Glasgow and Edinburgh Ongoing Banter Thread 26

[Hazel Sapling]

First topic message reminder :

A continuation on previous threads discussing the past, the present and the future of Scottish rugby. A dose a day, keeps optimism away

Halfway through a Covid season and not far from the Rainbow cups, both teams are on the precipice of missing out on the top tier in Europe next year. The Rainbow Cup is a well thought out idea of including sides from South Africa, the home to a new Covid variant that vaccines may not work on, with international travel involving several regions of Europe.

Glasgow Squad

LH: Kebble, Bhatti, Lambert
Hooker: F Brown, Turner, Stewart, Matthews,
TH: Z Fagerson, Berghan, Pieretto, McCallum, McQuillan
Locks: Cummings, R Gray, Harley, McDonald, Bain, Bean
Back Row: Wilson, Gordon, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey, Miller, G Brown

SH: Price, G Horne, Dobie, Kennedy
FH: Weir, Miotti, P Horne, Thompson
Centres: S Johnson, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Grigg, Fergusson
Back Three: McLean, Forbes, McKay, Cancelliere, Tagive, Steyn, O Smith


Edinburgh Squad

LH: Schoeman, Venter, Grahamslaw
Hooker: McInally, Cherry, McBurney, Harrison
TH: Nel, De Bruin, Atalifo, Williams
Locks: Gilchrist, Toolis, Young, Hodgson, Sykes, Phillips
Back Row: Mata, Ritchie, Watson, Bradbury, Crosbie, Haining, Boyle, Kunavula, Muncaster

SH: Pyrgos, Vellacott, Shiel
FH: VDW, Chamberlain, Savala
Centres: Lang, Taylor, Bennett, Dean, Johnstone, Venter, Currie, Hutchison
Back Three: Graham, Kinghorn, Hoyland, Blain, Bofelli, Moyano, Immelman, Owsley


Previous Thread
https://www.606v2.com/t69760-the-glasgow-and-edinburgh-general-chat-discussions-are-limited-to-6-people-before-10pm-to-prevent-the-spread-of-jimboish
https://www.606v2.com/t69555-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-24-covid-funtimes?highlight=banter
https://www.606v2.com/t69038-glasgow-and-edinburgh-banter-thread-no-23-new-season-new-thread?highlight=banter

[EST]

It is good, DW looking like he is really getting the chance to rebuild the squad which is whst he was brought in to do.

He even sounded hopeful thst Shuggy might be staying on as well, so wstch this space.

It does mean however, that we can expect a bit of a clear out at the end of the season.

Delighted, and surprised, at that news - a brilliant signing.  He is several steps further along his career than the other Kiwi back we look to have signed.  Looking at the transfers, overall i'm really pleased - a mixture of proven operators, decent squad players and, in Dempsey and McKay, two who could be real future starts.  Hopefully a few more still to come!  

Weir
Bhatti
Berghan
Bean
Dempsey
McKay
Forbes

A few weeks ago I was almost certain we would lose Shug, but i'm starting to feel a bit more hopeful - DW should build his backline around him at 13.

Regarding the bit in bold, I think that's a positive BigGee - the squad has needed a re-fresh for a while

[BigGee]

https://www.theoffsideline.com/glasgow-warriors-recruit-new-zealand-flyer-josh-mckay/?v=79cba1185463

Here is the interview with DW about McKay and recruitment in general. He certainly does not sound downbeat about re-signing Jones.

[jimbopip]

So we seem to have pretty much glossed over the mini library
The GW Forum is having a rare tear.
It's being called Warsaw...there are a lot of Poles there.
The Bookcase. Obvs.
Billy...Cryptic but apt.

And my favourite comment; there are no food or drink outlets....because you'll have had your tea.

[bsando]

Excellent signing! Very excited to see him playing for Glasgow. Still young and will probably qualify for Scotland eventually if he enjoys his time at Glasgow.

I really hope Jones does stay at Glasgow, Bayonne would be a death sentence for his international career. Having Jones and McKay in your backline is no bad thing.

[RDW]

Glasgow's entire back 3 is pretty rotten - plenty room for them both.

[EST]

Glasgow's entire back 3 is pretty rotten - plenty room for them both.

Seymour, H Jones, L Jones, Niko, Nairn and McLean are all out of contract apparently, so signed up for next season are:

Tagive
Steyn
McKay

Assuming that McLean and this other young Kiwi sign, that still leaves us very light.

For the back three I reckon we will keep one of Niko, L. Jones or Seymour and then bring in a couple more players to freshen things up - maybe Ollie Smith from the academy and A.N Other. Nairn hasn't impressed at all when I have seen him and don't think he has done enough to stay on.

[Hazel Sapling]

Steyn is more of an outside centre and his injury has not helped during internationals. McLean has been identified as a future international wing for Scotland so can't see him leaving.

L Jones and Seymour have the skills and are still decent players but are injury prone and it is a money question as opposed to ability. Seymour in particular may have suitors in France D2 willing to pay a bit more if he wants a different experience to finish up with.

The Ollie's (Smith and Melville) have both been touted as FB's, and in Smith's case an OC as well, rather than wings. Assuming H Jones stays, we are well covered at FB.

We need at least one more wing to give us 4 out and out wingers and can see that slot being taken by L Jones or Seymour unless we are taking a Hoyland or Farndale from Edinburgh.

[BigGee]

Adam Hastings will make his first Glasgow Warriors appearance since October tomorrow night, as the 24-year-old returns from injury to be named in the starting XV for the visit of Ulster to Scotstoun.

The Scotland fly-half is one of 12 internationals selected in the matchday squad by Head Coach Danny Wilson, with the Warriors looking to make a winning return to action a month since their 23-22 victory over Edinburgh.

Oli Kebble’s release from Scotland camp during the Guinness Six Nations’ fallow week sees the loose-head run out in Glasgow colours for the first time since December’s trip to Exeter, joining Johnny Matthews and Enrique Pieretto in the front-row.

Richie Gray also returns to the Warriors following international duty, with Leone Nakarawa making his first start for the club in a year alongside the former Cambuslang man.

Club co-captain Ryan Wilson leads the side from number eight, as Rob Harley and Thomas Gordon line up on the flanks.

Hastings is partnered in the half-backs by Jamie Dobie, the teenage scrum-half making his first appearance since committing his future to the club with a new contract last month.

Having started in the 12 jersey against Edinburgh, Robbie Fergusson shifts to outside centre to accommodate the return of Sam Johnson in midfield.

After making his club debut last time out, Rufus McLean retains his place in the starting lineup as he takes his place on the wing, with Ratu Tagive and Huw Jones completing the back three.

Two further players released by Scotland for this weekend’s fixture line up amongst the Glasgow replacements, as Grant Stewart and D’arcy Rae join Aki Seiuli as the front-row cover.

Having agreed a short-term loan deal from Worcester Warriors earlier this week, 21-year-old second-rower James Scott goes straight into the matchday squad to wear the 19 shirt.

TJ Ioane is selected to cover the back-row, whilst Sean Kennedy is in line to make his sixth appearance of the season if called upon from the bench.

The replacements are completed by two of the club’s most promising young talents; having joined fellow Scotland U20 flyer McLean in making his debut against Edinburgh, Ollie Smith joins Ross Thompson in the matchday squad for a second consecutive outing


Speaking following his selection, Head Coach Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “It’s great to be back and looking forward to playing some rugby.

“It’s good to have five players back from Scotland camp to get some game time, and it’s great to have Adam [Hastings] back fit and available to us.

“Ulster gave us a real tough day over at the Kingspan earlier in the season. They’re a very powerful side and I’m sure they’ll also have Irish internationals back with them.

“Tomorrow night will be a big challenge.”

Glasgow Warriors team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14, Friday 19 February, kick-off 7.35pm, live on Premier Sports 1. You can follow the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1. Oli Kebble (52)
2. Johnny Matthews (7)
3. Enrique Pieretto (9)
4. Richie Gray (53)
5. Leone Nakarawa (73)
6. Rob Harley (241)
7. Thomas Gordon (27)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (181)

9. Jamie Dobie (14)
10. Adam Hastings (46)
11. Rufus McLean (1)
12. Sam Johnson (66)
13. Robbie Fergusson (7)
14. Ratu Tagive (20)
15. Huw Jones (45)

16. Grant Stewart (39)
17. Aki Seiuli (22)
18. D’arcy Rae (78)
19. James Scott (0)
20. TJ Ioane (8)
21. Sean Kennedy (12)
22. Ross Thompson (2)
23. Ollie Smith (1)

Unavailable for selection: Alex Allan, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Chris Fusaro, George Horne, Pete Horne, Lee Jones, Paddy Kelly, Kiran McDonald, Stafford McDowall, Niko Matawalu, Robbie Nairn, Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn

International duty: Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, George Turner.

[BigGee]

Not a bad looking Glasgow side for the match against Ulster.

Hastings is back and starts as is Johnson, Leone makes his first start as well and big Olie. Shuggy and Ritchie all get released from the Scotland side and get a full game.

I have no idea who James Scott is on our bench, a second row presumably?

Dobie and Hastings could well play their way into the full Scotland squad if they show they are fit and have good games respectively.

[jimbopip]

He's signed on loan from Wuss. Apparently he played against us for Sale, so says Bru, and was anonymous...but then so was Redpath.
If that big pack gets us lots of ball it could be a good night.
I hope Titman has a good game again.

[BigGee]

As expected WP Nel signs on again at Edinburgh, for at least another year, with a transition into coaching being mooted.

He may end up being the Luuvies PDP, except I doubt he plays such a good guitar!

[jimbopip]

I have fought it for some time ...but from now on Glasgow have a player who shall be known as Titman.
May I suggest, if you haven't worked it out yet, Spotify and search the works of Loudon Wainwright III.

[NeilyBroon]

Will Hurd has signed for Leicester. Hopefully he'll develop to be a good Scottish TH option as we're definitely short!

[Pete330v2]

Ulster Team:

(15-9) Michael Lowry, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Lyttle, Ian Madigan, John Cooney;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, Jordi Murphy (Capt.), Marcell Coetzee.

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, Alby Mathewson, Stewart Moore, Matt Faddes.

We're coming for you Weegies !!!!!

[jimbopip]

That's a decent side. It could be a cracking game.

[RDW]

As expected WP Nel signs on again at Edinburgh, for at least another year, with a transition into coaching being mooted.

He may end up being the Luuvies PDP, except I doubt he plays such a good guitar!

Excellent!

[BigGee]

As expected WP Nel signs on again at Edinburgh, for at least another year, with a transition into coaching being mooted.

He may end up being the Luuvies PDP, except I doubt he plays such a good guitar!

Excellent!

Even though the SRU seems to have stopped giving contract lengths in their statements, all the media reports are suggesting this is a 2 year deal. For someone who was contemplating retirement, this is good news and he certainly seems to be playing well enough to contemplate going on for longer.

From Scotland's perspectrive, do we think he can hold on for another WC. It is going to be close you would imagine.

[RDW]

It would be a worry if we're relying on him holding out for another WC. But we're not exactly overflowing with options of who to replace him with! Berghan is competent at best, then who....

We really could do with Murray McCallum kicking on at Edinburgh - he's shown a lot of promise over the years but has barely played to show if he really has what it takes. Berghan moving on may help in that regard, but signing another Saffer (as rumoured) won't...

[BigGee]

The other thing I just noticed when looking at the Glasgow team announced today is that the notable absentee, not down on the injured list, is Nick Grigg.

Robbie Fergusson has been picked ahead of him and on this seasons form, deservedly so.

Grigg was a favourite of Rennie, but maybe he has fallen a away a bit on DW watch and opens up the prospect of Jones moving back into the 13 shirt next season should he stay.

[EST]

The other thing I just noticed when looking at the Glasgow team announced today is that the notable absentee, not down on the injured list, is Nick Grigg.

Robbie Fergusson has been picked ahead of him and on this seasons form, deservedly so.

Grigg was a favourite of Rennie, but maybe he has fallen a away a bit on DW watch and opens up the prospect of Jones moving back into the 13 shirt next season should he stay.

Since the return of rugby, Grigg looks even more like a looshead than he did before.

[tigertattie]

So we seem to have pretty much glossed over the mini library
The GW Forum is having a rare tear.
It's being called Warsaw...there are a lot of Poles there.
The Bookcase. Obvs.
Billy...Cryptic but apt.

And my favourite comment; there are no food or drink outlets....because you'll have had your tea.

Apparently the unofficial name is the GGGG

It's Grant Gilchrist's Glasgow Graveyard because it's where Glasgow will continue to regularly get pumped to death by the proper pack in Scottish Rugby. Ryan Wilson and Mr Chuckles being just some examples of players who GG has hammered previously and will do again at this new ground!

[jimbopip]

Real rugby clubs have a 4G pitch. The Luvvies have a 4G stadium Says it all really.
I suppose you could call it The Two Horses. Since you always come in last in the two horse race that is Scottish professional rugby.

[RDW]

Watched the Tahs game tonight and kept a close eye on Jake Gordon. They were pumped but he was one of the standouts. A great athlete, really willing carrier and loves an offload. I think he's a great signing for Glasgow.

[EST]

Watched the Tahs game tonight and kept a close eye on Jake Gordon. They were pumped but he was one of the standouts. A great athlete, really willing carrier and loves an offload. I think he's a great signing for Glasgow.

Presume you mean Jack Dempsey...It is Friday night in Sydney so a few beers may have been consumed?

[RDW]

Yeah sorry - was thinking Dempsey and wrote Gordon because they were talking about him at the time!

And yes, beers.

[funnyExiledScot]

Decent Edinburgh side for the Munster game tomorrow, although we've lost both Nel and Berghan in anticipation of them covering Zander Fagerson.

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Munster at BT Murrayfield in the Guinness PRO14
Saturday 20 February (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Damien Hoyland (77)

14. Jack Blain (8)
13. Mark Bennett (48)
12. Chris Dean (103)
11. Eroni Sau (17)

10. Jaco van der Walt (67)
9. Henry Pyrgos CO-CAPTAIN (44)

1.Pierre Schoeman (56)
2. David Cherry (31)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (3)
4. Andrew Davidson (10)
5. Grant Gilchrist CO-CAPTAIN (155)
6. Nick Haining (18)
7. Luke Crosbie (48)
8. Viliame Mata (81)

Substitutes:
16. Mike Willemse (31)
17. Boan Venter (0)
18. Murray McCallum (58)
19. Magnus Bradbury (89)
20. Ally Miller (19)
21. Charlie Shiel (26)
22. Nathan Chamberlain (6)
23. Matt Currie (0)

[funnyExiledScot]

Back row looks particularly useful, with impact on the bench as well.

[RDW]

Aye that is a decent squad. Boan Venter straight in at LH too.

Matt Currie appears to be s Super 6 player was Watson's - 6ft 3 centre so big lad.

[RDW]

Anyone watching the Glasgow game? Not going well.

[RDW]

Going a bit better!

[RDW]

Or not.

[BigGee]

A tough old game.

Ulster are a good side atm and very clinical, they took all their chances and we did not.

Still, in the context of this season, I am not so discouraged by the performance. We are definitely playing better than we were at the t the diss jointed nature of the season is just not doing us any favours.

For us it is all about building some confidence and form from here on in. Ulster are a confident team currently and we are not, that was probably the difference tonight.

[BigGee]

I have to say as well, I am not a great fan of non neutral refs, though I do understand why it is happening at the moment.

There is definitely an element of unconscious bias going on, when he was bending over not to favour Glasgow, especially in some of the earlier scrums.

It is what it is i guess, it certainly has been a funny old season, but guess we should just be glad to be seeing some rugby. This was certainly a decent game to watch.

[jimbopip]

I thought Haircut looked very tired after about 35 minutes. Mentally more than physically. Grant Stewart had a poor game, looked well off the pace. Pieretto still hasn't convinced me. I think The Boxer will add a lot in attack, although Big Bad was superb in defence. Tagive needs to be brought into play more often. He won't run in from 40 metres but he knocks the defence back and puts them under pressure. We failed to keep them under sustained pressure and also gave away too many penalties.
When Ulster started playing off 9 in the second half the pack missed too many first up tackles and allowed all the momentum to switch to Ulster. Probably a fair result in the end.

[BigGee]

You would have to say as well that on tonight's performance, Naks is not going to be great value for Ulster. He still looks way overweight and was blowing after about 30 mins. You do wonder if he is ever going to regain his form of previous years.

There were some positives though.

Dobie made a few mistakes, but also showed what he can bring to the party. Toonie must be really torn as to whether to chuck him into the fray next week. When you see how well Varney is playing for Italy, you would have to say why not.

Sam Johnson looked like he was picking up his form again and Robbie Fergusson also had a good game.

Wilson also looked really good until he went off. I am not really sold on the merits of bringing him back into the Scotland set up at this stage in his career, but boy does he turn up week in week out for Glasgow.

[BigGee]

I thought Haircut looked very tired after about 35 minutes.  Mentally more than physically.  Grant Stewart had a poor game, looked well off the pace. Pieretto still hasn't  convinced me. I think The Boxer will add a lot in attack, although Big Bad was superb in defence. Tagive needs to be brought into play more often.  He won't run in from 40 metres but he knocks the defence back and puts them under pressure. We failed to keep them under sustained pressure and also gave away too many penalties.
When Ulster started playing off 9 in the second half the pack missed too many first up tackles and allowed all the momentum to switch to Ulster.  Probably a fair result in the end.

I agree with you about Hastings Jim.

Give him another game for Glasgow next week and then back into the squad for the last 2 games.

[NeilyBroon]

I think Johnson is worth putting back in at 12 for Scotland, especially considering how mediocre Lang was, unless redpath is fit next week (unlikely).

The Dobie question is an interesting one. He played a very good game but I'd argue that his mistakes lead to two tries for Ulster. It would be very high risk to put him in a Scotland shirt, and I thought Steele looked very composed and sensible against England, the kind of SH you want coming on if you're in a good position.

Dobie is electric but still very tactically naive and has a tendency to try the pass when it's not on as young players do, and I'd hate to see him wrecked from being thrown to the bears next week for Scotland and making one badly timed pass that leads to a French intercept. I think he has a time, and that's the summer. I'm usually pro throw them in at the deep end but he's only 19, I'm happy to wait for him to get a season under his belt.

[TJ]

I thought Hastings looked really rusty and of course up to his usual trick of hesitating then running up a blind alley and losing the ball.

I don;t think he should be anywhere near the internatioal side at the moment. 3 months off and he looked it.

[tigertattie]

All a bit theoretical as I really can’t see the game being on next week

[bsando]

Was trying to catch up on the match this morning but Premier Sports giving me the old "Error 232001"

Will Hastings be back for Scotland next weekend? Or more likely Scotland vs Ireland?

Good to have Johnson back in form, would be good to get him back in the 6N squad if Redpath is out for a few more weeks.

[NeilyBroon]

Was trying to catch up on the match this morning but Premier Sports giving me the old "Error 232001"

Will Hastings be back for Scotland next weekend? Or more likely Scotland vs Ireland?

Good to have Johnson back in form, would be good to get him back in the 6N squad if Redpath is out for a few more weeks.

Given Toonies clear lack of confidence in VdW I'd say yes but I agree with others that he isn't really ready. At least it'd probably be a 20 min appearance maximum.

Johnson is key I think, and has been playing more than Hastings so for me he comes straight back in.

That is, of course, if we play.

[NeilyBroon]

Was trying to catch up on the match this morning but Premier Sports giving me the old "Error 232001"

Will Hastings be back for Scotland next weekend? Or more likely Scotland vs Ireland?

Good to have Johnson back in form, would be good to get him back in the 6N squad if Redpath is out for a few more weeks.

Given Toonies clear lack of confidence in VdW I'd say yes but I agree with others that he isn't really ready. At least it'd probably be a 20 min appearance maximum.

Johnson is key I think, and has been playing more than Hastings so for me he comes straight back in.

That is, of course, if we play.

[bsando]

Sounds good to me. Yeah looks like France are facing a fairly significant outbreak and might end up becoming a postponed match. At least we'd have Redpath back by then.

[funnyExiledScot]

Edinburgh being outclassed tonight. Silly mistakes, blowing opportunities, backs lacking composure.....usual stuff!!

[bsando]

Yep pretty woeful second half. Don't get why they didn't take three points in front of the posts

[TJ]

We are really being killed by the internationals this year. How many 1st choice players missing?

[RDW]

We are really being killed by the internationals this year.  How many 1st choice players missing?

The side still had more than enough experience to not be so awful. Lots of first/second choices playing.

[funnyExiledScot]

Yep pretty woeful second half. Don't get why they didn't take three points in front of the posts

It's out of fashion across rugby at the moment. I'm sure there are stats to explain it, but the rationale escapes me with Edinburgh. We're hardly cutting edge in the backs.

[bsando]

Yeah I just think it is dumb sometimes. Munster had the slight edge on the scrum as well. Scotland also blowing good points last weekend.

[bsando]

Hope Davidson is okay, looked a bad injury.

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