6N 2018: Scotland v France, 11th February

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:36 am

First topic message reminder :

6N 2018: Scotland v France, 11th February - Page 7 Scot_f10

6N 2018: Scotland v France, 11th February - Page 7 France10

SCOTLAND v FRANCE
11 February 2018
KO: 15:00 GMT
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Live on [BBC Jockland]

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant 1: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant 2: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

A. Head to Head

91 Played 91
35 Won 53
3 Drawn 3
53 Lost 35
1,118 Points 1,302

B. Recent Form

8 March 2014
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
17 – 19 to France

7 February 2015
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
15 – 8 to France

5 September 2015
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
19 – 16 to France

13 March 2016
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
29 – 18 to Scotland

12 February 2017
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
22 – 16 to France

C. Teams

SCOTLAND
6N 2018: Scotland v France, 11th February - Page 7 Scotty11

6N 2018: Scotland v France, 11th February - Page 7 Scotty11

Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Peter Horne (all Glasgow), Sean Maitland (Saracens), Finn Russell (Glasgow), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne); Gordon Reid (London Irish), Stuart McInally, Simon Berghan, Grant Gilchrist (all Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Glasgow), John Barclay (Scarlets, capt), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow).

Replacements: Scott Lawson (Newcastle), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow), Jon Welsh (Newcastle), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), Dave Denton (Worcester), Ali Price (Glasgow), Chris Harris (Newcastle), Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh).

FRANCE

Palis; Thomas, Doumayrou, Lamerat, Vakatawa; Beauxis, Machenaud; Poirot, Guirado, Slimani, Itturia, Vahaamahina , Lauret , Tauleigne.

Replacements: Pelissie, Ben Arous, Gomes Sa, Gabrillagues, Serin, Belleau, Fall.

***

What is worse? Getting utterly thrashed by a rampant Welsh team away from home, when everyone (except the Welsh clearly) saw Scotland as the up and coming team about to do great things in this tournament; or to lose a game with a drop goal on the last kick of the game to an Irish team who had just kept the ball for 31 phases!

Answers on a postcard please!

The truth is neither scenario is a good one and it is hard to guess how they will play on the minds of the respective teams over the coming week.

The good thing is that in the 6N, redemption is potentially only a game away and both teams have another chance at it this coming weekend.

Both teams look like they will have to make significant changes, France due to injury and Scotland because they were so cr*p yesterday. How that will pan out on the game is anyone's guess.

I am not however expecting to hear to many optimistic noises coming from the Scotland camp or their fans and media this week. Let us go back to being the underdogs, it seems to be the only mindset that can get us to play well!

by Heaf Sun Feb 11, 2018 11:59 am

SimonofSurrey wrote:If France are in a ' which of us two can give away the most stupid penalties?' contest, there's only ever going to be one winner, ie loser. What a shockingly indisciplined performance. More positively, well done Scotland. A gutsy comeback from another dreadful slow start.

PS heaf - come off it! A team who doesn't take the lead till the 71st minute is not quite a team who looked 'at times' like they might not win. They're a gutsy team who had to dig deep and won out at the last.

I thought it could go either way all the way through to be honest and that France may tire towards the end so it seemed to me it was in the balance - but 'at times' it looked like they may have blown it ... maybe something got lost in translation?

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:04 pm

Townsend also made big calls on who he didn't bring off the bench - Lawson, Welsh, Harris and kinghorn all stayed on the pine. Berghan will definitely be feeling it tomorrow!

by cakeordeath Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:04 pm

Cyril wrote:With Russell having an awful game, it’s lucky Lacey has had an excellent game for Scotland.

Cyril give it a f**king rest, I know you are trying your best to troll. but just go and Frak off

by cakeordeath Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:06 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Got to say I'm impressed with Warburton as a pundit - he's very fair and honest.

I agree he was very good

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:06 pm

Berghan, who also divides opinion, played the whole 80 mins.

There was a time with Edinburgh, when he was barely good for a half. He has certainly done the work and improved himself, fair play to him. He looked a genuine international TH today and easily held his own in the scrums.

You can see in his carrying and other contribution in the loose just what he brings over JW though, it was light and day better than last week.

by Cyril Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:06 pm

Cake,

That’s a bit unpleasant. Just opinions.

by cakeordeath Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:09 pm

Cyril wrote:Cake,

That’s a bit unpleasant. Just opinions.

Don't play the victim Cyril. You knew what you were doing. don't act all butt hurt when someone calls you out on it

by Cyril Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:10 pm

Not hurt. Just wondering why the vitriol

by SimonofSurrey Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:11 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
BigGee wrote:You have to say all the selection calls proved right

Berghan, Gilchrist, Denton, Laidlaw and Horne all proved they deserved to be in the team.

Maybe Finn will take on board that he even he is not indispensable. Hopefully he will come back stronger though and really show his true class

Spot on Gee, glad you mentioned Denton there too because I thought he brought a lot off the bench and he's not always the most popular player on here!

Come on, fellers. Neither you nor RDW gave Jones a shout among your good/deserving Scots today? I thought he played beautifully, both in the eye catching stuff and less glamourous midfield essentials alike.

by TJ Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:11 pm

Finn Russell oh dear. Again. Why hasn’t he been dropped? Have Scotland really not got a better 10?

NOpe

Adam hastings an u20 player in his first pro year. meatball who can't even get a game for Edinburgh or Peter Horne - a dull 10 if steady. thats our choice

by majesticimperialman Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:12 pm

A great game and a great win for Scotland. the score was alot closer than i thought it would be...A great game by Laidlaw well deserved man of the match.

I really thought that France would put Scotland to the sword. Shows how mutch i know.

by TJ Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:13 pm

Scotland pressure defence and Laidlaws cool head won that game. I'll have to admit I was wrong. I thoght Laidlaw shouldn't play for scotland again but today I was proved wrong

by No 7&1/2 Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:14 pm

Great game to watch. Sets it up nicely for 2 weeks time!

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:18 pm

SimonofSurrey wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
BigGee wrote:You have to say all the selection calls proved right

Berghan, Gilchrist, Denton, Laidlaw and Horne all proved they deserved to be in the team.

Maybe Finn will take on board that he even he is not indispensable. Hopefully he will come back stronger though and really show his true class

Spot on Gee, glad you mentioned Denton there too because I thought he brought a lot off the bench and he's not always the most popular player on here!

Come on, fellers. Neither you nor RDW gave Jones a shout among your good/deserving Scots today? I thought he played beautifully, both in the eye catching stuff and less glamourous midfield essentials alike.

He took his try well and had a couple of good carries late on but was fairly quiet apart from that. That's what we get with Jones - he'll give one or two big plays a game but he'll not give you consistent involvement over the 80 just now. Does it make his selection worth while? Currently, absolutely!

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:21 pm

Laidlaw really is a classy player and he still loves playing for Scotland. I have been critical of him as well in the past, but he is showing now that with good players around him, he can make them look even better.

He is going nowhere this side of the next WC and hopefully the pressure from the young pretenders will just push him on and on to better things.

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:21 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Only silverware Scotland are getting this year.

Stop it. If you're English, I'm ashamed. The Calcutta Cup usually fails to go to script, especially at Murrayfield. There's a real contest in prospect two weeks from now. Respect, please.

Bravo, after many years this forum can still surprise Hug

by catchweight Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:28 pm

No clear direction or leadership in French rugby. No real discernible philosophy or gameplan. They have a habit of making bizzare team selections. Beauxies is mostly a kicking 10 but can hardly remember him kicking at all. He was trying to make breaks, throwing dummies and firing out passes behind his back.

by TJ Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:28 pm

I have always rated Horne - a really elusive runner and a good rugby brain. A wholehearted player who will never let you down. Just a dozen kilos too light

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:28 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:Great game to watch. Sets it up nicely for 2 weeks time!

Yep, for you guys to give us a battering... You are clearly the favourites. We are clearly the underdogs. I want to get that point out there right now... laughing

My tuppence, Denton looked ferocious and very hungry when he came on. He carried through some heavy traffic made ground and drew a crucial penalty.

Gilchrist, after some serious injury problems now looks like he's put his Mr Glass persona behind him and emerging is the player Vern Cotter saw when he named him as his first Scotland captain. Really happy for him.

Laidlaw, Glacial, frodo, he has many names, but certainly he was as ice cool as the glaciers he is often compared to. A fantastic performance at 9 and 10.

The Mishiah heart

an absolute pest at the breakdown and so powerful in contact. Amazing.

Russell picard

mercurial in the highest degree. Capable of the sublime and missing touch from 2 crucial penalties, 3 if you include the rout last week. Simply not good enough. Hogg smashed a penalty into the corner from the 10 meter line. Let him take the touch finders!!!

by **George Carlin** Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:53 pm

Cyril wrote:Not hurt. Just wondering why the vitriol

Quite a few reports about you tonight Cyril. Up to you whether you take anything out of that feedback.

by Cyril Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:55 pm

Just a bit baffled by Lacey’s decision making George. I’m not sure how that offended anyone. Meanwhile being told to eff off is fine?

by SimonofSurrey Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:56 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Only silverware Scotland are getting this year.

Stop it. If you're English, I'm ashamed. The Calcutta Cup usually fails to go to script, especially at Murrayfield. There's a real contest in prospect two weeks from now. Respect, please.

Bravo, after many years this forum can still surprise

Cheers both, but if you look at my postings history, I hope I always try to see with both eyes. And I still think Jones had an exceptional game both in the glamour stuff - sublime line for the try and a couple of other powerful gallops, but also in the less visible midfield grunt in defence. His contributions there were key to when Scotland suddenly stopped conceding gimme tries.

by majesticimperialman Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:06 pm

It will be interesting when England and Scotland meet in 2 weeks time.

I still think/believe England will win, but if Scotland play like they did in the second half against France all game against England it will be a tough game for England.

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:07 pm

SimonofSurrey wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Only silverware Scotland are getting this year.

Stop it. If you're English, I'm ashamed. The Calcutta Cup usually fails to go to script, especially at Murrayfield. There's a real contest in prospect two weeks from now. Respect, please.

Bravo, after many years this forum can still surprise

Cheers both, but if you look at my postings history, I hope I always try to see with both eyes. And I still think Jones had an exceptional game both in the glamour stuff - sublime line for the try and a couple of other powerful gallops, but also in the less visible midfield grunt in defence. His contributions there were key to when Scotland suddenly stopped conceding gimme tries.

The 13 channel is one of the hardest defense positions in the game, Jones was bouf last week, but he's not a 12. At 13 he is excellent. Horne had a great game too, I'd be tempted to stick with him at 12 in a couple of weeks but the thought of some of those massive English carriers running at him all week terrifies me. I'm hoping one of Dunbar or Taylor are back.

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:09 pm

Denton put in a really good 20 mins and showed how much he still wants to play international rugby. He was even seen to pass a few times and did not drop the ball once. He seems to have taken on board some of the constructive criticism he has received down the line.

The next question would be, should he start?

If he did, you would have to say that the backrower who should probably step down would be Barclay, who has not had his best two games in a Blue shirt (though by no means playing badly).

Watson and Wilson both gave us go forward and 80 mins of effort and are surely nailed into the team now baring injury. With Laidlaw back and being such a natural leader, then need for JB to start is not quite so pressing. He may not even be the best player to have on the bench if he does not start, Hardie may be the one to really bring the impact.

I don't think that this will happen and you could also argue why change a winning team. I would imagine it would be a reasonable discussion for the selection meeting though.

by lostinwales Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:10 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Only silverware Scotland are getting this year.

Stop it. If you're English, I'm ashamed. The Calcutta Cup usually fails to go to script, especially at Murrayfield. There's a real contest in prospect two weeks from now. Respect, please.

Bravo, after many years this forum can still surprise

Cheers both, but if you look at my postings history, I hope I always try to see with both eyes. And I still think Jones had an exceptional game both in the glamour stuff - sublime line for the try and a couple of other powerful gallops, but also in the less visible midfield grunt in defence. His contributions there were key to when Scotland suddenly stopped conceding gimme tries.

The 13 channel is one of the hardest defense positions in the game, Jones was bouf last week, but he's not a 12. At 13 he is excellent. Horne had a great game too, I'd be tempted to stick with him at 12 in a couple of weeks but the thought of some of those massive English carriers running at him all week terrifies me. I'm hoping one of Dunbar or Taylor are back.

Don't worry we dont have many massive carriers at the moment. There will be Launchbury but it's not as if you don't have a couple of big 2nd rows yourself. Assuming Simmonds is fit there will be a different set of problems for you to deal with

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:14 pm

lostinwales wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Only silverware Scotland are getting this year.

Stop it. If you're English, I'm ashamed. The Calcutta Cup usually fails to go to script, especially at Murrayfield. There's a real contest in prospect two weeks from now. Respect, please.

Bravo, after many years this forum can still surprise

Cheers both, but if you look at my postings history, I hope I always try to see with both eyes. And I still think Jones had an exceptional game both in the glamour stuff - sublime line for the try and a couple of other powerful gallops, but also in the less visible midfield grunt in defence. His contributions there were key to when Scotland suddenly stopped conceding gimme tries.

The 13 channel is one of the hardest defense positions in the game, Jones was bouf last week, but he's not a 12. At 13 he is excellent. Horne had a great game too, I'd be tempted to stick with him at 12 in a couple of weeks but the thought of some of those massive English carriers running at him all week terrifies me. I'm hoping one of Dunbar or Taylor are back.

Don't worry we dont have many massive carriers at the moment. There will be Launchbury but it's not as if you don't have a couple of big 2nd rows yourself. Assuming Simmonds is fit there will be a different set of problems for you to deal with

Lawes is a big lump, and so is Robshaw and Teo is more than a handful. I really do hope that Russell gets his head together though. Take the pressure off him. Let Laidlaw take the place kicks and get Hogg to take the touch finders.

Hogg has a siege gun of a boot, him taking the kicks from hand at penalty time is a no brainer!

by **George Carlin** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:14 pm

It was an edgy affair but getting the win was the most important part.

There was some good stuff here:

- Townsend limiting his subs to a careful few. The Anti-Frank Haddock, if you will.
- Solid scrum. Berghan in particular deserves huge credit. A test class player indeed. We didn't suffer when Bhatti came on either which gives me a lot of confidence for the future provided we don't ask him to prop for any more than 25 minutes.
- Centres. Horne was not found wanting any more in defence than anyone else and I don't understand the criticisms of Huw Jones. This stuff about him being weak in defence - I really don't see it. His positional play, offloading and running lines were superb. Put a brick in the 12 shirt like Taylor or Dunbar and we have a wonderful combination potentially.
- Laidlaw. Clearly, he was what the team needed. Price's fast service at 9 gave him a lot of time and having a footballer at 12 also took some of the pressure off. I was wondering who would stand in at 10 when Russell was hooked and keeping Horne at 12 was the correct decision.
- Gilchrist. Did the stodgy stuff well. Potentially a real alternative to Richie Gray and I wouldn't have said that 2 hours ago.
- Maintaining control. I would love to see the territory and possession stats from that second half.
- Hamish Watson. Not sure if we have a more important forward than him at the moment.
- Fitness. Clearly the way that we will win quite a few test matches. There is no denying that we are a fit side by any test standards.

Other stuff that wasn't so clever:

- First half was unbelievably loose. Do that against England and the game could be gone by half time. We cannot doze off like that.
- Lateral defence. Why the hell do we suddenly have problems defending the fringes? When did that happen? Jonny May will be looking forward to the next game.
- Wingers generally. Maitland did not look too clever in defence a few times and Seymour just went missing for most of the match, it seems. Perhaps that's unfair. But I don't think so.
- Russell will inevitably get brickbats for this, particularly from the trolls and sledgers who were dying for an excuse to squash some of the hype and bring him down a stage or two. However, you can't say he hasn't given them some material. In fact, I don't think he was quite as bad as all that but you cannot miss touch kicks and expect nobody to mention it.
- Lineout. What is going on there? I realise that losing R Gray is a blow but with Toolis, J Gray and Barclay you really shouldn't be losing more than one per game.

But pass marks from everyone. Monkey is off our backs for this tournament and we can look to give England a proper game.

by SecretFly Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:15 pm

Isn't the 6N a cruel place. One week you're on the floor looking for your spilled teeth, the next you got yourselves a brand new set of dentures with BrillDazzle toothpaste helping put a big smile back on your face.

Last week Wales were on a high, this week the sickening kick of a close loss in Twickenham. This is 6N. Masochists, the lot of us.

Great performance from Scotland - back to the structured madness.
And I have to admit that my head was spinning wondering how to work it all out at times. The breakdown area was often like a keystone cop movie, with arms and feet everywhere in snakepits of endless movement. Are refs just pretending they have all angles covered in these melees, btw?

But good play from Scotland and the energy levels they have to keep that stuff going is impressive. The other thing I noticed not too far into the second half is that Scotland kinda knew they'd get the win in the end. They were very calm and confident in body language - in those few moments where the bodies weren't zipping and jiving, ducking and diving, that is!

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:20 pm

My player ratings:

Reid - 6

Gave away the first scrum penalty and not overly noticeable in the loose. Held his own though

McInally - 8

That's more like it! His carrying was fantastic and set piece was much better

Berghan - 8.5

Where did that come from?? He's obviously been working hard during his 6 week suspension. Rock solid in the scrums and one of our best carriers

Gilchrist - 8.5

His best game in a Scotland shirt for a long time. Big carries and helped the lineout improvements

Gray - 8

His best carrying game in a while IMO and a lot more prominent this game

Barclay - 6

Didn't notice he was playing and rightly replaced. Needs to up his game to justify his place - exactly how it should be

Watson - 8.5

An absolute pain in the hoop around the breakdown and some trademark carries

Wilson - 7.5

Another one having his best game in a Scotland shirt for a while - should keep the jersey for 2 weeks time. Really took the game to the French.

Laidlaw - 7.5

Captain in every way bar the official team announcement - metronomic goal kicking and, after a shaky start, gave us the much needed control we've been lacking. Should have done better for the 2nd Thomas try though.

Russell - 3

What has happened to him?? His confidence is completely shot and Townsend us going to earn his money over the next 2 weeks deciding what to do with him. Giving Hogg the penalty kicks to touch would be s good start!

Maitland - 6

A quiet game - need more from our wingers

Horne - 7.5

Didn't do anything flashy but gave us much needed stability in midfield. His left foot is a great kicking asset and he was committed in his carrying

Jones - 7

Lovely angle to give a try just when we needed it but I'd like to see more involvement over the 80

Seymour - 6

Like Maitland a quiet game and need more from him

Hogg - 7.5

Dangerous out wide as always but not quite having the same impact as the last two tournaments. Still a huge threat

Subs - Denton the pick of the bunch with some powerful carries. He even passed the ball a few times! Toolis and Bhattie also gave good impact

Townsend - 8.5

Made some big selection calls and substitute decisions and they were vindicated. We also looked far, far tactically superior than last week.

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:22 pm

Have to agree with Fly on that one.

We did not panic this week, unlike last and we never let the game get away from us. They could see that the French were tiring and beginning to implode and all they had to do was keep the foot to the throat and it was coming.

Easy to say after the match though, it was not always quite so obvious during the game!

by **George Carlin** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:50 pm

Very eloquent piece of prose here:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/feb/11/scotland-france-six-nations-match-report

Never come across Michael Aylwin before but he's already streets ahead of Kitson who only really cares about England and Wales.

by SimonofSurrey Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:51 pm

Cyril wrote:Cake, you should take the mods’ advice and maybe take a break from the forum until you calm down or get asked to have a breather.

Not a Nice One, Cyril: you can't have your cakeordeath and eat it.

A little levity to give you both a moment to calm down - and maybe delete the next thing you were thinking of posting before you actually do? Meanwhile, let's all bask instead in a thoroughly enjoyable game today, with four well taken tries; plenty of drama; and a bumper 58 points. Till next time, cheers all.

SoS

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:53 pm

SimonofSurrey wrote:
Cyril wrote:Cake, you should take the mods’ advice and maybe take a break from the forum until you calm down or get asked to have a breather.

Not a Nice One, Cyril: you can't have your cakeordeath and eat it.

A little levity to give you both a moment to calm down - and maybe delete the next thing you were thinking of posting before you actually do? Meanwhile, let's all bask instead in a thoroughly enjoyable game today, with four well taken tries; plenty of drama; and a bumper 58 points. Till next time, cheers all.

SoS

Do you want to be a moderator??

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 1:57 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
Cyril wrote:Cake, you should take the mods’ advice and maybe take a break from the forum until you calm down or get asked to have a breather.

Not a Nice One, Cyril: you can't have your cakeordeath and eat it.

A little levity to give you both a moment to calm down - and maybe delete the next thing you were thinking of posting before you actually do? Meanwhile, let's all bask instead in a thoroughly enjoyable game today, with four well taken tries; plenty of drama; and a bumper 58 points. Till next time, cheers all.

SoS

Do you want to be a moderator??

Lando getting fed up with the riots in the England Wales thread!!! Laugh

by mckay1402 Sun Feb 11, 2018 2:11 pm

Cyril wrote:Cake,

That’s a bit unpleasant. Just opinions.

Still at it then Cyril. Just a wum and always have been.

by Guest Sun Feb 11, 2018 2:18 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
SimonofSurrey wrote:
Cyril wrote:Cake, you should take the mods’ advice and maybe take a break from the forum until you calm down or get asked to have a breather.

Not a Nice One, Cyril: you can't have your cakeordeath and eat it.

A little levity to give you both a moment to calm down - and maybe delete the next thing you were thinking of posting before you actually do? Meanwhile, let's all bask instead in a thoroughly enjoyable game today, with four well taken tries; plenty of drama; and a bumper 58 points. Till next time, cheers all.

SoS

Do you want to be a moderator??

Lando getting fed up with the riots in the England Wales thread!!!

Where’s the riots?! Seriously! You’re making it up to cause trouble.

by TightHEAD Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:09 pm

People are getting hot under the collar tonight!
Don't understand why people try to derail threads to push their own agenda. Rolling Eyes

Anyway I really enjoyed today's game but I'm non the wiser, are Scotland good or have teams made them look better than they really are?

I'm worried England will crack against the Scots in two weeks time

by RuggerRadge2611 Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:16 pm

TightHEAD wrote:People are getting hot under the collar tonight!
Don't understand why people try to derail threads to push their own agenda.

Anyway I really enjoyed today's game but I'm non the wiser, are Scotland good or have teams made them look better than they really are?

I'm worried England will crack against the Scots in two weeks time

Haha don't be. England are the merde hot favourites in 2 weeks, but as others far more eloquent than I have suggested the calcutta Cup occasionally goes off script.

At home I think our attack will make England sweat if we keep our heads together, but England will be far too strong I think. If one of Dunbar or Taylor are back I might revise my comments, we also need Finn Russell to get out of this malaise he seems to be in at the moment and IMO the best thing to do is take care of some of his duties for him. Get him playing heads up attacking rugby and let Laidlaw and others do the boring stuff.

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:21 pm

TightHEAD wrote:People are getting hot under the collar tonight!
Don't understand why people try to derail threads to push their own agenda.

Anyway I really enjoyed today's game but I'm non the wiser, are Scotland good or have teams made them look better than they really are?

I'm worried England will crack against the Scots in two weeks time

Given that in the last year we've beaten Ireland, Wales, Italy, Australia away, Samoa, Australia at home and run the All Blacks close, and just beaten a good French team, I don't think there's any doubts we can call ourselves a good team and I don't think it's fair to say other teams make us look better than we are. However last week's game and the annihilation at Twickenham last year shows we're still needing to make the step up to being a great team - i.e. one that can genuinely challenge for the 6N. On our side is the fact that our team is still young - most have one or two more world cups left in them - so there is still plenty time. It may never happen, especially given how brutally difficult a tournament the 6N is.

Finn Russell's form carries a similar story to our performance last week - his terrible form of late doesn't change the fact that he was outstanding in most of the wins I mentioned above. Consistency is his problem, although he's experienced enough now that the worry is that will never come.

by TightHEAD Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:27 pm

Finn Does seem to miss touch a lot, (maybe I'm just imagining it) I know he is going for territory but for heavens sake man let someone else take the kicks.

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 3:32 pm

TightHEAD wrote:Finn Does seem to miss touch a lot, (maybe I'm just imagining it) I know he is going for territory but for heavens sake man let someone else take the kicks.

You're not imagining it - he probably averages one a game which just isn't good enough.

With Hogg's howitzer of a boot it should be an easy enough fix for the team!

by catchweight Sun Feb 11, 2018 4:06 pm

The Scotland pack still looks a bit soft relative to most of the other 6 Nations teams to me. I also think they will struggle in bad weather with the type of game they play which is always a strong possibility in the 6 Nations.

At home in dry conditions I think they will be a tough nut to crack for any team. Their backline is dangerous. They have gone from being a dour team to watch to one of the most entertaining teams to watch.

by TJ Sun Feb 11, 2018 5:00 pm

tighthead - Finns weakness is he tries to win the game every time he touches the ball. He misses kicks 'cos he wants ever one inside the 5m line. Missing as many as he does is unforgivable tho - could have cost us the game today.

Going to Racing will either break him or make him. He will not get the comfy ride he gets at Glasgow

by **RDW** Sun Feb 11, 2018 5:17 pm

TJ wrote:tighthead - Finns weakness is he tries to win the game every time he touches the ball. He misses kicks 'cos he wants ever one inside the 5m line. Missing as many as he does is unforgivable tho - could have cost us the game today.

Going to Racing will either break him or make him. He will not get the comfy ride he gets at Glasgow

That it a very good way to describe it!

by **BigGee** Sun Feb 11, 2018 5:31 pm

TJ wrote:tighthead - Finns weakness is he tries to win the game every time he touches the ball. He misses kicks 'cos he wants ever one inside the 5m line. Missing as many as he does is unforgivable tho - could have cost us the game today.

Going to Racing will either break him or make him. He will not get the comfy ride he gets at Glasgow

Indeed, poor play won't just be accepted there with a Gaelic shrug of the shoulders. They will be expecting him to earn his euros.

This is the main reason I think him going to France is a good thing, he will have to grow up a bit. He gets away with a lot at Glasgow, because he is Finn. Professional sport is a very different ball game when you are on that kind of money and in that environment.

I think it will make him a better player.

by furra_linee Mon Feb 12, 2018 4:56 am

I'd be tempted to drop Russell for the England game and start with Laidlaw at 10, and Price at 9

by **RDW** Mon Feb 12, 2018 5:13 am

As much as it worked for 20 minutes against France I don't think it is something that we can build a gameplan round. I'd probably rather Horne at 10 than Laidlaw if anything.

I still think we should stick with Russell, but I think he will need carefully managed over the next two weeks and the gameplan adapted to suit.

by **NeilyBroon** Mon Feb 12, 2018 5:39 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:As much as it worked for 20 minutes against France I don't think it is something that we can build a gameplan round. I'd probably rather Horne at 10 than Laidlaw if anything.

I still think we should stick with Russell, but I think he will need carefully managed over the next two weeks and the gameplan adapted to suit.

Agree on Horne. I'm not sure how Russell would respond being put on the bench. We saw with the Lions he got headless chicken syndrome when trying to prove himself. Granted he got the Gatland courtesy of a whole 10 minutes, but all he needed to do was show poise and composure.

I think play him again, I hope short term that as Hastings keeps getting gametime at Glasgow, as long as he puts in a few assured performances, he'll push Finn towards the end of the season and give him food for thought before the big move to France. I just hope Finn takes the opportunity like Greig did, too often backs are ruined by the French league. Though there are worse fly halves than Pat Lambie to learn from.

Two weeks' time I think it's England's to lose really. I can see them comfortably winning by a score, more if Russell is that inaccurate. It's a big ask to keep it close, even bigger to win, but if everyone steps up who knows? It's been a long time since I've seen Scottish grit in the England games though, long overdue.

As I said about Wales-England the thing that struck me about both sides was the sheer level of aggression, Scotland boys should have taken note and I hope the coaches are drilling that home.

by **BigGee** Mon Feb 12, 2018 5:58 am

Finn has to play, but he must realise now that he is not droppable (to be fair to him, he probably does not think like that anyway)

Lets not pretend that he is not our best FH option by a country mile. He will surely come good at some point, Toonie just needs to keep telling him not to force it and pay a little bit more attention to detail.

If he is not playing well now, at least we know he can and will be hooked.

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