Scotland xv vs France

by 123456789 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 12:53 am

15. Hogg- played well on his first cap and look very promising, he has to start
14. Jones- Looked good and made some promising breaks
13. De Luca- Bit of a muppet, give him a last international chance outside a decent ball-playing inside centre
12. Scott- Playing well at club, works well with De Luca, will bring something extra
11. Evans- Exciting and unpredictable player, could easily become a lion
10. Laidlaw- scored a try and Scotland's backs did something for a change
9. Blair- fast and snappy player brings fresh impetus. At his best he is world class as is
8. Beattie- Big gamble but if it pays off it could be fantastic
7. Rennie- very good, certain lion, world class as is Barclay on his best form
6. Denton- can lead a generation of wacky haired Scottish forwards with Gray, might be harsh to move him from 8
5. Hamilton- adds considerable bulk
4. Gray- irreplaceable, Scotland's only guaranteed Lions starter with ford
3. Cross- good in the loose, not convinced with his scrumming
2- Ford- world class player, best European hooker
1. Shiells/ Jacobsen- Shiells has proved himself to be solid in the aviva, Jacobsen is a true legend

16. Lawson- there in case ford get's injured
17. Kalman- will do a job
18. Kellock- true leader, solid lineout
19. Barclay- off form but a fantastic player, if we can get him back to his best then we'll have an almighty fight for the 7 shirt
20- Cusiter- tenacious but his passing can be slow and inaccurate
21. Weir- Solid kicker, nailed on starter in two years
22. S/R Lamonts- neither have been fantastic but will add bulk

by flyhalffactory Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:14 am

15 S Hogg
14 R Lamont / L Jones
13 S Lamont / NDL
12 M Scott
11 M Evans
10 G Laidlaw / R Jackson or Weir
9 M Blair / C Cusiter
8 D Denton
7 R Rennie
6 McInally / Stroko
5 J Hamilton
4 R Gray
3 E Murray / G Cross
2 R Ford / S Lawson
1 A Jacobsen

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:16 am

Sean Lamont at 13 is a good call I think. This centre Scott, what is he like? Is he creative?

by Pat_Mustard Mon 13 Feb 2012, 12:04 pm

Scott is a former fly half so is infinitely more creative than Morrison/Lamont, he's not as big as them but not small either at 15 stone something. Can't see him coming into the side until the summer tour now unfortunately. Rumour has it he's concentrating on his final law exams, fair play to him for sticking with that.

Once he is in the team I would expect S Lamont to move to wing, I'd keep De Luca at 13 as I think his lack of impact at international level has a lot to do with who is at 12 and with Scott there I think he'd do a lot better. Having said that, he probably deserves to be dropped for the next game after that yellow card but that depends if Ansbro is fit. Likewise I would drop R Lamont if Evans is fit but someone said on another thread they thought it was a cruciate injury so probably a back three of Hogg, Jones, R Lamont against France. Blair and Laidlaw the half backs.

Don't see Beattie coming back in on current form, too much of a gamble for me, he needs to earn it. Would be tempted to give Harley or McInally a chance in place of Strokosch. Tight 5 to remain the same.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:24 pm

Some very good teams on here, but bear in mind that the very conservative Robinson will not be comfortable making more than one, at most two, changes imo - so if Hogg comes in at FB, as he absolutely must, then maybe Blair swaps with Cusiter, then that could be it. If you're expecting him to move SLamont out to the wing or OC and bring in Matt Scott, as much as I agree, then i think unfortunately we are kidding ourselves. I personally wouldn't mind seeing Harley tried at 6, but I can't see him making any changes in the pack

by funnyExiledScot Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:40 pm

This is what I expect to see from Robinson:

1.Jacobsen 2.Ford 3.Cross 4.Hamilton 5.Gray 6.Strokosch 7.Rennie 8.Denton 9.Cusiter 10.Laidlaw 11.R Lamont 12.S Lamont 13.NDL 14.Jones 15.Hogg

16.Kalman 17.S Lawson 18.Kellock 19.Barclay 20.Blair 21.Weir 22.Morrison

I personally would switch Cusiter and Blair, and would have McInally on the bench ahead of Barclay and Scott on the bench ahead of Morrison. I would also have Welsh on the bench ahead of Kalman.

I would also not oppose starting Scott at 12 and moving S Lamont either to the wing in place of his brother or perhaps better to 13 in place of NDL, with NDL or R Lamont moving to the bench. Both could be effective switches.

I also would have little issue with Harley replacing Strokosch. I don't think that would make a big difference but it would be giving experience to a younger player, which is something I have no issue with where both form and ability are evenly matched.

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:56 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:This is what I expect to see from Robinson:

1.Jacobsen 2.Ford 3.Cross 4.Hamilton 5.Gray 6.Strokosch 7.Rennie 8.Denton 9.Cusiter 10.Laidlaw 11.R Lamont 12.S Lamont 13.NDL 14.Jones 15.Hogg

16.Kalman 17.S Lawson 18.Kellock 19.Barclay 20.Blair 21.Weir 22.Morrison

I personally would switch Cusiter and Blair, and would have McInally on the bench ahead of Barclay and Scott on the bench ahead of Morrison. I would also have Welsh on the bench ahead of Kalman.

+1

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Some very good teams on here, but bear in mind that the very conservative Robinson will not be comfortable making more than one, at most two, changes imo - so if Hogg comes in at FB, as he absolutely must, then maybe Blair swaps with Cusiter, then that could be it. If you're expecting him to move SLamont out to the wing or OC and bring in Matt Scott, as much as I agree, then i think unfortunately we are kidding ourselves. I personally wouldn't mind seeing Harley tried at 6, but I can't see him making any changes in the pack

+1

If Robbo resigned tomorrow and I got the Scotland Job I would pick this team to play the French :

1. Jacobson
2. Ford
3. Cross
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. MacInally
7. Rennie
8. Denton

9. Blair
10. Laidlaw
11. S. Lamont
12. Scott
13. NDL
14. Jones
15. Hogg

16.Welsh 17. MacArthur 18.Kellock 19.Barclay 20.Cusiter 21.Weir 22. King

I can't help but think that AR has seriously dropped the ball in his team/squad selections. They Key players who have brough Glasgow Rabo success (Welsh, MacArthur, Seymore, Harley, Fusaro, Weir, Hogg to an extent) and those who have brought Edinburgh HC success (MacInally, Leonard, Scott, King) have all been neglected by AR in favour of his out of form favourites (Morrison, Vernon, Evans, Danielli, Strokosch, Hall, Lawson).

Again it comes back to selection and it seems Robbo has not shaken off the demons from his tenure at England.

He seems to be very passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve but he has made a rod for his own back by being too conservative. FES in the past has been an advocate of not wanting to throw untested youngsters into test match rugby, however all these untested players who have been on form have been Scotland's best performers : Jones, Dozer, Hogg and Laidlaw.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 13 Feb 2012, 2:12 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:FES in the past has been an advocate of not wanting to throw untested youngsters into test match rugby, however all these untested players who have been on form have been Scotland's best performers : Jones, Dozer, Hogg and Laidlaw.

Hang-on there. What I have not been an advocate of is picking untested young players who have not proved themselves in club rugby. I am a stickler for club form and have been advocating Hogg and Jones' selections loud and clear this season.

Players have to earn international caps on merit, that's my only relevant opinion here. Denton thoroughly deserved to be called up and I fully supported it, similarly Gray when his turn came and I'm all in favour of McInally and Harley now being involved.

You're probably referring to the long debate I had on here two/three years back when some posters on here wanted Jackson picked on the back of one exciting performance against Bath in the HC and about 5 dreadful performances for Glasgow in the then Magners League. At that stage his call-up would have been premature and unjustified, and sent completely the wrong message to young players in Scotland. He wasn't even in the Glasgow team. There were similarly silly calls for Cuthbert last season after 80 minutes of competent rugby. He now looks like a lanky donkey and isn't trusted to carry water at Bath.

I think there's a huge distinction between those scenarios, where fans wanted players called-up purely because they were not the incumbent and were young, rather than based on any solid rugby reasons, and the one Robinson faced at the start of this tournament with Denton, Weir, Scott, Hogg, Jones et al.

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 2:24 pm

It wasn't a dig mate, just an observation. I clearly recall you singing from the same hymn sheet post Squad selection at the inclusion of Parks and Morrison.

I was just pointing out that Robinson's conservative nature had a greater influence on his decision to include "safe" players rather than the better alternatives.

I'' point out re the Jackson/Parks debate in 6N 2010 you turned to be correct and I ate some humble pie after Parks turned out the performance of his international career in that tournament.

It seems however Robinson was hoping for Parks to reclaim that kind of form of 2010 but with no evidence to support he was capable of doing so.

I was trying top advocate that Robinson's selections are perhaps based on a similar sort of mindset as yours in 2010. Only this time the performances have been poor as opposed to good. Under those circumstances I reckon Robbo should go.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 13 Feb 2012, 3:10 pm

We're agreed. There's no question that Robinson got it badly wrong this time round at half back, and by picking Morrison on the bench. If he had deployed my mindset of 2010 to this tournament he would have been picking on club form and on merit, and that would not have meant Parks.

Where we differ is that I won't be calling for his head until the end of the tournament. I'm willing to wait and see what happens in the remaining three matches. He should be judged on Scotland's finishing position. Bottom two and he should go. Wooden Spoon should see his departure a formality - no quibbling with that.

Fingers crossed we can at least win two of the remaining fixtures.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 13 Feb 2012, 3:44 pm

C'mon, we all know the fES is Robinson's Bar Steward child!! Wink

by funnyExiledScot Mon 13 Feb 2012, 3:48 pm

You've busted us - me and Robbo are due for civil ceremony later this year heart

by R!skysports Mon 13 Feb 2012, 3:52 pm

Is Max Evans injured her went off

Would acutally put him on the bench, though we looked much better with

Blair
Laidlaw
S Lamont
NDL (God we need better players)
R Lamont on the wing
Jones on other wing
Hog

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 13 Feb 2012, 4:09 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:You've busted us - me and Robbo are due for civil ceremony later this year

by Guest Mon 13 Feb 2012, 4:30 pm

Not knowing the intricacies of front row play, just how good is Chunk? I'm sure he does good work around the pitch, but my enduring memories of him playing for Scotland seem to revolve around him knocking on/being turned over/getting mullered in the scrum (all in different games), and I'm just wondering what he actually brings to the pack? Not saying this as a wind up, but genuinely interested.

by Tattie Scones RRN Mon 13 Feb 2012, 5:20 pm

Jacobsen has been another great servant for rugby and I agree, his tenure is coming to an end.

I hope he retires gracefully when he's remembered for being a handy wee prop instead of outstaying his welcome so to speak.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 13 Feb 2012, 9:28 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Jacobsen has been another great servant for rugby and I agree, his tenure is coming to an end.

I hope he retires gracefully when he's remembered for being a handy wee prop instead of outstaying his welcome so to speak.

+1

by cabbs123 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:20 pm

The forwards against Wales were immense. Of course they werent perfect but against such quality players and such big backs its hardly surprising. I wouldnt change any of the forwards, bar Cross for Murray (not sure if the game is on sunday or not ) due to the threat of the French front row in the scrum. Having said that the Welsh front row werent to shabby either.

1. Jacobson
2. Ford
3. Cross
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. MacInally
7. Rennie
8. Denton

Also with Strokosch out injured for the rest of the tournament it does give a chance to MacInally/Vernon. But i have to say I have a soft spot for Barclay although a number 7 specialist perhaps move rennie to 6? Finally when is Brown back, i personally think we are missing him even with Rennie and Denton doing so well.

As for the backs for the most part the coped alright. I still feel one Lamount brother is enough. I'm just not a fan of NDL in a scottish shirt never seems to perform to his full potential. Hogg look very comfortable bar for 2 seconds in which he recovered from.

9. Blair
10. Laidlaw (slight concern about Rougerie or that new big french winger getting one on one with him...)
11. S. Lamont (Would prefer Evans but fitness worry)
12. Scott (Without Ansbro or a full out experience centre outside him maybe a huge risk but his club form as already stated has been solid)
13. S. Lamont/ (Evans/ Ansbro if fit or anyone but NDL)
14. Jones
15. Hogg

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:27 pm

Boone seems to realize that NDL never plays well for Scotland because he has big lumbering lummoxes inside him. Visser, Jones and JT have so much time on the ball because Scott gives NDL loads of space and he passes it on to those outside him.

Give him an inside centre who can create space and you'll get the best out of NDL.

His yellow card was inexcusable though

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:53 pm

Well if it was inexcusable then why select him for the France game then ? Jeez is everyone on the same as Robinson - NDL is not an International centre FFS Rolling Eyes

by cabbs123 Tue 14 Feb 2012, 8:57 am

While I'd admit that Lamont isnt exactly a centre to help give NDL space, surely there is the fact that international defences (particuarly the Welsh are better and much faster.) I'd argue he has less space due to the opposition being better rather than his buddy's being too big. Consistently he has (like many other of our backs) be found wanting and unlike Parks he has never had a stormer in a Scotland shirt to justify his continual selection. Also didnt we play Evans in the centre at some point, might have been paired with NDL or Morrison but he isnt exactly a crash ball centre.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 14 Feb 2012, 9:02 am

cabbs123 wrote:While I'd admit that Lamont isnt exactly a centre to help give NDL space, surely there is the fact that international defences (particuarly the Welsh are better and much faster.) I'd argue he has less space due to the opposition being better rather than his buddy's being too big. Consistently he has (like many other of our backs) be found wanting and unlike Parks he has never had a stormer in a Scotland shirt to justify his continual selection. Also didnt we play Evans in the centre at some point, might have been paired with NDL or Morrison but he isnt exactly a crash ball centre.

cabbs, yes we had NdL at 12 with Cairns or wee Maxy at 13 for quite a few games. I would agree that NdL is completely in the last chance saloon, he needs to make something of his next game in the shirt or for me, he's history

by red_stag Tue 14 Feb 2012, 9:06 am

The backrow has come a long way from the days of the Killer B's.

Remember when Brown, Barclay and Beattie were all but guaranteed their place in the squad.

On the Robbo thing I would give him time. He's been better than anyone else in the past. He does look to be moving the team forward and I don't see better alternatives available. Parks is gone the whole #10 debate is behind you. Let him do his thing.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 14 Feb 2012, 9:15 am

red_stag wrote:The backrow has come a long way from the days of the Killer B's.

Remember when Brown, Barclay and Beattie were all but guaranteed their place in the squad.

On the Robbo thing I would give him time. He's been better than anyone else in the past. He does look to be moving the team forward and I don't see better alternatives available. Parks is gone the whole #10 debate is behind you. Let him do his thing.

The team is moving slowly forward, Staggy, yes, but it's more by default than anything else - Denton in cos Brown was injured, Laidlaw in cos Parks retired, Jones in cos Danielli isn't getting gametime for Ulster and Walker is still injured, Hogg in cos wee Maxy got injured - it's painful progress! The next major breakthrough will be getting a real inside centre, we'll see what happens then

by Imperialbigdave Tue 14 Feb 2012, 9:30 am

The big issue appears to be who replaces Strokosch.

Potential candidates being barclay, Vernon, Mcinally, and Harley.

Barclay is a 7. I dont care if Sean Lineen has played him at 6 and 8 this season, that's because he's out of form in his specialist position, but is deemed too valuable for Glasgow to leave out.

Vernon shouldnt be anywhere near a Scotland shirt against france. He might be ok when playing other teams, but France bring far too much physicality to the game for us to accomodate a player who doesnt play like a man his size should. He is undoubtedly a great ball player, and ridiculosuly quick, but lacking in power. I had hoped he wouldve bulked up this season, but I dont see it. Also a lineout option, and can play 8.

Mcinally has played a lot of six. In contrast to Vernon, he punches above his weight in the contact area. Hes a very good ball carrier as he regularly plays 8th man aswell, and has good hands and vision. Often a link with the backline as his distribution is good enough to keep the defence honest. Good understanding with Denton and Rennie and used to playing a high tempo game that relies on quick ball. Hasnt held down one position for Edinburgh, though may be as competition for places is hugely competitive.

Harley is a machine in defence. hes an unbelieveable tackler, and part of an established defensive system at Glasgow. Big guy, so would be able to handle the french physicality, and also a lineout option. Questions over his ball carrying, as many (myself included) feel that he sometimes goes entire games without doing any carrying of note. A man of his size could surely be used to better effect going forward.

For me, its between Mcinally and Harley. Rennie and Denton are nailed on at 7 and 8, and the backrow needs balance, and Vernon and/or Barclay wont provide it.

As an Edinburgh fan, I am obviously biased towards Mcinally, but I do feel he would complement the team best. He plays a quick, offloading, high tempo game at Edinburgh, very similar to what scotland are trying to emulate. Even before injury, Stroks was considered to be lucky to retain his place because he wasnt effective with ball in hand. Mcinally is the best ball carrier of the above options (Vernons excellent in broken field, but not against a solid defence), so would add to the team what we were missing with Strokosch. While he may be the smallest recognised 6 ( im not even considering Barclay realistically), he doesnt show it with his performances, and seems very passionate on the field without being stupidly aggresive or over eager.

Harley, as I have said above, is the best tackler of the lot, but hes not used to playing in a system that generates quick ball at Glasgow. how much of that is down to his style of play, or lineens coaching, I dont know, but I would really like to see evidence of him being able to play a quick ball game before putting him into one at international level. (of course, if cusiter plays, then it doesnt matter, as hell stand about for 30 seconds organising everyone into a position, complain to the ref, and then eventually clear it.). Again, Strokoshs failing over the past two games has been his lack of prescence going forward, and I just dont feel that harleys inclusion would remedy this.

On the other hand, harley has been included in the international training squad, and was in cardiff as 23rd man, whereas Mcinally hasnt yet trained with the main squad, and has never appeared to be on Robinsons radar.

Head says Harley, heart says Mcinally, erse says Vernon or Barclay.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 14 Feb 2012, 9:34 am

Imperialbigdave wrote:The big issue appears to be who replaces Strokosch.

Potential candidates being barclay, Vernon, Mcinally, and Harley.

Barclay is a 7. I dont care if Sean Lineen has played him at 6 and 8 this season, that's because he's out of form in his specialist position, but is deemed too valuable for Glasgow to leave out.

Vernon shouldnt be anywhere near a Scotland shirt against france. He might be ok when playing other teams, but France bring far too much physicality to the game for us to accomodate a player who doesnt play like a man his size should. He is undoubtedly a great ball player, and ridiculosuly quick, but lacking in power. I had hoped he wouldve bulked up this season, but I dont see it. Also a lineout option, and can play 8.

Mcinally has played a lot of six. In contrast to Vernon, he punches above his weight in the contact area. Hes a very good ball carrier as he regularly plays 8th man aswell, and has good hands and vision. Often a link with the backline as his distribution is good enough to keep the defence honest. Good understanding with Denton and Rennie and used to playing a high tempo game that relies on quick ball. Hasnt held down one position for Edinburgh, though may be as competition for places is hugely competitive.

Harley is a machine in defence. hes an unbelieveable tackler, and part of an established defensive system at Glasgow. Big guy, so would be able to handle the french physicality, and also a lineout option. Questions over his ball carrying, as many (myself included) feel that he sometimes goes entire games without doing any carrying of note. A man of his size could surely be used to better effect going forward.

For me, its between Mcinally and Harley. Rennie and Denton are nailed on at 7 and 8, and the backrow needs balance, and Vernon and/or Barclay wont provide it.

As an Edinburgh fan, I am obviously biased towards Mcinally, but I do feel he would complement the team best. He plays a quick, offloading, high tempo game at Edinburgh, very similar to what scotland are trying to emulate. Even before injury, Stroks was considered to be lucky to retain his place because he wasnt effective with ball in hand. Mcinally is the best ball carrier of the above options (Vernons excellent in broken field, but not against a solid defence), so would add to the team what we were missing with Strokosch. While he may be the smallest recognised 6 ( im not even considering Barclay realistically), he doesnt show it with his performances, and seems very passionate on the field without being stupidly aggresive or over eager.

Harley, as I have said above, is the best tackler of the lot, but hes not used to playing in a system that generates quick ball at Glasgow. how much of that is down to his style of play, or lineens coaching, I dont know, but I would really like to see evidence of him being able to play a quick ball game before putting him into one at international level. (of course, if cusiter plays, then it doesnt matter, as hell stand about for 30 seconds organising everyone into a position, complain to the ref, and then eventually clear it.). Again, Strokoshs failing over the past two games has been his lack of prescence going forward, and I just dont feel that harleys inclusion would remedy this.

On the other hand, harley has been included in the international training squad, and was in cardiff as 23rd man, whereas Mcinally hasnt yet trained with the main squad, and has never appeared to be on Robinsons radar.

Head says Harley, heart says Mcinally, erse says Vernon or Barclay.

IBD, is that the same as Robinson says Vernon or Barclay! A fair assessment of the relative merits of each candidate. I personally would plump for Harley cos I think we'll need his tackling and aggression against France. Ford, Gray, Rennie and Denton have taken on the carrying duties so far, so I think we're well-covered in that area

by funnyExiledScot Tue 14 Feb 2012, 11:10 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Jacobsen has been another great servant for rugby and I agree, his tenure is coming to an end.

I hope he retires gracefully when he's remembered for being a handy wee prop instead of outstaying his welcome so to speak.
+1

-1

I don't like to see players "retiring" from international rugby. If they are no longer good enough then they shouldn't get picked. If they are good enough, then they should.

I realise that with Robinson in charge it isn't as simple as that, and Mr Parks had to very graciously take matters into his own hands, but in principle I prefer international careers to come to an end when a player retires.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 14 Feb 2012, 11:16 am

I agree with Imperialbigdave on the 6 conundrum. Head ways Harley but heart says McInally. In truth I'd be happy with either.

Robinson will pick Barclay at 6 because he's "experienced". The fact that Barclay hasn't played a single convincing minute of rugby outside the 7 jersey in his entire career, and to my knowledge has never played a full 80 minutes in the 6 jersey in a club match (I know he's played 8 but I don't think 6) will not deter Robinson from making this judgement call I suspect.

The question will be who will Robinson pick for the bench. My guess would be Vernon, as he was included in the initial squad and would be next on the cab rank, although if given the choice between Harley and McInally for the bench, he'll go with the player who brings the least impact, so that would be Harley.

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue 14 Feb 2012, 12:38 pm

He can't seriously think Barclay can play at 6? If he wouldn't pick Laidlaw at 10 how can he justify playing Barclay at 6?

by bluestonevedder Tue 14 Feb 2012, 12:53 pm

Just thought I'd throw my two cents in! Rennie has been incredibly impressive in my opinion. He outplayed the Welsh backrow last week, and taught England a few valuable lessons the week before. From watching him, he's very McCaw-esque. A lot of his turnovers don't come from typical openside body postion over the ball, but more dogged ripping and tearing, which is great to watch! One of his turnovers springs to mind.

He's a real asset to Scotland, and an integral member to their squad now I feel. He'll be around for a long time! But where will Barclay fit in?!

by Manky-Flanker Tue 14 Feb 2012, 1:08 pm

Rennie is the in-form 7 just now. But like every player he needs competition from someone trying to take his jersey - thats what Barclay needs to be doing.

The last thing we need is Barclay playing 6 or 8, becoming a utility player and nobody putting Rennie under pressure for the 7 jersey.

by cp10 Tue 14 Feb 2012, 1:35 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Boone seems to realize that NDL never plays well for Scotland because he has big lumbering lummoxes inside him. Visser, Jones and JT have so much time on the ball because Scott gives NDL loads of space and he passes it on to those outside him.

Give him an inside centre who can create space and you'll get the best out of NDL.

His yellow card was inexcusable though

I don't think NDL planned to "tackle" Davies, if you watch the replay he planned to run along side and got pushed by the oncoming Rennie (not complaining about Rennie as he had a MOTM game), got squeezed and then stumbled on to the feet of Davies (with his hands out i must admit - but could be to protect his face). It ended up looking like a idiotic tackle.

At the start - 0.03 in.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17006348

by Scot Abroad Tue 14 Feb 2012, 7:23 pm

Evans' ankle injury apparently isn't as bad as he thought and there's a chance he'll be fit for the France game. I have a feeling that if this is the case then Robbo will put Hogg back on the bench. We all know what he's like!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 15 Feb 2012, 8:58 am

Scot Abroad wrote:Evans' ankle injury apparently isn't as bad as he thought and there's a chance he'll be fit for the France game. I have a feeling that if this is the case then Robbo will put Hogg back on the bench. We all know what he's like!

That would be a serious mistake - I really wish that he wasn't so conservative in his selections and has to be forced by retirement or injury into making change that the rest of us can see is glaringly obvious Sad

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 15 Feb 2012, 9:53 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Scot Abroad wrote:Evans' ankle injury apparently isn't as bad as he thought and there's a chance he'll be fit for the France game. I have a feeling that if this is the case then Robbo will put Hogg back on the bench. We all know what he's like!
That would be a serious mistake - I really wish that he wasn't so conservative in his selections and has to be forced by retirement or injury into making change that the rest of us can see is glaringly obvious

Maybe it's because he is a rubbish coach more concerned with preventing loss rather than going out, playing some rugby and trying to win the game?

by alive555 Wed 15 Feb 2012, 11:13 am

If Hogg is on the bench then yes we are playing to lose.

For me the best 4 playes ive seen are Denton Hogg, Laidlaw and Jones

All new players. Funny that.

by Manky-Flanker Wed 15 Feb 2012, 11:31 am

Maybe it's because he is a rubbish coach more concerned with preventing loss rather than going out, playing some rugby and trying to win the game?

I think thats unfair, Scotland are playing with ambition and width. They are endeavouring to play more than just 10 man rugby. But I agree selecting players out of position is not helping.

by TJ1 Wed 15 Feb 2012, 11:51 am

Manky-Flanker wrote:
Maybe it's because he is a rubbish coach more concerned with preventing loss rather than going out, playing some rugby and trying to win the game?

I think thats unfair, Scotland are playing with ambition and width. They are endeavouring to play more than just 10 man rugby. But I agree selecting players out of position is not helping.

It exactly what he has been doing until forced by injuries / retirements to play the attacking players.

He said as much before the England match when questioned on the selection of Parks

by funnyExiledScot Wed 15 Feb 2012, 12:00 pm

If Evans is fit is should really cast doubt over Rory Lamont, rather than Lee Jones and Stuart Hogg. Personally I'd have Max Evans on the bench, it would mean for once we have a genuinely talented outside back to come on and make an impact.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 15 Feb 2012, 5:24 pm

My XXII:

1. Jacobson
2. Ford
3. Cross
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Harley
7. Rennie
8. Denton

9. Blair
10. Laidlaw
11. S. Lamont
12. Scott
13. NDL
14. Jones
15. Hogg

16.Welsh 17. Lawson 18.Kellock 19.Barclay 20.Cusiter 21.Weir 22. R Lamont

(assuming that Max Evans and Stroks are crocked)

Braveheart

by funnyExiledScot Wed 15 Feb 2012, 6:33 pm

Swap Barclay for McInally and I'd be happy with that XXII.

I'd be slightly concerned about the pace mismatch on the wing with S Lamont up against Clerc or Malzieu but then again in attack we'll need at least some physicality in our backline going up against Malzieu and Rougerie so at least one of the Lamonts should feature.

We've got to throw the kitchen sink at France. They will score points against us, no use in focusing 100% in shutting them down, we'll need to bring something to the table in attack, and look to run them off their feet.

by Scot Abroad Wed 15 Feb 2012, 7:41 pm

SLamont may not be as fast as he used to be but few people get past him so I wouldn’t be concerned about him on the wing. Ramont looked good there against Wales and is quicker than his brother. Another option is have him on the wing and move Sean to 13 so he can smash Rougerie straight away and make him think twice about coming to Murrayfield. Otherwise I like the look of the above team. Harley at 6 is fine. People say he doesn’t do enough with ball in hand but we have plenty of forwards carrying the ball, but a chopper like him would be good against the French. The guy will tackle all day long.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 7:09 am

Scot Abroad wrote:SLamont may not be as fast as he used to be but few people get past him so I wouldn’t be concerned about him on the wing. Ramont looked good there against Wales and is quicker than his brother. Another option is have him on the wing and move Sean to 13 so he can smash Rougerie straight away and make him think twice about coming to Murrayfield. Otherwise I like the look of the above team. Harley at 6 is fine. People say he doesn’t do enough with ball in hand but we have plenty of forwards carrying the ball, but a chopper like him would be good against the French. The guy will tackle all day long.

SA, that's what I think, we won't need Harley for his ball-carrying, but rather for his tireless work-rate and tackle count, cos Dus, Bonn, Pic and Hairy are just going to keep coming

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:43 pm

[quote="funnyExiledScot"]Swap Barclay for McInally and I'd be happy with that XXII.[quote]

+1

Anyone else worried we are going to see a backrow of Barclay, Rennie and Denton?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 16 Feb 2012, 3:57 pm

[quote="RuggerRadge2611"][quote="funnyExiledScot"]Swap Barclay for McInally and I'd be happy with that XXII.

+1

Anyone else worried we are going to see a backrow of Barclay, Rennie and Denton?

Yup

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 16 Feb 2012, 4:01 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
+1

Anyone else worried we are going to see a backrow of Barclay, Rennie and Denton?

Yup

In that case I would be ready to either pick the Scottish backrow with a sponge after the match or hose them into the nearest drain.

Best case scenario is they need to be fed via a straw at the post match meal.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Feb 2012, 11:09 am

I'd feel most sorry for Denton, whose instructions would have to be carry, carry and carry some more.

I'll bet the other option Robinson is considering is Richie Gray at 6 or even at 8, and Denton moving to 6, bringing Kellock in the start at lock. Lots of power and experience there.

by R!skysports Fri 17 Feb 2012, 11:12 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd feel most sorry for Denton, whose instructions would have to be carry, carry and carry some more.

I'll bet the other option Robinson is considering is Richie Gray at 6 or even at 8, and Denton moving to 6, bringing Kellock in the start at lock. Lots of power and experience there.

I hope he doesn't put half the pack out of position - it just does not work

by RuggerRadge2611 Fri 17 Feb 2012, 11:19 am

Lievermont got plenty of stick from the posters on 606 I have no Idea why Robinson gets away with some his past clangers.

by funnyExiledScot Fri 17 Feb 2012, 11:53 am

Lievremont was the opposite of Robinson. He capped half of France, wouldn't stop tinkering with the side, whereas Robinson won't give a new cap to a player unless that player has dominated domestic and European competition for half a decade.

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