Edinburgh vs Scarlets Pro14 26/10

by EWT Spoons Wed 23 Oct 2019, 10:55 am

Edinburgh vs Scarlets
Location - BT Murrayfield
Date - Saturday 26th Oct
KO - 19.35

by EWT Spoons Wed 23 Oct 2019, 10:59 am

I'm putting less and less thought into these threads, and I was already half arsing it.

Anyway Cockers has said that some players will be back from the WC, and some will be rested. Pyrgos seems set to be involved in some capacity given Cockers described his involvement as a holiday. Which is probably a mistake given how well Groom has settled in, and Sheil offers something different off the bench.
Bradbury and Kinghorn were also described as possibly being involved, in fact you can read his thoughts here:

Offside line wrote: SEVERAL members of the Scotland World Cup squad could be back in PRO14 action for Edinburgh on Saturday night, although Richard Cockerill has also accepted that even some of those who only played one or two of the pool games in Japan will need a decent break before returning to play. Henry Pyrgos, Magnus Bradbury and Blair Kinghorn were all mentioned by the coach yesterday as the three in line to play against Scarlets at the weekend, though Cockerill joked that scrum-half Pyrgos, a late call-up to replace the injured Ali Price, had never really been away.

“There will be a couple of guys hopefully involved this weekend that didn’t play a huge amount,” Cockerill said. “Pyrgos is already in [the squad]. I forgot about him – I didn’t really count him, to be fair, he just went for a week’s break, I think. No, we’re hoping to have Kinghorn and Bradbury come back into the squad. We’ll see.

“Some guys are having a bit more time because they feel they need it. World Cups, long tours, Lions tours – guys react differently, so even some guys that haven’t had a huge amount of game time need a bit more time away from rugby cos they’ve been together four months, they’ve been away from home, they’ve been living in hotels.

“Some of that’s not just the physical parts, it’s the emotional parts of getting them fresh mentally to come back and play what’s going to be a big season. Big for us as a club, but then there’s the Six Nations, which will be tough, and then there’s a summer tour which is going to be probably the toughest summer tour in the world with South Africa, South Africa, New Zealand. It’s not an easy tour after a World Cup year and a Six Nations. We’ve got to be careful that we manage those guys correctly.”

Having a break after just three rounds of PRO14 fixtures seemed unnecessary to Cockerill, but he is confident that the squad have made good use of the time. He will demand a significant improvement on Edinburgh’s last outing, the loss to Leinster, and reckons that nothing less will be good enough against Scarlets.

“We had three good training days, had a long weekend, and we’re in back in for a good long run now until the Six Nations. Thirteen games on the bounce and we’ve got to integrate the Scotland boys back in. Just keep trucking along – we’ve got to make sure we put in a performance on Saturday and take the points out of the game.

“They’re a good side, they’ve got good players and they’ve had as many missing as ourselves. They’re unbeaten, they’ve got a new coach who has a very expansive way of playing. They’re pretty much like ourselves: they’re pretty functional, they look to get the ball wide, very hard off the line in defence – we’ve had a couple of games already where teams do that.

“We know what’s coming. We need to bounce back from a pretty average performance in parts at Leinster. There were some good parts at Leinster too, so we’ve got to put that together.”

Earlier on Saturday, there will be the small matter of a World Cup semi-final for Cockerill to watch – the clash between England and New Zealand which he sees as the meeting of the two strongest teams in the tournament. “Do I fancy England’s chances? Yeah, 100 per cent. They’re a very good side and, purely from a rugby point of view, I’ve got to be honest and say England v New Zealand would be better as the final.

“They are the two best teams at the moment. But England are more than good enough to beat New Zealand. They’ve got an all-round power game to do it. But, then again, if New Zealand get it right, then they’ll be more than good enough to beat England. So it’ll be a great game.”

Cockerill was responsible for one of the most memorable moments in the games between the two countries when, in 1997, he faced up to All Blacks hooker Norm Hewitt as the New Zealanders performed their traditional pre-match haka. He was accused then of disrespecting the pre-match ritual – and Hewitt certainly seemed perturbed by having his opposite number right in his face. But, while accepting that his behaviour back then may have been a little rash, Cockerill still believes that opponents should be entitled to react to the challenge of the haka by approaching fairly closely to it.

“The haka is a special thing for New Zealand, but it’s also a special thing within the sport and the game overall,” he added. “As a player, I always looked forward to facing it. My first time, I was probably a bit closer to it than I should have been.

“But it’s something that should be celebrated. I believe there’s as much psychological edge to be gained from facing it as there is doing it. It clearly means a lot to New Zealand, which is fine.

“Is it an advantage for them? I don’t know. The All Blacks used to get so psyched up doing it that they’d start games very poorly. They’ve had to do things around that to manage it.

“For me, I think it should be respected, but I also don’t think that you should have to stand 20 metres back away from it and just watch them. There obviously doesn’t need to be physical contact, but it is a war dance ultimately and it is a challenge that they’re laying down to you. They’re calling on their mana and their forefathers to come and help them and take the strength from the earth.

“I reckon you should be able to stand a metre away from them if you want to. You shouldn’t just have to stand 20 metres away. It’s a challenge to go into battle.”

by tigertattie Thu 24 Oct 2019, 9:39 am

I'd have thought Bradbury may have been rested. Kinghorn didnt play much so he should be ok to slot back in.

Pygros played hee haw, but he's all a bit meh so no need to rush him in I say.

Loving Cockers answer to the Haka though. 100% agree that if someone (New Zealand) are "challenging" you out on the field, while they are allowed to give out that challenge, you should be allowed to respond in whatever capacity you feel (within the realms of the law and human decency). The trick is to respond but not pi$$ them off and make them angry or they'll take it out on you during the game!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 1:43 pm

Good to see some rotation from Cockers - hickey is actually getting a start! Looking forward to seeing the sledgehammer in action. That's a pretty exciting Edinburgh backline. Not overly convinced about the pack against an experienced Scarlets unit.

15. Blair Kinghorn (77)

14. Eroni Sau*

13. Mark Bennett (23)

12. Matt Scott (84)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (44)

10. Simon Hickey (21)

9. Nic Groom (3) CAPTAIN

1. Pierre Schoeman (26)

2. Mike Willemse (3)

3. Pietro Ceccarelli (13)

4. Fraser McKenzie (115)

5. Murray Douglas (4)

6. Ally Miller (11)

7. Luke Crosbie (29)

8. Nick Haining (3)

Replacements: 16. Cameron Fenton (14) 17. Jamie Bhatti (3) 18. Murray McCallum (52) 19. Sam Thomson (1) 20. Magnus Bradbury (65) 21. Henry Pyrgos (24) 22. Jaco van der Walt (42) 23. George Taylor (7)

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:11 pm

Nic Groom's wife has gone into labour so is replaced by Pyrgos. Hopefully he's got the memo that this season we're not just box kicking the crap out of the ball!

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:42 pm

Great try Edinburgh, right across the line, lots of hands!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:43 pm

Good start Edinburgh with some powerful carries and a good try. God knows why Pyrgos didn't go for the open goal but we got there in the end!

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:44 pm

Hickey misses the conversion

5-0 Edinburgh

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:45 pm

and another one!

Edinburgh are getting used to this chuck about rugby, it is good fun!

12-0 Edinburgh

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:46 pm

Edinburgh running riot! Where has this come from??

by tigertattie Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:46 pm

Why isn’t there radio coverage?

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:48 pm

Nick haining has been a great signing - he won't get near the team when Mata and Bradbury are back so could maybe go sort Glasgow's pack out

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:48 pm

tigertattie wrote:Why isn’t there radio coverage?

Still to mean to cough up for Premier Sport?

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:48 pm

Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

by mikey_dragon Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:48 pm

This Edinburgh team is very lively.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:50 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

Maybe a few could go down the M8!

by tigertattie Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:50 pm

BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Why isn’t there radio coverage?

Still to mean to cough up for Premier Sport?

It’s not even a case of being mean. I’m usually not in the house when pro 14 games are on but it’s mostly because their coverage is absolutely abysmal

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:52 pm

BigGee wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

Maybe a few could go down the M8!

On a more serious note, some of the internationals, Barclay in particular, might struggle to get back in this side. Even Millar, who Cockers never seemed to rate, is really growing into the team

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:53 pm

tigertattie wrote:
BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Why isn’t there radio coverage?

Still to mean to cough up for Premier Sport?

It’s not even a case of being mean. I’m usually not in the house when pro 14 games are on but it’s mostly because their coverage is absolutely abysmal

You'll have had your tea then!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:55 pm

BigGee wrote:
BigGee wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

Maybe a few could go down the M8!

On a more serious note, some of the internationals, Barclay in particular, might struggle to get back in this side. Even Millar, who Cockers never seemed to rate, is really growing into the team

A fair point. That's what you want - players making life hard for the internationals coming back.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:56 pm

Good scrum Edinburgh

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:56 pm

BigGee wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

Maybe a few could go down the M8!

Sure. If you agree to swap George Horne for Pyrgos I’m sure we could come to an arrangement!

by tigertattie Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:56 pm

BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Why isn’t there radio coverage?

Still to mean to cough up for Premier Sport?

It’s not even a case of being mean. I’m usually not in the house when pro 14 games are on but it’s mostly because their coverage is absolutely abysmal

You'll have had your tea then!

Cheese Beanos. Classic

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:58 pm

You have to say, Hickey seems to be getting the backline moving a lot better than VDW does on what we have seen so far

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 7:59 pm

Scarlets defence has been terrible

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:01 pm

What the hell was Schoeman doing after that turnover!

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:04 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
BigGee wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Lovely start, good to see big Duhan get into the game early! Haining has been an inspired signing, but how the feck are we going to keep all our back rowers happy once everyone is back from the WC?

Maybe a few could go down the M8!

Sure. If you agree to swap George Horne for Pyrgos I’m sure we could come to an arrangement!

If Dobie carries on his current trajectory, then that might be possible, stuill I'd rather it was Ali price, he seems to have the required metrosexual tendencies required for an Edinburgh player! Possibly might fall behind the other two , down the line as well!

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:07 pm

Kinghorne just had to catch that, took his eye off it

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:13 pm

Checking the pass, looked forward

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:14 pm

No try, player was in front of the passer!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:14 pm

That was miles forward

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:17 pm

Dubious pass for that Edinburgh try!

Matt Scott has added offloading to his game - he's looking on great form.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:17 pm

Great try Bennett, despite a slightly dubious pass during the build up

That is the BP

26-0 Edinburgh, who saw that coming?

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:22 pm

That is never a card, just a penalty

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:22 pm

Stupid from McKenzie - why do players still do those kind of clearouts. Especially when it made no difference to the ruck.

Not the first time he's done that!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:24 pm

Best half I've seen from Edinburgh in a while - hope we can keep this up in the 2nd half!

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:25 pm

That is a very soft yellow, but it was really not necessary for him to do it in the first place

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:31 pm

Interesting to see if we can keep up the intensity in the 2nd half after a great start

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:34 pm

BigGee wrote:That is a very soft yellow, but it was really not necessary for him to do it in the first place

I saw it as much worse than you have - another ref could have seen shoulder to head with force. I could do with seeing some replays though.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:35 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Interesting to see if we can keep up the intensity in the 2nd half after a great start

McKenzie's stupidity makes that less likely. If they can get through the first 10 mins unscathed, then get some fresh legs on, they should be fine. Scarlets have barely got off the bus yet, so going to be some turnaround for them to get back into the game.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:37 pm

RDW wrote:
BigGee wrote:That is a very soft yellow, but it was really not necessary for him to do it in the first place

I saw it as much worse than you have - another ref could have seen shoulder to head with force. I could do with seeing some replays though.

It was not a shoulder charge and he did it from standing, just shoved the guy out of the way, but what was it ever going to achieve?

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:40 pm

BigGee wrote:
RDW wrote:
BigGee wrote:That is a very soft yellow, but it was really not necessary for him to do it in the first place

I saw it as much worse than you have - another ref could have seen shoulder to head with force. I could do with seeing some replays though.

It was not a shoulder charge and he did it from standing, just shoved the guy out of the way, but what was it ever going to achieve?

I fully agree it was stupid and needless!

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:48 pm

Ally Miller has been excellent tonight

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:49 pm

Well Edinburgh worked through the YC period without any concerns.

Scarlets looking like they are thinking about the trip back to Wales

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:51 pm

RDW wrote:Ally Miller has been excellent tonight

He has taken a little while but is becoming a really decent player, it will be good if Cockers continues to rotate his back row riches

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:57 pm

Strange we've barely noticed Kinghorn this game

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 8:59 pm

Scarlets get one back after some sustained pressure.

Edinburgh need to gets some fresh legs on now, starting to go off the boil

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 9:01 pm

Would be good to see us go up the gears again in attack and not just see out the win

by **RDW** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 9:08 pm

Double for Willems who has also been an excellent signing.

by **BigGee** Sat 26 Oct 2019, 9:08 pm

Another try for Willemse

Edinburgh well clear now

34-7 Edinburgh

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