The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war…..

by R!skysports Wed 03 Jan 2018, 10:51 am

First topic message reminder :

Bicker away......

A nice video to start with

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds9dwHAfy_M

Glasgow Warriors are one of the two professional rugby union sides from Scotland. The team plays in the Pro14 league and in the European Professional Club Rugby tournaments. In the 2014-15 season they won the Pro12 title and became the first Scottish team to win a major trophy in rugby union's professional era. #theyrock

Edinburgh Rugby (formerly Edinburgh Reivers, Edinburgh Gunners and a real rugby team) is one of the two professional rugby teams from Scotland, although hard to determine if they play rugby. The club ~~competes~~ dances in the Pro14, along with Glasgow Warriors, its oldest rival. Since January 2017, Edinburgh plays most of its home games at Myreside Stadium with selected matches at BT Murrayfield.

kiss

The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war….. - Page 12 Davefr10

by EWT Spoons Thu 29 Mar 2018, 12:47 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:I would rather that Barclay gets pushed to be the back-up 7 (his original position), Bradbury competes for the 8 berth with Mata and Ritchie stays at 6 than swapping them around. Certainly a Barclay-Watson-Mata backrow with Bradbury or Hamilton on the bench will be competitive against anyone.

Whether Ritchie is big enough to be a 6 at international level is a big question for his future. I assume Crosbie is a 6 as well.

Anyway you cut it though, Roddy Grant will be enjoying his work next year. Sounds like he is really enjoying the culture change under Cockerill and the pack is playing to it's potential finally.

I think Ritchie's natural position is 7, he's just been covering 6 due to us having Watson & Hardie at 7.

Barclay generally plays 6 (or at least he does for Scotland) so would leave him there, as he'll likely be playing alongside his international teammate with Watson at 7. Potentially we could see at club and international level a backrow of Barclay, Watson, Bradbury.

I think Crosbie has played both 6 & 8 for Edinburgh so far, and he's a big lad, I'd imagine long term he might play 8 as he's got a bit of pace and can break a tackle. He's only 20 so still got time to develop further.

by EST Thu 29 Mar 2018, 2:33 pm

Good interview with Grant, they are building a good coaching group at Edinburgh - although I still don't know quite what Hodge brings to the party.

It's amazing what a difference a decent coach and 'culture' can make to a team's performance, with what is essentially the same group of players.

by TJ Thu 29 Mar 2018, 4:14 pm

Aye EST - Its amazing what cockers has added. I think its the players are more scared of him than the opposition

by **BigGee** Thu 29 Mar 2018, 4:58 pm

McDonald and Tagive both sign on at Glasgow for another two years. That is a good vote of confidence in both of them. Good squad players who, In McDonalds case, has taken well the chances given to him through injuries to others. He will hopefully continue to improve and challenge for more starts.

Tagive has shown some promise in an injury hit season for him and must have impressed the coaching staff. He is a big powerful and fast winger and we will hopefully see more of him next season as well.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Fri 30 Mar 2018, 4:04 pm

Not looking too good for Rory Hughes with Tagive and DTH there and I assume(and hope) Sarto singing a new contract. Tommy Seymour, Lee Jones, Masaga and Mad McMata all there too.

by jimbopip Fri 30 Mar 2018, 7:31 pm

Aye, Rozza was looked upon as a 14/15 and probably seen as cover for Hoggy after Murchie retired but Ruaridh Jackson seems to have taken that spot. The big problem for Rozza is that Lee Jones really upped his game fully deserves to be in every matchday squad.

by **RDW** Fri 30 Mar 2018, 7:36 pm

Big win in Europe for Scarlets, but it does mean fighting on two fronts. Hopefully Edinburgh can take advantage and steal a march on 2nd place!

by jimbopip Fri 30 Mar 2018, 8:53 pm

jimbopip wrote:The run-in gets more intriguing the more I look at it.

Cheetahs have two home games and an away game against Kings who are one of the poorest sides in the Pro14. Cheetahs' home form is excellent and they must feel confident about winning their last two home matches. Interestingly, they play Munster at home. If Cheetahs win all three then they are runners up and a home QF.
Any team which have to travel to South Africa and back before a semi, on the back of a tough season will be cream crackered and although it is not impossible for an away win it is against the odds, to put it mildly.

Then you need to consider the Champions Cup.

Munster have Toulon this week, then they fly out to SA for a fortnight and back home for their final league match against Ulster. Firstly, I think Munster can beat Toulon which means they will have another semi to consider. Secondly, even if they are out of the play off running Ulster will still want to end the season on a high by thumping Munster.

The more I look at Munster's run-in the more I fancy Cheetahs to pip them for second place.

Scarlets have an easy-ish last game against Dragons but could easily lose their other two matches; home to Glasgow and away to the MFL. Again Scarlets have a Euro QF this week against La Rochelle, while Glasgow are putting their feet up and resting. If Glasgow win at Parc Y Scarlets then the Luvvies could steal second place.

So,
Luvvies at home to Munster

Cheetahs at home to Scarlets.

If either of the away sides are still in Europe then the smart money would have to be on the home sides.

So,

Glasgow v Luvvies

Ladyboys v Cheetahs.

Don't forget that the Luvvies are still in the Diddy Cup, which could prove a bridge too far for them.

Cheetahs big hope would be that the Ladyboys rest several players in the hunt for European glory and come unstuck.

Glasgow seem to have the easiest schedule in terms of travel and fixture congestion.

We're doomed, I say. Doomed.

RDW, I think the Scarlets will prioritise Europe and rest players next week. How many chances does a team have of making a Euro final? (The real cup not the Diddy Cup, mind).
An all Scottish semi looks likelier by the day.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Fri 30 Mar 2018, 9:09 pm

Aye Jimbo, but are those Luvvie fellas not awful chokers now ?

by **RDW** Sat 31 Mar 2018, 8:42 am

Scotsman reporting the signing of Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman for Edinburgh - is that the same bloke that was mentioned on here a while ago?

They're also saying the Luke Hamilton rumour is nonsense with an inside source apparently saying there isn't budget for another back row.

by **George Carlin** Sat 31 Mar 2018, 6:35 pm

Are Edinburgh 3-14 down then? Anyone watching/following?

by **RDW** Sat 31 Mar 2018, 6:39 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t67351p50-edinburgh-v-blues-challenge-cup-quarter-final#3692531

Fowles continuing his abysmal displays. The rest of the team aren't much better!

by MacKnocked-on Tue 03 Apr 2018, 1:21 pm

So in light of today's news about Sarries losing so much money, and only Exeter turning a profit of all the top flight English clubs, should Dodson and the SRU perhaps reconsider their stated intention to invest in a club down south?
Maybe the potential new TV money and chance to expose more players to high level playing opportunities could make it worthwhile but clearly these clubs are not profitable businesses and may never be so.

by Welly Tue 03 Apr 2018, 1:55 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:So in light of today's news about Sarries losing so much money, and only Exeter turning a profit of all the top flight English clubs, should Dodson and the SRU perhaps reconsider their stated intention to invest in a club down south?
Maybe the potential new TV money and chance to expose more players to high level playing opportunities could make it worthwhile but clearly these clubs are not profitable businesses and may never be so.

I thought the whole idea of investing in a prem club was becuase it was cheaper than creating a 3rd team? Not so much a profit POV.

by **RDW** Tue 03 Apr 2018, 1:55 pm

It is well known that AP clubs don't make any money so I can't imagine it will change the SRU's plans. It's not like Glasgow or Edinburgh turn a profit - the SRU make their money from the Scotland team.

If the SRU were purely looking for a financial investment the last place they would go to is the AP, or indeed a sports team in general. Any investment the SRU are going to make is an investment in people and talent - not for profits - and it is much better they invest (i.e. lose) £2 million in an established, top level team than sink £5 million a year on a brand new entity that won't be competitive or have any kind of identity.

by Hazel Sapling Tue 03 Apr 2018, 3:15 pm

I don't get the large attraction to joining up with an English side already in the Premiership under present conditions. It seems made to avoid the fate that befell Scottish football, however England does not have obscene TV contracts, the RFU managed to get the EQ rules in place, the salary cap could be more strictly enforced and the PRL make international release difficult. I am a big fan of going back to the London Scots deal and getting our academy players game time in the Championship; this does not appear to be what we are after. Aviva clubs will be after established players.

Would France not represent a better bet? Say someone like Stade Francais who have potential or one of the traditional clubs in the Basque region (Biarritz?). Bigger TV money, clubs rule the roost (giving the club owners significant sway i.e. the SRU in this example), no release issues and few rules on locally qualified players. Also, if there is a salary cap, it is not well enforced nor are the SRU likely to reach it.

by Hazel Sapling Tue 03 Apr 2018, 3:29 pm

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/italy-prop-on-his-way-to-edinburgh/

Not sure how much this helps with cover over the 6 nations. Continues the Scots connection with Italy

by **RDW** Tue 03 Apr 2018, 3:37 pm

He's really strengthening the front row, and there's the big saffer LH on his way too apparently.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Tue 03 Apr 2018, 3:48 pm

Now if we can only unearth a talented 9 from somewhere.....

by TJ Tue 03 Apr 2018, 4:21 pm

Lookalike contest part 42
A bald klingon
The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war….. - Page 12 Richard-Cockerill-intense-e1506359289672

The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war….. - Page 12 Richard-Cockerill-intense-e1506359289672

The edinburgh coach
The average age of a Scotland Front row is nnnnnnnnn19 - A thread for Glasgow and Edinburgh go to banter war….. - Page 12 Worf

by **RDW** Tue 03 Apr 2018, 10:11 pm

Hamish Watson ruled out of the rest of the season to operate on a long standing shoulder complaint. He could have played on apparently but definitely a sensible decision with next year a world cup year.

by jimbopip Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:00 am

I was going to ask what effect that would have on your season... but you could send another fourteen off for cosmetic surgery and it wouldn't make any difference to your chances of winning the league.

That is based on my opinion that Cockers obviously thinks the season is over or he would be sending Hamish to see matron in a month's time.

by TJ Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:04 am

I(t certainly wouldn't jimbo - as Edinburgh are the most beautiful team in the league and already dazzle the opposition with their dazzling smiles and rugged good looks

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:55 am

I think it is more he knows he has John hardie (who is back on good form), Jamie Ritchie and Crosbie available so as good as Hamish is, we are well stocked at 7.

There's still plenty to play for this season - we're not going to be winning the Pro 14 but it will still be great experience to make it to the knock out rounds. Not to mention the Champions Cup qualification.

by Hazel Sapling Wed 04 Apr 2018, 11:06 am

Shame that he could not hold out for the Ulster game Friday to secure 3rd and potentially shift up to 2nd. If Edinburgh win out, they could realistically come 1st with Scarlets and Leinster beating each other up in Europe. Requires Leinster having a major upset but stranger things have happened.

I assume Bradbury-Hardie-Mata with CDP on the bench again. Would prefer Ritchie to bench for better balance if Hardie were to go off.

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 11:07 am

Yeah I think we've missed the balance Ritchie gives, but Bradbury has been playing well of late and Mata is a complete beast now.

Good to have competition!

I do think he should have rotated more against The Blues to keep things fresh - IMO it was a prime opportunity to start Ritchie. I can't imagine he'll change much for the Ulster game but he maybe should.

Someone want to do a match thread?

by **George Carlin** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 11:25 am

Also would appreciate it if someone who doesn't do match threads all that often (and you know whom you are biatches) could also do one for the Glasgow Scarlets match.

by TJ Wed 04 Apr 2018, 11:53 am

There has been one up for a while :-)

by Hazel Sapling Wed 04 Apr 2018, 12:31 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t67399-edinburgh-vs-ulster-6th-april-2018

It's something

by **George Carlin** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 12:34 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:https://www.606v2.com/t67399-edinburgh-vs-ulster-6th-april-2018

It's something

Does the job nicely.

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:12 pm

Big clearout at Edinburgh. Phil Burleigh is probably the biggest name that we didn't already know about.

Edinburgh Head Coach Richard Cockerill has today confirmed a further 10 players will leave the club at the end of the season.

Among those confirmed today is hooker Neil Cochrane who will retire from the game to pursue a career in commercial building surveying once he hangs up his boots.

The former Scotland age grade internationalist, who joined the club from London Wasps in 2014, has gone on to make 72 appearances for the club.

Looking forward to the new challenge, Cochrane said: “I’m very privileged to have played the sport I love for the past 13 years and it’s been brilliant to have finished my career at my hometown club, Edinburgh.

I’ve made some great memories and even more importantly met some great friends along the way.

“I firmly believe the club can be successful this season and I look forward to watching that success grow once I hang up my boots.

“I obtained a building surveying degree whilst playing - something I felt passionate about - and I’m delighted to have secured a full-time job with a local Edinburgh commercial building surveying firm.

“To my family, I’ll be eternally grateful for your support and I could not have done it without you.”

The club wishes all players leaving in the summer, and those who have moved on already this season, the very best moving forward and thanks them for their effort and commitment throughout their Edinburgh careers.

Head Coach Richard Cockerill, said: “I’d like to thank all the players for their commitment to this club during the time I’ve known them.

“They’re all good men and continue to work hard for Edinburgh as we reach a pivotal part of the Guinness PRO14 season. I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavours.”

Departing Players: Kevin Bryce, Glenn Bryce, Neil Cochrane, Robbie Fruean, John Hardie, Elliot Millar-Mills, Matt Shields, Cornell du Preez, Jason Harries, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Jordan Lay, Duncan Weir, Jason Tovey, Tom Galbraith, Phil Burleigh, Junior Rasolea

by EST Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:18 pm

That is some clearout, Cockers doesn't mess about.

I feel sorry for Tom Galbraith - I thought he looked very promising for the U20, but I believe he has been injured all season - hopefully he, like the others, can get a new contract elsewhere.

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:22 pm

Sounds like we're never going to hear what has happened to Fruean either. It's amazing there's been no gossip about it too. He's leaving his contract a year early.

by TJ Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:33 pm

I just hope he has some good signings lined up especially half backs although I have quite liked the south african 10 but he looks knackered now

by Hazel Sapling Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:37 pm

Galbraith has the right to feel hard done by. The rest are not too unexpected. Maybe 1 of Millar-Mills or Shields can feel unlucky not to get the 4th TH spot.

Who are Edinburgh's hookers next year? Do they have a 4th option?

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:38 pm

VDW started well for us - and played really well in the 1872 - but TBH since Christmas he hasn't looked great. His kicking from hand and at goal is hit or miss and he's not been controlling games at all. The fact that Weir has significantly improved things when he comes on says it all!

He was predominantly a 15 before he came to Edinburgh in December.

As you say he may just need a rest and a good pre-season, plus Simon Hickey will likely be first choice.

We definitely need a good 9 though.

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:39 pm

Hazel - we've signed the italian tighthead who will be 4th choice. We're short a hooker with Cochrane leaving.

by **BigGee** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:44 pm

Dave Cherry arriving as well don't forget. That will be 4 hookers.

Ally Miller not on the departure list, despite having not played. Maybe he will make up the back row numbers next season with Harriet and CDP moving on.

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:45 pm

He'll be 4th choice hooker then! We could probably do with a youngster too given the season will be leading up to the WC and McInally and probably Ford will need to be managed.

by EWT Spoons Wed 04 Apr 2018, 9:34 pm

Think we're set at hooker.
1. Rambo
2. Ford
3. Fenton
4. Cherry

Ford and Rambo are likely to be away with Scotland, which will still leave us Fenton and Cherry, plus if we get this SA prop, he's played at hooker a bit as well so could cover in a pinch.

by **RDW** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 9:22 am

Looking at the Edinburgh squad for next season, there may be a few more signings to come but can't see there being many:

LH - Marfo, Dell, Sutherland, Big Saffer bloke, Dickinson (maybe)
H- McINally, Ford, Fenton, Cherry
TH - Berghan, Nel, McCallum, Italian bloke
L - Gilchrist, Toolis, McKenzie, Charmichael, CHH
6/8 - Bradbury, Barclay, Mata, Crosbie, Miller
7 - Watson,Ritchie

9 - Fowles, Kennedy, Sheil,
10 - Hickey, VDW, Baggott, McLelland
12/13 - Scott, Bennett, Socino, Dean, JJ
11/14 - VDM, Fife, Hoyland, Brown, Graham
15 - Kinghorn, (VDW), (Fife)

Squad of 43. Reasonable depth in most positions but we could maybe do with an extra 6/8 and maybe another lock (or a 6/8 who is an emergency lock) - we could probably survive if injuries are kind to us but we could be in trouble during international windows if we lose a player or two. Obviously we need a decent 9 too.

Take out the players who may be called up by Scotland (noting that not all of them will likely play) and we just about have enough

LH - Big Saffer bloke, Dickinson (maybe)
H- Fenton, Cherry
TH - McCallum, Italian bloke
L - McKenzie, Charmichael, CHH
6/8 - Mata, Crosbie, Miller
7 - Ritchie

9 - Fowles, Kennedy, Sheil,
10 - Hickey, VDW, Baggott, McLelland
12/13 - Socino, Dean, JJ
11/14 - VDM, Hoyland, Brown, Graham
15 - (VDW), (Fife)

by munkian Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:39 am

Christ, has Tovey dropped in form again then ?

And I thought Sam Hidalgo-Clyne was supposed to be tidy ?

by **RDW** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:45 am

Tovey has been out injured for a number of months now, and was always likely to be moving on this season.

SHC is the best 9 at the club but he was asking for too much money for a contract renewal so Cockers decided to get rid of him. A bold decision as his backup Nathan Fowles is one of the worst 9s in the league!

by munkian Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:46 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Tovey has been out injured for a number of months now, and was always likely to be moving on this season.

SHC is the best 9 at the club but he was asking for too much money for a contract renewal so Cockers decided to get rid of him. A bold decision as his backup Nathan Fowles is one of the worst 9s in the league!

Cool, Ok. Wonder if Tovey will be back with us..again

by **RDW** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 3:56 pm

Pierre Schoeman signing confirmed for Edinburgh. He's 23 and a 3 year deal so plenty time to develop.

by **NeilyBroon** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:00 pm

I wonder if Edinburgh would sign Ben Vellacott from Glous or whether that's been in any form of dialogue between the clubs. He certainly plays the kind of attacking rugby that Edinburgh are looking to achieve over the coming seasons.

May persuade him to come back into the Scotland fold too if he's good enough!

by Hazel Sapling Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:06 pm

NeilyBroon wrote:I wonder if Edinburgh would sign Ben Vellacott from Glous or whether that's been in any form of dialogue between the clubs. He certainly plays the kind of attacking rugby that Edinburgh are looking to achieve over the coming seasons.

May persuade him to come back into the Scotland fold too if he's good enough!

LI are going down so Scott Steele could be on the radar as well. If Fowles continues to look this poor, I doubt Cockerill will be keen to make him first choice next season

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:37 pm

KO time for 28 April 1945 hrs. Wonder what brain donor came up with this ? Surely it gives both (especially Edinburgh) an unfair advantage over their top 3 rivals. Causes all sorts of problems for the Warrior Nation i.e. 75 % of the crowd, getting home with the last train at 2330. Really poor decision and a slap in the face to the very many Warrior fans travelling. The SRU just don't get it do they ? They remain the biggest bunch of erseholes in rugby.

by **NeilyBroon** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:43 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:
NeilyBroon wrote:I wonder if Edinburgh would sign Ben Vellacott from Glous or whether that's been in any form of dialogue between the clubs. He certainly plays the kind of attacking rugby that Edinburgh are looking to achieve over the coming seasons.

May persuade him to come back into the Scotland fold too if he's good enough!

LI are going down so Scott Steele could be on the radar as well. If Fowles continues to look this poor, I doubt Cockerill will be keen to make him first choice next season

Scott Steele seems to have his moments but struggles to nail a starting spot at LI, which leads me to doubt his abilities. Mind you, playing with Tonks at FH half the time can hardly help matters.

Sheil looks like he may be a belter though, just need someone with a little more experience in that position to help with stability at the half back axis. The other halfback worth mentioning is Conor Eastgate - who also features for Wasps 'a' in the centres quite often. Hasn't broken into a very strong squad but could potentially have a breakthrough season if he moved clubs.

by **BigGee** Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:49 pm

Ryan Grant is finally calling it a day at the end of the season and retiring to concentrate on his gin business,

Was a really good loosehead in the day of the hit but unfortunately never really seemed to recover from the disappointments of his Lions experience and that od kebabgate. I still maintain that the Lions coaching staff treated him abysmally. After the tour, injury and a change in the engagement rules seemed to get the better of him but he was a bit of a star in a poor Scotland side around that time and I am sure will have some good memories to take into retirement with him. Not least of all winning the title with Glasgow!

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