Scotland Autumn Test postmortem and 6N look ahead

by **RDW** Mon 27 Nov 2017, 7:57 am

First topic message reminder :

2017 Autumn Test Results

Scotland 44 - Samoa 38 Smile

Tries - Hogg, Jones, McInally (2), Dunbar, Horne

Scotland 17 - New Zealand 22 Crying or Very sad

Tries - J Gray, Jones

Scotland 53 - Australia 24 Yahoo

McGuigan (2), Price, Maitland, J Gray, Jones, Barclay, McInally

6N fixtures

Wales V Scotland
Scotland V France

Scotland V England

Ireland V Scotland
Italy V Scotland

by **BigGee** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 2:18 pm

Some pretty decent re-enforcements coming onboard for the upcoming games. Nel, Strauss, Swinson all bring some decent physicality to the party, which we will definitely need against England.

Matt Scott seems to be playing himself back into some decent form and Visser is Visser, still scoring plenty of tries for Quins and none of our wingers have set the heather on fire so far this tournament.

I am not sure any of them will start, but it could certainly beef up our bench options somewhat. Malcolm, I thought, played pretty well for Glasgow on Friday and certainly looks a specimen. Hopefully Fraser Brown will be back playing next weekend as well. so if anything our squad is getting stronger as the tournament goes on, unlike previous years.

I don't think we are going to see Ritchie Gray or Taylor feature in this years 6N at all unfortunately.

by Hazel Sapling Sun 18 Feb 2018, 2:27 pm

Shame about both Gray and in particular, Taylor. I hope he can get his head right even if it means retiring.

Swinson is a good player, but is he going to be able to offer enough against a huge England pack? I like the addition of Strauss who will offer more than CDP. If both Denton and Strauss are in the 23, who drops out from Barclay, Watson and Wilson? Will we see a 6-2 split on the bench with Price and Horne covering the backline?

Additionally, Scott coming into 12 could be a spectacular attacking move...but our defense has been poor and is he really going to improve it?

Lawson is not trusted on the pitch at this level and Malcolm is a bigger option. All in all, I am expecting the Tombola to pick CDP as lock cover, Pyrgos on the bench and Horne starting at 10.

by **BigGee** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 3:51 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:

Lawson is not trusted on the pitch at this level and Malcolm is a bigger option. All in all, I am expecting the Tombola to pick CDP as lock cover, Pyrgos on the bench and Horne starting at 10.

Not a chance.

CDP and Henry P were back playing club rugby this weekend. They are not going to be anywhere near the match day squad unless there is a coach crash on the way to training.

Strauss and Dents have proven themselves as international back rowers, CDP has only shown he does not seem to have it at that level. We are not exactly short of good second rows, with 4 in the squad now, so why would we need CDP to cover.

Finn will start at FH and if he is having another one of those days, will get hooked for Laidlaw again. Having said that Finn is going to come good at some stage in this 6N. I remain hopeful that it will be in this game.

by **NeilyBroon** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 5:40 pm

Just thinking... seeing as we have such an abundance of talent in the second row, why not do what we did with our surplus flankers at hooker and train a couple to be bulldozering 8s/6s? Cummings is a fantastic prospect, still young with great hands. It worked for England with itoje, bit leftfield but if we're going for playing anyone out of position I think we should make the most of our pool of SRs. Swinson has done well at 6 in the past too

by **BigGee** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 5:54 pm

NeilyBroon wrote:Just thinking... seeing as we have such an abundance of talent in the second row, why not do what we did with our surplus flankers at hooker and train a couple to be bulldozering 8s/6s? Cummings is a fantastic prospect, still young with great hands. It worked for England with itoje, bit leftfield but if we're going for playing anyone out of position I think we should make the most of our pool of SRs. Swinson has done well at 6 in the past too

Possibly because we are not exactly short of backrow talent either!

at BS, Denton, Wilson, Barclay with Crosbie and Ritchie coming along nicely

at OS, Watson, Hardie and Smith looking very promising

at 8, Strauss, CDP with Bradbury and Fagerson coming up hard on the rails

I am sure I have probably missed a few out as well and you could also do a bit of mixing and matching amongst the categories I have put down there.

Historically we are certainly blessed with our squad depth at the moment.

by **BigGee** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 6:37 pm

The additions to the squad do pose some interesting questions though, particularly around the make up of the back row.

Both Dents and Strauss look to be in pretty decent form and have been playing well for Worcester and Sale. Dents made a pretty impressive impact for Scotland last weekend against the French.

Do we think he is planning on including both of them in the match day squad, so we have a big ball carrier on the pitch for the whole of the game?

If that is the case who stands down?

Surely Watson is nailed on now, so would we be looking at a starting back row of Wilson, Strauss and Watson or Barclay, Strauss and Watson, with the possibility of Dents starting and Strauss benching.

Would he really drop Barclay, the captain, who in fairness was probably the worst performer in the backrow last weekend?

It would certainly send out the message that no one is un droppable and he certainly had no qualms about dropping the captain during his time at Glasgow.

You can see the logic of beefing up a bit to play England and it will be very interesting to hear the noises coming out of the camp this week.

by **George Carlin** Sun 18 Feb 2018, 6:42 pm

His side didn't win, but Matt Scott scored a nice 'poacher's try' at the weekend:

I would have said that Barclay was undroppable and I still think so, but Laidlaw could take over the captaincy immediately.

by tigertattie Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:45 am

BigGee wrote:
Hazel Sapling wrote:

Lawson is not trusted on the pitch at this level and Malcolm is a bigger option. All in all, I am expecting the Tombola to pick CDP as lock cover, Pyrgos on the bench and Horne starting at 10.

Not a chance.

CDP and Henry P were back playing club rugby this weekend. They are not going to be anywhere near the match day squad unless there is a coach crash on the way to training.

Strauss and Dents have proven themselves as international back rowers, CDP has only shown he does not seem to have it at that level. We are not exactly short of good second rows, with 4 in the squad now, so why would we need CDP to cover.

Finn will start at FH and if he is having another one of those days, will get hooked for Laidlaw again. Having said that Finn is going to come good at some stage in this 6N. I remain hopeful that it will be in this game.

Sorry but this is just totally wrong!

Dents had proven himself, years ago, but in the last three years he's really struggled. Yes he was impressive for 20 mins last week but how much of this was him carried on the momentum of France imploding and Scotland riding the crest of the wave?

As for Strauss, he's never proven anything. He's always struggled with the pace of International rugby and the only game he was decent in was when we were thrashed by England! Hardly a ringing endorsement!

by **RDW** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:48 am

Strauss was epic against France last year - he took an absolute beating but gave us go forward the whole game.

Don't remember him playing well against England - no one did!

by **BigGee** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:50 am

tigertattie wrote:
BigGee wrote:
Hazel Sapling wrote:

Lawson is not trusted on the pitch at this level and Malcolm is a bigger option. All in all, I am expecting the Tombola to pick CDP as lock cover, Pyrgos on the bench and Horne starting at 10.

Not a chance.

CDP and Henry P were back playing club rugby this weekend. They are not going to be anywhere near the match day squad unless there is a coach crash on the way to training.

Strauss and Dents have proven themselves as international back rowers, CDP has only shown he does not seem to have it at that level. We are not exactly short of good second rows, with 4 in the squad now, so why would we need CDP to cover.

Finn will start at FH and if he is having another one of those days, will get hooked for Laidlaw again. Having said that Finn is going to come good at some stage in this 6N. I remain hopeful that it will be in this game.

Sorry but this is just totally wrong!

Dents had proven himself, years ago, but in the last three years he's really struggled. Yes he was impressive for 20 mins last week but how much of this was him carried on the momentum of France imploding and Scotland riding the crest of the wave?

As for Strauss, he's never proven anything. He's always struggled with the pace of International rugby and the only game he was decent in was when we were thrashed by England! Hardly a ringing endorsement!

Not sure I agree with that. Denton has been a standout player for Scotland in the past and it is largely injuries that have kept him away from the squad the past few years.

Strauss was a bit slower of the mark but really looked like he was starting to get up to the speed of international rugby last season until he sustained the horror injury against France. He was probably our best player on the pitch that day.

It is probably true to say though that neither of them are 80 minute players, so it would maybe make some sense to play them in tandem.

by **BigGee** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:51 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Strauss was epic against France last year - he took an absolute beating but gave us go forward the whole game.

Don't remember him playing well against England - no one did!

He did not play against England, was badly injured in the France game and it ended his season.

by **RDW** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:52 am

tattie's just making things up then! Laugh

by **BigGee** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:52 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:tattie's just making things up then!

Never let the facts spoil a good conspiracy!

by tigertattie Mon 19 Feb 2018, 11:58 am

Losing to France, losing to England, same thing, different colour jersey!

I tend to try block these games out my mind!

Anyway! all I'm saying is I don't think either are the answer to our No 8 woes. I'd certainly not have them both in the squad as they are too similar. I think we'll see Wilson starting at 8 with either Denton or Struass on the bench (with Denton the more likely as he has shown international form in the past)

by **BigGee** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 12:04 pm

Wilson and Huw Jones were apparently not training at Gala on Friday, so both carrying some kind of injury.

That may come into play and give some rationale for Strauss being called up.

by **BigGee** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 12:06 pm

tigertattie wrote:Losing to France, losing to England, same thing, different colour jersey!

I tend to try block these games out my mind!

Anyway! all I'm saying is I don't think either are the answer to our No 8 woes. I'd certainly not have them both in the squad as they are too similar. I think we'll see Wilson starting at 8 with either Denton or Struass on the bench (with Denton the more likely as he has shown international form in the past)

They may not be the answer longer term, but they may well be the best we have got for now.

by EWT Spoons Mon 19 Feb 2018, 12:33 pm

I actually agree with Tattie, other than game Strauss played well in, obviously.

Strauss was pretty average last 6 nations, and that has largely been the case in all his international appearances. With the exception of the France game, where he was probably one of the few players to come away with credit in that game, especially as he picked up a fairly serious injury in the process.

I’m sure if you look back at the conversations from that tournament, there was a fair bit about Strauss not bringing his club form (Glasgow at the time) into the international area.

by **George Carlin** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 2:18 pm

I must have passed out and woken up in a different decade as I literally never remember seeing a test match where I was impressed with Denton.
There have been a couple (especially at the last RWC) where I have been impressed with Strauss. And not just the beard.

by **RDW** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 2:20 pm

You did watch the 2015 world cup yeah? Denton was one of our better players, and was immense in the Australia game.

by **George Carlin** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 2:27 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:You did watch the 2015 world cup yeah? Denton was one of our better players, and was immense in the Australia game.

Scotland Autumn Test postmortem and 6N look ahead - Page 16 Donald-trump-shrug-1024x551

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon 19 Feb 2018, 2:53 pm

For me Dozer has seldom disappointed in the 6N, think he won MOTM in one of our games against England from memory.

Granted he has no soft skills, but our pack has enough soft skills with Rambo, Gray, Gilchrist, Barclay and the Mish being good ball players. Dozer adds a bit of momentum, momentum that has been sorely lacking against Wales and to an extent against France until he came on.

by tigertattie Mon 19 Feb 2018, 3:44 pm

Denton's issue is that when he first came on the scene he was immense. Carrying ball, getting over the gainline. A big brute who was difficult to stop.

Hi issue though was that opponents worked him out. As a rule, he didn't pass out of contact. He didn't run into space, he ran into the first available tackler. Therefore the other team knew all then needed to do was take him early and take him low. He'd go to ground and you could compete for the ball at the ruck. Compare this to Picamoles who is another big brute but he does offload and pass. When you go to tackle Picamoles, you need to consider he may try this and you have to hit him high to try and stop the offload, he then keeps the ball, and batters through you. Any international player worth their salt should be able to stop Picamoles by hitting him low but because he is more than a one trick pony, you can;t just do that! Thats why he remains effective.

All Denton needs to do is mix up his play. Pass more and look to do the occasional offload.

This being said, he did cost me a fiver against Aus a few years back by passing the ball for the first time ever in an international match!

by **RDW** Mon 19 Feb 2018, 3:47 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:For me Dozer has seldom disappointed in the 6N, think he won MOTM in one of our games against England from memory.

Granted he has no soft skills, but our pack has enough soft skills with Rambo, Gray, Gilchrist, Barclay and the Mish being good ball players. Dozer adds a bit of momentum, momentum that has been sorely lacking against Wales and to an extent against France until he came on.

That England game was his first cap, or at least one of his very early caps. It coincided with Edinburgh’s European run (or the season after) where the likes of him and Matt Scott openly admit that this led them to believe they were the dogs Love sacks and pro rugby was easy. Obviously that isn’t the case and their development stuttered as a result.

by Gwlad Tue 20 Feb 2018, 5:48 pm

Now that the hype has been acknowledged what next? I can't see Scotland beating England or Ireland until they realize that they don't have the forward game to match the backs ambition; so France victory might be the only thing keeping them out of a spoon fight.

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue 20 Feb 2018, 5:57 pm

Gwlad wrote:Now that the hype has been acknowledged what next? I can't see Scotland beating England or Ireland until they realize that they don't have the forward game to match the backs ambition; so France victory might be the only thing keeping them out of a spoon fight.

Thanks Glwad, insightful as always. Considering the big scary French pack was dealt with pretty well by Scotland I think your opinion doesn't count for much. I think the balance needs refined a bit in the backrow and with Nel coming back from injury and Richie back for the next game our pack is getting stronger. Perhaps you should focus on the return of Warrenball and worry about Dublin instead of offering your obviously well researched opinions on Scottish rugby.

by Gwlad Tue 20 Feb 2018, 7:14 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
Gwlad wrote:Now that the hype has been acknowledged what next? I can't see Scotland beating England or Ireland until they realize that they don't have the forward game to match the backs ambition; so France victory might be the only thing keeping them out of a spoon fight.

Thanks Glwad, insightful as always. Considering the big scary French pack was dealt with pretty well by Scotland I think your opinion doesn't count for much. I think the balance needs refined a bit in the backrow and with Nel coming back from injury and Richie back for the next game our pack is getting stronger. Perhaps you should focus on the return of Warrenball and worry about Dublin instead of offering your obviously well researched opinions on Scottish rugby.

The Return of Nel....sounds like a bad Mills and Boon, everything will be fine now eh?!! Laugh

Welsh record v Ireland, especially in pressure games is superb, can't really say the same for Scots under pressure. I think you'll find the English will not fear the Return of Nel quite as much as you'd like

by No 7&1/2 Tue 20 Feb 2018, 7:22 pm

Yeah. He's no samson lee.

by **George Carlin** Tue 20 Feb 2018, 10:04 pm

Just tidied this thread up and banned a member for a week.
Can we all pull our heads in a little bit please. I am tired of the unpleasantness at the moment.

by EWT Spoons Tue 20 Feb 2018, 11:15 pm

Wow I don't think I've seen the Scottish threads result in someone getting a ban before, changed days.

Looking forward to the team selection tomorrow, wonder if there will be much in the way of surprises, I suspect injuries permitting, we'll see near enough the same team that played France, can't see much in the way of changes in the starting 15. Might be some movement on the bench.

by Cyril Tue 20 Feb 2018, 11:28 pm

Who was banned? Radge or Gwlad? They were both kicking off a bit.

by SecretFly Tue 20 Feb 2018, 11:36 pm

By the power of deduction, I can tell you it wasn't Radge.

by Cyril Wed 21 Feb 2018, 12:21 am

Takes two to tango. I know who will have got the benefit of the doubt.

by lostinwales Wed 21 Feb 2018, 12:39 am

Cyril wrote:Takes two to tango. I know who will have got the benefit of the doubt.

Yeah but that's cos there is a common factor in a lot of these incidents

by SecretFly Wed 21 Feb 2018, 12:46 am

Cyril wrote:Takes two to tango. I know who will have got the benefit of the doubt.

But there is always a Lead.

by **George Carlin** Wed 21 Feb 2018, 5:10 am

Cyril wrote:Takes two to tango. I know who will have got the benefit of the doubt.

The poster with the fewest reported complaints, Cyril. That's the great thing about democracy/meritocracy.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 21 Feb 2018, 7:22 am

The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

by BamBam Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:36 am

I'm stunned to see that the member banned was Gwlad. He's normally such a charming chap

I can't believe you haven't banned that trouble maker Radge Run

Seriously, how many week long bans is it going to take? On the bright side, at least the post Ireland/Wales chat might be somewhat pleasant

by Guest Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:43 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’. And then after the game you came on the England v Wales thread preaching about the defensive frailities that Wales have and what they need to do about it. You’re a pretty antagonistic poster, Radge. You just don’t seem to realise it!

How come the mods only want to clean up their ‘own’ threads anyway? The same happened in the Wales v Scotland thread. Very light and mild stuff and someone copped a ban. Yet the non-Scotland threads are a free for all. Tighthead once again gets free reign on the Ireland v Wales thread and nothing is done.

by LordDowlais Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:46 am

The Oracle wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’. And then after the game you came on the England v Wales thread preaching about the defensive frailities that Wales have and what they need to do about it. You’re a pretty antagonistic poster, Radge. You just don’t seem to realise it!

How come the mods only want to clean up their ‘own’ threads anyway? The same happened in the Wales v Scotland thread. Very light and mild stuff and someone copped a ban. Yet the non-Scotland threads are a free for all. Tighthead once again gets free reign on the Ireland v Wales thread and nothing is done.

Well said that man. clap

Any Welsh threads on here get all bombarded with idiots, yet they are given free reign. Look I know Gwlad is no angel on here, but there are others who do the same thing and are allowed to get away with it.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:50 am

The Oracle wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’. And then after the game you came on the England v Wales thread preaching about the defensive frailities that Wales have and what they need to do about it. You’re a pretty antagonistic poster, Radge. You just don’t seem to realise it!

How come the mods only want to clean up their ‘own’ threads anyway? The same happened in the Wales v Scotland thread. Very light and mild stuff and someone copped a ban. Yet the non-Scotland threads are a free for all. Tighthead once again gets free reign on the Ireland v Wales thread and nothing is done.

Here's a suggestion for you then.

Stop talking utter shte and maybe the whole experience will be more enjoyable.

by SecretFly Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:54 am

How about a 'Scotland Autumn Test post-mortem and 6N look ahead' thread?

Then the people that want to discuss those things don't need to turn up on this '"Banned" post mortem and sundry WUM/Troll Issues' thread.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 21 Feb 2018, 9:59 am

The Oracle wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’.

Surely he only did half of that?

Sure predicted a big score, which was brave and ultimately foolish, but did at least use evidence to back up his thoughts. From memory the original post was not antagonistic, but the ire aimed certainly was abd perhaps RR became a tad defensive but again from memory did not resort to throwing out insults as far too many do (not aiming that at you btw).

Now I am old and did not follow that thread religiously so my memory may be faulty, but that was my recollection of it.

by SecretFly Wed 21 Feb 2018, 10:03 am

The auld brain is working okay, Tiger - kinda my impression of what went down too.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 21 Feb 2018, 11:20 am

LondonTiger wrote:
The Oracle wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’.

Surely he only did half of that?

Sure predicted a big score, which was brave and ultimately foolish, but did at least use evidence to back up his thoughts. From memory the original post was not antagonistic, but the ire aimed certainly was abd perhaps RR became a tad defensive but again from memory did not resort to throwing out insults as far too many do (not aiming that at you btw).

Now I am old and did not follow that thread religiously so my memory may be faulty, but that was my recollection of it.

Thanks Tiger, accurate assessment. kiss

The Oracle wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:The IRB reviewed the incident, and due to past good behaviour and because I brought biscuits to the hearing I'm still here.

Let's be honest with ourselves I'm hardly the sort of poster who goes onto random threads to tell them they're gonna get shagged at the weekend based on made up evidence, since I'm still here I can only presume the regular antagonist has copped a ban. We can't say he didn't deserve it. As for kicking off I used facts to expose his antagonistic WUM. If that constitutes kicking off I'll gladly ban myself from here forever.

Umm, that’s exactly what you did before Wales v Scotland, saying Scotland would win ‘resoundingly’. And then after the game you came on the England v Wales thread preaching about the defensive frailities that Wales have and what they need to do about it. You’re a pretty antagonistic poster, Radge. You just don’t seem to realise it!

How come the mods only want to clean up their ‘own’ threads anyway? The same happened in the Wales v Scotland thread. Very light and mild stuff and someone copped a ban. Yet the non-Scotland threads are a free for all. Tighthead once again gets free reign on the Ireland v Wales thread and nothing is done.

Oracle, you are either making things up about me or have me confused with someone else. My comments on the England and Wales thread post match were :

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Think this will be a terrific match. England looked very strong against a competitive Italy side, that Simmonds looked very handy.

Wales did exactly what they needed to do against Scotland, however it's hard to judge where they are. They fed off our limitless supply of mistakes.

I seriously doubt England will make half the mistakes that we did however the loss of Youngs might knock them a wee bit out of kilter.

Hard to call this one.

I wonder if Wales and by extension the Scarlets backline will have better luck than the Scotland (Glasgow) backline did last year.

Now before the Wales game I said I thought that Scotland would beat Wales, based on the Evidence of the AI matches where we played very well and Wales played very poorly. I cited that as evidence for my comments at the time.

Now this thread was ticking along quite nicely before a certain individual came on here looking for a bite. For all my sins. I bit, but lets not pretend that the Mods here are biased. I've never been banned from here in 6 years of posting because I've never given the mods an excuse to do so!

by propdavid_london Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:05 pm

Question about Murrayfield - Are there big screens in the stadium bars that are likely to be showing the Ireland-Wales game beforehand? Or is it better to be watching it outside and then nip to the stadium during 2nd half?

by EWT Spoons Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:12 pm

In the past there has been a big screen outside the stadium next to the tents/bars, but they normally mention it in advance, and I've not seen anything.

So I don't know.

Useful comment of the day!!!!

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:18 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Question about Murrayfield - Are there big screens in the stadium bars that are likely to be showing the Ireland-Wales game beforehand? Or is it better to be watching it outside and then nip to the stadium during 2nd half?

most of the hotels and pubs between Murrayfield and Haymarket will have the game on, I'd also expect it will be on a big screen at the ground, it certainly was last year.

by **RDW** Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:28 pm

I'd be fairly confident they will be showing it as it brings the punters in early - there are big screens and huge bar areas at the north stand and south-east corners. If you want to actually watch the game they are a good bet over local pubs, as the pubs will be absolutely rammed.

by munkian Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:33 pm

Three Sisters mun !

by **RDW** Wed 21 Feb 2018, 1:38 pm

Three Sisters is 1 - nowhere near Murrayfield and 2 - the most busy place in the city during rugby weekends!

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