Scotland Internationals - Game Week

Scotland's 2017 Autumn Series



Saturday 11 November: Scotland v Samoa, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Saturday 18 November: Scotland v New Zealand, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 17.15 GMT), live on BBC 2

Saturday 25 November: Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium (kick-off 14.30 GMT), live on BBC 1

Injury List

G Laidlaw
R Gray
J Barclay
M Bennet
A Dickinson
A Dell
G Reid
F Brown
R Ford
D Taylor
M Scott
A Ashe
S Maitland
J Hardie ( )

Scotland Squad here>>>>

https://i.servimg.com/u/f62/17/25/81/46/at17_s10.jpg

Turner
Cummings
Ritchie
Ashe
Kinghorn

If there wasn't so much competition at centre I'd add Dean to that list.

TBH, I'd be a bit disappointed if we didn't beat Australia at home.

2 out of 3 with a win over Aus will be a success. Unfortunately due to circumstances within Scotland's control there were too few Lion's tourists to suggest that Scots can beat NZ.

Dammit - Alex Dunbar has injured his knee and will likely miss the AIs.

He's our form centre just now but I guess we'll have to make do with Duncan Taylor and Huw Jones...!

Whre did you hear this?

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/guinness-pro12/glasgow-injuries-ease-but-alex-dunbar-may-miss-autumn-tests-1-4566820

I don't think Kinghorn is ready to step up to international level yet. If we based it on the first two games of this season then I would have been totally in agreement that if he continued that form for a bit longer then he could be looking at a bench spot. However, his performance against Treviso was a shocker. It looks like he’s not got the mentality yet to play at the highest level, because if he crumbles against the 2nd worst team in the league, I’d hate to think how he’d get on against the best teams in the world. He’s only young etc, so still time for him to mature and make the correct decisions, as the ability is there, he just needs to work out what to do and when. For example don’t attempt forward basketball passes during a rugby match.

Ritchie I think could be capable of making the step up, the improvement in his game over the last year or so is incredible, and he was a big miss in Edinburgh’s last game, he does have to compete against the captain for a starting slot, which is a tough ask, but I think he’s capable.

Bradbury is also a shout for a bench spot, or at least with the squad. He’s a good no. 8, kind of like Denton in that he’s tough to stop when he gets going, but he is able to pass and offload etc. I think Ashe is probably ahead of him currently in terms of young No.8s but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him involved in the AIs in some capacity

Other than that I don’t think Edinburgh have any young players capable of stepping up currently. In time CHH might, but he’s not getting a game just now so hard to say. Dean has done well in attack over the last couple of games, but his defence at times isn’t the greatest and Scotland have a lot of far better players ahead of him, he might continue to improve with regular gametime and with Fruean beside him, but it’s too early to say at this stage.

Bit concerning about Dunbar injuring his knee again, he’s had two ACL injuries in the last few years which is going to mess up anyone’s knees. Hopefully this latest one is nothing serious.

EWT Spoons wrote:I don't think Kinghorn is ready to step up to international level yet.  If we based it on the first two games of this season then I would have been totally in agreement that if he continued that form for a bit longer then he could be looking at a bench spot.  However, his performance against Treviso was a shocker.  It looks like he’s not got the mentality yet to play at the highest level, because if he crumbles against the 2nd worst team in the league, I’d hate to think how he’d get on against the best teams in the world.  He’s only young etc, so still time for him to mature and make the correct decisions, as the ability is there, he just needs to work out what to do and when.  For example don’t attempt forward basketball passes during a rugby match.

Ritchie I think could be capable of making the step up, the improvement in his game over the last year or so is incredible, and he was a big miss in Edinburgh’s last game, he does have to compete against the captain for a starting slot, which is a tough ask, but I think he’s capable.

Bradbury is also a shout for a bench spot, or at least with the squad.  He’s a good no. 8, kind of like Denton in that he’s tough to stop when he gets going, but he is able to pass and offload etc.  I think Ashe is probably ahead of him currently in terms of young No.8s but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him involved in the AIs in some capacity

Other than that I don’t think Edinburgh have any young players capable of stepping up currently.  In time CHH might, but he’s not getting a game just now so hard to say.  Dean has done well in attack over the last couple of games, but his defence at times isn’t the greatest and Scotland have a lot of far better players ahead of him, he might continue to improve with regular gametime and with Fruean beside him, but it’s too early to say at this stage.

With Hogg, Seymour and Maitland hopefully available I don't think we need to be rushing Kinghorn in. We can't write him off after 1 game - even seasoned pros have bad games - but it is a worry that his inconsistency is still there.

I don't think Bradbury has had a great start to the season - he hasn't done anything wrong but isn't dominating games like you'd hope he could.

Worth saying that Denton is back for Worcester this weekend - he's not the kind of player that really fits in Townsend's team but he may force himself into the reckoning as every international team needs a big carrying 8. You can cope with an 8 that isn't a great passer if the rest of the pack are good with the ball (which our players are). Ashe is certainly in the driving seat so far but there is a while to go.

Ashe can do everything Claire Baldwin does AND he can pass the ball...more often than not to a team-mate.
This puts him well ahead of the blond one for me.

Ashe is a great athlete but IMO is unproven as a big ball carrier at international level, which you need from your 8. Let's see how he gets on against Munster and the big European teams.

I'm by no means saying Denton should start ahead of him based on current form but let's not forget how good he was in the world cup for us. He's still young enough to get that form back (although I'm not sure if a struggling Worcester is the best place to do so).

it is also still a long way to go until the first game!

Really do need Dunbar to return. He is probably the best centre Scotland have. 2 ACL's though...

Depending on health and form, Samoa should be a testing ground for some of the younger players. Certainly Turner (if he continues to look worthwhile), Rae/Berghan, Cummings/Toolis, Ritchie, Ashe, maybe Hastings and maybe Kinghorn in the back 3. Is Sam Johnson SQ'd? He would be worth a look at 12 with Taylor outside him.

Of those I would hope 3 get starts (my preference would be Rae, Toolis and Ritchie) and the 3 to get on the pitch at some point from the bench (Turner, Cummings and Ashe). May be too much new blood though. Expect Rae or Berghan, Ashe and one of Toolis/Cummings to get a look in.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

EWT Spoons wrote:I don't think Kinghorn is ready to step up to international level yet.  If we based it on the first two games of this season then I would have been totally in agreement that if he continued that form for a bit longer then he could be looking at a bench spot.  However, his performance against Treviso was a shocker.  It looks like he’s not got the mentality yet to play at the highest level, because if he crumbles against the 2nd worst team in the league, I’d hate to think how he’d get on against the best teams in the world.  He’s only young etc, so still time for him to mature and make the correct decisions, as the ability is there, he just needs to work out what to do and when.  For example don’t attempt forward basketball passes during a rugby match.

Ritchie I think could be capable of making the step up, the improvement in his game over the last year or so is incredible, and he was a big miss in Edinburgh’s last game, he does have to compete against the captain for a starting slot, which is a tough ask, but I think he’s capable.

Bradbury is also a shout for a bench spot, or at least with the squad.  He’s a good no. 8, kind of like Denton in that he’s tough to stop when he gets going, but he is able to pass and offload etc.  I think Ashe is probably ahead of him currently in terms of young No.8s but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him involved in the AIs in some capacity

Other than that I don’t think Edinburgh have any young players capable of stepping up currently.  In time CHH might, but he’s not getting a game just now so hard to say.  Dean has done well in attack over the last couple of games, but his defence at times isn’t the greatest and Scotland have a lot of far better players ahead of him, he might continue to improve with regular gametime and with Fruean beside him, but it’s too early to say at this stage.

With Hogg, Seymour and Maitland hopefully available I don't think we need to be rushing Kinghorn in. We can't write him off after 1 game - even seasoned pros have bad games - but it is a worry that his inconsistency is still there.

I don't think Bradbury has had a great start to the season - he hasn't done anything wrong but isn't dominating games like you'd hope he could.

Worth saying that Denton is back for Worcester this weekend - he's not the kind of player that really fits in Townsend's team but he may force himself into the reckoning as every international team needs a big carrying 8. You can cope with an 8 that isn't a great passer if the rest of the pack are good with the ball (which our players are). Ashe is certainly in the driving seat so far but there is a while to go.

I’m not writing Kinghorn off, I just don’t think he’s ready to step up yet.  In time I fully expect him to be able to make the right decision, or at least better decisions when his team are under pressure.  Hopefully he’s got a bright future ahead of him, I just don’t think he should be involved in the international team just yet, and as you say with Maitland likely ahead of him at FB and Hogg as well when he’s fit again we don’t need to rush him into the side.

With Bradbury I wonder if being captain is impacting his game.  You’re right he’s not dominated games so far this season, but neither have Edinburgh overall, and I think he’s trying to focus on too many things rather than just his own game.  Plus against Treviso he was played at 6 which I really don’t think suits his style of play.  I know he won’t but there could be an argument for RC to revise his choice of captain.

Just to clarify I agree with you on Kinghorn and wasn't accusing you of writing him off!

Hazel, as far as Sam Johnson goes I believe he is SQ'd now.

When he was chatting with us after the Sarries match I asked him about it and his response was, "It's not something I've really thought about. I've just been focussed on getting into the Warriors starting line up." (excuse my paraphrasing) He did say he would be qualified after the summer tour and that the other Glasgow players had been encouraging about his prospects. For me the interesting point was when Scotland played OZ and he was on the BBC website saying that he was supporting Scotland as he'd lived here three years and was now SQ'd. We know Toonie rates him so I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the squad.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:TBH, I'd be a bit disappointed if we didn't beat Australia at home.

Would the disappointment compare to what you felt after Scotland lost to Fiji, right after you goaded me over my view that Fiji could win whilst using another team's record against Wales as your own is beyond poor?

I've re-read that a few times and it still makes no sense.

But no, it doesn't compare as I wasn't that disappointed about the Fiji game.

Anyhoo, anyone interested in a table of 10 in the Thistle suite for the NZ game @ £4,990?

No, I didn't think so....

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:
Anyhoo, anyone interested in a table of 10 in the Thistle suite for the NZ game @ £4,990?

No, I didn't think so....

I'm interested.

Cash up front Mikey and it's yours.

I'd chip in a tenner to have you two share a nice table together!

Alan Dell is due to return next week which somewhat eases or problems at loosehead. He was involved in every Scotland game last season (apart from when he was holding tackle bags with the Lions) and did well. Strange to think he only made his debut last autumn against Australia!

Been very impressed with Jamie Ritchie, wouldn't mind seeing him get a chance against Australia.

Against Samoa & New Zealand I'd go for Wilson, Watson & Ashe with either Barclay or Bradbury on the bench.

reallybored wrote:Been very impressed with Jamie Ritchie, wouldn't mind seeing him get a chance against Australia.

Against Samoa & New Zealand I'd go for Wilson, Watson & Ashe with either Barclay or Bradbury on the bench.

Josh Strauss will probably be back in contention for the AIs as well given he's starting for Sale, I wonder if Byron McGuigan might also get a call up as the leading try scorer in the Aviva currently. He's certainly getting more game time than Visser so far this season.

McGuigan was never everyone's favourite player whilst at Glasgow and struggled a bit for game time, despite doing a decent job whenever he got the chance. He left under a bit of a cloud, everyone assuming he had gone off in the huff.

You have to say though that he has been an impressive jobbing rugby playing, touting around from team to team and waiting patiently to get a starting slot, which he seems to have found at Sale and is taking his chance with both hands.

He is probably the form winger in the AP and you do wonder if Toonie has taken note.

Seymour and Maitland are shoe in's for the squad but there are other places available.

In Scotland, Lee Jones is playing very well and you would not begrudge him a place. Rory Hughes has shown promise, but can't seem to stay un-injured for more than about 5 mins. At Edinburgh, Hoyland has been quiet and Dougie Fife has probably been the best of the bunch, though it would be a leap of faith to go back to him.

In England Visser has also not played regularly for Quins, though he did start this week. We keep hearing that Josh Bassett is SQ, but no sign of a call up for him despite him having a good season last year, maybe he does not want to play for us?

So in summary, McGuigan getting a call up may not be as outlandish an idea as it might have once seemed. He cannot be to far away and deserves to be in the discussions.

Cant actually believe real Scots fans think a close loss v Aus is acceptable now after all the carping about Lions selection. Beating Samoa and Abs is the only outcome acceptable that gives Scots bragging rights to kick on and compete next 6 Nations and going forward to Japan.

BigGee wrote:McGuigan was never everyone's favourite player whilst at Glasgow and struggled a bit for game time, despite doing a decent job whenever he got  the chance. He left under a bit of a cloud, everyone assuming he had gone off in the huff.

You have to say though that he has been an impressive jobbing rugby playing, touting around from team to team and waiting patiently to get a starting slot, which he seems to have found at Sale and is taking his chance with both hands.

He is probably the form winger in the AP and you do wonder if Toonie has taken note.

Seymour and Maitland are shoe in's for the squad but there are other places available.

In Scotland, Lee Jones is playing very well and you would not begrudge him a place. Rory Hughes has shown promise, but can't seem to stay un-injured for more than about 5 mins. At Edinburgh, Hoyland has been quiet and Dougie Fife has probably been the best of the bunch, though it would be a leap of faith to go back to him.

In England Visser has also not played regularly for Quins, though he did start this week. We keep hearing that Josh Bassett is SQ, but no sign of a call up for him despite him having a good season last year, maybe he does not want to play for us?

So in summary, McGuigan getting a call up may not be as outlandish an idea as it might have once seemed. He cannot be to far away and deserves to be in the discussions.

Be surprised if the SRU haven't approached Bassett but wonder if the EQ status at Wasps is an issue.

Behind Maitland and Seymour I'd probably say Jones, McGuigan, Fife, Hughes then Hoyland (needs to force himself into Cockerill's plans).

Here's my stab at what the squad could look like (not necessarily what I want):

LH -  Bhatti, Reid, Dell
HK -  Brown, Turner, Ford
TH -  Nel, Fagerson, Berghan
LK -  Gray, Toolis, Swinson, Cummings
FK -  Watson, Barclay, Wilson, Ritchie
N8 -  Ashe, Strauss
SH -  Price, Laidlaw, Hidalgo-Clyne
FH -  Russell, Horne
CR -  Taylor, Jones, Grigg, Johnson
WG - Seymour, Maitland, McGuigan, Jones
FB -  Hogg, Kinghorn

Gwlad wrote:Cant actually believe real Scots fans think a close loss v Aus is acceptable now after all the carping about Lions selection. Beating Samoa and Abs is the only outcome acceptable that gives Scots bragging rights to kick on and compete next 6 Nations and going forward to Japan.

Eh?

Johnson has only played one full game for Edinburgh, albeit he was pretty good, so maybe a bit soon for him, he needs to be playing 15s regularly before they will consider him.

With Scott and Dunbar injured, Chris Dean may get shout, he has been playing pretty well for Edinburgh as well, much better than last year. Burleigh may be in the mix as well, Toonie had him in the squad back in August.

KInghorn has massive potential, but is still showing his inconsistent side. Jacko may get the second FB slot as he will be able to cover FH as well.

The way the games pan out, I don't see to many wild cards getting capped. We are going to get our best team out against Samoa to get them up to speed for the games to come. The third game v Aus, will be one we are really targeting so are not going to experiment at all. The only thing to say is that there may well be some injuries by then though.

Did reallybored mean Sam Johnson?

BigGee wrote:Johnson has only played one full game for Edinburgh, albeit he was pretty good, so maybe a bit soon for him, he needs to be playing 15s regularly before they will consider him.

With Scott and Dunbar injured, Chris Dean may get shout, he has been playing pretty well for Edinburgh as well, much better than last year. Burleigh may be in the mix as well, Toonie had him in the squad back in August.

KInghorn has massive potential, but is still showing his inconsistent side. Jacko may get the second FB slot as he will be able to cover FH as well.

The way the games pan out, I don't see to many wild cards getting capped. We are going to get our best team out against Samoa to get them up to speed for the games to come. The third game v Aus, will be one we are really targeting so are not going to experiment at all. The only thing to say is that there may well be some injuries by then though.

Meant Sam Johnson, isn't he SQ now?

What's wrong with Scott?

Been impressed with Dean, if he continues to perform would prefer him to Johnson or Burleigh.

Kinghorn was the best player on the park in the first two games, he's struggled when Edinburgh have been struggling.  Jacko ain't going to the next RWC, Kinghorn is, so get him in.

Matt Scott hadn't played much for Gloucester this season - I'm not sure if he's bee injured.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Matt Scott hadn't played much for Gloucester this season - I'm not sure if he's bee  injured.

I thought Scott got injured in his first run out for Gloucester this season and has not played since.

I wondered if you meant Sam Johnson, but he is just starting his third season with Glasgow, so won't be SQ just yet. Definitely one for the future though.

People seem to be talking about Josh Strauss like he's dead or something. He was very good at the weekend as Sale wedgied the Cherries. Why are we looking for another 8? I would say that the current incumbent is actually John Barclay. 

Kinghorn is a sparkling talent but needs to maintain that level of influence consistently to take a place in a test 23. Maitland was back to playing for Sarries at the weekend and with Duncan Taylor also able to cover 15 fairly well then I can't see BK elbowing his way in. Remember also that the Mighty Rhubarb hasn't been all that bad too, with Greig Tonks also having played quite well in a side that beat the Wallabies again a short time ago.

Still worried about the front row. A fairly untested combination awaits.

Starting back row is Barclay, Watson and Strauss until someone takes their spots. Wilson is probably the closest and would be the bench option.

Bsando, Reid may be out. Apparently he took another concussion and will be out until next calendar year is the theory. His 3rd so we will have to be careful with him and hope he comes back. Never know with head injuries. Think Alex Allan will be in there. The competition between Rae and Berghan for the 3rd spot is underrated on the TH side. They are both playing well and 1 will get on against Samoa.

Is R Gray injured?

Amazing to think Hardie is probably not in the squad. Best 7 in NH last World Cup. He is fighting with Ashe for that last spot (Watson, Barclay, Strauss, Wilson and Ritchie are nailed on for me).

Think Pyrgos is still ahead of SHC for the 3rd spot. Price is the starter.

Bassett should be tapped up before McGuigan. McGuigan has played well but Bassett has the better body of work in the last year. Would not mind either getting a start against Samoa. A Jones-Kinghorn/Jacko/-Bassett/McGuigan back 3 offers plenty of attacking threat. Maybe Kinghorn will get a wing spot.

Wins against Samoa and Australia as well as being competitive against NZ should be the target.

Hazel Sapling wrote:Starting back row is Barclay, Watson and Strauss until someone takes their spots. Wilson is probably the closest and would be the bench option.

Bsando, Reid may be out. Apparently he took another concussion and will be out until next calendar year is the theory. His 3rd so we will have to be careful with him and hope he comes back. Never know with head injuries. Think Alex Allan will be in there. The competition between Rae and Berghan for the 3rd spot is underrated on the TH side. They are both playing well and 1 will get on against Samoa.

Is R Gray injured?

Sadly, yes - he had a back operation in the last week of August which it was estimated would keep him out of action for 2 months. 

The only hope is that Richie seems to rehab quicker than most.

It didn't occur to me that Wilson would take the loose forward bench slot over Hardie, but I suppose that it's a real possibility with Toonie so close to his former club player and Wilson shouldering the captaincy well. As Barclay can play 8 though, I would keep Hardie on the bench at the expense of the Mighty Crayon.

Hazel Sapling wrote:Starting back row is Barclay, Watson and Strauss until someone takes their spots. Wilson is probably the closest and would be the bench option.

Bsando, Reid may be out. Apparently he took another concussion and will be out until next calendar year is the theory. His 3rd so we will have to be careful with him and hope he comes back. Never know with head injuries. Think Alex Allan will be in there. The competition between Rae and Berghan for the 3rd spot is underrated on the TH side. They are both playing well and 1 will get on against Samoa.

Is R Gray injured?

Amazing to think Hardie is probably not in the squad. Best 7 in NH last World Cup. He is fighting with Ashe for that last spot (Watson, Barclay, Strauss, Wilson and Ritchie are nailed on for me).

Think Pyrgos is still ahead of SHC for the 3rd spot. Price is the starter.

Bassett should be tapped up before McGuigan. McGuigan has played well but Bassett has the better body of work in the last year. Would not mind either getting a start against Samoa. A Jones-Kinghorn/Jacko/-Bassett/McGuigan back 3 offers plenty of attacking threat. Maybe Kinghorn will get a wing spot.

Wins against Samoa and Australia as well as being competitive against NZ should be the target.

Berghan is really playing well currently, obviously fitter than when he first arrived. His scrummaging is good and he's fairly active in the loose. I think he deserves to get back in the training squad.

Yeah I'd agree that Berghan is becoming the TH we all hoped he would.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Yeah I'd agree that Berghan is becoming the TH we all hoped he would.

It seems to have taken him a long long time but yes he does seem to be getting there.

What about poor old Jon Welsh, who is holding up the scrum for the AP league leaders and yet rarely gets a mention any more. Why he has not gotten more caps is also a great mystery. He should also be in the conversation.

We are actually not that badly off for TH props these days, that is a phrase I never thought you might hear me say!

BigGee wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Yeah I'd agree that Berghan is becoming the TH we all hoped he would.

It seems to have taken him a long long time but yes he does seem to be getting there.

What about poor old Jon Welsh, who is holding up the scrum for the AP league leaders and yet rarely gets a mention any more. Why he has not gotten more caps is also a great mystery. He should also be in the conversation.

We are actually not that badly off for TH props these days, that is a phrase I never thought you might hear me say!

100% agree, never understood why he wasn't rated by Cotter.

Welsh is one of those where his leaving Glasgow was a mystery. Low needed a change of scenery and RDK managed to talk his way out. RDK was preferred at the time before his attempted seduction. I wonder whether Toonie really rates him either.

Welsh may be needed to cover the loosehead so hopefully he gets in if Bhatti is deemed not ready.

Nel has not had the best start of the season I thought. He seems to be good in the scrum yet not dominant (based on watching the Cardiff and Newport games). His loose work is no where near the next 3. At what point does his place get questioned?

Yes, completely forgot about John Welsh - he played at the weekend!

Hopefully Toonie is better informed than we are.

Dell, Brown and J Gray all return this week which is good news. With Hogg soon to return we should be looking pretty good for the AIs, assuming no injuries are picked up over the coming weeks.

Watched the Quins Sale game last night, I thought Strauss played very well; looks fitter and faster than previously and was really barnstorming in his carrying. I'd be surprised if he isn't back in the team for the AIs.
Visser was very sharp for his two tries and McGuigan also played well, very hard working.

It is looking quite bright for the AI's. Backrow will be a bit of a headache. Although I can't see past Barclay, Watson and Strauss at the moment. That IMO is the best balance and I'd be more than happy to keep Barclay as captain.

I think we may have seen the last of Laidlaw in a Scotland shirt. Price, Pyrgos and SHC all offer a lot more.

The loss of Dunbar does worry me a bit. Considering Scott, Bennett and Dunbar are all injured we only have Duncan Taylor and Huw Jones to call upon who are international standard. The others are club players, nothing more.

Harsh on Horne Radge! He is certainly of international quality.

I'd say these centres for the AI's

Taylor
Horne
Burleigh
Jones

Looking forward to the squad announcement as I think due to injuries we'll see a few interesting selections.

I noticed Bath have a fly half problem currently, Burns Red Card last week and Priestland injured. Do we think Hastings may be loaned out temporarily to cover the gap? Total speculation but would be nice to have him playing some premiership games whilst Russell steers the ship at Glasgow.

I'm sure this will lead to a backlash from the weege but although Horne is international experienced I don't think he can be called international class. A great club player but he'd be nowhere near selection for any of the other 6N teams (apart from Italy) whereas Dunbar, Taylor and Jones would be.

He would do a job for us if called upon, similar to Matt Scott (if he's fit) but IMO the pecking order is:

International Class

Dunbar
Taylor
Jones

International experience, would do a job for us

Horne
Scott

Unproven at this level but may be called upon

Burleigh
Grigg
Dean

It is worth saying that will probably be our backup 10 for the AIs - very much hoping Russell doesn't get injured!

reallybored wrote:

Gwlad wrote:Cant actually believe real Scots fans think a close loss v Aus is acceptable now after all the carping about Lions selection. Beating Samoa and Abs is the only outcome acceptable that gives Scots bragging rights to kick on and compete next 6 Nations and going forward to Japan.

Eh?

Don't feed the troll

bsando wrote:Harsh on Horne Radge! He is certainly of international quality.

I'd say these centres for the AI's

Taylor
Horne
Burleigh
Jones

Looking forward to the squad announcement as I think due to injuries we'll see a few interesting selections.

I noticed Bath have a fly half problem currently, Burns Red Card last week and Priestland injured. Do we think Hastings may be loaned out temporarily to cover the gap? Total speculation but would be nice to have him playing some premiership games whilst Russell steers the ship at Glasgow.

Is Horne not a 10 now though? For me he's the bench backup to Russell.

Hastings is going to have to wait. It's a pity for him that he got injured in the first game and missed a few weeks. He won't get back into a Glasgow shirt, baring injuries until after the Euro games now, probably for the Kings game to get him into the role for the AI period when he will be needed.

Currently Horne is the back up FH for Scotland, no-one else even close. You would imagine he will bench for the AIs.

The way Jacko is playing atm though, he may be in with a chance. Not much between the two of them currently. It will depend on whether Hoggy is fit and whether Toonie wants a 10/12 or a 15/10 as a back up