Scots Reunite! The Summer Tour Thread.

[KickAndChase]

First topic message reminder :

Despite the anger it invites from many Scottish posters (more as a place to vent than the cause) I miss the standard Scotland thread. With Edinburgh's success in the Heineken Cup and what looks like Glasgow's in the RABO we have two semi finals under our belt in club rugby. Can the players finally overcome the friction with their coaching team and display this on the pitch? Who would be your picks for the summer tour squad and match day 22s? Do you think we will win a match this year?

No news on squad size yet (I believe) but we can speculate. I do think we will beat one of Fiji & Samoa and also the Waratahs, but that's it. Anyone able to instill that misguided Scottish faith back into me???

[RDW]

Well the fact that he's actually a number 8 is a big plus point for me! Plus he's got a lot of experience in what is likely to be a fairly inexperienced pack.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

With injuries and suspensions plus the 'Tahs game cancelled, confirmation that we're lookinga t a 32-player squad. So let's assume it's 2 players per position plus an extra hooker and scrumhalf/flyhalf:

Welsh/Grant
Ford/MacArthur/Hall or S Lawson
Low/Cross
Gray/Gilchrist
Kellock/Ryder
Harley/Strokosch or Beattie
Rennie/Fusaro
McInally/Barclay

Blair/Cusiter/Laidlaw
Weir/Jackson
MacVisser/S Lamont
Scott/Dunbar
Ansbro/Grove
M Evans/?
Hogg/Brown

That's my squad, with one wing as a gap/gaping hole.

However, realistically we'll be looking at Donkey Morrison, YC de Luca and other stars of the future!

[RDW]

Anyone know how Strokosh has been playing? We are suddenly awfy short of wingers! Ansbro can play there and there's Tom Brown too so we should be OK for this tour.

[RDW]

Also - did you mean to put Gilchrist in there twice? Did you mean Ryder as another number 5?

Swap Grove for De Luca and I think that will pretty much be the squad he picks. Although the Hootsman was speculating that Jackson might not travel, with Laidlaw and Weir as the 10s and Cusiter and Blair as the 9s. Have to say - wouldn't be too disappointed with that!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Anyone know how Strokosh has been playing? We are suddenly awfy short of wingers! Ansbro can play there and there's Tom Brown too so we should be OK for this tour.

Good point, RDW, had forgotten about Stroks - he's been involved in Glaws last couple of games, but his form hasn't been sparkling (mind you that applies to the whole team) - so I reckon it's either Stroks or Beattie for the extra backrow slot

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Also - did you mean to put Gilchrist in there twice? Did you mean Ryder as another number 5?

Swap Grove for De Luca and I think that will pretty much be the squad he picks. Although the Hootsman was speculating that Jackson might not travel, with Laidlaw and Weir as the 10s and Cusiter and Blair as the 9s. Have to say - wouldn't be too disappointed with that!

Sorry, yes I meant Ryder in there - will correct that - thanks

[bluestonevedder]

Terrible news about Denton's injury- was really looking forward to seeing what he could do this summer.

[RDW]

I have to say, if Strokosh does get picked he can count himself very lucky that over his international career he hasn't had more competition for the 6 shirt and has been lucky with other peoples injuries.

He's meant to be this massive tough guy that takes no nonsense and smashes folk, but I've never really seen him do that for Scotland! We really needed him to do that in the world cup but he missed tackles and wasn't as physical as we needed him to be against the likes of Georgia.

[Captain_Sensible]

The SRU site says that the touring party has been cut to 28.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

The SRU site says that the touring party has been cut to 28.

Really? Both the Herald and the Hootsmon had it cut from 38 to 32 - 28 would mean very little opportunity to give experience to some of the youngsters

[RDW]

Yeah - check out the SRU site.

Makes sense I suppose - only 3 games, 11 days between the first and 7 between the 2nd. Only really need one squad with a few guys spare.

So which 4 guys will be cut? I suspect ig Barclay is coming as an 8 we won't take Fusaro as a backup 7 (a real shame) and Cross will be the only specialist tighthead, with Welsh covering there if required. There will probably only be two hookers and can see Dunbar missing out!

[Captain_Sensible]

I always thought the touring squad would be 32. Did we ever have enough players for a 38-man tour?!

[nickj]

I thought we were also meant to be playing the Cook Islands? The Hootsman (never a bastion of fact checking) doesnt seem to mention that game?

"That leaves Scotland with three Test matches, against Australia, Fiji and Samoa, from 5 to 23 June."

I would prefer the squad to remain at 38 and for us to give the young talent game time. There is obviously a need to win the international games (to preserve our ranking), but that shouldnt come at the expense of valuable development opportunities. I'd like us to manage both.

A few mid week games and some quality time in a tour environment would be extremely benficial to the likes of Gilchrist, Brown and Weir.

[RDW]

TBH the only place I saw any mention of the Cook Islands was here! And if the official SRU press release doesn't say anything then I suspect it won't be happening.

I reckon cost has a lot to do with the smaller squad too. Another 10 players probably means an extra 30 grand on flights and accommodation. You know what the SRU is like!

[Tattie Scones RRN]

It was intersting to see that the Scotsman published an article on the SRU's faith with Robinson with Dodson stating "in Andy Robinson, we have one of the top coaches in the world"

Robinson was unable to comment at the time due to having his mouth full.

So much talent, so little sense.

[Imperialbigdave]

The cook islands match was something plucked off wikipedia, and smelled fishy from the word go seeing as it was only 2 days after another game. Never really believed it.

And now that the partys cut down to 28 expect the young guys to be left out, and Southwell to make a return...

[nickj]

If we take the below list as 'a near as dammit' 28 man squad, then which youngsters are missing? Fusaro is the only one who really jumps out at me.

Thinking about it, maybe a tour like this would the ideal place to rehabilitate Mr Beattie?

Welsh/Grant
Ford/MacArthur
Cross / Low
Gray/Gilchrist
Kellock/Ryder
Harley/Strokosch
Rennie/Barclay
Beattie / Cowan or Vernon

Blair/Cusiter
Weir/Laidlaw
MacVisser/S Lamont
Scott/Dunbar
Ansbro/De Luca
M Evans/?
Hogg/Brown

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

nick, yes, it looks like Fusaro could miss out in the 28-man squad scenario, and Jackson too - altho the latter's form has been gash, I'd still like to see him kept in touch with the squad for when he comes good again. I'd take Grove ahead of de Luca at the mo, and McInally ahead of Cowan or Vernon

[nickj]

I'm inclined to agree on McInally mate, I didnt think he was fit but if he is, he's on my plane.

I know we're a bit short on wings but how about taking Grove instead of Sean Lamont? Ansbro, Brown and Maxxy can cover the wings with Mr Visser.

Alternatively could we see Tommy Seymour taking a wing spot?

Personally I really want to see Scott and De Luca playing together.

[RuggerRadge2611]

I'm inclined to agree on McInally mate, I didnt think he was fit but if he is, he's on my plane.

I know we're a bit short on wings but how about taking Grove instead of Sean Lamont? Ansbro, Brown and Maxxy can cover the wings with Mr Visser.

Alternatively could we see Tommy Seymour taking a wing spot?

Personally I really want to see Scott and De Luca playing together.

+1

28 man squad is pretty sensible. Especially if the deadwood of can't pass / won't pass get left behind. If Robbo takes a lot of youngsters they'll have to step up to the plate and seize this oppertunity.

[funnyExiledScot]

1. Who on earth is Blair Cowan?

2. I have no issues with 28 people going, as long as it's the right list. No point in taking players just "for experience". Each member of the touring party must be involved for it to be worthwhile.

So it's a matchday 22 plus 6 extras.

1.Welsh 2.Ford 3.Low 4.Gilchrist 5.Gray 6.Harley 7.Rennie 8.Beattie 9.Blair 10.Laidlaw 11.Visser 12.Scott 13.NDL 14.Evans 15.Hogg

16.Shiells 17.MacArthur 18.Ryder 19.McInally 20.Weir 21.Ansbro 22.Brown

23.S Lawson 24.Cross 25.Fusaro 26.Cusiter 27.Jackson 28.Dunbar


Done, and to keep ASBO happy, I've even dumped Vernon from my touring party. We can get away with only three locks as Harley can act as emergency cover, and McInally can cover both 6 and 8 with Fusaro covering as a specialist 7.

Lots of form players and plenty new blood.

Not a chance in hell of course that Kellock, Barclay (at 6 or 8), Morrison and S Lamont won't be going and be heavily involved, but we can always dream. Personally I'd give these guys the summer off and make them fight next season to get back into the side.

[flyhalffactory]

I Hope we don't take Brown with a view to putting him on the wing, to me he is a much better FB, also the Blair/Weir/Scott axis seems more balanced to me

My team (injuries permitting) would be:

15. Brown
14. Hogg
13. Ansbro
12. Scott
11. Visser
10. Weir
9. Blair
8. McInally
7. Rennie
6. Harley
5. Gray (cap)
4. Gilchrist
3. Cross
2. Ford
1. Welsh

16. Murray
17. MacArthur
18. Kellock
19. Barclay
20. Laidlaw
21. Dunbar
22. Evans

[nickj]

I realise our options are limited but I think our pack risks getting slapped about a bit here.

If Hamilton is out, I reckon we'll see Kellock start with Gilchrist on the bench. Someone also really needs to give Richard Gray a nasty pill.

I just dont think our props will cope with the likes of Mulipola, Johnson or Perenise; let alone Robinson or Slipper.

[Captain_Sensible]

I wouldn’t be so worried about the front row, nick. The Glasgow front row has been a fearsome unit so far this year, and the Scottish front row looked much better versus Italy with Welsh in at LH. A Welsh-Ford-Low front row will be fine, as Samoa, Fiji and Australia aren’t really known for their scrummaging prowess.

As long as Gray and whoever his lock partner is can give enough of a push!

[Scot Abroad]

I'm liking the look of the teams above. I'd hope Robbo leaves Kellock, Chunk, Murray, Vernon, Morrison and Jackson at home but we all know some of them will be there.

My squad
15. Hogg
14. SLamont
13. Ansbro
12. Scott
11. Visser
10. Laidlaw
9. Blair
8. Beattie
7. Rennie
6. Harley
5. Ryder
4. Gray
3. Low
2. Ford
1. Welsh

16. Shiells 17. MacArthur 18. Gilchrist 19. Barclay 20. Cusiter 21. Weir 22. Dunbar

23. SLawson 24. Cross 25. Fusaro 26. Grove 27. Evans 28. Brown

[flyhalffactory]

Scot Abroad

Would you not take McInally (if fit) or Weir?

[Scot Abroad]

Scot Abroad

Would you not take McInally (if fit) or Weir?

B*llocks, I knew I forgot someone. Yes to Weir, maybe McInally in place of Beattie. Not decided yet.

[cp10]

There's push from the Edinburgh camp for Gilchrist not to go on tour so as to have a rest this summer. He has played for 12 month non stop, NZ season plus Pro12/HEC seasons. So he could end up with 24 months of rugby with out a break.

[nickj]

Denton and Jones have played a heck of a lot of rugby this season, perhaps them being out is a blessing in disguise. Although I do worry about the form of our back up 8's.

CP. while nobody else was out in NZ, I'd say that's the case with a lot of the squad

[nickj]

Does anyone hold out any hope that a McKibben or a Mitchell (A N Other Aussie based player) might be named in the squad on Wednesday?

[cp10]

Denton and Jones have played a heck of a lot of rugby this season, perhaps them being out is a blessing in disguise. Although I do worry about the form of our back up 8's.

CP. while nobody else was out in NZ, I'd say that's the case with a lot of the squad

This is Gilchrist first full season as a pro. And due to the lack of second row resources at Edinburgh has played a fair few 80 minute games. Can't remember Gilchrist getting much of a break.

Re Jones and Denton. Both have had 1 or 2 years to get used to playing Pro rugby. Plus both have had time off for minor injuries. My friend didn't mention they had a problem with the others going.

[Scot Abroad]

Does anyone hold out any hope that a McKibben or a Mitchell (A N Other Aussie based player) might be named in the squad on Wednesday?

I doubt it but I wouldn't be surprised if that was a sneaky tactic of the SRU's to avoid paying for the plane ticket. Although, maybe it will be a 32 man squad and Robbo will be including Maitland, McKibben, Mitchell and Robinson. That would give us another scrum half and solve the problem of depth in the back three. Genius! I always knew Robbo would come good one of these days!

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

I genuinely hope he leaves the Warriors players alone for his worthless tour, with his equally worthless tactics. Please stay in the Cook Island Robinson _you could keep Townsend, Dodman and Lowe with you for company as they are also complete and utter numpties too !

[flyhalffactory]

I genuinely hope he leaves the Warriors players alone for his worthless tour, with his equally worthless tactics. Please stay in the Cook Island Robinson _you could keep Townsend, Dodman and Lowe with you for company as they are also complete and utter numpties too !

21C
You need to get off the meths mate, you have been banging the "F@@k Off Robinson" for about 9 months now, everytime I come on here you are spouting the same old thing, perhaps its a bit more personal than we think!!

Its sooooooo boring man, if you think the summer series is worthless, then why dont you watch the european championship footy during the summer

We have Robinson for a while now.............. so get on with it or get off

[Imperialbigdave]

I genuinely hope he leaves the Warriors players alone for his worthless tour, with his equally worthless tactics. Please stay in the Cook Island Robinson _you could keep Townsend, Dodman and Lowe with you for company as they are also complete and utter numpties too !

Are you stuck on repeat? You really dont have to voice your dislike for Robinson anymore, everyone on this board knows that there are 3 certainties in life; death, taxes and 21st Century Schizoid posting his daily rant about Robinson. Dont get me wrong, im anything but a fan of him, but geez o mighty mate its getting boring seeing the same comments from you on every thread.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Fine- get the Bath Clown to take some Embra diddies -see what happens ! Nae bottle, nae use !

[Imperialbigdave]

Fine- get the Bath Clown to take some Embra diddies -see what happens ! Nae bottle, nae use !

Youre Ben Cairns arent you?

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

No but you must be Jim Thompson !

[Imperialbigdave]

No but you must be Jim Thompson !

im sorry, youre going to have to explain that one

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Take it you were not at the 7s last weekend ?

[Imperialbigdave]

Take it you were not at the 7s last weekend ?

nope

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Do you ever see any Scottish rugby or do you just give anti-WoS type drivel opinions Boris ?

[Imperialbigdave]

Do you ever see any Scottish rugby or do you just give anti-WoS type drivel opinions Boris ?

I would ammend my initial guess and say that you are jrp67, but even he knows when a record is broken and when to change tune.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Ibd - you really are a funny but tough guy eh ? No one allowed an opinion but you huh? Really GFY and take your pathetic East Coast bias type opinions with you dude. Nite nite !

[Imperialbigdave]

Ibd - you really are a funny but tough guy eh ? No one allowed an opinion but you huh? Really GFY and take your pathetic East Coast bias type opinions with you dude. Nite nite !

[Imperialbigdave]

I didnt realise this had turned into East Vs West. Mustve missed that part. I thought it was 21st vs the world

[sensisball]

Lads, just cause 21st says it as it is doesnt mean he should stop saying it!
Much of the chat about the composition of this squad is probably academic as Robinson is unlikely to change his broken record in terms of selection and game strategy.
Maybe he will, who knows, miracles have happened, apparently (red sea parting etc. etc.).
However the fact that Robinson is still captain of our sinking international ship hasnt changed just because the 6N's are finished. Dods' comments about Robinson being likely to see out the remainder of his 4 year contract made me almost throw up into my porridge when i read his drivel.
We cant ignore the coaching situation as it affects whether we will make any progress on the pitch during this tour or head into the atumn on a losing streak of 10 matches!

[flyhalffactory]

Lads, just cause 21st says it as it is doesnt mean he should stop saying it!
Much of the chat about the composition of this squad is probably academic as Robinson is unlikely to change his broken record in terms of selection and game strategy.
Maybe he will, who knows, miracles have happened, apparently (red sea parting etc. etc.).
However the fact that Robinson is still captain of our sinking international ship hasnt changed just because the 6N's are finished. Dods' comments about Robinson being likely to see out the remainder of his 4 year contract made me almost throw up into my porridge when i read his drivel.
We cant ignore the coaching situation as it affects whether we will make any progress on the pitch during this tour or head into the atumn on a losing streak of 10 matches!

This is a forum site so of course everyone can say what they like, but..........

No he doesnt say it as it is at all.............. He just spouts drivel, mostly one liners with no basis or backup, how about this criticise Robinson with new examples and perhaps offer alternatives.

SO YES WE KNOW 21C IS NOT AR's BIGGEST FAN, but apart from Desperates' inclusion, Morrison, and the odd back row forward out of position, which we have all more or less agreed with him on that score, what else doesn't he like about AR. Now he's banging on about an east v west divide which also isnt there.

I don't agree with you that we are not progressing on the field, Glasgow are doing well, and we have got to a semi, I have played or supported Scottish rugby for the best part of fourty five years and we have definitely been in worse positions. We are not winning and that has to be addressed of course.

But jeeze how about talking about picking some new stones to stone the SRU coaches with

[Imperialbigdave]

Lads, just cause 21st says it as it is doesnt mean he should stop saying it!
Much of the chat about the composition of this squad is probably academic as Robinson is unlikely to change his broken record in terms of selection and game strategy.
Maybe he will, who knows, miracles have happened, apparently (red sea parting etc. etc.).
However the fact that Robinson is still captain of our sinking international ship hasnt changed just because the 6N's are finished. Dods' comments about Robinson being likely to see out the remainder of his 4 year contract made me almost throw up into my porridge when i read his drivel.
We cant ignore the coaching situation as it affects whether we will make any progress on the pitch during this tour or head into the atumn on a losing streak of 10 matches!

This is a forum site so of course everyone can say what they like, but..........

No he doesnt say it as it is at all.............. He just spouts drivel, mostly one liners with no basis or backup, how about this criticise Robinson with new examples and perhaps offer alternatives.

SO YES WE KNOW 21C IS NOT AR's BIGGEST FAN, but apart from Desperates' inclusion, Morrison, and the odd back row forward out of position, which we have all more or less agreed with him on that score, what else doesn't he like about AR. Now he's banging on about an east v west divide which also isnt there.

I don't agree with you that we are not progressing on the field, Glasgow are doing well, and we have got to a semi, I have played or supported Scottish rugby for the best part of fourty five years and we have definitely been in worse positions. We are not winning and that has to be addressed of course.

But jeeze how about talking about picking some new stones to stone the SRU coaches with

+1.

99% of his posts are just some dig at Robinson. Of course hes entitled to his opinion, and im inclined to agree that Robinson is overstaying his welcome, but he made his point months ago and has since just rolled out personal insults at him anytime anyone mentions scottish rugby.

[sensisball]

I would agree that most of the time 21st shoots from the hip in not the most eloquent of ways, but when we are faced with Robinson's complete inability to make the best of what we have in the two pro teams then i for one can sympathise with where he's coming from.

Until AR shows some ability to select an appropriate squad and provide an effective game plan you wont find me forgetting about the last 12 months of mistakes compunded by bigger mistakes by Robinson and his coaching staff.

By the by, one fact that the SRU have kept on the QT and very hush, hush: Gregor Townsend has been sent down under to NZ to "learn some tips" from some of the coaches of the S15 Kiwi franchises. Shows the SRU are clearly confident that Toonie has the requisite experience to flourish at Glasgow then?

How's that for a new stone to toss at the SRU mangement?

[Sponsored content]