20th Gathering of Edinburgh and Glasgow Discussion

by Hazel Sapling Mon Jun 04, 2018 11:19 am

First topic message reminder :

Edinburgh Squad

LH's: Schoeman, Dell, Marfo, Sutherland
Hookers: McInally, Ford, Fenton, Cherry
TH's: Nel, Berghan, McCallum, Ceccarelli
Second Row: Gilchrist, Toolis, McKenzie, Carmichael, Hunter-Hill
Back Row: Barclay, Hamilton, Crosbie; Watson, Ritchie; Bradbury, Mata, Miller, Nayalo

SH's: Pyrgos, Fowles, Kennedy, Shiel
FH's: Hickey, VDW, McLelland, Baggott
Centres: Scott, Socino, Bennett, Dean, Johnstone, G Taylor
Back 3: Fife, VDM, Hoyland, Brown, Graham; Kinghorn

Forward Total: 26
- Internationals: 16 (14 Scots, 1 Italian, 1 Fijian)
- NSQ: 4 (1 of whom is a project)
- Under 25 (as of September 1st, 2018): 7 (2 capped)
Backs Total: 20
- Internationals: 8 (Socino lone non-Scot)
- NSQ: 4 (2 projects)
- Under 25 (as of September 1st, 2018): 10 (2 capped)

Total: 46

Glasgow Squad

LH's: Bhatti, Allan, Kebble
Hookers: Brown, Turner, Stewart, Bryce
TH's: Fagerson, Nuka, Rae, Nicol
Second Row: Gray, Swinson, Cummings, McDonald, Brian, Peterson, Davidson
Back-Row: M Fagerson, Harley; Gibbins, Smith, Fusaro; Wilson, Ashe, Tameilau, Flockhart

SH's: Price, G Horne,Frisby, Mata, Baletto
FH's: Horne, Hastings, Jackson
Centres: Dunbar, H Jones, Johnson, Dunbar, Grigg, P Kelly
Back 3: Seymour, VDM, L Jones, Masaga, Tagive, Hughes, Beattie, Nairn; Hogg, Thomson

Forward Total: 27
- Internationals: 15 (12 Scots, 2 Americans, 1 Tongan)
- NSQ: 6 (2 projects)
- Under 25 (as of September 1st, 2018): 11 (4 capped, both projects)
Backs Total: 24
- Internationals: 14 (10 Scots, 1 Fijian, 1 Kiwi, 1 Canadian, 1 Aussie)
- NSQ: 4 (No projects if Thomson is already tied to SA)
- Under 25 (as of September 1st, 2018): 8 (1 capped)

Total: 51

Overall: 97 players
- Internationals: 53 (43 Scots)
- NSQ: 19 (5 projects)
- Under 25: 36 (9 capped)

by **BigGee** Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:51 am

I am not so bothered about the start of the season in any case. We will have all the Scotland players who did not tour available from the go and what last season told us is that you need players with something left in the tank come April to win anything.

Our season started to unravel during the 6N window when we were light on players then did not improve when the internationalists came back and were knackered. We need more depth and rotation to last us a whole season. If we put our best XV out, we will still have a very competitive team, capable of beating just about anyone on our day. That won't win us anything though, as how often will that genuinely happen?

I'd rather wait for some decent players than take whatever is available because we have to. You would hope that a lot of the kids who got bloodied last year will be a lot better for the experience in any case.

by **BigGee** Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:53 am

jimbopip wrote:I'm sure it'll be fine.

If he gives you a jag, you'll only feel a little prick.

Try the chicken and don't forget to tip your waitress.

I'd love to but am a veggie!

by Eejit Thu Jun 28, 2018 12:50 pm

Consistency is clearly the name of the game. With the spine of the team in flux last season with the Super Touch players coming in late and Finn’s last dance I can certainly understand DR not looking for wholesale changes. That being said there are real concerns with some of the front row and at No8 that really do need bolstering.

by **BigGee** Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:04 pm

Eejit wrote:Consistency is clearly the name of the game. With the spine of the team in flux last season with the Super Touch players coming in late and Finn’s last dance I can certainly understand DR not looking for wholesale changes. That being said there are real concerns with some of the front row and at No8 that really do need bolstering.

Agree with that, Glasgow have not become a bad team overnight and with a few tweaks could become a very good one again.

We always said that DR should be judged on his second season when he really does have a chance to set things up the way he wanted to.

Glasgow Twitter came back to life this afternoon with some pictures of some very hot looking players sweating away whilst running around Scotstoun in 30 degree heat! The new arrivals were heard to be muttering about the fact they had been told it is cold and rainy in Glasgow!

by **RDW** Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:15 pm

Tim Swinson ruled out for 6 months with a leg injury.

by **BigGee** Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:25 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Tim Swinson ruled out for 6 months with a leg injury.

Yes, just saw that, it looked nasty at the time.

Well it gives some of the other Glasgow locks, Big Brian and Cummings in particular the chance to cement a place in the team. The 18 year old Marshall Skyes, who was very impressive in the U20s has been brought up north from Ipswich (my sister in law teaches at his old school) and will be playing for Ayr and presumably will be in the Glasgow Academy. You might see him getting a bit of game time, he looks like a real prospect.

Scotland will miss him less you would imagine, with no shortage of decent locks around. Big Brian will be SQ as well in about a years time and you would hope and imagine that Callum Hunter-Hill will be pushing on a bit more this year as well.

by **RDW** Thu Jun 28, 2018 4:28 pm

BigGee wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Tim Swinson ruled out for 6 months with a leg injury.

Yes, just saw that, it looked nasty at the time.

Well it gives some of the other Glasgow locks, Big Brian and Cummings in particular the chance to cement a place in the team. The 18 year old Marshall Skyes, who was very impressive in the U20s has been brought up north from Ipswich (my sister in law teaches at his old school) and will be playing for Ayr and presumably will be in the Glasgow Academy. You might see him getting a bit of game time, he looks like a real prospect.

Scotland will miss him less you would imagine, with no shortage of decent locks around. Big Brian will be SQ as well in about a years time and you would hope and imagine that Callum Hunter-Hill will be pushing on a bit more this year as well.

Might as well get him capped now then!

by tigertattie Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:02 pm

Feel for Tim Swinson as this injury could be the end of his Scotland career (at the very least he'll need to do some fighting to get a place back)

He is a very limited player but he does try so fair play to the man. Against Arg he was injured and you could see him laying there but then the maddo go up and started hopping about trying to get into position to tackle someone. I'm pretty sure he actually made one tackle while hopping!

by **RDW** Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:08 pm

Yeah I think he did tackle someone - fair play to him but I hope that didn't make things worse.

I remember Peter Horne trying to play on with a clearly busted knee several tours ago in SA (when we got pumped) and he must have made things a lot worse. He was out for a long time after.

by IanBru Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:21 pm

Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. She also dribbled a bit.

by tigertattie Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:22 pm

congrats on you ability to shoot a drug dart a a human being Ian

I hope the ring you've given her has at least a semi-precious stone on it and not just a bru stone!

by **BigGee** Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:36 pm

Congrats Bru, I saw your pictures on Twitter, you both looked delighted.

by jimbopip Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:54 pm

IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. In the words of Bill Crosby, "I also dribbled a bit".

Fixed that for you Whistle

by jimbopip Fri Jun 29, 2018 1:56 pm

Is there a prize for Most Tasteless Use Of Quote Function Ever?

Just asking for a friend like. Whistle

by jimbopip Fri Jun 29, 2018 2:03 pm

jimbopip wrote:
IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. In the words of Bill Cosby, "I also dribbled a bit".

Fixed that for you

by IanBru Fri Jun 29, 2018 3:13 pm

jimbopip wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. In the words of Bill Cosby, "I also dribbled a bit".

Fixed that for you

Jim, I'm pouring Clorox on my computer screen.

by **RDW** Fri Jun 29, 2018 3:14 pm

Congratulations Bru - can't wait for our invites to the stag! Ale

by jimbopip Fri Jun 29, 2018 3:25 pm

IanBru wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. In the words of Bill Cosby, "I also dribbled a bit".

Fixed that for you
Jim, I'm pouring Clorox on my computer screen.

Plus ca change, Ian. laughing

Actually, Admin Boy just came up with a good idea (monkeys, monkey

typewriters, Shakespeare etc) you could invite sundry posters to a ScotlandStagDo. cuppa

20th Gathering of Edinburgh and Glasgow Discussion - Page 5 1347041234

by tigertattie Fri Jun 29, 2018 3:26 pm

jimbopip wrote:
jimbopip wrote:
IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. In the words of Bill Cosby, "I also dribbled a bit".

Fixed that for you

accidentally done on purpose?

by **BigGee** Fri Jun 29, 2018 5:13 pm

https://theoffsideline.com/exclusive-shaun-wane-on-why-he-sought-out-scotland-role/

A good read about what Shane Wane might bring to the Scotland set up. He could prove to be a great addition and a great benefit to the youngsters coming through.

You do wonder, with the almost inevitable re-shuffling of the coaching teams post the WC, that he might slot into a permanent coaching role with Scotland. There has already been some talk of Matt Taylor moving on and he might fancy a head coaches job, having done defence for a good long time now.

One thing about Toonie is that he has no problems getting other good coaches to come and work with him.

by Hazel Sapling Sat Jun 30, 2018 1:55 pm

Well done Bru!

For some reason BG, the link is not working from here or Google. May have been put on too early!

by **RDW** Sat Jun 30, 2018 1:57 pm

The link worked for me yesterday but seems to have disappeared from their website.

It was a good interview though!

by tigertattie Sat Jun 30, 2018 6:53 pm

As captain Jack would say

Where has the rugby gone?

by **George Carlin** Mon Jul 02, 2018 7:40 am

IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. She also dribbled a bit.

Well done Bru. king

by **BigGee** Mon Jul 02, 2018 3:14 pm

Well finally the spaceship Glasgow Warriors breaks radio silence and announces a signing.

Even if Adam Nicol, who gets a years contract, was not quite the big one we were looking for, he was a very decent junior, who made his Glasgow debut while still in the U20s. Unusually for a Scottish TH, he was big and powerful enough to thrive at that level and was someone who looked like he could make the step up. He is still only 20 and should have plenty more development to do, but should be pushing to be our third TH this season.

Lewis Wyne, who was playing fairly regularly two seasons ago, but seems to have stalled somewhat since then, is getting sent down to London Scottish for the season, with a recall clause if he is needed. It will do him some good to get some regular game time down there.

Good to see as well that the London Scottish link up still seems to be active. A bit of time down there did not do George Horne any harm at all!

by Hazel Sapling Mon Jul 02, 2018 3:23 pm

Adam Nicol probably should have got more than 1 season. He looked a real prospect for the future. Not quite on the level of McCallum or as Z Fagerson was. Hopefully he can keep pushing on.

Wynne got plenty of game time under Toonie and hardly any under Rennie. A season in LS will do him good.

Not exactly what was imagined after taking so long to announce anything.

by tigertattie Mon Jul 02, 2018 3:36 pm

Its a back row that Glasgow are desperately in need of!

by **RDW** Mon Jul 02, 2018 8:13 pm

https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/stade-francais-confirm-departees/607071

Stade have just released a shedload of players - any of those suited to Glasgow?

by Eejit Mon Jul 02, 2018 10:47 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/stade-francais-confirm-departees/607071

Stade have just released a shedload of players - any of those suited to Glasgow?

I wish we could filter by the following criteria:

1. Enormous
2. Gets over the gain line
3. See point 1

by **George Carlin** Tue Jul 03, 2018 7:38 am

Eejit wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/stade-francais-confirm-departees/607071

Stade have just released a shedload of players - any of those suited to Glasgow?

I wish we could filter by the following criteria:

1. Enormous
2. Gets over the gain line
3. See point 1

The best one would have been Zhvania (mahoosive loosehead) but Wasps have already bought him.

by IanBru Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:02 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Congratulations Bru - can't wait for our invites to the stag!

That right there is a truly excellent idea! I'd suggest a November test or 1872 match. Plenty of time to plan, as we're looking at summer 2020 to Spring 2021 for the grand hitching.

by EWT Spoons Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:08 pm

IanBru wrote:Hey lads, here's a quick update from Bru Towers.

I managed to shoot Hagia Sophia with a tranquilizer dart, and as she was lying in narcotic delirium, I asked her to marry me.

She said yes. She also dribbled a bit.

Congratulations Bru.

Tranquilizer darting someone is a lost art, I'm glad you are bringing it back

by nickj Wed Jul 04, 2018 9:37 am

Harries joins the Blues https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44703949

by tigertattie Wed Jul 04, 2018 12:44 pm

nickj wrote:Harries joins the Blues https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44703949

someone help me out here! did we send Harries out on loan to another team at the end of the season? I've got it in my head that he played at least one game for someone else!!!

by Hazel Sapling Wed Jul 04, 2018 2:02 pm

I can't remember with Harries, but I think you are right Tiger.

The move makes sense. Not as good as younger Scottish wings and, ultimately, not good enough for a NSQ. Hopefully a sign of Graham getting more game time next season.

by **RDW** Wed Jul 04, 2018 2:05 pm

He played for Wales 7s the last few rounds of the series.

Was it not the Dragons?

by tigertattie Wed Jul 04, 2018 4:22 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:He played for Wales 7s the last few rounds of the series.

Was it not the Dragons?

ahhhhhhhh it may have been the 7s.

by EWT Spoons Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:23 pm

Pyrgos has signed for Edinburgh

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:23 pm

Glasgow fans are going to go crazy!

Great signing for Edinburgh

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:24 pm

Scotland international scrum-half Henry Pyrgos has signed for Edinburgh on a one-year-deal.

The 28-year-old makes the move to the capital in search of a new challenge after eight years with Glasgow with whom he won the then Guinness PRO12 in 2015.

Capped 29 times for his country, the 28-year-old has also racked up 147 appearances for the Warriors in his eight years at Scotstoun since signing from Loughborough University.

On the prospect of linking up with Richard Cockerill’s side, he said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at Glasgow. Winning the league in 2015 was an incredible moment and one I’ll always remember. I’d especially like to thank all the players, management and fans for their support over the years.

“I’m really excited by the opportunity to join Edinburgh. The club has a great playing squad and coaching team, so I’m looking forward to being part of it. I believe the club is a great place for me to continue to develop as a player."

Edinburgh Head Coach Cockerill said: “Henry is a proven leader and comes with bags of experience which will add real strength in depth to our scrum-half group.

“He’s a winner and has captained Scotland, so it’s great that he feels Edinburgh is a place where he can compete for further honours with both club and country.”

Pyrgos made his international debut as a second-half substitute for former Edinburgh scrum-half Mike Blair against New Zealand in the first Autumn Test of 2012.

The same switch was made in the next game against South Africa in which Pyrgos scored his first international try, before adding a second as part of a stunning fightback which helped his country post a 21-19 victory over Argentina in the third Test of Scotland's 2014 summer tour.

Injury curtailed his involvement in the 2015 Six Nations, but after helping Glasgow lift the Guinness PRO12 title, Pyrgos was back on the scoresheet of that year's opening Summer Test against Ireland, in which he made his first start as captain.

He scored his third try in the Dublin Test match before scoring against Italy in Turin the following week and subsequently earned selection for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, captaining the side in the win over USA.

Pyrgos was ruled out for much of the following season due to injury, but he made his return to action in the 2016 summer tour to Japan, captaining the side and kicking nine points in the second Test.

A former pupil of Bryanston School in Dorset, Henry is eligible for Scotland through his mum, who was born in Grangemouth, while his grandparents were born in Dundee.

by jimbopip Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:30 pm

Well.

I feel sorry for him ,as he is a good player with a lot to offer.

On the other hand either Barretto has caught DR's eye or a SH SH is on his way north.

P.s. if the Luvvies keep signing Warriors does this settle the third match at home 1872 argument?

by EWT Spoons Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:40 pm

Reasonably happy with Pyrgos joining Edinburgh. It's only for a year, so don't know if it's a loan or permanent.

He'll be a good player for the like of Shiel to learn from though, and if it keeps fowles further away from a starting place then he's ok in my book.

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 1:56 pm

Yeah I hope this doesn't prevent Shiel getting some meaningful gametime - we know Fowles (and probably Kennedy) aren't going to be challenging for Scotland any time soon, if ever.

by EWT Spoons Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:08 pm

He's only with us for a year, so worst case Shiel has another year to learn his role, and comes through next year.

Can't believe how negative some folk are about him signing though. He's only 28, is a league winner and is a massive step up from what we have. Not sure what some fans are expecting if they are not happy about getting him. I don't think he's international class, but that really doesn't matter at club level.

Plus we have a new 10 coming in, so having a cool head like Pyrgos alongside him can only be a good thing. Same with our relatively young pack.

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:22 pm

Pyrgos is exactly the kind of 9 we need - experienced and a good controller of the game, but able to make a break and score tries too. His form might not have been as good the last season or two but at 28 he's right in his prime.

It benefits Scotland two as our top 5 SH options will be playing regularly.

by tigertattie Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:22 pm

its actually a bit of an odd signing as it leaves Glasgow with Plan A Horne Jnr and Plan B Aldi Price.

Both very similar players and if a steady head is required to come on to close out a game, neither one of them really fits that mold like PieCrust does!

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:28 pm

tigertattie wrote:its actually a bit of an odd signing as it leaves Glasgow with Plan A Horne Jnr and Plan B Aldi Price.

Both very similar players and if a steady head is required to come on to close out a game, neither one of them really fits that mold like PieCrust does!

It gets worse - plan C is Mad Mata!

by tigertattie Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:52 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
tigertattie wrote:its actually a bit of an odd signing as it leaves Glasgow with Plan A Horne Jnr and Plan B Aldi Price.

Both very similar players and if a steady head is required to come on to close out a game, neither one of them really fits that mold like PieCrust does!

It gets worse - plan C is Mad Mata!

Would be an absolute fit for ToonieBall

"Gaffer, Ali price isn't giving us enough madness at scrummy"

"Deploy the Horne Bot 2.0"

"Gaffer, even George isn't providing enough unpredictable insanity to proceedings

"Execute plan mad mental Fiji Weegie"

by EWT Spoons Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:57 pm

tigertattie wrote:its actually a bit of an odd signing as it leaves Glasgow with Plan A Horne Jnr and Plan B Aldi Price.

Both very similar players and if a steady head is required to come on to close out a game, neither one of them really fits that mold like PieCrust does!

They do have 4 9s left at the club. I mean they're all pretty similar with Horne, Price, Mata, Baretto their options, but they have cover. I would have been comfortable with Fowles moving over, but it would leave Edinburgh short if Kennedy or Pyrgos picked up a knock

by **RDW** Fri Jul 06, 2018 2:58 pm

Who the hell is Baretto...?

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