6N 2019: Scotland v Ireland, 9 February

      
SCOTLAND v IRELAND 
9 February 2019
KO: 14:15
BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Touch judges: Pascal Gaüzère (France) and Alexandre Ruiz (France)
Television match official: Rowan Kitt (England)

Live on [paddy TV and jock TV]

A. Head to Head

134 Played 134
67 Won 62
6 Drawn 6
62 Lost 67
1,415 Points 1,525

B. Recent Form

10 March 2018
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
28–8 to Ireland

4 February 2017
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
27–22 to Scotland

19 March 2016
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
35 – 25 to Ireland

15 August 2015
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
28 – 22 to Ireland

21 March 2015
BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
10 – 40 to Ireland

2 February 2014
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
28 – 6 to Ireland

24 February 2013
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
12 – 8 to Scotland

10 March 2012
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
32 – 14 to Ireland

6 August 2011
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
10 – 6 to Scotland

27 February 2011
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
18 – 21 to Ireland

20 March 2010
Croke Park, Dublin
20 – 23 to Scotland

C. Teams

SCOTLAND


[TBC]

IRELAND 


[TBC]

Good job GC!

I don't think we'll see too many changes from the starting XV - the big selections will be Skinner's replacement and whether Maitland comes straight back in. We desperately need some cavalry to come off the bench and hopefully we'll be helped by returning injuries. If Gray isn't fit I wonder if big brother will be called into the squad?

Breakdown is going to be key here so I really picked my team accordingly - the back row really is a difficult one to call though. I've gone for plenty impact off the bench too.

1 Dell
2 Mcinally
3 Nel
4 Toolis
5 Gilchrist
6 Ritchie
7 Hardie
8 Wilson

9 Laidlaw
10 Russell
11 Kinghorn
12 Johnson
13 Jones
14 Seymour
15 Hogg

Subs - Bhatti, Brown, Berghan, Gray (jnr or snr), Graham, Horne, Horne, Maitland

Harsh on Strauss but Graham's versitality gives him the nod. Horne's cover at 12 gives him the bench spot over Hastings - don't fancy seeing Russell at 12 against Ireland!!

Richie Gray played for an hour on 27 January when Toulouse beat Grenoble, so there's obviously hope. 

We should be fine at lock as Gilchrist and Toolis is a well oiled combo and most signs point to St Jonny of Gray being back.

I would absolutely play Hardie here. We didn't look too smart against the Italian counter-ruck machine at the weekend. Wilson is the lesser of two muppets at the moment and we will probably need his dog against Ireland.

Yes Hardie could certainly do some damage, at least for 60 mins, by which time he will likely have damaged himself.

I am a bit torn about Struass, as I thought it was one of his better games for Scotland and he did a long stint as well. We did not really see enough of Graham to know how he might do at this level but we know he is a good tackler as well, but what we might gain defensively we loss offensively by not picking Strauss. It is a hard one to call.

Some really tough selection dilemmas around second-row (if Gray is fit), back-row and wing. I would go with the following:

1 Dell
2 McInally
3 Nel
4 Gray (if fit)
5 Gilchrist
6 Wilson
7 Ritchie
8 Strauss

9 Laidlaw
10 Russell
11 Maitland
12 Johnson
13 Jones
14 Seymour
15 Hogg

16 Brown (if fit)
17 Bhatti
18 Berghan
19 Toolis
20 Graham
21 G Horne
22 P Horne
23 Kinghorn

Scotland will be a match for Ireland, if they can keep their 1st 15 on the pitch, lets make no bones about it.

I reckon Ireland will be looking down a barrel of two defeats first up in the 6N for the first time in donkeys years. The Jocks are all of a sudden a much more of a decent side at home these days, and I do not think they will lose a home game in this 6N.

Brown and McCallum added to the squad - no Ritchie Gray which probably means Jonny is fit.

Skinner has gone back to Exeter.

I am sure Ritchie could do with getting another game under his belt, he has been out for a long time and the way the other second rows are playing, there is no need to rush him back.

A little bit of a worry about Nel I guess, with McCallam coming in but hopefully it is more of a precaution than anything else. zander will hopefully play for Glasgow in the cardiff game and come back into reckonning for France.

Really hope Nel is fit - would be a huge loss. I agree on the elder Gray, no need to rush him.

I had a quick look at the class of 2017 who beat Ireland, the BR that day had Strauss at 8 and Wilson at 6 - I wonder if we need an 8 in the mould of Strauss to combat the suffocating Irish defence?

Really looking forward to this one, Ireland will be smarting after Saturday so can imagine they'll come out fired up, but Scotland can beat anyone on their day

If we score more points than Ireland on Saturday, then I'm almost certain we'll beat them.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:If we score more points than Ireland on Saturday, then I'm almost certain we'll beat them.

At least 90% of the time.

This is the game for the neutral this week -Scotland's free-flowing game at home to a wounded Ireland...

I still think Scotland are just a good number 8 away from being a really top class side.

dummy_half wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:If we score more points than Ireland on Saturday, then I'm almost certain we'll beat them.

At least 90% of the time.

This is the game for the neutral this week -Scotland's free-flowing game at home to a wounded Ireland...

I still think Scotland are just a good number 8 away from being a really top class side.

Wash your mouth out.

Ryan Wilson is more than capabl........

Actually yeah you're right....we need a number 8.

Tattie

Imagine having a carrier of Billy Vunipola's power allied to the rest of your side...

For it will be a very big game this Saturday. Scotland will definitely want to improve on the game against Italy (last 20mins were not very good) and Ireland will be hungry to get a victory (Don't think Ireland played too badly, just outclassed on Saturday).

Cannot wait for it myself.

I think the only change we should be making is enforced with Skinner dropping out, moving Wilson to 6 and Strauss at 8. I hate myself for even typing that as I don't rate either of them, but it's hard to argue that they didn't play well on sat, and there is pretty much no one else to come in. The only other option would be to move Ritchie to 6, bring Hardie in at 7 and Wilson at 8, which is possibly preferable.

Strauss looked pretty good when he came on against Italy. A good all round game from him. I’d be very happy with the same backline as EST has posted.

It would be great to have Gray back, I would probably start Gilchrist and Toolis though, both had wonderful games.

dummy_half wrote:Tattie

Imagine having a carrier of Billy Vunipola's power allied to the rest of your side...

Absolutely. Would rather have someone like Mata who has the handling and offloading ability as well as ball carrying ability but I see what you're saying.

Against Italy, it was very rare for any of the forwards to make ground going into contact which is a huge issue considering our backs thrive on the front foot.

Will be even tougher against Ireland's defence.

EWT Spoons wrote:I think the only change we should be making is enforced with Skinner dropping out, moving Wilson to 6 and Strauss at 8.  I hate myself for even typing that as I don't rate either of them, but it's hard to argue that they didn't play well on sat, and there is pretty much no one else to come in.  The only other option would be to move Ritchie to 6, bring Hardie in at 7 and Wilson at 8, which is possibly preferable.

If we go with the Richie, Wilson, Strauss option, then Gary Graham will probably bench as he provides more options.

If we go Ritchie, Wilson, Hardie, then it is more likely for Josh Strauss to come on as the sub and go to No.8 with the other 2 moving round.

Pros and cons for both options really, I can't make up my mind.

Stander out for 4 weeks with a facial injury.
Ringrose earls and tonner being assessed.

carpet baboon wrote:Stander out for 4 weeks with a facial injury.
Ringrose earls and tonner being assessed.

Ireland certainly took a battering in that last game, I bet there are a few other sore bodies as well. This will be a good test of their depth.

BigGee wrote:

EWT Spoons wrote:I think the only change we should be making is enforced with Skinner dropping out, moving Wilson to 6 and Strauss at 8.  I hate myself for even typing that as I don't rate either of them, but it's hard to argue that they didn't play well on sat, and there is pretty much no one else to come in.  The only other option would be to move Ritchie to 6, bring Hardie in at 7 and Wilson at 8, which is possibly preferable.

If we go with the Richie, Wilson, Strauss option, then Gary Graham will probably bench as he provides more options.

If we go Ritchie, Wilson, Hardie, then it is more likely for Josh Strauss to come on as the sub and go to No.8 with the other 2 moving round.

Pros and cons for both options really, I can't make up my mind.

I think we are going to have to pick Strauss in there - Ritchie/Wilson/Hardie is very light on the carrying stakes.

BigGee wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:Stander out for 4 weeks with a facial injury.
Ringrose earls and tonner being assessed.

Ireland certainly took a battering in that last game, I bet there are a few other sore bodies as well. This will be a good test of their depth.

I think we'll see something along the lines of -

15 Kearney
14 Larmour
13 Ringrose/Henshaw
12 Aki
11 Stockdale
10 Sexton
9 Murray
8 O'Brien
7 VDF
6 POM
5 Ryan
4 Roux
3 Furlong
2 Best
1 Healy

Bench: Kilcoyne, Cronin, Porter, Dillane, Murphy, Cooney, Carbury, Henshaw/Addison

Like Scotland, that bench isn't nearly as intimidating as the staring XV.

Although I don't feel that Henshaw had a very bad game at 15, I would prefer him to be in the centres. I really do not feel that Aki is the man for 12 at all, just too crash ball for my liking.

I would have Kearney or (if fit) Conway at 15.

eirebilly wrote:Although I don't feel that Henshaw had a very bad game at 15, I would prefer him to be in the centres. I really do not feel that Aki is the man for 12 at all, just too crash ball for my liking.

I would have Kearney or (if fit) Conway at 15.

Conway was sent back to Munster with a tight calf. No word if he's back in camp. Is Conan injured?

Alasdair Reid in the Times has suggested that Harris be selected over Huw Jones on the basis that his defence is better. Given Harris’ two six nations appearances have been a drubbing by Wales and the last 20 on Saturday I’d question that (I’m not saying all the tries were his fault btw). There’s also the fact if we want to win we need to score tries and Huw Jones is due a few in a Scotland shirt.

123456789. wrote:Alasdair Reid in the Times has suggested that Harris be selected over Huw Jones on the basis that his defence is better. Given Harris’ two six nations appearances have been a drubbing by Wales and the last 20 on Saturday I’d question that (I’m not saying all the tries were his fault btw). There’s also the fact if we want to win we need to score tries and Huw Jones is due a few in a Scotland shirt.

I'd be totally perplexed should Harris start - he has shown very, very little in his appearances so far.

I am pretty sceptical about that. Yes Toonie likes Harris clearly, but he also rates Jonsey very highly and he did not have a bad game on saturday. He is a class performer and they have got to let him play his way into his best form.

I don't think we will win the game just by defending better than them anyway, we will need to score tries.

I could see Harris on the bench though.

I think Reid was the lad the posted the chat about our props being born in other countries (could be wrong), so not totally sure I trust him.

I think the bench will be decided by what Toonie thinks is the best cover collectively rather than individually. I think Harris makes up for Hastings’ relative lack of flexibility. If Horne is picked then I suspect it will be Maitland. I’d be perplexed if Toonie thinks Harris a better played than Maitland. I think Maitland is playing his best rugby these days since he moved to the northern hemisphere.

Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

The Radio Scotland guys who were doing the commentary for BBC 5L Extra were deeply unpleasant all game it felt like. They were particularly disparaging of Jones when he went off describing him as a "one trick pony" and "Who Jones" as he had gone missing on too many occasions. He is a classy player, but I guess confidence may be low at the moment being as he is not in favour at Glasgow.

EWT Spoons wrote:I think Reid was the lad the posted the chat about our props being born in other countries (could be wrong), so not totally sure I trust him.

 He was.

You know what these Scottish Expats are like

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

RDW wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

I wouldn't either - second row is obviously an issue losing 3 players but other than that we aren't in too bad shape.

Fixture wise this was always a tough run, even if we'd beaten England, so it's a good challenge of our depth. If we don't win it won't be due to injuries.

eirebilly wrote:Although I don't feel that Henshaw had a very bad game at 15, I would prefer him to be in the centres. I really do not feel that Aki is the man for 12 at all, just too crash ball for my liking.

I would have Kearney or (if fit) Conway at 15.

I wouldn't mind seeing Chris Farrell at 13 actually if Ringrose is out.

LondonTiger wrote:The Radio Scotland guys who were doing the commentary for BBC 5L Extra were deeply unpleasant all game it felt like. They were particularly disparaging of Jones when he went off describing him as a "one trick pony" and "Who Jones" as he had gone missing on too many occasions. He is a classy player, but I guess confidence may be low at the moment being as he is not in favour at Glasgow.

That's a shame to hear - they obviously have very short memories, do they not remember Rob Dewey and Marcus Di Rollo? I actually thought that Jones was very solid on Sat - he ran some very good dummy lines and didnt make any errors in defence - he is a very good player.

rodders wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Although I don't feel that Henshaw had a very bad game at 15, I would prefer him to be in the centres. I really do not feel that Aki is the man for 12 at all, just too crash ball for my liking.

I would have Kearney or (if fit) Conway at 15.

I wouldn't mind seeing Chris Farrell at 13 actually if Ringrose is out.

Farrell has caused both Scottish pro teams trouble in recent time - I'd rather not see him.

Is Kearny going to be fit?

RDW wrote:

rodders wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Although I don't feel that Henshaw had a very bad game at 15, I would prefer him to be in the centres. I really do not feel that Aki is the man for 12 at all, just too crash ball for my liking.

I would have Kearney or (if fit) Conway at 15.

I wouldn't mind seeing Chris Farrell at 13 actually if Ringrose is out.

Farrell has caused both Scottish pro teams trouble in recent time - I'd rather not see him.

Is Kearny going to be fit?

I believe so, I mean he was available for selection last week so he isn't injured.

Ireland look far more of a complete team with Kearny at fullback and henshaw in the centre.

rodders wrote:

RDW wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

I wouldn't either - second row is obviously an issue losing 3 players but other than that we aren't in too bad shape.

Fixture wise this was always a tough run, even if we'd beaten England, so it's a good challenge of our depth. If we don't win it won't be due to injuries.

i think losing CJ Stander is massive, who are you going to replace him with ?

LordDowlais wrote:

rodders wrote:

RDW wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

I wouldn't either - second row is obviously an issue losing 3 players but other than that we aren't in too bad shape.

Fixture wise this was always a tough run, even if we'd beaten England, so it's a good challenge of our depth. If we don't win it won't be due to injuries.

i think losing CJ Stander is massive, who are you going to replace him with ?

Mr Squeaky probably

Sean O'Brien or Jack Conan would be the options if Stander is out.

lostinwales wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

rodders wrote:

RDW wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

I wouldn't either - second row is obviously an issue losing 3 players but other than that we aren't in too bad shape.

Fixture wise this was always a tough run, even if we'd beaten England, so it's a good challenge of our depth. If we don't win it won't be due to injuries.

i think losing CJ Stander is massive, who are you going to replace him with ?

Mr Squeaky probably

I presume you are talking about SOB ?

If so, then that is a real drop in quality at number 8. He is good, but he is not at CJ Standers level.

rodders wrote:Sean O'Brien or Jack Conan would be the options if Stander is out.

None of those are as good as CJ Stander.

It's the same for us in Wales, we have plenty of back rowers, but when Falatau isn't playing, you notice, all others can do a job at 8 but certain players are just better in that position.

LordDowlais wrote:

lostinwales wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

rodders wrote:

RDW wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Irelands injury crisis has opened up a real opportunity for Scotland this weekend. I know Scotland would have preferred to play a full strength Ireland, but the unfortunate bruising Ireland took on the weekend has given Scotland the edge.

Gotta feel sorry for the injured players, but Scotland will need to drive home their advantage now this weekend.

I wouldn't call it a crisis - especially when we're missing so many ourselves!

I wouldn't either - second row is obviously an issue losing 3 players but other than that we aren't in too bad shape.

Fixture wise this was always a tough run, even if we'd beaten England, so it's a good challenge of our depth. If we don't win it won't be due to injuries.

i think losing CJ Stander is massive, who are you going to replace him with ?

Mr Squeaky probably

I presume you are talking about SOB ?

If so, then that is a real drop in quality at number 8. He is good, but he is not at CJ Standers level.

Backup quality 8's are in short supply, as Wales and England both know. I am very glad we have Billy back.

rodders wrote:Sean O'Brien or Jack Conan would be the options if Stander is out.

Exactly, that hardly weakens Ireland, does it!

BigGee wrote:

rodders wrote:Sean O'Brien or Jack Conan would be the options if Stander is out.

Exactly, that hardly weakens Ireland, does it!

Yes, it does.

LordDowlais wrote:

rodders wrote:Sean O'Brien or Jack Conan would be the options if Stander is out.

None of those are as good as CJ Stander.

It's the same for us in Wales, we have plenty of back rowers, but when Falatau isn't playing, you notice, all others can do a job at 8 but certain players are just better in that position.

Well they are different to Stander. A fit Stander starts at 8 for sure but I don't think this game hinge on it.

Toner is a bigger worry against such a good Scotland line out.