Scotland V France pre match build up

Since George Carlin is being lazy and not done a match thread yet, this is the place for pre match discussion!

Latest news:

Scotland   

Clean bill of health as far as I am aware.  Dickinson had a concern over his calf but no further news from the camp.


France   

Picamoles suspended and dropped from the squad for his gestures towards the ref during the Wales game

Nyanga and Fofana injured

Parra potentially getting banned for (allegedly) giving someone a Glasgae kiss at the weekend (head butt)

Hopeless GC.

How were the Stones? Watching a bunch of "had their day" hasbeens trying to recapture old glories - reminds me of England under Andy Robinson.....

Dam straight.

So on to the rugby - the news of the injuries and disciplinary issues has really given me more optimism for this game than I think I can handle.

I know that the replacement French players will be much better than most of our players anyway, but France definitely look vulnerable just now.

Its the right time to play France.
 
The confidence should be high in the Scottish camp, after the last gasp win on saturday.
 
Home crowd will be pumped up.
 
Get in their faces early, cause them to make silly mistakes, could have the beating of them.
 
As the old saying goes with France.
 
Which French team will turn up.

It should be pretty obvious now.

Support runners on the shoulder of whoever makes the break.

All backs should just watch the clip of Matt Scott just before Dunbar's first try. Got the ball, immediately straightened up and flipped it wide. 5 seconds later, try.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Hopeless GC.

How were the Stones? Watching a bunch of "had their day" hasbeens trying to recapture old glories - reminds me of England under Andy Robinson.....

Stones were absolutely remarkable. Turns out that being loaded with syphilis and crystal meth helps keep you spritely. Allegedly.

It's all about Scott and Dunbar. Has the makings of a really decent partnership.

Looks like Mark Bennett's career just won't take off......

funnyExiledScot wrote:It's all about Scott and Dunbar. Has the makings of a really decent partnership.

Looks like Mark Bennett's career just won't take off......

  

George Carlin wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Hopeless GC.

How were the Stones? Watching a bunch of "had their day" hasbeens trying to recapture old glories - reminds me of England under Andy Robinson.....

Stones were absolutely remarkable. Turns out that being loaded with syphilis and crystal meth helps keep you spritely. Allegedly.

Although people in Glasgow don't tend to live longer than people in Edinburgh, so conflicting evidence as to the secret of longevity.

Right, my team for next week, with SJ's predicted selections in brackets

Grant
Lawson
Cross
Hamilton
Gray
Denton, although I'd prefer KB
Fusaro (Wilson)
Beattie

Laidlaw (I like the impact Cusiter makes, and I know Laidlaw can play a faster game)
Weir
Schlong
Scott
Dunbar
SG (Seymour)
Hogg

I just really have a suspicion he is going to play Denton, Wilson and Beattie in the same back row.

I'd be happy enough with that team - the only think I don't want to see again is Wilson at 6. He just isn't the present or the future in that position.

I also hope that Fusaro gets to start. I don't want to see a back row comprising three number 8's. Beattie should start again, Denton should play 6 (in lieu of a proper blindside being picked, and my preference would be Brown) and Fusaro should get another shot at 7.

I'd drop Hamilton, but I can understand the arguments for keeping him. He knows the French players, he puts a bit of grunt into the scrum (and we could really struggle against the French in that department) plus he has managed to steal two lineouts in three matches - epic.

If Hamilton does start, I want Swinson to replace him earlyish in the second half. After 60 minutes Hamilton is hopeless, and I think he sometimes gets himself yellow carded just so that he can sit down.

If anyone wants to see Parra's sending off (apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere)

http://www.thescore.ie/morgan-parra-red-card-clermont-1329482-Feb2014/

A fairly low end offence, and will have done hardly any damage, but he should still get a ban.

Ranger did absolutely smash him though!

Points of note

GC's latest match thread is poo   

Morgan Parra and Louis Picamoles are very naughty boys   

Fofana and Nyanga being inured are massive blows to France.    Rest up boys and get well soon. Don't rush back and risk re-injuring yourself. Best waiting till after 9th March I say   

France are France. We all know they are hot and cold. Lets not forget how terrible they were last year. But let us also not forget that we were the only team they beat in the 6ns last year. It is going to come down to how the French are blowing   

In Bastaraud, france have a one dimensional, one speed centre. I'm not saying he is easy to defend against. HIs power remains impressive. but I think Scott and Dunbar should be able to contain him. And if they need help. the tackling winger that is the Shlong can help them out.

What we really cant afford to do is boot the ball to the French back three. That would be rather suicidal. The tactics used againt italy need to be used against france. Keep the ball and pass and run (kick when you need to, not when you want to)

Would it be fair to say that we can't run round the French wingers but we could run through them? I reckon it will be an effective ploy to have Dunbar run around Bastaraud, then offload to Sean Lamont to run through the French wings?

All this time I pray that France pick the same 9 that started against Wales.

Don;t go in cocky thinking its in the bag. Don't go in thinking we're gonna get skelped. Go in knowing your own game plan and know that there is a chance of winning the game!

Don't change a winning team they say, but tinkering is needed. Cross needs to start over Low. Denton could be brought into 6 over Wilson. Leave Furaso and Beattie starting though. I agree that after 55-60 mins, Hamilton will need replaced. bless him

See, it's only gone and happened. Bloody optimisim is back again. That feeling of utter dread had left me (but for how long)

funnyExiledScot wrote:Hopeless GC.

How were the Stones? Watching a bunch of "had their day" hasbeens trying to recapture old glories - reminds me of England under Andy Robinson.....

At least England under Robinson had had their day, which is more than you could say of some home nations, who dream ever onwards of having theirs.

Kudos to Scotland for beating Italy. But, when you see a team celebrating a one point win over arguably the weakest team in the competition as though it were actually 'their day', then you have to worry where Scotland are at, or where they're going. France may have been off colour against Wales, but any notion that Scotland might win is frankly, delusional. France are superior from the first guy on the team sheet to the last pick of the bench, and they'll be hurting after that Wales defeat. In fact, Scotland taking any real confidence from the win over Italy could prove to be counter-productive as they need to go into this match with any delusions of grandeur well out of mind.

tigertattie wrote:In Bastaraud, france have a one dimensional, one speed centre. I'm not saying he is easy to defend against. HIs power remains impressive. but I think Scott and Dunbar should be able to contain him.  And if they need help. the tackling winger that is the Shlong can help them out.

Defending against Bastereud certainly adds weight to the argument for picking Sean Lamont, but attacking Bastereud with an equally blunt, slow and one dimensional weapon is perhaps questionnable.

Scott and Dunbar both carry some muscle. I'm not too worried about them in defence.

Jimpy wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Hopeless GC.

How were the Stones? Watching a bunch of "had their day" hasbeens trying to recapture old glories - reminds me of England under Andy Robinson.....

At least England under Robinson had had their day, which is more than you could say of some home nations, who dream ever onwards of having theirs.

Kudos to Scotland for beating Italy. But, when you see a team celebrating a one point win over arguably the weakest team in the competition as though it were actually 'their day', then you have to worry where Scotland are at, or where they're going. France may have been off colour against Wales, but any notion that Scotland might win is frankly, delusional. France are superior from the first guy on the team sheet to the last pick of the bench, and they'll be hurting after that Wales defeat. In fact, Scotland taking any real confidence from the win over Italy could prove to be counter-productive as they need to go into this match with any delusions of grandeur well out of mind.

Ah Jimpy - you shouldn't feel like you need to hold back - tell us what you really think.

Jimpy, we'll never get the nation ASBO wants without a little bit of blind optimism. Have faith son, and whilst it's nothing to celebrate, at least we should be clear of the Wooden Spoon this season.

I'd pick Grant, Lawson, Cross, Gray, Hamilton (to 50), Denton, Fusaro, Beattie; Cusiter, Weir, Lamont, Scott, Dunbar, Evans, Hogg

SUBS: Dickinson, MacArthur, Low, J Gray, Wilson, Laidlaw, Seymour, Bennett

Nematode wrote:I'd pick Grant, Lawson, Cross, Gray, Hamilton (to 50), Denton, Fusaro, Beattie; Cusiter, Weir, Lamont, Scott, Dunbar, Evans, Hogg

SUBS: Dickinson, MacArthur, Low, J Gray, Wilson, Laidlaw, Seymour, Bennett

  

I wonder if the phoetus would even slow Bastereud down. Shades of Tony Underwood on Jonah Lomu.

This is the game we really could have done with Visser's powerful running against the French back three. I'd say some training ground moves with Hogg coming into the line to dance around the 12-13 channel might prove fruitful, especially with Scott and Dunbar off either shoulder in support.

I would also have Harley in there for some fringe defence as the Italians made way too much ground last week.

Who are France likely to play in the centres? Fat Basteraud at 12 and the young guy at 13? Or is there a different 12 they will likely pick?

I really hope it is the same halfbacks as the Wales game..

What would really worry me is Parra and Trinh-Duc. I can't even begin to work out why French coaches constantly ignore how dangerous that combination could be.

As for Jimpy's comment, winning in Rome is a rarity for us. Ireland and France have also come unstuck their just last season.

I'll happily take 2 points away from Rome.

I think we are going to get Bastereud and Fikou , which is pretty deadly combination.

Or Mermoz + Bastaraud. With PSA you never quite know. He selected a young centre called Lamerat. Pretty physical too.

Scotland France thread   

Looks like Euan Murray is back in contention having played last weekend, and is also playing this weekend.

I'd probably still start cross - who has earned the short imo - and have Murray on the bench.

Any news on Parra getting banned? France really are in a mess

His hearing is now tomorrow so he must be confindent to get a short or no ban.

Do red cards not get an automatic ban as a minimum, unless it is deemed it wasn't worthy of a red card (which this definitely was)?

Not sure tbh.

One thing though Im with Sting on this one and will be cheering on my fellow United Kingdomish Bravehearts

I'm actually looking forward to this game.

After the dire AIs and the first two games of this 6ns I was dreading the rest of the season.

damn this optimisim that is creeping back. Will it be back to square one after the French game? A decent game against them could set us up nicely for a decent game against the Taffs. Last thing I want to see is a 20+ point humping by both teams   

Why are you keeping us waiting George?

My thread is so awesome there is no real reason for a fancy dancy GC thread....   

George currently



PS Yeah I'm in a funny mood...

Nematode wrote:Why are you keeping us waiting George?

Why have you posted a photo of fES's hero, Gidiot the Bully?

Nematode wrote:George currently



PS Yeah I'm in a funny mood...

More likely

Howdy all! Hope you're all enjoying this years 6N so far. Was great seeing Scotland win in Rome for first time since 2006, even if it was done in last seconds of game.

My thoughts on Scotland so far..

I had a go at Laidlaw couple years back but began to feel maybe he was actually the bloke for 9 jersey. I now just don't think he is right for Scotland's style of game. If they want to play flowing rugby Cusiter is the only 9 who provides a bit of pace and quick distribution. It's frustrating because the options are not great at 9. Cusiter is getting on, Laidlaw is a bit slow/controlling, Prygos is a bit below par. Is there any other options on the rise that could potentially feature in World Cup? As far as this tournament goes, I think Cusiter should feature a bit more on field with Laidlaw still starting.

Backrow I think has been a bit muddled. Wilson looked bugggered by end of Italy match, fusaro I think has potential but needs more game time, space to develop. Denton, Beattie have been good thou, particularly Denton, despite his wild offloads, passes.

Weir at 10 seems best option to me, I think he can develop further and he has a good boot on him, just needs to keep working on the accuracy. Happy to see him start last two games at ten. Also, it will be interesting to see how he responds against France after his match winning drop goal, what a confidence booster that must have been for him.

I'd start cross for France, keep Lawson at hooker, bring in Johnny gray to start vs France. I'd drop Hamilton despite his improved performance last week in favour of Swinson.

Scott/Dunbar partnership must remain. Once Maitland and visser are back it'll be even better.. Huge potential in having Visser, Scott, Dunbar, Maitland, Hogg as they'rve now all scored/setup several tries on international stage.

My team vs France

Grant
Lawson
Cross
R Gray
Swinson
Denton
Fusaro
Beattie
Laidlaw (Cap)
Weir
Lamont
Scott
Dunbar
Seymour
Hogg

Dickinson
Ford
Low
Hamilton
Brown
Cusiter
Taylor
Evans

I think pack needs to be mobile vs France and capable of holding up in scrum. Hamilton is too slow for me and I think he could be a liability. I'd drop Wilson in favour of both Beattie and Denton starting with fusaro at 7.

I'd like to see Scotland try to be a bit smarter in attack. They did some good things vs itlay in second half but it was still a bit raw and predictable. I think lamont should come off his wing more and crash ball a bit as he has been very effective at getting over the gain line and staying on his feet. Scotland need to mix it up a bit. Hogg needs space to run so if centres/lamont can punch holes, Hogg and Seymour should be there for the offloads and space to play.

Defensively, lamont should not rush up like he did in second half vs itlay, it cost Scotland a try and it's not the first time he has done this for Scotland. Just need to iron out the creases a bit.

Sorry for long post, but looking forward to see how Scotland respond vs France at home. I think if they can keep scoreboard safe until 60 mins mark they could pinch a rare victory. Big ask though as this French side look dangerous in attack and murrayfield is a great pitch for running rugby, cross field kicks and grubbers.

Nematode wrote:Why are you keeping us waiting George?

Because I'm up to my arse with work, have a newborn baby at home alongside a very tired Mrs GC and the game isn't until the 8th of March? Apart from those reasons, I've got nothing. Perhaps worth mentioning also that setting up threads is free for everyone to do?

*keep richie gray that is

George Carlin wrote:

Nematode wrote:Why are you keeping us waiting George?

Because I'm up to my arse with work, have a newborn baby at home alongside a very tired Mrs GC and the game isn't until the 8th of March? Apart from those reasons, I've got nothing. Perhaps worth mentioning also that setting up threads is free for everyone to do?

But you do such a good job!   

I do hope you realise that we are on the wind up, and the abuse and peer pressure is only because we appreciate how good your threads are and we are not genuinely angry that you haven't done one yet (well, 21st might be, but he's always angry).

I'm sure we will cope on my makeshift thread until you, or someone else, fancies doing a proper match thread!

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Nematode wrote:I'd pick Grant, Lawson, Cross, Gray, Hamilton (to 50), Denton, Fusaro, Beattie; Cusiter, Weir, Lamont, Scott, Dunbar, Evans, Hogg

SUBS: Dickinson, MacArthur, Low, J Gray, Wilson, Laidlaw, Seymour, Bennett

  

I wonder if the phoetus would even slow Bastereud down. Shades of Tony Underwood on Jonah Lomu.

Nice opinion, however as a Scot you're "not genetically programmed to make decisions" (cf Buffoon Lamont, Newsnicht, 25/ii/2014), but thanks for contributing

That was hilarious! What was she thinking?

oooops - Politics! tut tut!

Oh aye ASBO - Wee Nicola booted Wee Jimmy 'Lamont' Krankie all over the tv in a debate last night.   

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Nematode wrote:I'd pick Grant, Lawson, Cross, Gray, Hamilton (to 50), Denton, Fusaro, Beattie; Cusiter, Weir, Lamont, Scott, Dunbar, Evans, Hogg

SUBS: Dickinson, MacArthur, Low, J Gray, Wilson, Laidlaw, Seymour, Bennett

  

I wonder if the phoetus would even slow Bastereud down. Shades of Tony Underwood on Jonah Lomu.

Nice opinion, however as a Scot you're "not genetically programmed to make decisions" (cf Buffoon Lamont, Newsnicht, 25/ii/2014), but thanks for contributing

I wasn't making a decision....

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Nematode wrote:Why are you keeping us waiting George?

Why have you posted a photo of fES's hero, Gidiot the Bully?

  

Calling someone a silly name and a bully in the same sentence!

  

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/france/10662003/Six-Nations-2014-Watching-France-is-like-watching-clowns-at-the-circus-says-Jeremy-Guscott.html

Even Guscott is shooting on ambulances!   

I'd give a proper match thread a shot if people wanted? But I wouldn't want to upset George so I won't.

Go for it nematode!

Done it. Not as good as George's but as he's busy atm hopefully this will stand in temporarily. Added a cheeky wee poll and as I couldn't find previous results (cba tbh) I put in match highlights to vary things up. Credit to George Calrin though as it does take a fair bit of time.

I'll lock this thread and direct everyone to your far superior one!