SCOTLAND: Ivanhalfback (nae, not really)
2019 was a sub-optimal year for the national team, comprising a pretty crappy Six Nations, followed by an abject failure to get out of the group at the World Cup (which had been a fear of this correspondent for a while). This on the back of a promising couple of years of third place in the 6N and some notable scalpings of Australia, and so nearly the ABs. So, a distinct downturn in fortunes.
Coaching Team
Toonie is still in place having been given the benefit of the doubt after Japan, albeit with a slightly re-vamped supporting team, including Steve Tandy to shore up a distinctly porous defence. Forwards coach Danny Wilson will stay in place till the summer until he takes over at Glasgow. He came with a decent rep but forward play has gone backwards since the Norn Gibbons thieved McFarland.
What ‘they’ are saying
Lunatic Fringe: Toonie oot! Catastrophe! Dodson! Money! Vern woulda won the world cup! Wurr Doommmed!! *froth* *froth*
Average Fan: Townsend really needs to turn things around, another bad 6N and his coat will be on a distinctly shoogly peg.
There has been a fair bit of angst about letting Big Vern go too early, but that ship has well and truly sailed. The fact remains that, after a couple of promising years, there was a complete failure on the biggest stage with a supposedly strong squad. The team looked predictable in attack with a leaky defence, and the much-vaunted fitness looked distinctly absent. Much of this has to land at the coaching team’s door; the question is, can they learn and turn it around? They seemed worryingly short of ideas and explanations last year.
Squad
LH Prop: Bhatti, Dell, Sutherland
Well, they are all fit & play pro rugby. Dell has been the first choice, and is probably the front runner. Not the strongest in the scrum but handy in the loose, although he has not been seeing significant game time for L’Irish. Bhatti has shown flashes of quality in recent years, but is not a regular club starter. Sutherland looked very good a few years ago before suffering bad injury, but could be the best of the lot if he gets his previous form back.
Hookers: Brown, McInally, Turner
Probably in that order. Handy enough options; McInally could do with rediscovering some form, though. Turner has some question marks over his tight work and darts.
Tichtheid: Berghan, Fagerson, Nel
Z-Fags probably the front runner here; has been on fine form for Glasgow in the loose. His scrummaging may not be his strongest point, and hopefully he’ll keep his discipline and not get distracted by some zand-bags. Nel can scrum still, but seems to be fading a bit in the loose. Berghan probably in third place as a kind of inverse-Nel.
Second row: Craig, Cummings, Gilchrist, Gray, Toolis
Still no real idea about Craig. The other options are serviceable internationals without being stellar, although Cummings still has development to do. Tackling Machine Gray & Cummings to start for me, with Gilchrist on the bench, or Toolis if we want to improve the lineout. The injured larger Gray and Skinner could feature at some point.
Back Row: Bradbury, Crosbie, DuPreez, Gordon, Haining, Ritchie, Watson
With injuries / form this is probably the best and most in-form possible line up. Notable absentees include the legend Barclay who has retired from internationals, Wilson (a first for a Townsend squad) and the injured Thomson & Fagerson the younger. First choices likely to be Bradbury, Ritchie and Watson. Other spots are more up for grabs. CDP has staged a revival after a horrific throat injury, although his last international appearance did not go well. Haining has appeared from nearly nowhere to have some storming performances for Edinburgh; one of these could fulfil the hard-running 8 role we need. Crosbie has also been in fine form of late, but is likely to play a more minor role behind the others. Gordon along for the experience.
Scrum half: Horne, Price, Pyrgos
Not many other choices. Maybe it’s time for Horne to show his stuff as a starter, but other choices way behind the first two until some youngsters come through. Nae depth.
Outside Half: Hastings, Russell
Dancin’ Finn first, then Hastings. Any injuries and it’ll be Weir or Horne getting the call. Nae depth (again).
Centres: Harris, Hutchinson, Johnson, Jones, Scott
Well, this is a conundrum and no mistake. We had nearly no un-injured centres last year now we’ve got too many. Typical. The fit & firing Bennett, Taylor and Horne all miss out which would have almost unthinkable not too long back. At IC Hutchinson has been on fine form for the Saints, Johnson has a lot of goodwill in the bank for his form in the last couple of years and Scott has staged a big comeback season at Edinburgh, cutting some fantastic lines and looking fit and fast. I’d probably go in the order Scott, Hutch, Johnson. Harsh, but someone on form is going to miss out. As for OC, Jones has finally returned to form for Glasgow and I’d have him start. Harris is a more solid option, but I’m not completely sold although he seems to be going OK at Glaws. He could have the bench spot nailed down, though.
Wings: Graham, Maitland, McGuigan, Steyn, Tagive
Graham & Maitland nailed on IMO with the others trailing. Graham offers something none of the others do, and Treacle Toes is a classy and competent player. McGuigan next off the rank in case of injury.
Hogg, Kinghorn
Well Hogg is el capitano, so he’ll be starting. Kinghorn could be bench fodder depending on how the subs shape up, or even start on the wing if we have back 3 injuries.
Fixtures & Predictions. Optimism Status: Low
Ireland away first up. Scotland’s record at the start of tournaments, especially away is, well, pish. It seems every time we rock up with some confidence and seem bemused when the opposition turn up and it all goes to pot. Unfortunately, I expect this game to be no different.
Next up is England at Murrayfield. We got the Calcutta Cup in this fixture two years ago, and retained it in that crazy game at Twickenham last year. Doubt England will be taking this one for granted, and despite Scotland recovering from a classic first game meltdown we’ll probably lose.
Italy Away. Haven’t lost to Italy for a while. Don’t think we will this time but you never know.
France! At Murrayfield! We tend to win against France at home these days. Might even do it this time, depending if the French Kidz get it together or not. Wales. Away. Well, we don’t tend to win there, do we.
Preview courtesy of Chimpie
FRANCE: A Sleeping Giant or a Fully-awake Midget?
Between 2000 and 2010, France won the Six Nations five times (four Grand Slams), finished second twice, third thrice and fifth just once.
Between 2011 and 2019, France finished second once (and that was in 2011), third once, fourth five times, fifth once and sixth once.
Even Bernard Laporte could see a pattern there. Ten years of rot and decadence and it could get worse, as fewer kids embraced the game, deterred by the lack of heroes and the increasing risks.
In the meantime, the French clubs were doing rather well in the big European Cup as they provided six winners and twelve runners-up (England 8 and 4, Ireland 6 and 4). In the Top 14, the stadia are packed even for the worst dirge served by – here insert your least favourite club, be it Castres, Lyon or Brive.
So basically, the players are there, albeit still propped by too many excellent foreigners, the public is there, so what’s wrong? A bit like the England centres conundrum or a conversation about the weather: everybody knows, but it functions as a social lubricant.
To make a very long story a bit shorter, the FFR has forced the hand of the clubs: they must have an ever-increasing number of French qualified players in their squad, or else they face points deductions and financial penalties (but not quite Saracenesque). It is starting to pay dividends, hence the huge number of uncapped players in the squad. The FFR then appointed a new set of coaches (Galthié, Labit, Edwards etc) who for once seem to have the basic understanding of the game and with a contract that runs until the next RWC. The clubs have now released 42 players (it used to be only 32) for the national squad and for a longer period. So what’s not to like?
The 14 players not kept in the squad by Galthié will go and play with their clubs since as usual the Top 14 will carry on during the 6N.
It goes like this:
| 6N dates for France | Top 14 main feature |
|---|---|
| Jan 25: Toulouse/Bordeaux | |
| Feb 1: England (home) | |
| Feb 8: Italy (home) | |
| Feb 15: Racing / Toulouse, Bordeaux / Lyon | |
| Feb 22: Wales (away) | Feb 22: Clermont/Bordeaux, Lyon/Racing, Toulouse/Montpellier |
| Feb 29: Racing/La Rochelle | |
| March 8: Scotland (away) | |
| March 14: Ireland (home) |
So expect injuries and more moaning from the clubs. Plus, it is difficult for Galthié to select two hookers from the same club, should they be the best in the country. For instance, one of Mauvaka and Marchand (or Dupont and Bézy) will not play for France during the 6N, whereas they probably would in a RWC.
Here is the first list of the 42. I left it in French, for your own good.
Premières lignes : Dorian Aldegheri (Stade Toulousain, 26 ans, 4 sélections), Cyril Baille (Stade Toulousain, 26 ans, 17 sélections), Demba Bamba (Lyon, 21 ans, 7 sélections), Camille Chat (Racing 92, 24 ans, 26 sélections), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon, 26 ans, 0 sélection), Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon, 20 ans, 0 sélection), Mohamed Haouas (Montpellier, 25 ans, 0 sélection), Julien Marchand (Stade Toulousain, 24 ans, 2 sélections), Jefferson Poirot (Bordeaux-Bègles, 27 ans, 33 sélections)
Deuxièmes lignes : Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Bègles, 24 ans, 0 sélection), Killian Geraci (Lyon, 20 ans, 0 sélection), Bernard Le Roux (Racing 92, 30 ans, 37 sélections), Boris Palu (Racing 92, 23 ans, 0 sélection), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon, 29 ans, 14 sélections), Paul Willemse (Montpellier, 27 ans, 3 sélections)
Troisièmes lignes : Grégory Alldritt (La Rochelle, 22 ans, 11 sélections), Dylan Cretin (Lyon, 22 ans, 0 sélection), François Cros (Stade Toulousain, 25 ans, 2 sélections), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont, 21 ans, 0 sélection), Sekou Macalou (Stade Français, 24 ans, 1 sélection), Charles Ollivon (cap, Toulon, 26 ans, 11 sélections), Selevasio Tolofua (Stade Toulousain, 22 ans, 0 sélection), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Bègles, 21 ans, 0 sélection)
Demis de mêlée : Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain, 23 ans, 20 sélections), Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux-Bègles, 26 ans, 0 sélection), Baptiste Serin (Toulon, 25 ans, 33 sélections)
Demis d’ouverture : Louis Carbonel (Toulon, 20 ans, 0 sélection), Matthieu Jalibert (Bordeaux-Bègles, 21 ans, 1 sélection), Romain Ntamack (Stade Toulousain, 20 ans, 12 sélections)
Centres : Gaël Fickou (Stade Français, 25 ans, 51 sélections), Julien Hériteau (Toulon, 25 ans, 0 sélection), Virimi Vakatawa (Racing 92, 27 ans, 21 sélections), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier, 20 ans, 0 sélection)
Ailiers : Gervais Cordin (Toulon, 21 ans, 0 sélection), Lester Etien (Stade Français, 24 ans, 0 sélection), Gabriel Ngandebe (Montpellier, 22 ans, 0 sélection), Damian Penaud (Clermont, 23 ans, 16 sélections), Vincent Rattez (La Rochelle, 27 ans, 3 sélections), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92, 26 ans, 16 sélections)
Arrières : Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier, 27 ans, 0 sélection), Kylan Hamdaoui (Stade Français, 25 ans, 0 sélection), Thomas Ramos (Stade Toulousain, 24 ans, 9 sélections)
Peato Mauvaka (Stade Toulousain, 23 ans, 1 sélection) replaces Etrillard, injured.
19 uncapped players, but most of them won’t play. Interesting to note that – probably looking for established familiarity – Galthié has selected pairs of SH/FH: Dupont / Ntamack from Toulouse, Serin / Carbonnel from Toulon, Lucu /Jalibert from Bordeaux. I wonder if he’ll associate them.
Some striking omissions: Slimani, Lauret, Iturria, Raka, Bézy, Iribaren, Vahaa, Médard, Huget. Some of these may join the squad later in case of injuries.
Who will start vs England? Probably these guys:
Poirot, Chat, Bamba
Le Roux, Taofifenua
Ollivon, Alldritt, Cros
Dupont, Ntamack
Fikou, Vakatawa
Penaud, Ramos, Thomas
Bench: Aldegheri, Baille, Marchand, Willemse, Macalou, Serin, Jalibert, Hamdaoui.
What to expect?
Galthié is quite pragmatic, but he will prioritise style and substance over results, as he knows he’ll have a bit of a honeymoon period with the public. He’s chosen fast and mobile forwards instead of the big lumps that Laporte and his cronies favoured — incidentally, this is why I think he’ll pick Willemse and Taofifenua to bring in some weight to his scrum, but in the long term I’m pretty sure he’ll go for Palu, Geraci,Cazeaux and the likes. France will try to play a fast running game. The emphasis put on the high tackles favour off loads and it suits the national rugby psyche.
Strengths: more time with the players, better players, better coaches, no baggage. Half the team was already there at the RWC. The backs are a real threat.
Weaknesses: The reserves are green, green, green. Ollivon is a great captain but how about other leaders? Pack’s a bit lightweight. Ramos is a good kicker, but not in the same class as Farrell or Sexton. Finally, the Feb/March weather won’t help running rugby.
In terms of results, I expect France to finish around third.
England will have too much for France, even in Paris. Then Italy should be a formality. Wales, without Vahaa, is intriguing and could go either way but I’d bet on a win for France. As in the WC, their backs have the edge. Scotland and France tend to play the same type of rugby but I think France will have too much power for Scotland (also it’s towards the end of the 6N, so injuries have a bigger impact on smaller squads). Ireland in Paris? Ireland are easy to read but hard to stop. If there is still someone standing, possibly a draw.
May I remind you all that Heidelberg, the temporary capital of rugby, will host a blog meet on March the 14th. In a place called the Dubliner Pub.
Coincidence? Methinks not.
Preview courtesy of Flair99
Further Reading
TomPirracas on hallucinations about Super Rugby.
On the telly this week
Friday 17th January
| Dragons 47 – 5 Enisei-STM | 20:00 | S4C / epcrugby.com |
| Worcester 27 – 33 Castres | 20:00 | epcrugby.com |
Saturday 18th January
| Lyon 24 – 36 Northampton | 13:00 | BT Sport 2 |
| Treviso 0 – 18 Leinster | 13:00 | BT Sport 3 |
| Cardiff 62 – 3 Calvisano | 13:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Pau 24 – 17 Leicester | 13:00 | epcrugby.com / BT Sport ESPN |
| Zebre v Bristol | 14:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Brive v Stade Français | 15:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Edinburgh v Agen | 15:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Wasps v Bordeaux | 15:00 | epcrugby.com |
| Ulster v Bath | 15:15 | BT Sport 2 |
| Harlequins v Clermont | 15:15 | Channel 4 / BT Sport 3 |
| Sale v Glasgow | 17:30 | BT Sport 3 |
| Exeter v La Rochelle | 17:30 | BT Sport 2 |
| London Irish v Scarlets | 20:00 | S4C / epcrugby.com |
| Toulon v Bayonne | 20:00 | epcrugby.com |
Sunday 19th January
| Spain v Scotland (women) | 11:00 | BBC Alba |
| Munster v Ospreys | 13:00 | BT Sport 3 |
| Saracens v Racing | 13:00 | BT Sport 2 |
| Toulouse v Gloucester | 15:15 | BT Sport 2 |
| Montpellier v Connacht | 15:15 | BT Sport 3 |
Ovally Balls 
Nice to see Chimpie being relentlessly optimistic as usual….
It would be SOOOOO Scottish if we were to beat the 3 strongest teams, and lose to the 2 weakest teams.
Also, nice words, Flair.
LikeLike
Thank you Messieurs Chimpie and Flair.
I now feel enlightened.
LikeLike
Shout out for shoogly peg.
LikeLike
Good words all. Scots entering 6N in an interesting fashion. From our Glaws contingent Harris appears to have grown into the team as he gets more familiar with us but not sure if he’s hitting the kinds of quality that Matt Scott showed for us and sounds like he is back to again, so a little surprised. I’m guessing that Craig who is a dependable lump is being brought in for experience at training. There’s no doubt he never takes a step back but even though he has been a success for us in the first team (PotM away against Montpelier) the Scots have enough strength in second row I think to mean he will be no more than a bit part player (this year anyway).
The French story continues to be fascinating, the club Vs country fight ever influential. For me it will be great to see a more mobile fast paced France in form and hope that it provides enough success to keep the coach in a job.
Finally elsewhere there’s a Twitter storm suggesting that Saracens are about to be confirmed as relegated tomorrow as they have struggled to get properly under the cap again this season despite them during some players into the sun. Huge if true.
LikeLike
“It would be SOOOOO Scottish if we were to beat the 3 strongest teams, and lose to the 2 weakest teams.”
Hopefully TomP can tell us when this last happened. Suspect it may be overdue, but will be happy enough to see it, especially with Wales being fourth favourites.
LikeLike
We’ll take Carré and Nick Tompkins next week if you like. One of the locks is also more than welcome.
LikeLike
@Yos – let them pay Carre for the next three weeks or so.
LikeLike
From the last blog:
This relied on being able to defend ferociously and starting up running moves after the forwards got them on the front foot. For some reason, they tried to fling everything out to the wings from the get-go, from anywhere on the pitch against SA. Psychologically, they just weren’t right, and stupid mistakes crept in left, right and centre. Meanwhile, SA played absolutely superbly in both attack and defence.
I like to think that my season-long rant about how poor Mapimpi’s defensive alignment is and that Willie Le Roux is useless was the defining Trojan horse in Eddie’s disastrous gameplan to get it out wide at all costs. I was fully aware that he lurks here, pretending to be a Dublin-based academic, all the while gathering remarkable intelligence on the game not available in the broadsheets. Epic fail, Eddie! Think I’ll ask Rasssie for my commission over a spot of lunch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Now to the ATL! Getting very excited about the 6N to see which sides used the World Cup as a warm up best!
LikeLike
Great stuff, Chimpie and Flair! It really is going to an interesting 6N to see where all the sides are after the WC. Lots of questions to answer in terms of WC hangovers, squad depth and fitness, retirements/new brooms, which France etc etc, so it’ll be a great way to kick-start the international season. I think England have to be favourites, but Ireland and Wales will be clearing their throats at this suggestion, France will give a Gallic shrug and Scotland will hope to upset the apple cart. Only Italy will be looking on in envy, like the urchin at the market, who can’t get his hands on the delicious produce on offer.
LikeLike
Good words Chimpie and Flair.
LikeLike
Thanks, guys!
LikeLike
Shocking grammar from whoever wrote that ATL:
‘a horrific’
LikeLike
Dupont, Ntamack
Fikou, Vakatawa
Penaud, Ramos, Thomas
That’s a pretty dangerous looking backline.
LikeLike
CMW, I’m not sure it’s ever happened in the 6 Nations. You’d have to lose to Italy and beat England in the same season. Wales 2007 maybe but England were rubbish that year.
I’d be quite tempted by Wales in the last 5 Nations in 1999. Lost to Ireland and Scotland but then beat France and England. It meant Scotland won the Championship but I think England and France were favoured pre-tournament. Scotland probably 3rd favourites, though.
I’m beginnning to suspect that it’s more that Scotland haven’t actually been that good rather than some wacky goofy team personality that BB wants to ascribe to them that has seen them not do too well over the last 20 years.
LikeLike
5 of the starting 7 are the same as put out v Ireland in last year’s 6 Nations. If they pack doesn’t show up they’ll get as blasted as they were that day in Dublin.
LikeLike
Who’s been saying Scotland haven’t been mince for the noughties and most of teens?
LikeLike
If the pack doesn’t show up they’ll have less than half a team which is certainly a disadvantage.
LikeLike
Thanks to Chimpie and Flair for the previews.
LikeLike
The last one was a parting gift to Bill McLaren.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True TomP, 5 out of 7 are the same. Vakatawa and Thomas in for Bastareaud and Huget, who are not exactly fast in defence, are they? On the other hand, Vaka and Thomas did not seem to have much of a problem last week vs Munster.
More importantly the third row was Iturria, Picamoles and Lauret. Iturria is a second row who had played flanker for only 6 months, Picamoles is slow as a tractor and Lauret, although excellent in defence has hands of concrete.
Ollivon, Alldritt and one of Makalou, Cros, Fisher or Woki, is a vastly different proposition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the previews, I feel like I haven’t seen international rugby in a long time, even though it’s not long since Japan, looking forward to the 6N immensely
LikeLike
Big fan of Lauret -real surprised he didn’t make cut. Also Raka. Great stuff lads. We’re a couple of weeks in now but HNY to all
LikeLiked by 2 people
Munster aren’t a great ball playing attacking back division, though, flair, but point taken. Ireland are much better than Munster’s backline but I dpn’t think it was a case of Huget getting done for gas by Stockdale in Dublin.The problem in that game was France spent the whole of the first half boxed in in their half, in their 22. You could have put LRZ in for Huget and Nick Tompkins in for Basta and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
N’tamack still needs a bit of work on his kicking game from what I’ve seen. He’s a good player and can sort it out but is still prone to a few unforced errors. They might want to play fast running rugby, I hope they do, but a bit of pragmatism will help.
LikeLike
Now, I’m hearing that in McLaren’s voice….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice squad previews ATL. Markedly more thorough and insightful than any “professional” outlet. Kudos to all involved.
In my (inevitably wrong) opinion, England should be clear favorites. Settled squad, no massive injury worries, strong in all areas and all other sides with ? to be solved.
I predict England to win the 6N, but no GS as one of the others will turn them over.
For France, the first game is vital for this tournament. I don’t think they beat England (but not impossible that they do), but a thrashing will put them back 6 months. A close loss will set them up for a solid 2nd place.
Scotland I think will do well. They are long overdue a win vs Wales and should not fear Ireland or France. Punchers chance vs England. 3rd
Ireland are in a bit of a cleft stick, for all the success of their provinces. and the strength in depth of their squad, they seem stuck between the fading old guard and the young thrusters. Not sure of big Faz as the head coach either. Could be a frustrating tournament, but they can still beat anyone
Wales in trouble. Too many of their best players out, ageing, or struggling. Don’t much like the squad selection and, whilst the BR is probably the best of all the 6N, and the back 3 not to be sniffed at, there are too many weaknesses. AWJ, Owens and Biggar won’t give up easily, but will need to be exceptional to plug the gaps in other areas. Not sure about Pivac. 5th
Italy. Sadly not at the races. Will struggle to lose by not-too-much. Bring back ‘Pro
LikeLike
Oh yes. Thanks for the previews, flair and chimpie.
LikeLike
This is the level of diaspora trawling that Pivac aspires to.
LikeLike
*tips hat to returnees*
Great to see youse, lads.
Ntamack’s relative lack of international experience might be an issue for France, and I say that as a fan, however I guess France often play off 9 anyway.
Whoever starts for Scotland against Furlong, and how he manages, will set the tone for us, I feel.
I’m fairly sanguine about this tournament, for once I’m not actually thinking, “this is going to be our year”, I’ve almost become Winston Smith, for now at least, I accept our place, I have little fight left, I’m just going to love the tournament and not care about results.
LikeLike
Tam, Duhan van der McMerwe will almost certainly be touring South Africa in the summer
LikeLike
… “in a Scotland shirt”, I should have added.
Kebble would be there if he qualifed, but he has to wait till the Novemeber tests
LikeLike
Novemeber comes just after Octoberer and just before Decemember
LikeLiked by 3 people
Get yourself on the Victory gin. It numbs the pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
3 years, utna, since the last one. They had to wait 10 years for that one so they know patience.
They need to sort out some away form. They’re not bad at Murrayfield but have had some shockers on foreign fields. That draw in London was one of only two matches they didn’t lose away from home in the 2010s against France, Ireland, England and Wales. Considering they play away matches each year against two of those sides, they need to buck up some ideas.
I wouldn’t rule them out of a third place finish.
LikeLike
Predictions of Welsh demise have come fairly regularly prior to 6N time in recent years. Yet it still hasn’t happened.
That was under Gats & Edwards though. Will be interesting to see whether Pivac can get similar levels out of the squad.
LikeLike
I’ll be interested to see what BDVDM could do at international level, he’s a right handful for Embra.
Wing stocks are pretty low currently with Seymour retiring. Hughes seems to have vanished, Jones (L) long term injured I think, and young newbies on the embra & Glasgow books are not quite there yet (e.g. Blain) or injured.
LikeLike
Wales should win their home matches at least. Anything less and the pitchforks will be out for Pivac.
I’m sharpening mine already.
LikeLike
Hughes made a crucial try-saving tackle for Leicester at the weekend, chimpie.
LikeLike
Whatever happened to that Scottish back rower Ashe?
LikeLike
Trevor Brennan’s baby boy Joshua’s in the France Under 20 squad. He’s following in the footsteps of big brother Dan. Josh’s 2 metres tall and 110 kgs.
LikeLike
Chimpie, I haven’t watched any of the Super 6 yet because I keep forgetting about it, the SRU boradcast the games on their website iirc, as a result I haven’t seen how the likes of Blain or Lomond MacPherson are doing, though I recall HBH liking MacPherson.
Other than these young lads there is Hoyland, he has looked good playing out of position covering fullback, and I think Jamie Farndale has looked the part for Edinburgh, much improved. He’d only be an emergency call up, but to be honest I think he’s been performing better than Tagive. Graham stood Steyn up in the 1872, made him look like a chump, no offence to the lad.
LikeLike
Tam, Ashe is still playing for Glasgow but to be honest his form seems to have fallen off a cliff, he really looked like something a couple of years ago but hasn’t regained that level after a couple of injuries.
Luke Crosbie is the coming man in the back row
LikeLike
Ah, forgot that Hughes had gone to tiggers.
LikeLike
‘Luke Crosbie is the coming man in the back row’
Eww. Karl.
LikeLike
@Yos
I am full on doom ‘n’ gloom about Pivac. Shades of Gareth Jenkins or Alex Evans.
A few seasons of success at a Welsh club/region when everything fell into place, then put into the national team to bring in imports and watch it all fall apart.
I really think a lot of people in Wales underestimate how crucial Gats/Edwards were in making many of the top players what they are. Ok, we can look back at the errors Gats made, and how he failed to take them from a very good team to world beaters – and that is all justified. But, it could easily have gone the other way and we could have regressed to the depths.
Hope i am wrong, but I see little hope for the next few years, other than the few great players pulling it together for a Big Ern style “one last time, sweetness”
LikeLike
Edinburgh Rugby team to face Agen at BT Murrayfield in the European Challenge Cup
Saturday 18 January, kick-off 3pm
15. Damien Hoyland (70)
14. Darcy Graham (29)
13. Mark Bennett (33)
12. George Taylor (16)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (53)
10. Jaco van der Walt (51)
9. Nic Groom (9) CAPTAIN
1. Pierre Schoeman (36)
2. David Cherry (20)
3. WP Nel (137)
4. Ben Toolis (118)
5. Grant Gilchrist (145)
6. Luke Crosbie (35)
7. Hamish Watson (106)
8. Nick Haining (7)
Replacements: 16. Mike WIllemse (14) 17. Rory Sutherland (80) 18. Pietro Ceccarelli (21) 19. Fraser McKenzie (117) 20. John Barclay (10) 21. Henry Pygros (33) 22. Simon Hickey (30) 23. Chris Dean (86)
Unavailable: Stuart McInally, Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie
I find it enfuriating that one of Scottish rugby’s best young prospects, Charlie Shiel, just isn’t getting game time
LikeLike
Yeah Ashe not fancied by Rennie it would appear. Barely seen him in the last year or so. Think an injury did for him, hasn’t hit the initial heights he reached when he first appeared.
Some of Rennie’s choices do seem to have been a bit odd though. Keeping Jones out for so long. Getting rid of Bhatti just to get Seuli in who doesn’t seem that great and NSQ to boot. Continuing reliance on Gibbins who seems a bit off the pace this year.
Then he says Glasgow should be focussing on bringing through youngsters – isn’t that supposed to have been his job for the last 2.5 years?
LikeLike
‘I find it enfuriating that one of Scottish rugby’s best young prospects, Charlie Shiel, just isn’t getting game time’
Cockers out!
LikeLike
More seriously, entirely agree. He should be starting a game like this.
LikeLike
enfuriating
‘the fuck?
LikeLike