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

[funnyExiledScot]

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.

Totally agree. No excuses. The strategy isn't quite right and the backs are particularly useless once again.

[RDW]

I didn't actually see any of it but seeing the comments on social media I gather we were rotten.

[funnyExiledScot]

Just the usual issues. Lacking accuracy and composure. Backs look like they've never met on a training ground before, and we remain reliant on individuals like Schoeman and Mata to "do something".

I'm very torn on Cockerill. He's improved us dramatically, but I have a nagging feeling that these issues won't be fixed on his watch. P45 for Hodge is long overdue as well.

[RDW]

We've been saying the same things since the season restarted last year. And to be fair the same the season before that but at least we were winning!

What happened to those Champs Cup games where we played some incredible attacking rugby?

[tigertattie]

Is hodge there by virtue of the SRU?

Cockers Doesn’t strike me as the fella who’d be told what to do and if he didn’t want hodge he’d get shot surely?

Hodge really really really has to go.

Send him to Glasgow if the SRU want to keep him on their books.

[NeilyBroon]

Is hodge there by virtue of the SRU?

Cockers Doesn’t strike me as the fella who’d be told what to do and if he didn’t want hodge he’d get shot surely?

Hodge really really really has to go.

Send him to Glasgow if the SRU want to keep him on their books.

Nah he can go to the states. Great learning opportunity far far away from any Scottish backs.

[BigGee]

Pretty dire stuff from Edinburgh, I watched it when I got home from work last night.

About the only positive I could see was that Mata looks like he is coming back into form, finally back in shape.

The less said about the rest of it the better.

[bsando]

Gilchrist seemed to be only guy they throw to in the line out, at least in the second half. Munster were just looking to throw a jumper up next to him every line out, easy stuff.

Backs looked too deep as always, no interesting plays or invention when Edinburgh had an attacking opportunity.

[NeilyBroon]

Gilchrist seemed to be only guy they throw to in the line out, at least in the second half. Munster were just looking to throw a jumper up next to him every line out, easy stuff.

Backs looked too deep as always, no interesting plays or invention when Edinburgh had an attacking opportunity.

It really does beggar belief that Hodge hasn't even been flagged up on the backs in the press. You get the impression he's just waiting in the wings for promotion or until the SRU move him on.

The competent young coaches like Roddy grant have been snapped up elsewhere with a fraction of the experience that Hodge has. Why don't they promote someone like cairns if they want Scottish coaching talent. He's also someone who has been in Edinburgh colours and probably has more attacking creativeness in his pinky than Hodge has had in his whole career.

[RDW]

I'm just staggered no one in the media has ever plucked up the courage to ask Cockers if he's actually happy with our attacking abilities.

[NeilyBroon]

I hope Tom English is reading this...

[RDW]

The have a good old moan about it in their BBC Scotland commentary but no one ever presses him on it. It's far too pally.

[RDW]

Just read on Twitter that it's a year to the day since a Scottish side last beat an Irish side in the Pro 14 (Edinburgh V Connacht).

Happy Monday/Sunday!

[tigertattie]

Makes ya greet flounder

Connacht are the “worst” of the Irish teams with only 7 wins to their name

That 7 wins is equal to Edinburgh and Glasgow’s win total combined

Depressing eh

[jimbopip]

Just read on Twitter that it's a year to the day since a Scottish side last beat an Irish side in the Pro 14 (Edinburgh V Connacht).

Happy Monday/Sunday!

Which feccin day is it?
How can we celebrate an anniversary if we don't know what day it is?
We send you down under to educate the colonials and you go native!
Come on Flounder, get a grip.

[tigertattie]

Just read on Twitter that it's a year to the day since a Scottish side last beat an Irish side in the Pro 14 (Edinburgh V Connacht).

Happy Monday/Sunday!

Which feccin day is it?
How can we celebrate an anniversary if we don't know what day it is?
We send you down under to educate the colonials and you go native!
Come on Flounder, get a grip.

We'll call him Flounder McFly from now on!

[RDW]

Haining the latest Edinburgh back row to sign on. By my reckoning that's them all signed up again except Bradbury, unless I've missed something?

He signed in 2020 for an unspecified length so may still be in contract.

[BigGee]

Kelly Brown to leave Glasgow at thd dnd of the month and return to London where he has got an as yet un named position.

That has been rumoured for a while as his familly were struggling to settle during the pandemic.

Shame it did not work out for him this time snd wish thdm well for the future.

I wonder who we will get to replace him?

[NeilyBroon]

I'd be giving Scott Murray a call. Who needs sunshine in San Diego when you can have rain in Renfrewshire?

[EST]

Haining the latest Edinburgh back row to sign on. By my reckoning that's them all signed up again except Bradbury, unless I've missed something?

He signed in 2020 for an unspecified length so may still be in contract.

Seems strange to stockpile so much talent in the BR when there are areas of the squad that need investment - I know I've said it before, but surely one of Darge or Boyle has to be coming West, i'd say its almost impossible for both of them to get enough minutes to progress - it's not good for them, Scottish rugby or sensible for Edinburgh.

[EST]

Kelly Brown to leave Glasgow at thd dnd of the month and return to London where he has got an as yet un named position.

That has been rumoured for a while as his familly were struggling to settle during the pandemic.

Shame it did not work out for him this time snd wish thdm well for the future.

I wonder who we will get to replace him?

That's a shame and a big loss, on the surface it seemed like a perfect fit - big name former player, with high quality coaching experience from a successful club. He's the type of guy who could help really foster the team spirit in the Wilson era over the next few years as the club stalwarts start moving on.

[formerly known as Sam]

Kelly Brown to leave Glasgow at thd dnd of the month and return to London where he has got an as yet un named position.

That has been rumoured for a while as his familly were struggling to settle during the pandemic.

Shame it did not work out for him this time snd wish thdm well for the future.

I wonder who we will get to replace him?

That's a shame and a big loss, on the surface it seemed like a perfect fit - big name former player, with high quality coaching experience from a successful club.  He's the type of guy who could help really foster the team spirit in the Wilson era over the next few years as the club stalwarts start moving on.  

It's almost as if his old team down in London have recently lost their forwards coach...

[Hazel Sapling]

There is going to have to be a complete reset for Glasgow next season having lost a highly rated scrum coach and forwards coach in consecutive off seasons as well as the general structure of the squad.

Not sure who else is available as young Scots coaches with good CV's. Grant is settled in Ulster and Scott Murray should not leave San Diego for Glasgow from a lifestyle perspective. Bridges were burnt with R Gray the breakdown coach. Are there coaches that went on the MacPhail scholarship who have had an opportunity to kick on?

It may be worth the risk of dipping into the Championship or the Super Six for someone who Wilson feels he can work closely with. We are not going to be much more than a fringe Champions Cup side next season anyway.

[BigGee]

Glasgow sign up Ollie Smith to his first professional contract.

Good to see another promising young player coming through.

[EST]

Kelly Brown to leave Glasgow at thd dnd of the month and return to London where he has got an as yet un named position.

That has been rumoured for a while as his familly were struggling to settle during the pandemic.

Shame it did not work out for him this time snd wish thdm well for the future.

I wonder who we will get to replace him?

That's a shame and a big loss, on the surface it seemed like a perfect fit - big name former player, with high quality coaching experience from a successful club.  He's the type of guy who could help really foster the team spirit in the Wilson era over the next few years as the club stalwarts start moving on.  

It's almost as if his old team down in London have recently lost their forwards coach...

Yeah, a sure thing he will end up at Sarries. That doesn't stop it it being a bad thing for Glasgow though

[EST]

Glasgow sign up Ollie Smith to his first professional contract.

Good to see another promising young player coming through.

Great news - I thought he was better than McLean at U20 level, the obvious standout from that team.

[formerly known as Sam]

Kelly Brown to leave Glasgow at thd dnd of the month and return to London where he has got an as yet un named position.

That has been rumoured for a while as his familly were struggling to settle during the pandemic.

Shame it did not work out for him this time snd wish thdm well for the future.

I wonder who we will get to replace him?

That's a shame and a big loss, on the surface it seemed like a perfect fit - big name former player, with high quality coaching experience from a successful club.  He's the type of guy who could help really foster the team spirit in the Wilson era over the next few years as the club stalwarts start moving on.  

It's almost as if his old team down in London have recently lost their forwards coach...

Yeah, a sure thing he will end up at Sarries. That doesn't stop it it being a bad thing for Glasgow though

This is true. He came across as a real leader in his playing days and an intelligent bloke. Be a good person to have behind the scenes.

[funnyExiledScot]

On Brown leaving Glasgow. Surely the obvious step would be to sponsor Wilson into coaching. At least it would get him off the pitch, and let Glasgow have another "legend" in the back room.

As for Brown, I always liked him on and off the field. Sounds like Sarries will take him in, and I'm sure he'll do a great job for them.

[NeilyBroon]

Another kilted kiwi, Cole Forbes, joins Glasgow. Apparently helped by Hugh Blake of all people, I'm surprised given he was basically ignored here that he would still recommend Scotland!

[BigGee]

Sounds like another decent signing for us, this lad has a decent pedigree.

4 new back three players coming in though would suggest Seymour, Jones L, Nairn and Niko may well be moving on at the end of the season. Lee Jones is the only one of them that has put on a show this year, but his age is likely against him as well unfortunately.

[Kingshu]

With the Scotland game called off, will Glasgow get all or most of their internationals back to play Leinster this weekend.
I'd fancy a full or nearly full strenght Glasgow to beat a Leinster 2nd team.

[BigGee]

I guess it depends when they are planning to replay it.

If they are not playing next weekend, then some of them could use a game!

[jimbopip]

The FFR are being "coy" about giving a date. Next week would disadvantage Scotland, Glasgow and the Luvvies. It would also make a Grans Slam less likely: undercooked team play against Scotland then play the next two weekends.
I think the SRU should tell them to shove it. We'll put out the strongest club sides we can and France can struggle to find another free weekend somewhere.
Also, it seems blindingly obvious to me that the French have been cavalier at best when following the covid protocols, surely a 28-0 would be a appropriate slap on the wrist for them?

[jimbopip]

The FFR are being "coy" about giving a date. Next week would disadvantage Scotland, Glasgow and the Luvvies.  It would also make a France Grand Slam less likely: undercooked team play against Scotland then play the next two weekends.
I think the SRU should tell them to shove it. We'll put out the strongest club sides we can and France can struggle to find another free weekend somewhere.
Also, it seems blindingly obvious to me that the French have been cavalier at best when following the covid protocols, surely a 28-0 would be a appropriate slap on the wrist for them?

[EST]

Sounds like another decent signing for us, this lad has a decent pedigree.

4 new back three players coming in though would suggest Seymour, Jones L, Nairn and Niko may well be moving on at the end of the season. Lee Jones is the only one of them that has put on a show this year, but his age is likely against him as well unfortunately.

In the back three it's been obvious that an overhaul has been required, the players Wilson has brought in have decent pedigree and their best years ahead of them and the two promoted from the academy both have lots of potential - I like how he is going about his business here. If Jones stays, given that none of the others listed below are likely to be troubled by international call ups, I'm not sure I would keep any of the OOC players - perhaps Seymour or L Jones for a year to help the younger lads settle in and provide some experience.

McKay (11/14/15)
Forbes (10/11/14/15)
McLean (11/14)
Smith (13/15)
Tagive (11/14)
Steyn (11/13/14)
Jones (13/15)

[Hazel Sapling]

Forbes sounds like an ideal target for us. Young, has pedigree, shouldn't be too expensive and SQ. If he hits, we have another wing/FB to compete with Kinghorn for the final back three spot for the world cup. If he misses, it is not a big cost.

We also have O Melville in the academy who had a good reputation coming from Sale for FB. Assume he might be another season away from contributing.

This could be a sign that H Jones might be off or that he is switching back to 13. Fergusson has done well there but we are going to need more attacking threat to help Weir and getting H Jones or Steyn into that spot should be a priority.

[BigGee]

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/scotland-centre-huw-jones-to-join-bayonne/

Shuggy to Bayonne seems to be confirmed.

It seemed inevitable albeit a shame he is going just as he finally seems to be finding his form for us.

The new arrivals suggest a life without him though, so good luck to him down in the Basque country. Not the most glamourous of clubs currently, but always been a hotbed of rugby down there. The weather it is fair to say, may well be better than in Glasgow.

[bsando]

Bayonne won’t be anywhere near the top of the Top14 table, they don’t have the star studded squads of other Top14 sides. If he catches the eye of Toulon, Montpellier or Toulouse then you never know, he may do as Maitland did and switch clubs after a season or two if Bayonne face relegation.

Jones was short changed in 2019 and I think all Scottish fans feel sorry for him there. He’s put his Scotland career in an precarious place with this move however.

[Hazel Sapling]

Bayonne won’t be anywhere near the top of the Top14 table, they don’t have the star studded squads of other Top14 sides. If he catches the eye of Toulon, Montpellier or Toulouse then you never know, he may do as Maitland did and switch clubs after a season or two if Bayonne face relegation.

Jones was short changed in 2019 and I think all Scottish fans feel sorry for him there. He’s put his Scotland career in an precarious place with this move however.

Bayonne are not guaranteed to stay up this season. May need to win a playoff to stay in.

H Jones appears likely to be the star back whether at 13 or 15. At the end of the day, Glasgow are in a rebuild for the next season or two and Wilson may only have one more season if things don't pick up.

If he plays well at Bayonne, he will get into the Scotland squad anyway. He got into the Scotland squad playing in Cape Town so it is not like he has not taken a different road before.

[jimbopip]

team's oot

1. Oli Kebble (53)
2. Grant Stewart (40)
3. Enrique Pieretto (10)
4. Richie Gray (54)
5. Leone Nakarawa (74)
6. Rob Harley (242)
7. Thomas Gordon (28)
8. Ryan Wilson (C) (182)

9. Jamie Dobie (15)
10. Adam Hastings (47)
11. Cole Forbes (0)
12. Sam Johnson (67)
13. Huw Jones (46)
14. Rufus McLean (2)
15. Ollie Smith (1)

16. Johnny Matthews (8)
17. Aki Seiuli (23)
18. D’arcy Rae (79)
19. Gregor Brown (0)
20. TJ Ioane (9)
21. Sean Kennedy (13)
22. Ross Thompson (3)
23. Robbie Fergusson (8)

That is some set of backs.
A back three for the future Forbes-Smith-Titman  All SQ and all fast and exuberant.
Shug and Smilin Sam in the centres is good; although it looks as if DW is telling Shug "you won't be our 15 next season so you'll be covering for injured players from now on".
House Elf-Haircut paired up again. Haircut was not 100% match fit last week, let's see if he lasts longer this week.

No surprises in the pack; The Fugitive still can't get a start, Pieretto gets another chance to change my mind...hopefully I'm wrong and he has been a worthwhile signing, Oh wait...Gregor Brown??? Apparently he's an under 20 back rower, so Big Bad into the second row when Uncle Nak's-Knackered starts blowing.

Apart from the soon to leave Odd Couple the backs look like they will be the ones taking us into the future, let's hope they make a big statement on Sunday.

Apparently, Gordon-sorry Gregor Brown is a aggressive red haired back row. Wee Red Crayon?

[BigGee]

Its definitely a much stronger team than we would have been putting out had the French game happened. It also should count as a game towards Zanders ban, as he could have played in this one.

Dobie and Hastings will definitely improve from another run out and hopefully a bit more game time next weekend as well.

[BigGee]

Unsurprisingly, Kelly Brown confirmed back to Sarries

[LeinsterFan4life]

Best of luck on Sunday looks like two good teams have been announced. Is there any players in particular in the Glasgow team that look like future stars?

[BigGee]

Watch the back 3, all young and inexperienced but with potential

[jimbopip]

Thanks LFFL, Jamie Dobie at 9 is the most exciting talent to have emerged in Scotland since Fes last bought a round. The Tremoloes were still number one! (Roddy Doyle readers will recognize that one).
Cole Forbes is an under 20 All Black and could be our new Sean Maitland.
Rufus "is a Titman" McLean and Ollie Smith have looked really exciting prospects for Scotland under 20's.
Of them all Dobie looks as if he has everything. To put him in perspective; Ali Price has a reasonable shot at being a Lion this year, George Horne is Ali Price on speed, runs amazing support lines and has an unbelievable tries to games ratio...but Dobie is the 9 that Glasgow fans are really excited about.
Hope that helps.
Who should we be watching for the Leinster Ladyboys?

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

So it took Shug deciding to leave before you lot finally handed him back the 13 shirt. If thats how it works, imagine how much game time he could've got under Cowboy Dave if he'd taken up the offer from Leicester!

[NeilyBroon]

Hopefully Bayonne find good use for him, we could do with another starting OC option beyond Harris.

[jimbopip]

Llama, I think you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope: Shug hasn't won back the 13 jersey
Ollie Smith has been handed the 15! Whether that is because Shug is leaving OR Shug has been allowed to leave because Smith is the future at 15 is an interesting question.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Thanks LFFL, Jamie Dobie at 9 is the most exciting talent to have emerged in Scotland since  Fes last bought a round. The Tremoloes were still number one! (Roddy Doyle readers will recognize that one).
Cole Forbes is an  under 20 All Black and could be our new Sean Maitland.
Rufus "is a Titman" McLean and Ollie Smith have looked really exciting prospects for Scotland under 20's.
Of them all Dobie looks as if he has everything.  To put him in perspective; Ali Price has a reasonable shot at being a Lion this year, George Horne is Ali Price on speed, runs amazing support lines and has an unbelievable tries to games ratio...but Dobie is the 9 that Glasgow fans are really excited about.
Hope that helps.
Who should we be watching for the Leinster Ladyboys?

This is really getting me excited for the game, I'll be keeping an eye on that Glasgow back 3 for sure and Dobie. Especially interested in seeing Cole Forbes, it's rare that a bad player plays for NZ u20s.

For Leinster I'm most excited about the lads to come off the bench. Alex Soroka, who is of Ukrainian descent starred for the Irish u20s last season, is yet another promising backrower to come through. Jamie Osborne is only 19 and can play across the back line, he made a huge impact off the bench in our last game against the scarlets. Finally David Hawkshaw, another skillfull FH coming through but has been plagued with injuries, hopefully he can put them behind him and push on.

[funnyExiledScot]

SRU are looking for a "Social Media and Digital Manager".

Come on Jimbo, throw your hat in the ring. Time to give something back!!

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