Glasgow and Edinburgh 29 - Buckfast & Bollinger

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29 threads. There is officially something wrong with us.

https://www.606v2.com/t70624p1000-glasgow-and-edinburgh-28-and-counting-the-banter-goes-on?ns=7ndk62cdm0w%3D#4069230

So weird how big the delta is between how Edinburgh looked at the start of the season and how they look now. Who would want that job? Cockers must be thinking that he dodged a bullet.

Two pieces of news which may be connected.

Josh Mckay is out for the rest of the season. He injured a foot against Zebre and requires surgery.

Facundo Cordero, Argentine winger who has been at Execeterr Chiefs for the past couple of years is whispered to be heading to The Home Of The Once And Future Champeeens.

Doesn't bode well for Fifita.

I really don't know what the fix is at Edinburgh. Feels like Blair has lost the locker room. Hopefully they can get up for the Champions Cup and get some confidence from there. The sooner they get to the end of the season the better

Cordero would be a decent fit as Fifita clearly is not up to scratch. The problem is we don't have any young Scots wingers to develop at Glasgow so will continue with my Blain to Glasgow chant

Left field choice, I wonder if someone like Brad Thorn would be tempted? He's probably taken the Reds as far as he can and a job like Edinburgh may be a good stepping stone to a bigger job in Europe. He's one of the hardest players to play the game, although that doesn't always transfer to coaching (The Reds are pretty flakey too)

jimbopip wrote:Two pieces of news which may be connected.

Josh Mckay is out for the rest of the season. He injured a foot against Zebre and requires surgery.

Facundo Cordero, Argentine winger who has been at Execeterr Chiefs for the past couple of years is whispered to be heading to The Home Of The Once And Future Champeeens.

Doesn't bode well for Fifita.

Apparently he now has a warriors logo on his instagram profile. Sharp spot by someone, so expect an announcement on monday!

He seems to be surplus to requirements at Exeter these days and has only played in the Premiership cup. He may be coming in a a medical joker in the first instance, with McLean's unfortunate departure and now Mckay out for the duration of the season, we are undoubtably short on the wing now. Fifita, as others have said, has not really stood up to be counted and will surely be heading off at the end of this season, so we could have a genuine crisis in our back three if we are not careful.

Shame McKay is out, such a brilliant player for Glasgow.

Edinburgh just want be in the top half of the table at this rate. Hopefully a new coach will invigorate the squad next season because at the end of the day it is a very good squad. Frustrating for all involved but maybe Blair can sign off well by brining through a few of the younger players.

Look what bringing Franco Smith to Glasgow has done for Glasgow, essentially the same squad as last season but unrecognisable.

A new coach could easily do the same for Edinburgh.

The real question is why did they drop over the edge of the cliff in the way they did?

Surely it is not just down to the coaching, as recently as January, they played out of their skins to beat Sarries at home. It does not make a lot of sense.

So, Glasgow and Edinburgh 'A' sides to play in the first three rounds of the Super 6 against their aligned sides; plus a development U20s to play in the main competition. Can only be good for player development.

demosthenes wrote:So, Glasgow and Edinburgh 'A' sides to play in the first three rounds of the Super 6 against their aligned sides; plus a development U20s to play in the main competition.  Can only be good for player development.

https://scottishrugby.org/super6-set-to-return-as-fosroc-super-series/


I agree a very positive move

demosthenes wrote:So, Glasgow and Edinburgh 'A' sides to play in the first three rounds of the Super 6 against their aligned sides; plus a development U20s to play in the main competition.  Can only be good for player development.

Such an obvious addition to the Super 6 you wonder why they haven't always been involved!

Well the worse kept secret jn the west of Scotland confirmed this morning

Condero joins till at least the end of the season.

A pretty good last minute replacement and he gas the chance to put down a marker for a contract.

Steve Diamond on the shortlist for Edinburgh job according to Rugby Pass

Maybe Edinburgh just need an old school coach to get the best out of them!

BigGee wrote:Steve Diamond on the shortlist for Edinburgh job according to Rugby Pass

Maybe Edinburgh just need an old school coach to get the best out of them!

Oh god, they tried that with Cockerill and, whilst their was immediate improvements, that petered out quite quick

Diamond clearly has a soft spot for lost causes though!

RDW wrote:

demosthenes wrote:So, Glasgow and Edinburgh 'A' sides to play in the first three rounds of the Super 6 against their aligned sides; plus a development U20s to play in the main competition.  Can only be good for player development.

Such an obvious addition to the Super 6 you wonder why they haven't always been involved!

That'll do the youngsters a world of good. At that age you need to be playing every week against good opposition to hone skills. All that happens now is the U20s sit in the academies not playing much and then proceed to get smashed by fully professional U20 sides!

Steve Diamond announced as Edinburgh coach with immediate effect according to rugbypass

EDITED TO ADD

Nick Easter apparently coming in as defence coach, Blair being asked to stay on as attack coach and Ewan Ashman being approached to join from next season

EWT Spoons wrote:Steve Diamond announced as Edinburgh coach with immediate effect according to rugbypass

and Blair to stay on as attack coach.


Edinburgh seemed to be in freefall, so probably making an immediate change was the right thing to do. Apparently Lee Blackett and Leon McDonald were the other two on the shortlist, but presumably neither could start straight away.

Got slightly mixed feelings for this one.

I was not a huge fan of his old school coaching methods whilst at Sale, but they do now seem to be reaping the benefits of the youngsters he brought through. He was also very impressive managing the situation down at Worcester whilst there.

Let's see how he does managing the Luuvies!

I edited my post before seeing yours BG.

Aye Blair is being asked to stay on, and Easter joining as defence coach.

I'm not sure on this appointment, and the way the article is worded saying "at least until the end of the season" there is always a chance this is just to see us out till the end of the season and we'll see how it goes, but I suspect it's longer term than that.

The style of play we are looking for seems to be swaying wildly from one direction to another.  

Cockers - abrasive, grind out results (not always positive results),
Blair - Free flowing attack from everywhere ball in hand,
Diamond - abrasive, grind etc etc.  

It seems there is little direction as to how the club are looking to play, just flip flopping from one approach to another

Are Sale not in the top 2 of the Dullest League In The World? Why would a coach leave when they have a chance of winning a title?
Oh yes! The Luvvies will obviously win more trophies than Suella De Ville has committed crimes against humanity.

jimbopip wrote:Are Sale not in the top 2 of the Dullest League In The World? Why would a coach leave when they have a chance of winning a title?
Oh yes! The Luvvies will obviously win more trophies than Suella De Ville has committed crimes against humanity.

He left Sale a couple of years ago (being generous it was 2020)

Not sure I understand the appointment. As others say, I would want to wait and see what he wants to do in attack.

If he is happy to allow Blair to let the backs to take some risks rather than play Gatland ball v2, then it could work well.

If he goes the Cockerill route, Edinburgh should look for an alternative at the end of the season

Diamond is seen as and probably is an old school coach, but I don't necessarily think he is averse to playing some rugby.

I don't recall Sale being an up the jumper and kick the leather off the ball type of team. They would certainly give the ball some width when they could.


I think as well he has a lot more to work with than Cockers did when he first arrived, Edinburgh were soft then, no doubt about it and had been playing a very limited game under Solomans prior to him arriving.

Comparisons probably not fair. A good coach should really be able to get Edinburgh playing well and winning some games, Blair for reasons that don't seem completely clear atm, just seemed to have lost his way

Steve Diamond eh? Hold my camomile tea, but I'm not hugely enthused.

I've enjoyed his various interviews over the years telling rugby journalists to shut up and go away but I'm not sure how to conceptualise what he'll bring to the Sugar Plum Fairies of the East.

Well Diamond has been appointment as a 'rugby consultant ' until the end of the season

Some good news for Glasgow on the re-signing front (and things have been a bit quiet in the west)

Big Richie signs on again!

There was a feeling he was nearly done last season, but boy has he proved everyone wrong and at 32, he now looks like he has got plenty more miles in him still. Possibly been Glasgow best player this season and we saw how much Scotland missed him when he came off early last sunday.

There was talk of interest from France again, his improved form having been noted down in the south, but we are all glad he has decided to stay at home.

RugbyPass reporting Lewis Bean, the Glasgow lock, is being courted by Montauban if they stay up in French D2.

Montauban have lost five on the bounce and are four points off safety.

Useful player with not a huge amount of mileage from a rugby perspective. Guess he would make space for Williamson and Samuel

Hazel Sapling wrote:RugbyPass reporting Lewis Bean, the Glasgow lock, is being courted by Montauban if they stay up in French D2.

Montauban have lost five on the bounce and are four points off safety.

Useful player with not a huge amount of mileage from a rugby perspective. Guess he would make space for Williamson and Samuel

Probably a better wedge than he earns at Glasgow as well.

He has actually done very well this year, Franco plays him pretty much every game. A good old enforcer lock, who will likely do well in the rough and tumble of Pro D2.

At this stage of his career he needs to max out his opportunities

How does that fit with him being a serving soldier with the British Army?

Not sure

But the army do seem quite relaxed about soldiers persuing professional sports careers.

He could also be leaving the army I guess?

BigGee wrote:Some good news for Glasgow on the re-signing front (and things have been a bit quiet in the west)

Big Richie signs on again!

There was a feeling he was nearly done last season, but boy has he proved everyone wrong and at 32, he now looks like he has got plenty more miles in him still. Possibly been Glasgow best player this season and we saw how much Scotland missed him when he came off early last sunday.

There was talk of interest from France again, his improved form having been noted down in the south, but we are all glad he has decided to stay at home.

He deserves so much credit for what must correctly be called a comeback. Johnny Beattie has written about this a lot - he looks after his health so well and his experience makes him such a huge asset, especially in the line out.

Glasgow Warriors team to face Munster at Thomond Park, Saturday 25 March, kick-off 5.30pm. You can watch the match live on Viaplay Sports, or follow all the action in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Nathan McBeth (17)
2 Fraser Brown (136)
3 Zander Fagerson (121)
4 JP du Preez (17)
5 Scott Cummings (98)
6 Matt Fagerson (88)
7 Rory Darge (24)
8 Sione Vailanu

9 Ali Price (123)
10 Domingo Miotti (15)
11 Jamie Dobie (46)
12 Sam Johnson (101)
13 Stafford McDowall (C) (51)
14 Cole Forbes (34)
15 Ollie Smith (27)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (42)
17 Allan Dell (2)
18 Lucio Sordoni (12)
19 Lewis Bean (33)
20 Alex Samuel (6)
21 Thomas Gordon (63)
22 George Horne (92)
23 Tom Jordan (17)

Unavailable for selection: Sebastian Cancelliere (knee), Facundo Cordero (hamstring), Richie Gray (rib), Oli Kebble (head), Sintu Manjezi (knee), Jack Mann (head), Josh McKay (foot), Enrique Pieretto (chest).

A few interesting selections from Glasgow for the trip to Limerick on saturday, suggesting they intend to go and give it a lash out there.

Jamie Dobie on the wing! - lack of alternatives I would imagine, Cordero, our new recruit from Exeter seems to have got himself injured already1

Both Fagerson brothers selected. Maybe Franco feels he can give them a week off next week against the Drags instead of this week.

Nathan McBeth gets another start - it will be good to see if he is up to this kind of challenge

Ali Price starts over George Horne, in reverse of the rest of the season. Maybe Franco now seeing what Toonie does?

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Connacht at The Sportsground in the BKT United Rugby Championship

Saturday 25 March (kick-off 3pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (27)

14. Darcy Graham (56)
13. Mark Bennett (84)
12. James Lang (35)
11. Damien Hoyland (103)

10. Blair Kinghorn (130)
9. Henry Pyrgos (80)

1. Boan Venter (42)
2. Stuart McInally (173)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (32)
4. Sam Skinner (10)
5. Grant Gilchrist (186) CAPTAIN
6. Ben Muncaster (26)
7. Connor Boyle (29)
8. Viliame Mata (112)

Replacements:

16. Dave Cherry (67)
17. Luan de Bruin (18)
18. WP Nel (184)
19. Marshall Sykes (38)
20. Glen Young (20)
21. Ben Vellacott (35)
22. Chris Dean (133)
23. Nathan Sweeney*

*potential debut

Unavailable: Angus Williams, Matt Currie, Henry Immelman, Wes Goosen, Nick Haining, Pierce Phillips, Murray McCallum, Harry Paterson, Luke Crosbie

Rest Protocol: Jamie Ritchie, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Hamish Watson

Darcy Graham back for Edinburgh in a strong looking team.

Can Steve Diamonds arrival put a bit of lead in their pencil

Cheers for posting the teams.

Looks like two good games this weekend. Tough one for Glasgow but hope they can put in a strong performance. With Edinburgh who knows, great to see Graham and Darge back though. I’m also keeping an eye on McBeth as he’s SQ. looks like a good one for the future.

Yes, I am looking forward to these two games myself, though I'll end up watching them on catch up as i am going to see Sarries v Quins at the new Tottenham Stadium.

I am looking forward to that as well.

Glasgow look a little weak on the bench and the selection of Dobie is a bit of an indictment for our academy/Super Six prospects. Surprised not to start Jordan, put Miotti at full back and put Smith on the wing. Going to need to start well.

Edinburgh have a good side, on paper. Had a few weeks to get back to basics and it is a strong side...Connacht by 10

BigGee wrote:Yes, I am looking forward to these two games myself, though I'll end up watching them on catch up as i am going to see Sarries v Quins at the new Tottenham Stadium.

I am looking forward to that as well.

That should be an excellent game. The stadium was a bit flat for Sarries vs Bristol so hopefully the London derby (sorry London Irish) delivers

Morning peeps. I have been unable to post this week due to severe emotional trauma. Almost forty years I have been with MrsPip and she still finds new ways to banjax me. It's almost admirable.

As you know, Fes had his account hacked last week by the Gorgie Socialist Dole Spongers Party and they came on here offering his tickets for the Italy match to anyone who could use them. Well, I snapped them up and promptly set about rounding up the Dream Team; Bigson, Caz The Quiet Bokkie and Jace The Gentle Second Row. Apparently Friday lunchtime is not a good time to be trying to organise a trip to Murrayfield on the Saturday morning when you live four hundred miles away. But lads, remember, "I would walk five hundred miles and I would walk five hundred more"!!!! Then Bigson reminded me that the offspring had booked a posh Wimpey diner for MrsPip's surprise Mother's Day lunch. Early morning flight said I.
But all to no avail.
In desperation I asked herself if she fancied a weekend up north."We could meet up with Bru and the Hagia Sophia and return Sunday morning. My love."
She curled her lip and gave me that look that had the milk turning quicker than Tory voters in the North of England.

So, it's Saturday lunchtime and I'm sitting in front of the tellybox. Bru has sent me a Facebook piccie of him and his beloved sitting in the posh seats at Murrayfield, the teams are coming out and I have Spotify blaring Yvonne Fair "It Should Have Been Me." Just when I think I have sunk to the bottom of my own private pit of despair MrsPip wanders into the living room and says,

"Oh! Was it this game? I thought it was just another Glasgow match. I would have loved to have been up in Edinburgh for the Scotland match. Sorry, I wasn't really listening. You said rugby and I sort of switched off. Why are you crying? They haven't lost yet, have they?"

I'm thinking of taking a holiday in Guantanamo Bay. They wouldn't even scratch the surface. Not after 40 years with an expert.

p.s. Glasgow to wallop the Munstermen this evening. The House Elf will score a hatrick on the wing.

Bonus point try scored on the stroke of half time.
Just wait till they start passing the ball to Dobie.

The Dodgers of the Soap seem to be 4 tries to hee-haw up at half time.

Dismal stuff from Edinburgh again, but what a win Glasgow!

RDW wrote:Dismal stuff from Edinburgh again, but what a win Glasgow!

Yes, the Fried Chocolate Consumers looked hungry for the win.

From the high/lowlights I saw, the Cuticle Shapers did not. Overly simplistic I know, but I'm having a bad day and everyone else needs to deal with that too.

Wow, I watched the match when I got home from the Sarries game.

What a performance from Glasgow, probably the best we have played all season, we just blew Munster away in that first half!

George Carlin wrote:

RDW wrote:Dismal stuff from Edinburgh again, but what a win Glasgow!

Yes, the Fried Chocolate Consumers looked hungry for the win.

From the high/lowlights I saw, the Cuticle Shapers did not. Overly simplistic I know, but I'm having a bad day and everyone else needs to deal with that too.

Once again, I tried to watch tje Luvvies and get behind them (as Kenneth Williams once said "If there's one thing I can't stand it's a double entendre: if I come across one in the script I whip it out immediately") Once again they were rank rotten and I gave up in disgust.

The Rugby Club however

Just consider; Bhatti, Berghan, Turner, Kebble, Walker, Big Richie, Batman, Wee Shona, Not A Pony, Cancelculture, Seaman, McKay and of course...Meatball were all missing from that squad.
Two games to go, both at home and we should be pretty safe for a home play off berth. As it stands it'll probably be Munster or the Craggy Islanders.

Could be worse, we could be watching the whole 80 minutes of the Luvvies every week.

Watched the Glasgow match. What a fantastic performance. Brown went off in the second half with the scoreline at 0-31.

Two things that stood out for me was the defence and the scrum, especially in that first half. McBeth, Brown and Fagerson were deadly at scrum time.

The nail in the coffin for me was when Glasgow held out Munster on their line (McBeth forcing a Munster knock on) won a subsequent scrum penalty (McBeth again) leading to the Forbes try.

Having Dobie on the left wing worked really well too, he popped into the rucks multiple times while Price was caught in the ruck. He made some good box kicks too.

Smith also had a very good game and one territorial kick in particular was a beauty.

McBeth has been a bit slow to get to the party but he is definitely showing some promising signs now that he could become a LH of real potential, which is excellent news for Glasgow and potentially for Scotland.

Big Stafford had another very good game as well and will likely end up getting dropped for his troubles next week when Huipoltu comes back in.

One interesting snippet from the commentary last night.

Apparently Vaialanu was one of the designated fat squad at the beginning of the season, who were hauled in for early morning fitness sessions, before training properly started.

He has lost 15kg compared to last season and that likely explains his form just now. He has gone from a 20 minute impact player to a full blown 80 min starter when required.

Franco, it seems, does know what he is doing!

One interesting niggle from last night;
Vailanu is Tongan, is he not? Tonga rae in Scotland's group at the World Cup, are they not?

I believe Scotland are playing Tonga in Nice. A beautiful city to visit. Think of Glasgow by the med.

Tonga are s banana skin waiting to happen for all the teams in our group.

So many good players, but can they play as a team?

You got to feel they have one big upset in them, hopefully Ireland and not us

It would seem entirely possible that in two matches time, (a) Munster miss out on the Champions Cup places and (b) the Luvvies finish third bottom of the league.

We really do live in interesting times.

Nice game for redpath going by the Bath v Exeter highlights