Scotland v Australia, 23 November

Scotland v Australia
 
23 November 2013, KO: 18:00
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
 
Referee: Jaco Peyper (RSA)
AR1: Pascal Gauzere (FRA)
AR2: Francisco Pastrana (ARG)
TMO: Geoff Warren (ENG)
 
LIVE on BBC
 
A. Teams:
 
1. Jessies
 
15 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps, 1 try, 5 points
14 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 40 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Duncan Taylor (Saracens) 5 caps
11 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 81 caps, 12 tries, 60 points

10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps, 1 try, 2 conversions, 9 points
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps, 3 tries, 23 conversions, 49 penalties, 208 points

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) 12 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 70 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 22 caps
4 Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby)
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) 49 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) 25 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) 59 caps, 4 tries, 20 points CAPTAIN
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 16 caps
 
16 Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors) 2 caps
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) 29 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors) 57 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
19 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors)
20 Kieran Low (London Irish) uncapped
21 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 63 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
22 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 23 caps, 3 conversions, 2 penalties, 2 drop-goals 18 points
23 Max Evans (Castres) 36 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
  
2. Wallabies

15 Israel Folau
14 Joe Tomane
13 Christian Leali'ifano
12 Mike Harris
11 Chris Feauai-Sautia
10 Quade Cooper
9 Will Genia
 
8 Ben Mowen (capt)
7 Michael Hooper
6 Scott Fardy
5 James Horwill
4 Rob Simmons
3 Sekope Kepu
2 Stephen Moore
1 James Slipper
 
16 Saia Fainga'a
17 Ben Alexander
18 Paddy Ryan
19 Sitaleki Timani
20 Ben McCalman
21 Nic White
22 Nick Phipps
23 Bernard Foley
 
B. Recent Form - last seven
 
1. Scotland
 
Scotland - South Africa 0-28
Scotland - Italy 30-29
South Africa - Scotland 30-17
Samoa - Scotland 27-17
France - Scotland 23-16
Scotland - Wales 18-28
Scotland - Ireland 12-8
 
2. Australia
 
15-32 Ireland - Australia
20-13 England - Australia
41-33 New Zealand - Australia
17-54 Argentina - Australia
28-8 South Africa - Australia
14-13 Australia - Argentina
12-38 Australia - South Africa
 
C. Recent Form - head to head
 
5 June 2012, Hunter Stadium, Newcastle
Scotland Tour of Australasia
Australia 6 – 9 Scotland
 
21 November 2009, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
2009 Autumn International
Scotland 9 – 8 Australia
 
25 November 2006, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
2006 Autumn International
Scotland 15 – 44 Australia
 
20 November 2004, Hampden Park, Glasgow
2004 Autumn International
Scotland 17 – 31 Australia
 
6 November 2004, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
2004 Autumn International  
Scotland 14 – 31 Australia

Good job GC!  

Much better than RDW would've done!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Much better than RDW would've done!

I fully accept that!

So what do we do at 12? I'm getting panicked.

Can you do us a favour and actually give them a game ?  

I was thinking about what team I’d pick, and I really am stumped in the centres. The ‘safe’ option is pick De Luca or Lamont, but neither of those fill me with confidence. We can’t give Bennet his first cap out of position at 12, so that only really leaves Taylor. I wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor is completely shell shocked after yesterday, and has spent all night sitting rocking quietly in a corner saying ‘don’t pass me the ball, don’t pass me the ball’ over and over again.

I don't see how we can dispense with Taylor after just one outing. Let's face it, he was never going to look good while our forwards were getting eaten alive/making so many mistakes. None of our backs came out of the game smelling of roses.

While Dunbar, Horne and Scott are injured, Taylor is our best bet. He's not brilliant, but he's not terrible for a fourth choice 12.

So, my team would be

Grant, MacArthur, Low
Swinson, Gray Jnr,
Brown (c), Denton, Barclay
Cusiter, Weir,
Seymour, Taylor, Bennett, Lamont,
Maitland

Bench - Dickinson, Murray, Lawson, Gray Snr, Fusaro, Laidlaw, Jackson, NDL.

Captain_Sensible wrote:I don't see how we can dispense with Taylor after just one outing. Let's face it, he was never going to look good while our forwards were getting eaten alive/making so many mistakes. None of our backs came out of the game smelling of roses.

While Dunbar, Horne and Scott are injured, Taylor is our best bet. He's not brilliant, but he's not terrible for a fourth choice 12.

So, my team would be

Grant, MacArthur, Low
Swinson, Gray Jnr,
Brown (c), Denton, Barclay
Cusiter, Weir,
Seymour, Taylor, Bennett, Lamont,
Maitland

Bench - Dickinson, Murray, Lawson, Gray Snr, Fusaro, Laidlaw, Jackson, NDL.

I hate to be the voice of doom and gloom but I don't think that team is a fair representation of what happened yesterday.

Dickinson plaed very well and held up in the scrum. Can't drop him for Grant IMO. Gray Jr and Swinson? Who runs the lineout? It was already a disaster and we want to give Gray Jr his 1st cap and Swinson isn't exactly a veteran.

As for Taylor he was so out of his depth on Sunday I'm surprised he didn't feign injury just to get the hell out of there. I'm not saying scrap him, but if he couldn't handle the Boks why do we think he'll do any better against Oz?

2nd row is also a difficult call, but for less depressing reasons. I hope he isn’t picked, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hamilton started in a bid to try to rectify the lineout calamities. It seems the only players who can call a lineout are Hamilton, Kellock, and Gray jnr, but should we give Gray jnr that job on his 1st start?

Ideally I’d have Swinson and Gray snr, but neither of those are lineout men.

It seems strange to say Gray snr isn't a lineout man when he's 6ft 9...

Captain_Sensible wrote:I don't see how we can dispense with Taylor after just one outing. Let's face it, he was never going to look good while our forwards were getting eaten alive/making so many mistakes. None of our backs came out of the game smelling of roses.

While Dunbar, Horne and Scott are injured, Taylor is our best bet. He's not brilliant, but he's not terrible for a fourth choice 12.

So, my team would be

Grant, MacArthur, Low
Swinson, Gray Jnr,
Brown (c), Denton, Barclay
Cusiter, Weir,
Seymour, Taylor, Bennett, Lamont,
Maitland

Bench - Dickinson, Murray, Lawson, Gray Snr, Fusaro, Laidlaw, Jackson, NDL.

Pretty much where I end up as well, although I'd switch Murray and Gray Snr into the 1st XV for Low and Gray Jnr. I'd switch Barclay and Fusaro as well, and probably give Beattie a start in place of Denton. Agree with the backline, Taylor should start at 12 with Bennett given a home debut at 13.

We can't play as badly on Saturday....surely....

This selection is particularly interesting in light of SJ's interviews earlier in the month. For example, he said that Fusaro had earned a chance and wanted to see him play. However, from the reports I've read (and as I freely admit, I didn't see the game), Barclay was one of our best players and should be aching this morning from the kicking that he must have taken in those rucks. Is SJ really going to use a bench spot for a pure openside?
 
He also said he wanted to see Bennett, whom I've also assumed would play in the Australia game. With AAC banned and a Kuridrani/Toomua combo talented but internationally inexperienced, I would still hope to see him. I think that risking two youngsters in Taylor and Bennett is a lesser evil than playing De Luca yet again when we know exactly what we will get.

Will their 13 be banned for his red card against Ireland?

With AAC ruled out they are going to have inexperienced backs too.

George Carlin wrote:This selection is particularly interesting in light of SJ's interviews earlier in the month. For example, he said that Fusaro had earned a chance and wanted to see him play. However, from the reports I've read (and as I freely admit, I didn't see the game), Barclay was one of our best players and should be aching this morning from the kicking that he must have taken in those rucks. Is SJ really going to use a bench spot for a pure openside?
 
He also said he wanted to see Bennett, whom I've also assumed would play in the Australia game. With AAC banned and a Kuridrani/Toomua combo talented but internationally inexperienced, I would still hope to see him. I think that risking two youngsters in Taylor and Bennett is a lesser evil than playing De Luca yet again when we know exactly what we will get.

Kuridrani will miss the game as well through his red card. So it will be Toomua and ???

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:I don't see how we can dispense with Taylor after just one outing. Let's face it, he was never going to look good while our forwards were getting eaten alive/making so many mistakes. None of our backs came out of the game smelling of roses.

While Dunbar, Horne and Scott are injured, Taylor is our best bet. He's not brilliant, but he's not terrible for a fourth choice 12.

So, my team would be

Grant, MacArthur, Low
Swinson, Gray Jnr,
Brown (c), Denton, Barclay
Cusiter, Weir,
Seymour, Taylor, Bennett, Lamont,
Maitland

Bench - Dickinson, Murray, Lawson, Gray Snr, Fusaro, Laidlaw, Jackson, NDL.

I hate to be the voice of doom and gloom but I don't think that team is a fair representation of what happened yesterday.

Dickinson plaed very well and held up in the scrum. Can't drop him for Grant IMO. Gray Jr and Swinson? Who runs the lineout? It was already a disaster and we want to give Gray Jr his 1st cap and Swinson isn't exactly a veteran.

As for Taylor he was so out of his depth on Sunday I'm surprised he didn't feign injury just to get the hell out of there. I'm not saying scrap him, but if he couldn't handle the Boks why do we think he'll do any better against Oz?

The Dickinson/Grant call is marginal - I wouldn't be fussed either way, to be honest. In a Swinson/Gray Jnr lock combo, Gray Jnr would run the lineout. With MacArthur throwing, that's a familiar, all-Glasgow combination. Can't be worse than what was produced yesterday.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:This selection is particularly interesting in light of SJ's interviews earlier in the month. For example, he said that Fusaro had earned a chance and wanted to see him play. However, from the reports I've read (and as I freely admit, I didn't see the game), Barclay was one of our best players and should be aching this morning from the kicking that he must have taken in those rucks. Is SJ really going to use a bench spot for a pure openside?
 
He also said he wanted to see Bennett, whom I've also assumed would play in the Australia game. With AAC banned and a Kuridrani/Toomua combo talented but internationally inexperienced, I would still hope to see him. I think that risking two youngsters in Taylor and Bennett is a lesser evil than playing De Luca yet again when we know exactly what we will get.

Kuridrani will miss the game as well through his red card. So it will be Toomua and ???

Another good reason to give Bennett his home debut, and I think Taylor will want the opportunity to set the record straight as well.

I've slept on it and I've decided that Weir was also poopie against the Bok

I've changed my team only slightly

Grant - Incumbant returning form injury - Harsh on Dickinson total 50/50 call really as Dicko hasnt done anything wrong.
Wee pat - Ford just needs dropped. it may give him the kick in the jacksie he needs? But he cannot carry on as he is
Rev - Same as at loosehead, Incumbant
Snr Gray - We'll need his height at lineout and bulk in the loose
Swinson - We need his "forcefulness" Motm on his last outing, deserves his spot back
Brown (6) - We need our captain playing in his normal position
Barclay - We need an openside playing
Beattie - Far better option than Denton. Denton does not pass or offload in the tackle. Time for beattie to be given his shot

Laidlaw - Needs to speed his service up or risk loosing his place but against the Bok he was on the back foot as the forwards were mullered at the breakdown
Heathcote - Wacko Jacko is too wacko and Weir is not the answer. Weir was like a rabbit in the headlights when he came on on Sunday.
Shlong - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Taylor - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Baby Bennett - I want him to get a run out. I can see NDL keeping his place as like the two above, he did nothing wrong on Sunday, just never got any decent ball to attack with
Seamour - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Maitland - He needs to sort his head out. Lions/court case may be effecting him. Sort it or ask to be played on the wing or be dropped!

We can beat the Ozzies. A Backlash is required.

We will need a fast, mobile backrow which is why I've reunited the killer B's

Its been said time and time again. Games are won at the breakdown. Forwards will win or lose you a game. The backs just decide by how much!

If heathcote does get on an performs, then the SRU need to make sure he is getting regular rugby. If that means moving him to Edinburgh, then so be it!

What this AI series has taught us is that we really still struggle when we get injuries. We still lack depth in many positions!

Bugger it, my team:

1 Grant (harsh on Dickinson)
2 McArthur
3 Murray
4 Gray snr (it's about time he took on lineout responsibility)
5 Swinson
6 Brown
7 Fusaro
8 Denton
9 Laidlaw (deserves a chance to amend for his poor performance)
10 Weir
11 Seymour
12 Taylor
13 Messiah
14 Lamont
15 Maitland

Subs Dickinson, Lawson, Cross, Gray jnr, Barclay, Cusiter, Heathcoat, Evans

This is a fairly inexperienced team, but why the hell not. Let's face it by beating Japan we've already achieved the bare minimum, and no one really thought we'd beat SA and Aus. Aus will have an inexperienced backline too, and let's face it they can't do worse than the one yesterday.

That team would inject some excitement into the public, and would hopefully make for a more entertaining game than yesterday (not difficult).

tigertattie wrote:I've slept on it and I've decided that Weir was also poopie against the Bok

I've changed my team only slightly

Grant - Incumbant returning form injury - Harsh on Dickinson total 50/50 call really as Dicko hasnt done anything wrong.
Wee pat - Ford just needs dropped. it may give him the kick in the jacksie he needs? But he cannot carry on as he is
Rev - Same as at loosehead, Incumbant
Snr Gray - We'll need his height at lineout and bulk in the loose
Swinson - We need his "forcefulness" Motm on his last outing, deserves his spot back
Brown (6) - We need our captain playing in his normal position
Barclay - We need an openside playing
Beattie - Far better option than Denton. Denton does not pass or offload in the tackle. Time for beattie to be given his shot

Laidlaw - Needs to speed his service up or risk loosing his place but against the Bok he was on the back foot as the forwards were mullered at the breakdown
Heathcote - Wacko Jacko is too wacko and Weir is not the answer. Weir was like a rabbit in the headlights when he came on on Sunday.
Shlong - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Taylor - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Baby Bennett - I want him to get a run out.  I can see NDL keeping his place as like the two above, he did nothing wrong on Sunday, just never got any decent ball to attack with
Seamour - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Maitland - He needs to sort his head out.  Lions/court case may be effecting him.  Sort it or ask to be played on the wing or be dropped!

We can beat the Ozzies.  A Backlash is required.

We will need a fast, mobile backrow which is why I've reunited the killer B's

Its been said time and time again. Games are won at the breakdown. Forwards will win or lose you a game.  The backs just decide by how much!

If heathcote does get on an performs, then the SRU need to make sure he is getting regular rugby. If that means moving him to Edinburgh, then so be it!

What this AI series has taught us is that we really still struggle when we get injuries.  We still lack depth in many positions!

Can't agree with that comment. Sean Lamont for al the good he did do, butchered our best chance at a try by ignoring a 3 man overlap and kicking the ball out on the full. Cheers Sean!

Lamonts problem is his pride. He gets a bee in his bonnet and takes too much on himself and is generally a ball greedy bam when he does. It's not as if we are spoiled for choice at the moment but I wouldn't be opposed to putting Tonks in at 15 and moving Maitland back to the wing.

Maitland's kicking game isn't good enough at 15 for my liking.

tigertattie wrote:I've slept on it and I've decided that Weir was also poopie against the Bok

I've changed my team only slightly

Grant - Incumbant returning form injury - Harsh on Dickinson total 50/50 call really as Dicko hasnt done anything wrong.
Wee pat - Ford just needs dropped. it may give him the kick in the jacksie he needs? But he cannot carry on as he is
Rev - Same as at loosehead, Incumbant
Snr Gray - We'll need his height at lineout and bulk in the loose
Swinson - We need his "forcefulness" Motm on his last outing, deserves his spot back
Brown (6) - We need our captain playing in his normal position
Barclay - We need an openside playing
Beattie - Far better option than Denton. Denton does not pass or offload in the tackle. Time for beattie to be given his shot

Laidlaw - Needs to speed his service up or risk loosing his place but against the Bok he was on the back foot as the forwards were mullered at the breakdown
Heathcote - Wacko Jacko is too wacko and Weir is not the answer. Weir was like a rabbit in the headlights when he came on on Sunday.
Shlong - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Taylor - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Baby Bennett - I want him to get a run out.  I can see NDL keeping his place as like the two above, he did nothing wrong on Sunday, just never got any decent ball to attack with
Seamour - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Maitland - He needs to sort his head out.  Lions/court case may be effecting him.  Sort it or ask to be played on the wing or be dropped!

We can beat the Ozzies.  A Backlash is required.

We will need a fast, mobile backrow which is why I've reunited the killer B's

Its been said time and time again. Games are won at the breakdown. Forwards will win or lose you a game.  The backs just decide by how much!

If heathcote does get on an performs, then the SRU need to make sure he is getting regular rugby. If that means moving him to Edinburgh, then so be it!

What this AI series has taught us is that we really still struggle when we get injuries.  We still lack depth in many positions!

Bit harsh to call time on Weir when he came on with the team 0-28 down. He was trying to chase the game and create something, which is very different from being a controlling influence from the start. A few errors, but nothing disastrous. I'd start him vs Aus.

Captain_Sensible wrote:

tigertattie wrote:I've slept on it and I've decided that Weir was also poopie against the Bok

I've changed my team only slightly

Grant - Incumbant returning form injury - Harsh on Dickinson total 50/50 call really as Dicko hasnt done anything wrong.
Wee pat - Ford just needs dropped. it may give him the kick in the jacksie he needs? But he cannot carry on as he is
Rev - Same as at loosehead, Incumbant
Snr Gray - We'll need his height at lineout and bulk in the loose
Swinson - We need his "forcefulness" Motm on his last outing, deserves his spot back
Brown (6) - We need our captain playing in his normal position
Barclay - We need an openside playing
Beattie - Far better option than Denton. Denton does not pass or offload in the tackle. Time for beattie to be given his shot

Laidlaw - Needs to speed his service up or risk loosing his place but against the Bok he was on the back foot as the forwards were mullered at the breakdown
Heathcote - Wacko Jacko is too wacko and Weir is not the answer. Weir was like a rabbit in the headlights when he came on on Sunday.
Shlong - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Taylor - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Baby Bennett - I want him to get a run out.  I can see NDL keeping his place as like the two above, he did nothing wrong on Sunday, just never got any decent ball to attack with
Seamour - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Maitland - He needs to sort his head out.  Lions/court case may be effecting him.  Sort it or ask to be played on the wing or be dropped!

We can beat the Ozzies.  A Backlash is required.

We will need a fast, mobile backrow which is why I've reunited the killer B's

Its been said time and time again. Games are won at the breakdown. Forwards will win or lose you a game.  The backs just decide by how much!

If heathcote does get on an performs, then the SRU need to make sure he is getting regular rugby. If that means moving him to Edinburgh, then so be it!

What this AI series has taught us is that we really still struggle when we get injuries.  We still lack depth in many positions!

Bit harsh to call time on Weir when he came on with the team 0-28 down. He was trying to chase the game and create something, which is very different from being a controlling influence from the start. A few errors, but nothing disastrous. I'd start him vs Aus.

From the other thread, felt it was pertinent.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Our fly halfs weren't exactly stellar. In fact they created more for the Bokke line than Lambie did.

Jackson put le Roux into space for his well taken try and Weir nearly put de Villiers in for another.

Our flyhalfs pretty much embarrassed themselves.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

tigertattie wrote:I've slept on it and I've decided that Weir was also poopie against the Bok

I've changed my team only slightly

Grant - Incumbant returning form injury - Harsh on Dickinson total 50/50 call really as Dicko hasnt done anything wrong.
Wee pat - Ford just needs dropped. it may give him the kick in the jacksie he needs? But he cannot carry on as he is
Rev - Same as at loosehead, Incumbant
Snr Gray - We'll need his height at lineout and bulk in the loose
Swinson - We need his "forcefulness" Motm on his last outing, deserves his spot back
Brown (6) - We need our captain playing in his normal position
Barclay - We need an openside playing
Beattie - Far better option than Denton. Denton does not pass or offload in the tackle. Time for beattie to be given his shot

Laidlaw - Needs to speed his service up or risk loosing his place but against the Bok he was on the back foot as the forwards were mullered at the breakdown
Heathcote - Wacko Jacko is too wacko and Weir is not the answer. Weir was like a rabbit in the headlights when he came on on Sunday.
Shlong - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Taylor - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Baby Bennett - I want him to get a run out.  I can see NDL keeping his place as like the two above, he did nothing wrong on Sunday, just never got any decent ball to attack with
Seamour - Did nothing wrong - never got any attacking ball on Sunday
Maitland - He needs to sort his head out.  Lions/court case may be effecting him.  Sort it or ask to be played on the wing or be dropped!

We can beat the Ozzies.  A Backlash is required.

We will need a fast, mobile backrow which is why I've reunited the killer B's

Its been said time and time again. Games are won at the breakdown. Forwards will win or lose you a game.  The backs just decide by how much!

If heathcote does get on an performs, then the SRU need to make sure he is getting regular rugby. If that means moving him to Edinburgh, then so be it!

What this AI series has taught us is that we really still struggle when we get injuries.  We still lack depth in many positions!

Bit harsh to call time on Weir when he came on with the team 0-28 down. He was trying to chase the game and create something, which is very different from being a controlling influence from the start. A few errors, but nothing disastrous. I'd start him vs Aus.

From the other thread, felt it was pertinent.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Our fly halfs weren't exactly stellar. In fact they created more for the Bokke line than Lambie did.

Jackson put le Roux into space for his well taken try and Weir nearly put de Villiers in for another.

Our flyhalfs pretty much embarrassed themselves.

I'm not arguing that Weir had some bad moments, but you've got to see his performance in the context of the game as a whole, the point where he came on, and what he felt he had to do when he came on. Do you recognise the difference in a fly half's play when he's on from the start and when he comes on mid-way through the 2nd half facing a 0-28 scoreline?

Of course, but Weir seemed to come on and make a bad situation worse. Jackson was poor but at least Weir came on when we seemed to have more of the ball.

In truth noone on the backline came out looking good apart from NDL who actually had a good game.

I'm not saying we should cast Weir and Jackson to the wilderness but Heathcote would be my pick to start against Oz.

Heathcoat has barely played all season!

It has to be Weir IMO.

Yeah its a fair point with Weir coming on 28 points down!

I think Scotland should opt to play with 15 props! We dont need wingers and kicking 10s and all that malarky!

Up the jumper rugby for us from now on!

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:This selection is particularly interesting in light of SJ's interviews earlier in the month. For example, he said that Fusaro had earned a chance and wanted to see him play. However, from the reports I've read (and as I freely admit, I didn't see the game), Barclay was one of our best players and should be aching this morning from the kicking that he must have taken in those rucks. Is SJ really going to use a bench spot for a pure openside?
 
He also said he wanted to see Bennett, whom I've also assumed would play in the Australia game. With AAC banned and a Kuridrani/Toomua combo talented but internationally inexperienced, I would still hope to see him. I think that risking two youngsters in Taylor and Bennett is a lesser evil than playing De Luca yet again when we know exactly what we will get.

Kuridrani will miss the game as well through his red card. So it will be Toomua and ???

 
 
I think it will have to be one of Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia (who I don't think has a cap yet). Kuridrani has an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing in London on Tuesday but I don't think misses the next game unless he's formally suspended at the hearing. But we know how the IRB feels about tip tackles, don't we....
 
What might be more worrying is that this means the Wallabies only have four fit props left - Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, James Slipper and Paddy Ryan.
 
All joking aside, you have to admire McKenzie for his strong leadership. He's chosen to make an example of the players rather than dealing with this internally. Gregor Townsend needs to take note as he may have a major disciplinary decision of his own to make soon.

RDW_Scotland wrote:It seems strange to say Gray snr isn't a lineout man when he's 6ft 9...

But interestingly Gray beag is a lineout man - he went out of his way a few years back to learn how to run one properly, so I understand

RDW_Scotland wrote:Heathcoat has barely played all season!

It has to be Weir IMO.

Precisely, the lad has been making cameo appearances of the bench at best - we need to persevere with either Rhubarb or Meatball - I just don't think there is any choice. There simply is no evidence to suggest that Heathcote will fare any better

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:This selection is particularly interesting in light of SJ's interviews earlier in the month. For example, he said that Fusaro had earned a chance and wanted to see him play. However, from the reports I've read (and as I freely admit, I didn't see the game), Barclay was one of our best players and should be aching this morning from the kicking that he must have taken in those rucks. Is SJ really going to use a bench spot for a pure openside?
 
He also said he wanted to see Bennett, whom I've also assumed would play in the Australia game. With AAC banned and a Kuridrani/Toomua combo talented but internationally inexperienced, I would still hope to see him. I think that risking two youngsters in Taylor and Bennett is a lesser evil than playing De Luca yet again when we know exactly what we will get.

Kuridrani will miss the game as well through his red card. So it will be Toomua and ???

 
 
I think it will have to be one of Joe Tomane and Chris Feauai-Sautia (who I don't think has a cap yet). Kuridrani has an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing in London on Tuesday but I don't think misses the next game unless he's formally suspended at the hearing. But we know how the IRB feels about tip tackles, don't we....
 
What might be more worrying is that this means the Wallabies only have four fit props left - Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, James Slipper and Paddy Ryan.
 
All joking aside, you have to admire McKenzie for his strong leadership. He's chosen to make an example of the players rather than dealing with this internally. Gregor Townsend needs to take note as he may have a major disciplinary decision of his own to make soon.

I agree on McKenzie's leadership, but it's not the same situation that Toonie is currently facing - police involved, guy with fractured eye socket, etc. - it was only the lads on the lash, nobody hurt and late to bed

In all this excitement, we've barely noticed that Mark of Nazereth has just signed a new three year deal with the Warriors.

George Carlin wrote:In all this excitement, we've barely noticed that Mark of Nazereth has just signed a new three year deal with the Warriors.

It's a four year deal, up to May 2017.

Just read that the Aussies were out boozing midweek, not after the Ireland game!

I know they were in Ireland and 'when in Rome' and all that, but that was pretty stupid of them!

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:In all this excitement, we've barely noticed that Mark of Nazereth has just signed a new three year deal with the Warriors.

It's a four year deal, up to May 2017.

It's a miracle!

George Carlin wrote:

Captain_Sensible wrote:

George Carlin wrote:In all this excitement, we've barely noticed that Mark of Nazereth has just signed a new three year deal with the Warriors.

It's a four year deal, up to May 2017.

It's a miracle!

Good business, as they should be able to renew before he stars on the 2017 Lions tour.

1 Grant
2 Ford - lol - only joking McArthur
3 Murray
4 Hamilton = not been impressed with Gray Snr so far and Hamilton is only one that runs the line out
5 Swinson
6 Brown
7 Barclay - Our best player on Sunday)
8 Beattie - Denton has puffed and huffed throuhg 2 games, been ok, but lets give the b's a chance
9 Cussiter (looked lively when came on)
10 Weir
11 Seymour
12 Taylor (feel harsh the drop so quickly, we are about developing players and one game in a shocking team performance is not fair to judge)
13 NDL
14 Lamont
15 Maitland

RDW_Scotland wrote:Just read that the Aussies were out boozing midweek, not after the Ireland game!

I know they were in Ireland and 'when in Rome' and all that, but that was pretty stupid of them!

Have you tried 'boozing' in Ireland recently ? Need a 2nd mortgage !

Someone needs to smuggle some bottles of grouse into the Ozzie hotel on friday night!

You mean its not on tap ?  

tigertattie wrote:Someone needs to smuggle some bottles of grouse into the Ozzie hotel on friday night!

...and a few laptops. Cooper will never resist the temptation!

Back to the 2nd rows, the one player that has been overlooked on here is Gilchrist. I know he's not held in too high esteem on here, especially by our western brethren, but SJ seems to be a big fan.

He may yet feature on the bench. I'd rather he was in the Edinburgh team for the Ulster game.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Back to the 2nd rows, the one player that has been overlooked on here is Gilchrist.  I know he's not held in too high esteem on here, especially by our western brethren, but SJ seems to be a big fan.

He may yet feature on the bench. I'd rather he was in the Edinburgh team for the Ulster game.

He's not exactly been on form this season, RDW, and hasn't built on his performances from last season - still a young lad tho, so plenty of time to come good. Happy to see him turn out for you vs Ulster on Fri

Lock is the least of our problems. The Ozzies will ask a lot of questions of our midfield, I don't think we have any answers at the moment.

Richie Vernon to 12?

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Lock is the least of our problems. The Ozzies will ask a lot of questions of our midfield, I don't think we have any answers at the moment.

Richie Vernon to 12?

Richie Vernon-12, you mean?!

You're right, 10-12-13 remains a work in progress, and is exposed when there are injuries to key players

I don't think Gilchrist deserves to be involved. Swinson absolutely must start, and I think Richie Gray should as well. That leaves Hamilton and Gray Jnr fighting for that bench slot.

Gilchrist just needs to get back to Edinburgh and improve. Working on his lineout skills would be a good idea, perhaps learning from Sean Cox in lineout calling. Until his performances pick up, I can't see him jumping ahead of Richie Gray and the remarkably consistent Tim Swinson.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Lock is the least of our problems. The Ozzies will ask a lot of questions of our midfield, I don't think we have any answers at the moment.

Richie Vernon to 12?

Richie Vernon-12, you mean?!

You're right, 10-12-13 remains a work in progress, and is exposed when there are injuries to key players

To be fair we are pretty unlucky to have injuries to Horne, Dunbar and Scott all at the same time. Taylor is probably our 4th choice 12, and given that he's a regular starter at 12 for Saracens in the Aviva at present is fairly impressive given that 4 years ago Graeme Morrison was first choice (with Sean Lamont 2nd choice).

At 13 we lost Joe Ansbro to injury and for some reason Alex Grove has fallen out of favour completely. SJ also seems reluctant to give Bennett a chance. Still, we have some options with Grove and Bennett, we just need SJ to give them a chance.

I'm not saying Gilchrist should be involved, just that he may be, knowing that SJ thinks highly of him.

Nah. I'm still going to advocate a team of 15 props!

tigertattie wrote:Nah. I'm still going to advocate a team of 15 props!

I may not have been the most nimble of players but I would never pass like Jackson and Weir did for the intercept try and the potential intercept try.

Even Barclay was going ape poopie at Weir, look back at the replay and  

funnyExiledScot wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Lock is the least of our problems. The Ozzies will ask a lot of questions of our midfield, I don't think we have any answers at the moment.

Richie Vernon to 12?

Richie Vernon-12, you mean?!

You're right, 10-12-13 remains a work in progress, and is exposed when there are injuries to key players

To be fair we are pretty unlucky to have injuries to Horne, Dunbar and Scott all at the same time. Taylor is probably our 4th choice 12, and given that he's a regular starter at 12 for Saracens in the Aviva at present is fairly impressive given that 4 years ago Graeme Morrison was first choice (with Sean Lamont 2nd choice).

At 13 we lost Joe Ansbro to injury and for some reason Alex Grove has fallen out of favour completely. SJ also seems reluctant to give Bennett a chance. Still, we have some options with Grove and Bennett, we just need SJ to give them a chance.

To be fair to Taylor, this is really his first season in the AP, prior to this he's been playing with Bedford in the championship. He's come in to fill the gap created by Brad Barritt's injury and done fairly well for Sarries, so he certainly merits his chance. Plus I don't think we should condemn him on the basis of his performance against the Bokke. But I'm not convinced that he should be/will be paired with Bennett in yet another midfield partnership - simply too green for me