indeed. I wish him the very best as he fights the disease.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:37 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

by **NeilyBroon** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:40 am

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

They certainly helped Maitland revitalise his career after that terrible move to L.I, do they fancy taking Kinghorn to give him a boot up the a*se?

by **George Carlin** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:41 am

Sarries have 5 players in the Lions first test 23 which is amazing if you think about it.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:43 am

George Carlin wrote:Sarries have 5 players in the Lions first test 23 which is amazing if you think about it.

They'd probably have six if Billy Vunipola wasn't injured too...

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:44 am

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton boxing

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:45 am

I reckon Sarries could work wonders with Kinghorn, he's got the raw materials he just needs to learn to lower his error count and improve his decision making. Not that they're short of fullback cover in their squad as it is mind you!

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:47 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton

Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:55 am

jimbopip wrote:Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

by EWT Spoons Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:58 am

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:I reckon Sarries could work wonders with Kinghorn, he's got the raw materials he just needs to learn to lower his error count and improve his decision making. Not that they're short of fullback cover in their squad as it is mind you!

Nor, I would imagine, are they particularly keen to become a Scottish development team Very Happy

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:00 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:I reckon Sarries could work wonders with Kinghorn, he's got the raw materials he just needs to learn to lower his error count and improve his decision making. Not that they're short of fullback cover in their squad as it is mind you!

Nor, I would imagine, are they particularly keen to become a Scottish development team

How unsporting of them! Grrr moneybags Saracens buying success, South African players, no fanbase, big debts, mutter mutter grumble grumble....

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:00 pm

jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton

Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

They were 6 years old - I know 6 year old Glaswegians are out stealing cars and taking crystal meth but in Edinburgh I think 'rampaging about in the woods causing mischief' is correct terminology!

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:08 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton

Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

They were 6 years old - I know 6 year old Glaswegians are out stealing cars and taking crystal meth but in Edinburgh I think 'rampaging about in the woods causing mischief' is correct terminology!

All the six year olds in Glasgow are so over crystal meth, after two years in rehab!
Did I touch a nerve, Admin Boy?

by **George Carlin** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:10 pm

Mad for Chelsea wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Sarries have 5 players in the Lions first test 23 which is amazing if you think about it.

They'd probably have six if Billy Vunipola wasn't injured too...

Gatland likes Maitland too and if Duncan Taylor hadn't been injured during the 6 Nations...

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:34 pm

Who removed my Warrenball post? It was a joke and nothing to do with a windup.

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:41 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Who removed my Warrenball post? It was a joke and nothing to do with a windup.

I did - you wouldn't believe the number of reports we had on it. I was happy that it was meant in good humour but you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't in this job and it was just causing more hassle that it was worth. Rolling Eyes

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:43 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Who removed my Warrenball post? It was a joke and nothing to do with a windup.

I did - you wouldn't believe the number of reports we had on it. I was happy that it was meant in good humour but you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't in this job and it was just causing more hassle that it was worth.

I even said this is purely a joke, and not a WUM. Fair enough though mate, your job is hard enough on here.

by **George Carlin** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 12:44 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Who removed my Warrenball post? It was a joke and nothing to do with a windup.

I did - you wouldn't believe the number of reports we had on it. I was happy that it was meant in good humour but you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't in this job and it was just causing more hassle that it was worth.

Fiji v Scotland, 24 June - Page 2 Repres10

by Scottish White Line Fever Thu 22 Jun 2017, 1:39 pm

I think it will be interesting to see Toonie's selection for the AIs (injury permitting) and whether we will see:

1, Ali Price supplanting Laidlaw as first choice scrum half. I think everyone agrees that Price is better suited to the free flowing rugby that we want to play but obviously Laidlaw has been first choice for some time now. Personally, I'd be in favour of having Price as first choice moving forward as his service is a bit sharper and adds a threat around the fringes.

2, following on from 1, whether Barclay retains the captaincy going forward. His form has been excellent and I think his leadership has been outstanding for the last 5 games, which again undermines Laidlaw's shout for starting.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 22 Jun 2017, 1:57 pm

How old is Barclay? I think he's been an excellent captain so far, and seems to be playing as well as ever! Quite why he spent so long in international wilderness is one of life's great mysteries (or alternatively yet another reason to be really angry at Scott Johnson furious

).

I do feel that Price will be first choice going forward. As said he better suits the style of play Scotland want to adopt (and the one Toonie favours), and with two years to go to the next WC Toonie will want to build the Price-Russell half-back partnership as much as possible.

by EWT Spoons Thu 22 Jun 2017, 2:01 pm

Mad for Chelsea wrote:How old is Barclay? I think he's been an excellent captain so far, and seems to be playing as well as ever! Quite why he spent so long in international wilderness is one of life's great mysteries (or alternatively yet another reason to be really angry at Scott Johnson ).

I do feel that Price will be first choice going forward. As said he better suits the style of play Scotland want to adopt (and the one Toonie favours), and with two years to go to the next WC Toonie will want to build the Price-Russell half-back partnership as much as possible.

Barclay is 30, will be 31 in sept.
Laidlaw is 31, will be 32 in oct

According to Wikipedia anyway.

I agree that Price-Russell would make sense from Toonie's point of view. he coached them at glasgow, both are 24 so got a number of years left in them.

it would make sense for them to be our starting half backs

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 22 Jun 2017, 2:11 pm

So Barclay would be 33 by the time the next WC rolls around. Given his current form I see no reason why he shouldn't still be very much around. I'd be tempted to stick with him as captain. The other obvious option is to go to J. Gray, but for me Barclay's done a good job and should continue.

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 22 Jun 2017, 2:18 pm

Mad for Chelsea wrote:So Barclay would be 33 by the time the next WC rolls around. Given his current form I see no reason why he shouldn't still be very much around. I'd be tempted to stick with him as captain. The other obvious option is to go to J. Gray, but for me Barclay's done a good job and should continue.

I fully agree with this. Him making the next RWC is 50-50 IMO. He has done absolutely brilliantly as captain and seems to be a man reborn down at the Scarlets.

I too want to see Johnny Gray or The Mish being the next Scotland captain, but I couldn't justify stripping Barclay of that honour because he has been outstanding.

Speaking of Barclay he has done another column for the BBC, pick of the quotes for me anyway:

John Barclay wrote:Our team base is in an oasis of tranquillity. Apart from the snakes. And the giant bats. And the lionfish that sits underneath the rope bridge we walk across every day from the main restaurant in the hotel to the team room, a cabin literally built on the water.

It says online that a sting from a lionfish causes nausea, vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, convulsions, dizziness, headache, numbness, diarrhoea and sweating - just some of the ailments that befell Scottish rugby fans as they watched the closing minutes of our game against the Wallabies last weekend.

Full article here :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40349963

I have really enjoyed these little insights in the camp, and I'm really warming to him as a person and as the captain.

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 2:31 pm

Another fantastic column - I hope he does it for every Scotland game going forward!

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 22 Jun 2017, 2:32 pm

It's a lovely column by Barcs, though I reckon he overrates his offloading ability a tad Very Happy

by jimbopip Thu 22 Jun 2017, 5:58 pm

jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton

Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

They were 6 years old - I know 6 year old Glaswegians are out stealing cars and taking crystal meth but in Edinburgh I think 'rampaging about in the woods causing mischief' is correct terminology!

All the six year olds in Glasgow are so over crystal meth, after two years in rehab!
Did I touch a nerve, Admin Boy?

RDw, if you can see this image I imagine you'll be smiling.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155563035633944&set=a.487404028943.269001.689318943&type=3

by **RDW** Thu 22 Jun 2017, 7:20 pm

jimbopip wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Someone more mental than Niko? Is that possible?!

It's quite a reserved selection from the tombola, perhaps it needs maintenance. Either that or there isn't a name that jumps out anymore that causes panic. Apart from Jackson at 15?!!

Taylor and Grigg has the looks of a nice centre partnership.

So happy Taylor has picked up from where he left of when he was injured. The lad is some player!

I think we have a lot to thank Saracens for, whatever people say about them there is no doubt that many players really thrive in the close-knit team environment they've built down there, and competition for places in their squad definitely seems to have played a role in Taylor developing into the excellent player he is.

If they wanted to sign a few more talented young Scottish players I wouldn't be too unhappy about it!

Let's not forget the most important part - he was born in Edinburgh and raised there for the first 6 years or so! Mrs RDW and her brother were neighbours with Duncan and his sister when they were kids - they used to play in paddling pools together and go rampaging about in the woods causing mischief! Learnt all he knew from the mean streets of Barnton

Steady on there, next thing you'll be saying she went running through wheat fields. What a naughty girl. Does she have a soft spot for loud mouthed Ulster fans? (Does anyone?)

They were 6 years old - I know 6 year old Glaswegians are out stealing cars and taking crystal meth but in Edinburgh I think 'rampaging about in the woods causing mischief' is correct terminology!

All the six year olds in Glasgow are so over crystal meth, after two years in rehab!
Did I touch a nerve, Admin Boy?

RDw, if you can see this image I imagine you'll be smiling.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155563035633944&set=a.487404028943.269001.689318943&type=3

I trust you stocked up?

by TJ Thu 22 Jun 2017, 11:17 pm

I think we have probably seen the last of Laidlaw in a Scotland shirt. He is off to France to get some big bucks for his retirement. We have Price Pyrgos and SHC if he remembers how to play.

Laidlaw has been an excellent servant to the scots game and I'd love to give him a great send-off but I think his time is over, Captain for one AI?

by jimbopip Fri 23 Jun 2017, 8:55 am

Morning lads Very Happy

I don't know if I mentioned it before but On Top Of The Moon, https://topofthemoongw.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/fiji-v-scotland-summer-tests-2017-match-preview/

is a great wee site for pre match analysis of Scotland matches. The guy who runs it is a Glasgow fan and obviously loves his statistics. He is usually well informed and relatively sane and unbiased. Which would preclude him from ever haunting these precincts.

The most interesting fact from the Fiji v Oz game isn't that Naka made more off-loads than the Oz team, but that the Fiji twelve neither passed nor kicked the ball; just straight crash ball every time. Duncan Taylor can look forward to a busy afternoon.
Next interesting fact was that their 13 attempted 1 tackle on the 68 minutes he was on the field and he missed that. Nick Grigg fill your boots.

Last fact; Fiji only kicked seven times against Oz. Kicked the ball in open play that is. Now obviously the Criminal Element have superb counter attacking players and you don't want to give them chances to run it back...but 7?

So, Fiji running it from their half: a lot. Hardie and Bluto smashing their ball carriers and Barclay going for turnover ball. Attack the 13 channel as early as possible. Oh yes and stop Naka off-loading.

That last one should be the easiest part of the day I think. Laugh

by IanBru Fri 23 Jun 2017, 11:40 am

Morning dudes. I've resolved to have an early night tonight, watch the Scotland game live, then iron man it through the day, after taking Hagia Sophia to Kingston Park for a Lions breakfast. Let's just say she's far more excited about the whole thing than I am.

Incidentally, I've just seen a picture of Nick Grigg in a Scotland shirt. Combined with my February trip to the Murrayfield kit shop, the total sales of child's XXL shirts has now reached two. Some guy at the Macron HQ has just fallen off his chair.

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 23 Jun 2017, 11:45 am

So this isn't on sky?

by EWT Spoons Fri 23 Jun 2017, 11:51 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:So this isn't on sky?

No, SRU are streaming it on their site I believe though

SRU Website wrote:The match will kick off at 3.30am BST/2.30pm local time and will be live streamed via the Scottish Rugby website at scottishrugby.org/live.

http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/17/06/05/scotland%E2%80%99s-summer-tour-be-televised-across-multi-platforms

by jimbopip Fri 23 Jun 2017, 11:59 am

Radge, as you've been devoting all your energies to convincing the Welsh posters that's it's impossible to love Scotland and support Gatland's Pets have this, on me. http://scottishrugby.org/live

p.s. some of them just don't get that it nothing to do with Welsh players being chosen but has everything to do with the wrong players being chosen for the wrong reasons.

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 23 Jun 2017, 12:22 pm

I'm not sure I have the constitution to get up that early by choice... I was gonna record it and watch it later but that doesn't seem to be a possibility.

by EST Fri 23 Jun 2017, 2:45 pm

Not sure if anybody else has seen this, but it brought a smile to my face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVaysyZH4No

by jimbopip Fri 23 Jun 2017, 3:33 pm

EST wrote:Not sure if anybody else has seen this, but it brought a smile to my face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVaysyZH4No

Shy, timorous, introverted. Three adjectives you'll never apply to Ryan Wilson. laughing

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Sat 24 Jun 2017, 3:18 am

Anyone still awake?

http://www.scottishrugby.org/scottish-rugby-live

by IanBru Sat 24 Jun 2017, 3:26 am

I'm here folks.

That just took me three minutes to type.

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