Scotland Internationals - Game Week

by bsando Tue 19 Sep 2017, 12:45 pm

First topic message reminder :

Scotland's 2017 Autumn Series

Saturday 11 November: Scotland v Samoa, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Saturday 18 November: Scotland v New Zealand, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 17.15 GMT), live on BBC 2

Saturday 25 November: Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Injury List

G Laidlaw
R Gray
J Barclay
M Bennet
A Dickinson
A Dell
G Reid
F Brown
R Ford
D Taylor
M Scott
A Ashe
S Maitland
J Hardie ( warning

)

Scotland Squad here>>>>

https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/17/25/81/46/at17_s10.jpg

by reallybored Mon 09 Oct 2017, 12:41 pm

Back-row is a problem, Townsend's got to have one eye on the RWC imo.

6 - Wilson
7 - Watson
8 - Ashe

20 - Straus

Squad:

Barclay
Ritchie
Bradbury

by **RDW** Mon 09 Oct 2017, 12:47 pm

JB is only 31 so would be 33 by the next world cup - in the position he plays I don't think that is too old. I'd have him as my WC captain so would stick with him at 6 for the long term. Wilson/Ashe/Strauss to battle it out at 8.

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon 09 Oct 2017, 12:56 pm

reallybored wrote:Back-row is a problem, Townsend's got to have one eye on the RWC imo.

6 - Wilson
7 - Watson
8 - Ashe

20 - Straus

Squad:

Barclay
Ritchie
Bradbury

Dimension Jump is one of my favorite red dwarf episodes. I'm just thinking how many dimensions I'd have to visit (as Ace Radge) before I could find a dimension where Wilson would play ahead of Barclay for Scotland...

by **BigGee** Mon 09 Oct 2017, 1:05 pm

I am not sure that you can pin a WC shirt on anyone at this stage, particularly in the back row where you have some well established players:

Strauss
Barclay
Watson/Hardie

and then the young guns coming up hard behind them and won't be going away. Who is to say that:

Ashe/Bradbury
Ritchie
Fagerson

won't be the Scottish back row by then. They are all good young players and should only improve. The old guard are going to have to keep on playing very well to keep them out.

You can chuck a few wild cards into the mix as well:

CDP - who I have not totally given up on just yet
Wilson - who remains a very consistent player, admired by all his coaches, if not Edinburgh fans
Matt Smith/Luke Crosbie - outsiders admittedly at the moment, but still talented young players who would likely have been capped in other eras.

There is an awful lot of back row talent around just now and no incumbent should be resting on their laurels.

by reallybored Mon 09 Oct 2017, 1:38 pm

Barclay is a class player and I'd happily see him as back-up to Watson at open-side over the next couple of seasons but I think we need more bulk to be a genuinely top-side.

Against the likes of New Zealand, England, France or South Africa we need a bigger back-row to compete.

Squire: 6'5 - 18 st
Kaino: 6'5 - 17 st
Fifita: 6'5 - 17st

Wilson's contribution is underrated on here, he's started pretty much every test match we've won for the last couple of seasons and rarely has a poor game. We struggle when he's our biggest ball-carrier though, be more effective with a bigger carrier at 8 (Ashe, Strauss, Bradbury).

Been really impressed with Jamie Ritchie, would like to see him get capped this season.

by **RDW** Mon 09 Oct 2017, 4:08 pm

Adam Hastings returned from injury to play for Currie at the weekend - he should be fit to take over from Russell during the AIs.

by Hazel Sapling Mon 09 Oct 2017, 7:18 pm

Injuries and development could all play a part. Strauss was struggling on the international scene less than 2 years ago and has developed into an average international 8 (not a criticism; the above average are pretty much B Vunipola, Faletau, Isa, Read, Vermuelen, Parisse, Picamoles, Stander; guys like Hughes, Moriarty, Strauss are all in the tier of won't let you down but can't take over a match against a top 10 nation). Hopefully CDP, Ashe and Bradbury can all push on.

Looking at now and the potential development, I have high hopes for a back row of Ritchie, Watson and Bradbury with Barclay/Wilson fighting for the subs bench.

Practically, I expect Barclay, Watson and Strauss with Wilson or Bradbury benching.

CDP needs to prove he is not a good stats, bad team player. Ashe needs to make the Glasgow 8 jersey his own for an extended period and stay healthy before I give him a WC berth. Miller, M Fagerson, Smith and Wynne are too early in development to know if they are going to be internationals but any of them could bolt.

by reallybored Mon 16 Oct 2017, 12:39 pm

Doesn't look like Barclay will be taking part in November.

John Barclay’s involvement in next month’s autumn Test programme has been thrown into doubt by the news that the Scotland captain is to be examined by a leading neurologist this week in an attempt to find out why he has been slow to recover from a recent concussion.

Barclay, who plays for the Scarlets, missed his club’s narrow defeat to Toulon in the Champions Cup yesterday. He has not played any rugby since sustaining a head injury in the Scarlets’ Guinness Pro14 victory over Edinburgh more than three weeks ago.

It is understood that Barclay has made little progress since picking up the injury. Reportedly, he has been suffering from nausea and dizziness, symptoms that have led club doctors to arrange for him to see Professor Tony Belli, a concussion specialist at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Wayne Pivac, the Scarlets head coach, gave his support to Barclay, 31, who has two young sons. “It’s a serious issue,” Pivac said.

Barclay made his Test debut against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup and has since won 63 caps. He took over as captain during last season’s Six Nations after Greig Laidlaw’s ankle injury. He kept the role for Scotland’s summer tour to Singapore, Australia and Fiji. If Barclay is ruled out of next month’s Test programme, his absence would strengthen the case for recalling Laidlaw, who has been under pressure this year for his scrum-half place from Glasgow’s Ali Price.

Saracens do not expect Owen Farrell to be cited for the tackle that led to him being booed as the European champions opened their quest for a hat-trick of titles with a 57-13 victory over Northampton Saints. Farrell lifted Ben Foden and dumped the Northampton wing on his back.

by **RDW** Mon 16 Oct 2017, 12:42 pm

Real shame for Barclay and I hope he makes a full recovery (and I mean for his home life, not from just a rugby point of view).

If he is out I think it would be a backwards step to make Laidlaw captain as he just doesn't fit the Tooney mould as a player. Saying that, given GT's experience at the end of his international career I can't see him doing the same to Laidlaw. He could be a good bench option to steady the ship and close out games.

by reallybored Mon 16 Oct 2017, 12:47 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Real shame for Barclay and I hope he makes a full recovery (and I mean for his home life, not from just a rugby point of view).

If he is out I think it would be a backwards step to make Laidlaw captain as he just doesn't fit the Tooney mould as a player. Saying that, given GT's experience at the end of his international career I can't see him doing the same to Laidlaw. He could be a good bench option to steady the ship and close out games.

Especially because Price is the form scrum-half.

Gray, Hogg or possibly Wilson for captain imo.

by bsando Wed 18 Oct 2017, 1:02 pm

Hope Barclay recovers well, that is not good news. Depending on the outcome perhaps that is an injury that might see him retire a few years earlier than planned? Obviously will be sad to see him go but not worth the risk really.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 18 Oct 2017, 1:17 pm

That is a hammer blow for Barclay, I really do hope he makes a speedy recovery.

For me this position would be naturally filled by Johnny Gray. 1st choice in his position, already captained his club etc. The Mish for me is the only other real contender.

There is a case to be made for Hogg, but for me the captain needs to be a forward or a centre. Someone who will be close to the breakdown and able to "assist" the referee with the most contentious area of decision making.

Bringing Laidlaw back for me is a backwards step. As much as I admire Laidlaw, Price is the form player and Laidlaw would be best supporting from the Bench or just as a squad member to bring the bottles on and talk to the players. SHC for me is probably the 2nd best Scrum Half at Scotland's disposal.

by **George Carlin** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 2:20 pm

We don't have any other forward as smart as Barclay, so whilst we have good opensides, that is a real problem for us. Hope that they get to the bottom of this because JB has become a very important player for us.

There's no way in the world that we should recall Laidlaw. Pygos and Price are our guys (Henners has already captained Glasgow). Jonny Gray, the Mighty Crayon or Mister AP should be the contenders.

by **BigGee** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 2:29 pm

Ben Vellacott, former u20s SH for Scotland, makes his first start for Gloucester in the cup game on Thursday night after several impressive performances off the bench this season.

He is a real buzz bomb of a player, in the Ali Price mould, who can bring some real pace and energy to a game.

He may not make it into the squad this time around, but is definitely one to watch for the future, with Greg L getting older and Henry P seeming to have stalled a bit recently. George Horne, who is a similar kind of player, does not seem to be getting the game time he needs to develop atm though hopefully that might change and he can show us his wares during the AI and 6N periods.

SHC who we all know is talented but inconsistent, really needs to get onto his game this year or could end up getting left behind by the next generation of SHs coming through, some of whom look very talented.

Toonie does need to make some kind of call about Greg as well. Does he really think that he will play on effectively up to the next WC and is he the kind of player we need in the new era. FR definitely looks like he has nailed the goal kicking now. Will Greg be happy sitting on the bench as well?

A good few questions remain around the SH slots now and going forward.

by **RDW** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 2:47 pm

We discussed Vellacott a few weeks ago as he said in an interview that he was benefiting by not being tied to Scotland just now in terms of his immediate career as a professional rugby player playing in England. Given that we don't play A games anymore he'd only get capped if he played for Scotland (I think?) and I can't see that happening this season.

He's certainly one for the immediate future though (by that I mean the next season or two) along with George Horne. Charlie Shiel has been training with Edinburgh lately and may end up getting some gametime this season depending on injury.

The Scrum half factory is still going strong in Scotland!

by Hazel Sapling Wed 18 Oct 2017, 3:58 pm

I do question whether having Fowlie and Kennedy are blocking the progress of the younger players at Edinburgh. Unless SHC can get into the Scotland 23, Edinburgh can't blood youngsters without 2 injuries. Glasgow are presently putting at least 1, if not 2, and it means Horne is guaranteed at least a 4-6 games a season.

Is Vellacott that far along? Would Steele (who has started a few games) not be closer to a call-up?

by **RDW** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 4:28 pm

Steele was the coming man a few seasons ago, but LI being relegated and now struggling this season having been promoted has meant that he has been forgotten about somewhat.

He's 24 now so can't really be classed as a youngster, and I think it is unlikely he'll go on to play for Scotland any time soon.

Fowles is only 24 and Kennedy only 26 and are solid club level players, but unlikely to become international quality - the question is do you get rid of them at the end of their next contracts in the hope that a youngster can do better, or do you keep them given that they will be useful players for years to come? The answer is probably to keep one and bring through a new youngster...

by bsando Wed 18 Oct 2017, 4:56 pm

Well Price fans can rejoice, Laidlaw has fractured his ankle and will play no part in the Autumn tests. Shame for Laidlaw but that means Price will be starting with someone else covering from the bench! That's a real motivator for SHC, Pyrgos, Fowles and Kennedy to show what they can do.

by EWT Spoons Wed 18 Oct 2017, 5:34 pm

bsando wrote:Well Price fans can rejoice, Laidlaw has fractured his ankle and will play no part in the Autumn tests. Shame for Laidlaw but that means Price will be starting with someone else covering from the bench! That's a real motivator for SHC, Pyrgos, Fowles and Kennedy to show what they can do.

I think Pyrgos has the advantage there. Fowles and Kennedy (who has only just come back from injury and not played yet this season) have no chance and SHC is still not really in form. Toonie also knows what Pyrgos can do.

With regards to RDW's point, I agree one of Fowles or Kennedy probably needs to move on to free up space for the like of Sheil or someone else to come through.

by **BigGee** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 6:36 pm

You would imagine with GL out, then it will be Price, Henry P and SHC in the squad.

I don't see either of Fowles or Kennedy as an international player and so would probably take a punt on Vellacott as the next option if we were to need anyone else.

George Horne definitely has the potential as well though, just needs some opportunity, which hopefully he will get soon.

Steele is a decent player as well, though maybe a bit short of international quality. He is getting game time at LI but is not a nailed on starter. I saw him playing the other week though, when he came on as a sub and helped them to dig out a bonus point, he was instrumental in them doing that.

To me though he is a better player than Fowles or Kennedy and it would maybe benefit both parties if he was to come to Edinburgh. Cockers knows him from his Leicester academy days and gave him a start for Leicester, maybe he rates him and will bring him along.

by **BigGee** Wed 18 Oct 2017, 7:33 pm

https://theoffsideline.com/2017/10/18/broken-leg-rules-greig-laidlaw-12-weeks/

Full story on GL

The squad is announced on Monday apparently

by **RDW** Thu 19 Oct 2017, 8:48 am

In better news, John Barclay has apparently had the all clear from the specialist and is set to return to playing.

by EWT Spoons Thu 19 Oct 2017, 9:08 am

Think this might have been mentioned on another thread already but....

Scotland's 2017 Autumn Series

Saturday 11 November: Scotland v Samoa, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Saturday 18 November: Scotland v New Zealand, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 17.15 GMT), live on BBC 2

Saturday 25 November: Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

by bsando Thu 19 Oct 2017, 12:47 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:Think this might have been mentioned on another thread already but....

Scotland's 2017 Autumn Series

Saturday 11 November: Scotland v Samoa, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Saturday 18 November: Scotland v New Zealand, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 17.15 GMT), live on BBC 2

Saturday 25 November: Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Thanks Spoons, I've added an injury list so feel free to add any others Mods or names on here and i can add myself when i have a moment Wink

Not long to go! Squad announcement imminent after the next round of European matches are completed?

by **RDW** Thu 19 Oct 2017, 12:53 pm

Huw Jones isn't injured - he's been playing in the Currie Cup!

He's playing his last game this weekend I think and should be joining up with Glasgow soon (but unlikely to play before the AIs).

by tigertattie Thu 19 Oct 2017, 1:41 pm

You'll see Jones in the AIs then he'll get a rest period and join the soap dodging ones after new year!

I don't think Fowles is SQ. He's English and not played at Edinburgh long enough to qualify through residency.

I also think he's an arrogant little twerp and not good enough to play international rugby but thats another story!

by TJ Thu 19 Oct 2017, 2:11 pm

Is Horne not a 10 now though? For me he's the bench backup to Russell.

he appears to be back up 10 and also under consideration at 12. so he could be played at 12 but shift to 10 if Russell is injured. Barring injuries I expect Russell to play every minute of every game

by EWT Spoons Thu 19 Oct 2017, 2:23 pm

tigertattie wrote:You'll see Jones in the AIs then he'll get a rest period and join the soap dodging ones after new year!

I don't think Fowles is SQ. He's English and not played at Edinburgh long enough to qualify through residency.

I also think he's an arrogant little twerp and not good enough to play international rugby but thats another story!

His Grandfather is Scottish so he qualifies that way, according to wikipedia anyway. However I agree I don't think he's good enough to play internationally. Not sure about the arrogant twerp bit, as I've never met the lad.

Also I think Barclay got the all clear on his concussion didn't he? So I think he might be ok for the AIs

by **BigGee** Thu 19 Oct 2017, 2:57 pm

I don't imagine that Huw Jones will be rested that long after the AIs. Remember he missed the whole of super rugby due to his Hamstring injury, so he has only been playing for a few months. He should still be pretty fresh.

by **BigGee** Thu 19 Oct 2017, 3:00 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:

His Grandfather is Scottish so he qualifies that way, according to wikipedia anyway. However I agree I don't think he's good enough to play internationally. Not sure about the arrogant twerp bit, as I've never met the lad.

Agree with that, I would take a punt on one of the younsters, Horne, Vellacott or Steele well before Fowles.

by tigertattie Thu 19 Oct 2017, 3:32 pm

Oh I'd deffo be looking at young Horne before Fowles.

I had this misfortune of watching Fowles when he played at the Melrose 7s with Harlequins I think it was? completely contemptible fellow with classic "wee man syndrome".

He's the kind that would stuff a sock down his pants when going out to make it look like he had a bigger lunchbox

by David-Douglas Thu 19 Oct 2017, 10:17 pm

Vellacott had a good game for Glos tonight. Although it has to be said Agen were dreadful.
I think England might show an interest in him - Eddie Jones was watching - so Toonie needs to make his mind up quickly if he sees him as an option in the future.

by **BigGee** Thu 19 Oct 2017, 11:13 pm

It would be just like Toonie to throw a few left field selections into the squad.

Vellacott was MoM, scored a couple of tries. Making the most of his opportunities. Surely that won't go un-noticed.

by **RDW** Sun 22 Oct 2017, 11:55 am

Good news for Scotland - Isreal Folau is being rested by the Aussies for the upcoming tour. We play them at the end of a 5 game run so hopefully they'll be fairly beaten up by the time the come to us!

by **BigGee** Sun 22 Oct 2017, 6:14 pm

Quite curious about the squad to be announced. None of the journos who in the past have given much in the way of hints of any surprises, but you don't feel that they have quite the same inside track as under previous regimes. They do seem to be predicting a relatively small squad though, around 32 players, which suggests that he will be keeping the team pretty tight over the three games.

There are a few injuries though and a few players not showing much in the way of form, so he could shake it up a little bit.

I definitely expect Richie to be in, he has played well and deserves his chance. GL injury probably opens up a spot for SHC and HP will probably hold on to his place, despite having a patchy season so far. The brave call would be to go for Vellacott though.

CDP has come back onto his game more recently, so probably puts himself back in the frame, in truth I am not sure how well Strauss has been playing, so this is probably a hard call. Bradbury may have blotted his copybook and Ashe now looks injured and has faded a little bit after a very good start to the season. Denton is also playing regularly again, though it is hard to tell how well in a poor Worcester side.

Maitland looks like he is injured, so a place is open to back up Visser and Seymour. Jones is probably in pole position for that, though I do wonder if he quite has it at International level.

by Hazel Sapling Sun 22 Oct 2017, 11:43 pm

32 Man squad potentially

LH's: Dell, Allan, Bhatti
Hookers: Turner, McInally, Ford
TH's: Fagerson, Nel, Berghan
Locks: Gray, Cummings, Swinson, Toolis (assuming R Gray is out)
BR: Barclay, Watson, Strauss, Ashe, Ritchie
SH: AP, HP, SHC
FH: FR, Horne
Centres: Taylor, H Jones, Scott, Johnson
Back 3: Visser, Seymour, Hogg, L Jones, Jackson

Practically, it looks about 1 man short in the back row. If Wilson is out, it becomes hard to figure out whether to take Denton (limited ball carrying 8), Harley (uninspiring but solid), CDP (meh) or Cowan (don't know how he is getting on).

by **BigGee** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 2:15 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:32 Man squad potentially

LH's: Dell, Allan, Bhatti
Hookers: Turner, McInally, Ford
TH's: Fagerson, Nel, Berghan
Locks: Gray, Cummings, Swinson, Toolis (assuming R Gray is out)
BR: Barclay, Watson, Strauss, Ashe, Ritchie
SH: AP, HP, SHC
FH: FR, Horne
Centres: Taylor, H Jones, Scott, Johnson
Back 3: Visser, Seymour, Hogg, L Jones, Jackson

Practically, it looks about 1 man short in the back row. If Wilson is out, it becomes hard to figure out whether to take Denton (limited ball carrying 8), Harley (uninspiring but solid), CDP (meh) or Cowan (don't know how he is getting on).

In the centres, Scott has had surgery on an ankle injury and will be out for a while and Sam Johnson is not SQ yet. Duncan Taylor also limped off playing for Sarries at the weekend, so we are looking worryingly short there now, considering it was thought to be an area of strength. I think Horne is likely to be playing as a 12 this time around, with Jacko covering 10/15 from the bench. Huw Jones is playing in the Currie cup final next weekend before coming over, lets hope he comes through that one unscathed.

The squad announcement has been put back until Tuesday to allow for further assessment of the injuries.

by Margin_Walker Mon 23 Oct 2017, 7:52 am

BigGee wrote:You would imagine with GL out, then it will be Price, Henry P and SHC in the squad.

I don't see either of Fowles or Kennedy as an international player and so would probably take a punt on Vellacott as the next option if we were to need anyone else.

George Horne definitely has the potential as well though, just needs some opportunity, which hopefully he will get soon.

Steele is a decent player as well, though maybe a bit short of international quality. He is getting game time at LI but is not a nailed on starter. I saw him playing the other week though, when he came on as a sub and helped them to dig out a bonus point, he was instrumental in them doing that.

To me though he is a better player than Fowles or Kennedy and it would maybe benefit both parties if he was to come to Edinburgh. Cockers knows him from his Leicester academy days and gave him a start for Leicester, maybe he rates him and will bring him along.

Steele got on the scoresheet off the bench on Saturday in LI's blowout win in Paris on Saturday

Would be surprised to see him move to Edinburgh, given that he couldn't get a sniff at Leicester under Cockers. He tended to go with a succession of journeymen (Micky Young, Mele etc) and Harrison as back up to Ben Youngs. Steele moved to Irish and was getting picked ahead of Tomas O'Leary pretty much instantly.

Decent player, but probably needs to nail down the 9 jersey for LI this season (which is wide open), before going much further.

by EWT Spoons Mon 23 Oct 2017, 10:27 am

Apparently Dell was pulled from the team to face the Russian side due to picking up a knock. Hopefully nothing serious but no great news considering the injury nightmare in Scottish rugby currently.

by **RDW** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 11:04 am

I think a groin niggle was mentioned and it was just precautionary. Hopefully that's all it is.

by EWT Spoons Mon 23 Oct 2017, 2:35 pm

The squad is going to be interesting when it’s announced tomorrow, real chance for the like of Cowan, Denton & Ritchie to get into the squad considering Watson has a shoulder injury, Bradbury and Hardie suspended and Barclay just getting over a long concussion.

Also with having Samoa up first, I would fully expect the team to pick up a few more injuries in that game, so can’t see anything other than the B’ist of B teams out for that one.

Up until a few weeks ago I would have said we had a chance at beating Oz (nae chance against the All Blacks) but with them finding form and our massive injury crisis in a number of positions then I suspect we’ll struggle.

by **RDW** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 2:41 pm

I think we need to put out our strongest team for each game - there's no point resting players for the Samoa game if we lose that and end up losing the bigger games anyway. If all of our players were fit we could maybe try a few different players, but given our injury crises we no longer have much strength in depth.

The thought of a Horne/Grigg partnership against Samoa (or the other two teams for that matter) is terrifying and we're not far away from it!

by EWT Spoons Mon 23 Oct 2017, 3:08 pm

I totally get your point, I’m just thinking that with Samoa being historically a very physical side, there is a fair chance that we could lose the last quality we have in some positions.

For example I think as things stand Jones is our only centre who we could call international quality, who isn’t currently injured. If he gets injured against a big physical samoan team, we’re going to be going into the All blacks and Oz game with the like of Horne & Grigg. Whilst they might struggle through the samoa game, they could probably still help get a result, against the all blacks or Australia they would get destroyed.

I’m not saying lets throw the game away, just protect some players where absolutely necessary.

by bsando Mon 23 Oct 2017, 5:13 pm

I think (assuming injury free) Jones has to be first choice 13 with Grigg as backup and Horne starting at 12 with possibly Taylor backing up if his injury is not too serious. Horne/Jones would certainly be my ideal pairing currently, although I think Taylor/Jones could be a nice pairing of skills and strength.

by **BigGee** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 5:14 pm

If we are going to have any chance against the all blacks and looking at their match schedule, this may be the best chance we are ever going to get, I don't see how we can't go into Samoa with anything other than our strongest team in order to prepare us. We will have to be beyond 100% for the NZ game and will need to be familiar and match ready.

In all honestly I don't really hold with the argument that players are more likely to get injured against Samoa anyway. Yes they are physical but so are all international teams.

They are all pros these days and don't get away with the hits that they once would have. We are likely to pick up injuries in any/all of the games, just have to take that as it comes and this supports Toonie's plans about continuing to increase our depth.

by **George Carlin** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 5:17 pm

I have no idea what to make of our chances in this AI series.

With John 'Snow' (Hardie) out, but thankfully Barclay back - we will at least hopefully be able to put out something like 4. J Gray 5. Toolis 6. Barclay 7. Watson 8. Strauss but the front row is a mess and is undoubtedly the weak point.

by **RDW** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 5:20 pm

bsando wrote:I think (assuming injury free) Jones has to be first choice 13 with Grigg as backup and Horne starting at 12 with possibly Taylor backing up if his injury is not too serious. Horne/Jones would certainly be my ideal pairing currently, although I think Taylor/Jones could be a nice pairing of skills and strength.

Would you really choose Peter Horne over Saracens regular (the best team in Europe) and top class centre Duncan Taylor, assuming he's fit?? Horne is a good club player but he's only ever been solid at best for Scotland (and on occasion not even that). Taylor is one of our best players and has to start if he's fit IMO.

by reallybored Mon 23 Oct 2017, 9:55 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
bsando wrote:I think (assuming injury free) Jones has to be first choice 13 with Grigg as backup and Horne starting at 12 with possibly Taylor backing up if his injury is not too serious. Horne/Jones would certainly be my ideal pairing currently, although I think Taylor/Jones could be a nice pairing of skills and strength.

Would you really choose Peter Horne over Saracens regular (the best team in Europe) and top class centre Duncan Taylor, assuming he's fit?? Horne is a good club player but he's only ever been solid at best for Scotland (and on occasion not even that). Taylor is one of our best players and has to start if he's fit IMO.

100% agree.

Is Ford injured?

It's worrying that there's only one nailed on starters in the pack not currently injured.

by **RDW** Mon 23 Oct 2017, 10:01 pm

I think Ford is injured but there's been no official announcement on it. Edinburgh's team sheets no longer list injured players so it's hard to know what's going on - I'm assuming that's a Cockerill change.

by **George Carlin** Tue 24 Oct 2017, 6:17 am

Has anyone been monitoring the fitness/form of St Shug of Jones?

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