Italy v Scotland, 22 February

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Italy  v Scotland 

Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Saturday 22 February 2014
KO 14:30

Referee: Steve Walsh (ARU)
First Assistant: Jérôme Garces (FFR)
Second Assistant: Luke Pearce (RFU)
TMO: Geoff Warren (RFU)

A. Squads

1. Italy

Forwards: Martin Castrogiovanni (Toulon/FRA), Lorenzo Cittadini (Treviso), Alberto De Marchi (Treviso), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Treviso), Davide Giazzon (Zebre), Marco Bortolami (Zebre), Francesco Minto (Treviso), Quintin Geldenhuys (Zebre), Antonio Pavanello (Treviso), Robert Barbieri (Treviso), Mauro Bergamasco (Zebre), Paul Derbyshire (Treviso), Joshua Furno (Biarritz/FRA), Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais/FRA), Alessandro Zanni (Treviso)

Backs: Tobias Botes (Treviso), Edoardo Gori (Treviso), Tommaso Allan (Perpignan/FRA), Luciano Orquera (Zebre), Tommaso Benvenuti (Perpignan/FRA), Michele Campagnaro (Treviso), Gonzalo Garcia (Zebre), Alberto Sgarbi (Treviso), Mirco Bergamasco (Rovigo), Angelo Esposito (Treviso), Tommaso Iannone (Zebre), Luke McLean (Treviso), Guglielmo Palazzani (Zebre), Leonardo Sarto (Zebre)

2. Scotland

Forwards: John Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford (all Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Grant, Jonny Gray (both Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Kieran Low (London Irish), Moray Low, Pat MacArthur (both Glasgow Warriors), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson (both Glasgow Warriors).

Backs: Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres), Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby), Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Lamont (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors).
 
B. Previous Form

9 February 2013: Scotland 34-10 Italy

17 March 2012: Italy 13-6 Scotland

19 March 2011: Scotland 21-8 Italy

C. Teams

1. Italy

15 Luke MCLEAN (Benetton Treviso, 54 caps)
14 Angelo ESPOSITO (Benetton Treviso, 1 cap)
13 Michele CAMPAGNARO (Benetton Treviso, 4 caps)
12 Gonzalo GARCIA (Zebre Rugby, 30 caps)
11 Leonardo SARTO (Zebre Rugby, 4 caps)
10 Tommaso ALLAN (Perpignan, 5 caps)
9 Edoardo GORI (Benetton Treviso, 31 caps)

8 Sergio PARISSE (Stade Francais, 103 caps)(c)
7 Robert BARBIERI (Benetton Treviso, 32 caps)
6 Alessandro ZANNI (Benetton Treviso, 82 caps)
5 Joshua FURNO (Biarritz Olympique, 15 caps)
4 Quintin GELDENHUYS (Zebre Rugby, 43 caps)
3 Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (Toulon RC, 103 caps)
2 Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Benetton Treviso, 61 caps)
1 Alberto DE MARCHI (Benetton Treviso, 14 caps)

Substitutes:

16 Davide GIAZZON (Zebre Rugby, 17 caps)
17 Matias AGUERO (Zebre Rugby, 22 caps)
18 Lorenzo CITTADINI (Benetton Treviso, 29 caps)
19 Marco BORTOLAMI (Zebre Rugby, 101 caps)
20 Paul DERBYSHIRE (Benetton Treviso, 20 caps)
21 Tobias Weitz BOTES (Benetton Treviso, 21 caps)
22 Luciano ORQUERA (Zebre Rugby, 38 caps)
23 Tommaso IANNONE (Zebre, 8 caps)

2. Scotland

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors)
13 Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
11 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors)
10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) capitano

8 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier)
7 Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier)
4 Richie Gray (Castres)
3 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons)
1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors)

Substitutes

16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby)
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby)
19 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors
20 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)
21 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 

22 Duncan Taylor (Saracens)
23 Max Evans (Castres)

You can certainly make a case for retaining both Hamilton and Lamont, I'm not going to say otherwise. It comes down to opinion, but I just think you get so much more workrate from Swinson, and whilst Lamont can bust through holes with power, his pace just isn't what I'm looking for in a winger, and I think Evans is a better finisher.

Still, we're not talking about slam dunk decisions here. Perfectly valid reasons for Hamilton and S Lamont to be retained.

I still don't like Wilson at 6 though, and can't see a good reason not to replace him with either Brown, Strokosch or (if you want someone for the future) Harley. Wilson was a bit better against Italy, but that seemed to reflect a better performance overall. He doesn't look like a player who can influence the tide, whereas I think the other options are all a bit more robust and physical. I'd actually prefer Denton to Wilson at 6.

The most interesting thing about the France game will be to see how Weir gets on with a bit more confidence. He must be buzzing after nailing that drop goal, and hopefully we'll see that flow into the game against France.

funnyExiledScot wrote:You can certainly make a case for retaining both Hamilton and Lamont, I'm not going to say otherwise. It comes down to opinion, but I just think you get so much more workrate from Swinson, and whilst Lamont can bust through holes with power, his pace just isn't what I'm looking for in a winger, and I think Evans is a better finisher.

Still, we're not talking about slam dunk decisions here. Perfectly valid reasons for Hamilton and S Lamont to be retained.

I still don't like Wilson at 6 though, and can't see a good reason not to replace him with either Brown, Strokosch or (if you want someone for the future) Harley. Wilson was a bit better against Italy, but that seemed to reflect a better performance overall. He doesn't look like a player who can influence the tide, whereas I think the other options are all a bit more robust and physical. I'd actually prefer Denton to Wilson at 6.

The most interesting thing about the France game will be to see how Weir gets on with a bit more confidence. He must be buzzing after nailing that drop goal, and hopefully we'll see that flow into the game against France.

I think Lamont's ability really suits being in the centre now, but we don't have a space for him there. Although he does work hard and has the physicality of a flanker so I think he's useful to have. I think Evans has played well recently, very well actually, and should be considered instead of Seymour possibly, but for me Lamont's experience, power and physicality is required atm.

My parting shot on the Lamont thing, he also rushed out of the line when Italy Scored their try that could have beaten us. He tried to get man and ball, failed and left an overlap for that Lock to trundle over.

Lamont seems to be prone to brain pumps too.

I wouldn't play him anyway, but that's personal preference.

I'm just going to put this out there!

Shlong had a good game on Sat. Everyone moans about his lack of pace and that he relies on his power to get over the line. His tackling is top notch. His commitment is top notch. Most folk agree that a team with a fit maitland and Visser would see Lamont get dropped.

But

Call me a total Scott Johnson, but could we consider playing Lamont at 6?

Now, I'm not meaning chuck him in there for the France game, I'm talking get him to switch positions for his club. Kinda like Vernon, but in reverse

tigertattie wrote:I'm just going to put this out there!

Shlong had a good game on Sat.  Everyone moans about his lack of pace and that he relies on his power to get over the line. His tackling is top notch. His commitment is top notch. Most folk agree that a team with a fit maitland and Visser would see Lamont get dropped.

But

Call me a total Scott Johnson, but could we consider playing Lamont at 6?

Now, I'm not meaning chuck him in there for the France game, I'm talking get him to switch positions for his club.  Kinda like Vernon, but in reverse

I'd stick him at feicin 2 instead of Ford at the moment to be honest.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

tigertattie wrote:I'm just going to put this out there!

Shlong had a good game on Sat.  Everyone moans about his lack of pace and that he relies on his power to get over the line. His tackling is top notch. His commitment is top notch. Most folk agree that a team with a fit maitland and Visser would see Lamont get dropped.

But

Call me a total Scott Johnson, but could we consider playing Lamont at 6?

Now, I'm not meaning chuck him in there for the France game, I'm talking get him to switch positions for his club.  Kinda like Vernon, but in reverse

I'd stick him at feicin 2 instead of Ford at the moment to be honest.

If he can throw then why not   

I'm not sure Lamont has the pace of a modern day flanker to be honest.....Nyanga would certainly outpace him!

The return of Visser and Maitland will certainly be a boost.

tigertattie wrote:
Call me a total Scott Johnson, but could we consider playing Lamont at 6?

  

I'll raise your Scott Johnson, that's more worthy of Marc Lièvremont.

Speaking of French coaches, PSA has dropped Picamoles, for showing a lack of respect to Rolland follwing his yellow card. Which is great news for us!
Also Fofana and Nyanga are injured so won't be playing.
And it looks as though Para won't be getting recalled after being sent off at the weekend for headbutting.   

GLove39 wrote:Speaking of French coaches, PSA has dropped Picamoles, for showing a lack of respect to Rolland follwing his yellow card. Which is great news for us!
Also Fofana and Nyanga are injured so won't be playing.
And it looks as though Para won't be getting recalled after being sent off at the weekend for headbutting.   

Nothing you just said is bad news for Scotland. Unless Bonnaire comes out of retirement to play 6 for France.

Pickachu gone = good as he'd have been right up for making up for the poor showing on Friday.
Fofana and Nyanga being injured is firstly bad news for the guys themselves, but france are really going to miss them. I belive Nyanga was motm against the english and fofana was motm against the Italians???
And Parra not playing is great news too. That french 9 who started on friday made laidlaw's service look lightening speed!

I wish fofana and Nyanga a speedy recovery (after we've played though)

Good news that we won't have to face Picamoles, and full credit to Saint-Andre for taking that decision. His attitude towards the ref was awful.

It's their three best players in a team that have relied on moments of brilliance from their best individuals to cover up a lack of general good play. What a chance now for Scotland.

Oi George Carlin! Match thread! chop chop!!!

Scotland could sneak a win here. France blow hot and cold. If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

A cheeky win could see us sneak up a couple of places in the rankings as well.

Still going to get beaten though, but you can dream....

tigertattie wrote:Scotland could sneak a win here.  France blow hot and cold.  If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

You just know right this minute, somewhere in Scotland Scott Johnson is sitting looking at a whiteboard, circling the words 'Kick to their Back Three'   

Notch wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Scotland could sneak a win here.  France blow hot and cold.  If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

You just know right this minute, somewhere in Scotland Scott Johnson is sitting looking at a whiteboard, circling the words 'Kick to their Back Three'   

Aye right enough, just under the circled words 'Lawson - Bench'

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

Notch wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Scotland could sneak a win here.  France blow hot and cold.  If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

You just know right this minute, somewhere in Scotland Scott Johnson is sitting looking at a whiteboard, circling the words 'Kick to their Back Three'   

Aye right enough, just under the circled words 'Lawson - Bench'

and "ford starts"

possibly "Both Gray Brothers start - Hamilton starts at 6"

tigertattie wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

Notch wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Scotland could sneak a win here.  France blow hot and cold.  If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

You just know right this minute, somewhere in Scotland Scott Johnson is sitting looking at a whiteboard, circling the words 'Kick to their Back Three'   

Aye right enough, just under the circled words 'Lawson - Bench'

and "ford starts"

possibly "Both Gray Brothers start - Hamilton starts at 6"

'Vernon - 13(Capt)'

top of the list must be - Dunbar to bench

The rugbyblog gives Ryan Wilson a higher rating than Scott Lawson!?

http://www.therugbyblog.com/italy-v-scotland-scotland-player-ratings

                 

How can the BBC give Hogg's kick a 'Miss'?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26316464

From his 22 to about the Italian 15m line!   

Nematode, I think (and hope, but with the BBC you never know) that they're referring to the linesman's sighting of the lineout 20m short as the 'miss'.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

tigertattie wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

Notch wrote:

tigertattie wrote:Scotland could sneak a win here.  France blow hot and cold.  If they are cold again then they are there for the taking. So long as we dont kick to thier back three, we're in with a shoult!

You just know right this minute, somewhere in Scotland Scott Johnson is sitting looking at a whiteboard, circling the words 'Kick to their Back Three'   

Aye right enough, just under the circled words 'Lawson - Bench'

and "ford starts"

possibly "Both Gray Brothers start - Hamilton starts at 6"

'Vernon - 13(Capt)'

Obvious, I would have thought. Needs someone to deal with FatBasteraud.

Well to deal with Fatso you just give him the ball and watch him waddle towards you.

IanBru wrote:Nematode, I think (and hope, but with the BBC you never know) that they're referring to the linesman's sighting of the lineout 20m short as the 'miss'.

If not they've got serious problems!

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Well to deal with Fatso you just give him the ball and watch him waddle towards you.

Place a burger van behind the French in-goal area. Simples   

And am I right that France won't have Fofana, Whack-a-mole and Nyanga? St andre    SJ   


tbh more   then                     My fantasy rugby team will need a clearout then   

Someone (GC) fancy getting the France game rolling?

Not that I am happy to see any player get injured, and I do wish them a speedy recovery (no less than 10 days), but I have just read that the 3 players France wouldn't want to get injured are out of the Scotland game - Nyanga, Fofana and Picamolse!   

That really does help us - if we can rattle the French and get on top of them I can see them disintigrating and becoming all, well, French!

keep up RDW.

Nyanga and Fofana are injured

Pickachu/Whack-a-mole/Picamoles is dropped for clapping at the ref on friday.

Parra was due to return but gave a Glasgow kiss to someone and so he's not getting to play too.

Now, I'm not getting carried away with the Italy win, but with the players France have now lost, and Basteraud now being slower than Sean Lamont, if Scotland dont kick the ball to the French back three, then we are in with a shout in this game.

Also, again, GC needs to get the match thread done  

Keep up? Has this already been discussed like?

I don't tend to read anyone else's posts - they are no where near as interesting as my own.   

Is that massive blonde haired French number 8 fit? He is a complete beast. Can't remember who he plays for.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Keep up? Has this already been discussed like?

I don't tend to read anyone else's posts - they are no where near as interesting as my own.   

Is that massive blonde haired French number 8 fit? He is a complete beast. Can't remember who he plays for.

The Castres 8?

tigertattie wrote:I'm just going to put this out there!


Call me a total Scott Johnson, but could we consider playing Lamont at 6?

I'd been thinking that too. He's big enough and would be quite a force with good pace/agility.

Only problem is we're a little short on wingers but have plenty of tried and future flankers (Harley, Ashe, Rennie, Barclay, Strauss, Du Preez etc) but not too many wingers, so I'd keep him in the backs just now.

https://www.606v2.com/t52165-scotland-v-france-pre-match-build-up#2546043

Until GC pulls his finger out and gets on with a match thread.

Nematode wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Keep up? Has this already been discussed like?

I don't tend to read anyone else's posts - they are no where near as interesting as my own.   

Is that massive blonde haired French number 8 fit? He is a complete beast. Can't remember who he plays for.

The Castres 8?

Isn't that Antoine Classens? Converted Saffa I think, but very good player indeed.