Scotland team announced V Ireland

by **RDW** Tue 06 Mar 2012, 9:16 am

First topic message reminder :

Scotland team

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), 2 caps, 1 try, 5 points
14 Lee Jones (Edinburgh Rugby) 3 caps, 1 try, 5 points
13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 32 caps, 1 try, 5 points
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 33 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets) 63 caps, 8 tries, 40 points
10 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps, 1 try, 2 conversions, 3 penalties, 18 points
9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby) 78 caps, 7 tries, 35 points
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby) 63 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 56 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 11 caps
4 Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 19 caps
5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester) 37 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 35 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 14 caps
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 4 caps
Substitutes
16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester) 32 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
17 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 42 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), 39 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks) 16 caps
20 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 58 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
21 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps, 2 conversions, 2 penalties, 2 drop-goals, 16 points
22 Max Evans (Castres) 26 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand). Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France) and Greg Garner (England). TMO: Giulio de Santis (Italy)

by 123skelm Tue 06 Mar 2012, 4:28 pm

I was a defender of Jackson pre-injury, but he hasnt shown what I saw in him since, whereas Weir still has the potential to play a good running and passing game as well as provide solidity with the boot, assuming that his style at glasgow is more down to Lineens tactics than Duncans limits.

I think your comment regarding Lineen say's it all. We had good runners around him at the A game and there was a lot of decent players in the Saxons but they were put to the sword.

It proves yet again how blinkered AR is with the fact that Mr Welsh is not even in the team, total B*******

by MacKnocked-on Tue 06 Mar 2012, 4:31 pm

'Robinson's russian roulette selection Pez dispenser' ,I like that.
Jackson's place kicking is not good at all which could prove a problem if there's the usual subbing on 60min just for the sake of it. I've seen too many games over the years when missed kicks have cost Scotland wins, remember a certain K Logan's attempts at goal kicking? Definition of unreliable.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Tue 06 Mar 2012, 4:33 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:'Robinson's russian roulette selection Pez dispenser' ,I like that.
Jackson's place kicking is not good at all which could prove a problem if there's the usual subbing on 60min just for the sake of it. I've seen too many games over the years when missed kicks have cost Scotland wins, remember a certain K Logan's attempts at goal kicking? Definition of unreliable.

I agree MacKnocked, so Laidlaw must go to SH if Jackson comes on, which leads me to question why Cusiter is even on the bench?

by justified sinner Tue 06 Mar 2012, 4:49 pm

Ah well, so Laidlaw get's a knock early doors. Rhubarb comes on then where's the goal kicking? Find it bizarre that Weir is not on the bench for that alone. Poor tactical selection imo.

by **NeilyBroon** Tue 06 Mar 2012, 5:17 pm

Give us Redpath, or O'Sullivan or someone to save us from this dire selection!
Don't care what the pundits say, Robinson has to go, they don't seem to realise that the reason the players are playing badly is because there are malfunctioning parts of the team due to players being there who shouldn't be!

I still think we can win this but I don't know if I want Robinson's favoritism to be justified tbh!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 07 Mar 2012, 8:20 am

What was said at the team announcement to the press, from scottishrugbyblog.co.uk:

[quote]What Was Said At The Team Announcement

Posted by Alan Dymock at 6.09pm

“One change has been made, with a number of changes on the bench,” Andy Robinson said in his opening statement. It was a line to kick things off, but it was more of a statement of how, for the next game at least, Robinson had no intention of making radical alterations to his tactics.

There was no bolter. There was no spiel about how someone had to come in to make a point and grasp that starting place. Sure Ruaridh Jackson was pushing out Duncan Weir on the bench, but this was a place for one of Robinson’s known quantities. Robinson wants a carbon copy of the style that clattered into the French, with only the slightest of embellishments.

“Sean is multi-tasking again by playing on the wing. I’ve picked Morrison and De Luca together. I thought De Luca responded very well after being dropped for the sin-binning, and we need him to perform like that [his appearance against France] in this game.

“The challenge for us is to start the way we did and be able to play for 80 minutes. If I go through the tries that we’ve conceded in this Championship: they’ve been soft scores. So we have got to have a bit of edge about our defence and be able to stop the opposition from scoring. I’ve seen that in the way we have defended so it is not that we can’t do it. It is just the fact that that the times when we have dropped off we’ve been punished.

“That’s what test rugby is about.”

No doubt he has made it clear to the players that change in tactics and personnel is not needed. He just wants standards to be higher. Here he made a big statement about the Irish back-row, labelling it World Class, and commented on the ‘choke tackle’ that Cusiter mentioned yesterday.

There are recurring themes with this squad and by naming the same pack, even though Euan Murray could come in for Geoff Cross, he has made clear his faith. Now that entire eight is being directed at a series of contacts and told, in no uncertain terms, that they must either burst through tangling tackles, or smash Irishmen on the wrong side out of the way.

“This weekend the breakdown is going to be huge. We’ve got to be able to deal with their choke tackle. The referee’s gotta be able to deal with that as well.

“The referee, firstly, must be clear when he calls a maul and secondly that we are able to get speed of ball from it, though that is for us to sort out, but the referee must be clear when a maul occurs and that happens when two people from either side are involved.

“I have had conversations with referees.”

When asked about his defence he was somewhat more guarded. He knows England didn’t attack much, but with Wales and France tries were allowed from slipped tackles and individual lapses.

“Against Wales we conceded a lineout on our line, defend with our lives and we drop off a tackle. We then lose a player to a sin-bin so we are defending with 14 and then defending with 13. It’s very tough. When we defended with 15 v 15 we matched them.

“Last week we drop off a tackle in the urgency of defence close to our line, and having previously shown that in the first half…”Robinson said, before going on to explain a series of distractions and fumbles. He is sure the defence was good, and that it was not the system but individual errors and turnovers that led to tries. “They are technical issues.”

“Against Ireland we have got to play with that [same] pace and that shape.”

Robinson knows that there must be the same ferocious volume of work. That is why the same back-row starts. That is why Evans, Vernon and Jackson are on the bench rather than more bulky, tactical players. He wants more running rugby. He just needs his players, who have bought into this vision, to make fewer errors when the heat is on.

As resurgent centre Nick De Luca says, “We are angry that we are not closing these games out. If we even want to be in with a shout this weekend we need 80 minutes of good rugby.

“Hopefully I’ll be involved in picking apart their defence. We have the ammunition and it is just making sure we execute.”

It seems the Robinson’s vision is one that rewards those that get up and keep running hard at it. There is no time to worry about stats, past mistakes or how jilted one is. They will be at the Aviva and they will need to focus on the individual skills at that same tempo, tearing down contacts right until the last second.[quote]

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:00 am

[quote="AsLongAsBut100ofUs"]What was said at the team announcement to the press, from scottishrugbyblog.co.uk:

[quote]What Was Said At The Team Announcement

Posted by Alan Dymock at 6.09pm

“One change has been made, with a number of changes on the bench,” Andy Robinson said in his opening statement. It was a line to kick things off, but it was more of a statement of how, for the next game at least, Robinson had no intention of making radical alterations to his tactics.

There was no bolter. There was no spiel about how someone had to come in to make a point and grasp that starting place. Sure Ruaridh Jackson was pushing out Duncan Weir on the bench, but this was a place for one of Robinson’s known quantities. Robinson wants a carbon copy of the style that clattered into the French, with only the slightest of embellishments.

“Sean is multi-tasking again by playing on the wing. I’ve picked Morrison and De Luca together. I thought De Luca responded very well after being dropped for the sin-binning, and we need him to perform like that [his appearance against France] in this game.

“The challenge for us is to start the way we did and be able to play for 80 minutes. If I go through the tries that we’ve conceded in this Championship: they’ve been soft scores. So we have got to have a bit of edge about our defence and be able to stop the opposition from scoring. I’ve seen that in the way we have defended so it is not that we can’t do it. It is just the fact that that the times when we have dropped off we’ve been punished.

“That’s what test rugby is about.”

No doubt he has made it clear to the players that change in tactics and personnel is not needed. He just wants standards to be higher. Here he made a big statement about the Irish back-row, labelling it World Class, and commented on the ‘choke tackle’ that Cusiter mentioned yesterday.

There are recurring themes with this squad and by naming the same pack, even though Euan Murray could come in for Geoff Cross, he has made clear his faith. Now that entire eight is being directed at a series of contacts and told, in no uncertain terms, that they must either burst through tangling tackles, or smash Irishmen on the wrong side out of the way.
“This weekend the breakdown is going to be huge. We’ve got to be able to deal with their choke tackle. The referee’s gotta be able to deal with that as well.

“The referee, firstly, must be clear when he calls a maul and secondly that we are able to get speed of ball from it, though that is for us to sort out, but the referee must be clear when a maul occurs and that happens when two people from either side are involved.

“I have had conversations with referees.”

When asked about his defence he was somewhat more guarded. He knows England didn’t attack much, but with Wales and France tries were allowed from slipped tackles and individual lapses.

“Against Wales we conceded a lineout on our line, defend with our lives and we drop off a tackle. We then lose a player to a sin-bin so we are defending with 14 and then defending with 13. It’s very tough. When we defended with 15 v 15 we matched them.

“Last week we drop off a tackle in the urgency of defence close to our line, and having previously shown that in the first half…”Robinson said, before going on to explain a series of distractions and fumbles. He is sure the defence was good, and that it was not the system but individual errors and turnovers that led to tries. “They are technical issues.”

“Against Ireland we have got to play with that [same] pace and that shape.”

Robinson knows that there must be the same ferocious volume of work. That is why the same back-row starts. That is why Evans, Vernon and Jackson are on the bench rather than more bulky, tactical players. He wants more running rugby. He just needs his players, who have bought into this vision, to make fewer errors when the heat is on.

As resurgent centre Nick De Luca says, “We are angry that we are not closing these games out. If we even want to be in with a shout this weekend we need 80 minutes of good rugby.

“Hopefully I’ll be involved in picking apart their defence. We have the ammunition and it is just making sure we execute.”

It seems the Robinson’s vision is one that rewards those that get up and keep running hard at it. There is no time to worry about stats, past mistakes or how jilted one is. They will be at the Aviva and they will need to focus on the individual skills at that same tempo, tearing down contacts right until the last second.

This is very very important.

They are great cheaters (not the BS term streetwise) at this and when they smash them, they need to smash them in a way that makes them think twice about doing it again. Any hands in the ruck need to be raked off from the first minute - again to make them think twice.

Cut out their BS tactics from the first minute and we should get nice quick clean ball.

This is a must win game - not to save AR's job, but to show the boys that they can beat the best and for the hard work to finally pay off.

Mon' the Scots!

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:17 am

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:This is a must win game - not to save AR's job, but to show the boys that they can beat the best and for the hard work to finally pay off.

Mon' the Scots!

+1

I agree with trying to persuade the Irish not to be so "street wise" or to be less enclined to perform their "dark arts" at the breakdown. With O'Connell not playing and no specialist fetchers in the Ireland team the breakdown is an are of the game we can really dominate. The line out should be something to target as well with Scotland's imperious line out record in this 6N. Full Kudos to Jim Hamilton/Richie Gray/ Al kellock and Ross Ford for making it such a strong platform.

With Barclay and Rennie playing we need to try and play at a Tempo the Irish breakdown cannot compete with.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 07 Mar 2012, 4:43 pm

Me too - dealing with the Irish at the breakdown will be absolutely critical. They are a very good side at the breakdown, right across the team, so both our backs and our forwards will need to ruck hard as required, especially when Stephen Ferris is about. He put in a shift against France, he really did.

Quite looking forward to the fixtures this weekend - afternoon in the pub beckons.

by **RDW** Thu 08 Mar 2012, 4:50 am

Credit to Robinson for the mind games he's playing with the ref - hopefully the ref will be taking a close look at any skulduggery (love that word) that the Irish will be doing.

Plus might mean we can get away with some of our own since it's been in the press that the Irish are always at it!

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 08 Mar 2012, 5:00 am

Just been listening to Alan Brazil interviewing Gregor Townsend on Talksport (other good sporting stations are available) and Toonie was going on about the usual cack - teams improving, they're going to click yadda yadda yadda.

He did say that it was incredible how much support they've got.

Err not you Gregor me ol mucker. The team, yes.

You, no.

I also loved the way he talked about Hogg as though it was an ingenious move by the coaching team to pick him.

I've been thinking about this and I reckon whoever reaches the 16 point mark will win the game - I think it'll be that close.

I also think we'll score another two tries.

I also know for a fact that my missus will say - "God, is the rugby STILL on?"

by RuggerRadge2611 Thu 08 Mar 2012, 5:38 am

By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on Thursday 8 March 2012 00:00

THE memory of ruining Ireland’s Triple Crown party in 2010 still occupies a warm spot in the mind of Graeme Morrison as he prepares to return to Dublin.

It was one of the Glasgow centre’s best games for Scotland and, after he waited almost four years between his sixth and seventh caps, it came amidst a relative rush of success for Morrison in the dark blue in 2009 and 2010.

Wins over Australia, Argentina away from home and South Africa were celebrated alongside that Croke Park victory.

The Dublin delight, pouring water on Ireland’s hopes, nay expectations of a Triple Crown to end the championship, was unforgettable, however.

“That was certainly one of the best feelings I’ve had in an international jersey,” Morrison said yesterday, taking time out from training to help launch the RBS RugbyForce initiative at Broughton Rugby Club in Edinburgh.

“I played pretty well myself so I have fond memories of that.

“It’s in the past for me now and it’s about moving on with this group but I fully believe that we can go over there and do it again. We went into that game having not won in the tournament but we got better and better as the games went on and that seems to have happened this year as well.

“They [Ireland] have had three weekends of rugby and are missing Paul O’Connell, who is a real talisman for them, so we can take these as positives and go out there and get stuck into them from the start and let them know they are in for a real tough encounter.”

Morrison has not always been the flavour of the month and, at times, has been the object of supporters’ ire as the team has struggled to a threaten in attack.

While his strengths lie more in defence and the fact is that he ranks as world-class among inside centres in that regard, but his attacking skills are far from non-existent.
Morrison’s ability to get over the gain-line and to hold ball in the most frenetic and physical of midfield traffic, with quick feet also a trait, are often overlooked.

And, now heading towards his 30th birthday, his experience remains a valuable, and perhaps underrated, asset in the squad.

He was at the core of Scotland’s defensive improvement through 2009-10, which laid the platform for head coach Andy Robinson, Gregor Townsend and Graham Steadman to explore ways to broaden the scope of the attack.

The coaches have tackled the issue of a blunt Scotland attack in two ways.

Fitst by working to develop new ideas and understanding during Test-match training get-togethers over the past three years and secondly by introducing new, more skilful players.

What Robinson has not had the benefit of is consistency of selection, both through his own choosing and more often through injury.

Rory Lamont was the ninth player selected in January ruled out of Six Nations matches by injury. But that is less of an issue this week as it allows his brother Sean to return to his familiar wing berth, while Max Evans, Euan Murray and Ruaridh Jackson are also available again.

Like Morrison, Lamont is now one of the old heads in the side, maintaining the team’s shape and understanding of the game-plan in the heat of battle.

Good teams have a blend of artists and artisans and the emergence of Stuart Hogg, Lee Jones and David Denton is beginning to strengthen that crucial latter group. Lamont is happy to be returning to the wing and believes that blending process is inching Scotland nearer to finishing the championship with success.

“I’m a winger,” he said. “It’s where I’ve played most of my career and I’m happy to be there. I’ve been happy to play anywhere for my country, but I’ve had most of my caps there. Obviously, I’m not a great distributing player. I will catch and carry. I’m just glad to be playing really and have a chance to try and get the win this week.

“There have been a few changes this season, but any time spent together as a team helps because you get to know what guys like, what moves they’re more comfortable with and what running lines to take off them. We’ve trained for long enough now that we should know everyone’s style of play and be comfortable with each other.

“Obviously, the young boys coming in have a bit of the X-factor but we’ve trained with them for the last five or six weeks and should know what they’re going to do. And we have a game-plan but it’s now about executing it; putting pressure in the right areas, for the full 80 minutes.”

Morrison added: “It’s not about changing too much, just playing the brand of rugby that we’ve been playing. We’ve played some really good, attractive rugby in the past couple of weeks and it’s enjoyable but we have to maintain it for the whole game. Robbo has brought in some young players and they ave shown what they can do. Guys with big futures ahead of them who have slotted in seamlessly. It’s an exciting squad that we’ve got and one that go places. It feels like we’re on the verge of something special but it’s just putting all the pieces together to get that performance.

“We’ve worked hard and feel we deserve a win, but we’ve got to work for it. Ireland will remember two years ago and I’m sure use that as a bit of fuel too.”

Article frome everyone's favourite AR Fanboy in the hootsman.

In particular the bits in bold. What planet is Ferguson on? Does he take the bulk of the Scottish rugby watching pundits for mugs?

One eyed journalism really annoys me and this is the worst kind. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

by **George Carlin** Thu 08 Mar 2012, 5:44 am

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:
By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on Thursday 8 March 2012 00:00

THE memory of ruining Ireland’s Triple Crown party in 2010 still occupies a warm spot in the mind of Graeme Morrison as he prepares to return to Dublin.

It was one of the Glasgow centre’s best games for Scotland and, after he waited almost four years between his sixth and seventh caps, it came amidst a relative rush of success for Morrison in the dark blue in 2009 and 2010.

Wins over Australia, Argentina away from home and South Africa were celebrated alongside that Croke Park victory.

The Dublin delight, pouring water on Ireland’s hopes, nay expectations of a Triple Crown to end the championship, was unforgettable, however.

“That was certainly one of the best feelings I’ve had in an international jersey,” Morrison said yesterday, taking time out from training to help launch the RBS RugbyForce initiative at Broughton Rugby Club in Edinburgh.

“I played pretty well myself so I have fond memories of that.

“It’s in the past for me now and it’s about moving on with this group but I fully believe that we can go over there and do it again. We went into that game having not won in the tournament but we got better and better as the games went on and that seems to have happened this year as well.

“They [Ireland] have had three weekends of rugby and are missing Paul O’Connell, who is a real talisman for them, so we can take these as positives and go out there and get stuck into them from the start and let them know they are in for a real tough encounter.”

Morrison has not always been the flavour of the month and, at times, has been the object of supporters’ ire as the team has struggled to a threaten in attack.

While his strengths lie more in defence and the fact is that he ranks as world-class among inside centres in that regard, but his attacking skills are far from non-existent.
Morrison’s ability to get over the gain-line and to hold ball in the most frenetic and physical of midfield traffic, with quick feet also a trait, are often overlooked.

And, now heading towards his 30th birthday, his experience remains a valuable, and perhaps underrated, asset in the squad.

He was at the core of Scotland’s defensive improvement through 2009-10, which laid the platform for head coach Andy Robinson, Gregor Townsend and Graham Steadman to explore ways to broaden the scope of the attack.

The coaches have tackled the issue of a blunt Scotland attack in two ways.

Fitst by working to develop new ideas and understanding during Test-match training get-togethers over the past three years and secondly by introducing new, more skilful players.

What Robinson has not had the benefit of is consistency of selection, both through his own choosing and more often through injury.

Rory Lamont was the ninth player selected in January ruled out of Six Nations matches by injury. But that is less of an issue this week as it allows his brother Sean to return to his familiar wing berth, while Max Evans, Euan Murray and Ruaridh Jackson are also available again.

Like Morrison, Lamont is now one of the old heads in the side, maintaining the team’s shape and understanding of the game-plan in the heat of battle.

Good teams have a blend of artists and artisans and the emergence of Stuart Hogg, Lee Jones and David Denton is beginning to strengthen that crucial latter group. Lamont is happy to be returning to the wing and believes that blending process is inching Scotland nearer to finishing the championship with success.

“I’m a winger,” he said. “It’s where I’ve played most of my career and I’m happy to be there. I’ve been happy to play anywhere for my country, but I’ve had most of my caps there. Obviously, I’m not a great distributing player. I will catch and carry. I’m just glad to be playing really and have a chance to try and get the win this week.

“There have been a few changes this season, but any time spent together as a team helps because you get to know what guys like, what moves they’re more comfortable with and what running lines to take off them. We’ve trained for long enough now that we should know everyone’s style of play and be comfortable with each other.

“Obviously, the young boys coming in have a bit of the X-factor but we’ve trained with them for the last five or six weeks and should know what they’re going to do. And we have a game-plan but it’s now about executing it; putting pressure in the right areas, for the full 80 minutes.”

Morrison added: “It’s not about changing too much, just playing the brand of rugby that we’ve been playing. We’ve played some really good, attractive rugby in the past couple of weeks and it’s enjoyable but we have to maintain it for the whole game. Robbo has brought in some young players and they ave shown what they can do. Guys with big futures ahead of them who have slotted in seamlessly. It’s an exciting squad that we’ve got and one that go places. It feels like we’re on the verge of something special but it’s just putting all the pieces together to get that performance.

“We’ve worked hard and feel we deserve a win, but we’ve got to work for it. Ireland will remember two years ago and I’m sure use that as a bit of fuel too.”

Article frome everyone's favourite AR Fanboy in the hootsman.

In particular the bits in bold. What planet is Ferguson on? Does he take the bulk of the Scottish rugby watching pundits for mugs?

One eyed journalism really annoys me and this is the worst kind. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

My kingdom for a giant facepalm icon.

"a relative rush of success for Morrison" is making more than one non-accidental pass in a game.

Horribly, horribly dishonest and self-denying article. Gives credit to nobody that sort of tripe.

by bsando Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:26 am

George Carlin wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Article frome everyone's favourite AR Fanboy in the hootsman.

In particular the bits in bold. What planet is Ferguson on? Does he take the bulk of the Scottish rugby watching pundits for mugs?

One eyed journalism really annoys me and this is the worst kind. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

My kingdom for a giant facepalm icon.

"a relative rush of success for Morrison" is making more than one non-accidental pass in a game.

Horribly, horribly dishonest and self-denying article. Gives credit to nobody that sort of tripe.

Sorry I don't want to spark a bickering thread on here but after reading the last few comments I personally can't let some of these comments go unchallenged.

I think you're both very wrong. Nothing wrong with this article, I tend to agree with everything mentioned. I am not a huge Morrison fan but I think he gets a really bad rep as a player which is often unjustified. Lots of Scottish fans a few weeks ago were ranting and raving about AR's awful selections this, Morrison and Lamonts centre partnership that.. Well sorry to break it to you, we played really well. Morrison peformed well, the whole team were generally very good apart from a few stupid penalties and dropped balls by Chunk and a general decline in effort towards the end as the French team came to life. To say "a relative rush of success for Morrison is making more than one non-accidental pass in a game" is in my opinion "horribly, horribly dishonest and self denying".

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:46 am

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Just been listening to Alan Brazil interviewing Gregor Townsend on Talksport (other good sporting stations are available) and Toonie was going on about the usual cack - teams improving, they're going to click yadda yadda yadda.

He did say that it was incredible how much support they've got.

Err not you Gregor me ol mucker. The team, yes.

You, no.

I also loved the way he talked about Hogg as though it was an ingenious move by the coaching team to pick him.

I've been thinking about this and I reckon whoever reaches the 16 point mark will win the game - I think it'll be that close.

I also think we'll score another two tries.

I also know for a fact that my missus will say - "God, is the rugby STILL on?"

Why is it that every year, the same question arises? I mean it's not as tho they randomise the schedule so that sometimes it's May-June?! Bliwdy wimen furious

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:54 am

bsando wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Article frome everyone's favourite AR Fanboy in the hootsman.

In particular the bits in bold. What planet is Ferguson on? Does he take the bulk of the Scottish rugby watching pundits for mugs?

One eyed journalism really annoys me and this is the worst kind. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

My kingdom for a giant facepalm icon.

"a relative rush of success for Morrison" is making more than one non-accidental pass in a game.

Horribly, horribly dishonest and self-denying article. Gives credit to nobody that sort of tripe.

Sorry I don't want to spark a bickering thread on here but after reading the last few comments I personally can't let some of these comments go unchallenged.

I think you're both very wrong. Nothing wrong with this article, I tend to agree with everything mentioned. I am not a huge Morrison fan but I think he gets a really bad rep as a player which is often unjustified. Lots of Scottish fans a few weeks ago were ranting and raving about AR's awful selections this, Morrison and Lamonts centre partnership that.. Well sorry to break it to you, we played really well. Morrison peformed well, the whole team were generally very good apart from a few stupid penalties and dropped balls by Chunk and a general decline in effort towards the end as the French team came to life. To say "a relative rush of success for Morrison is making more than one non-accidental pass in a game" is in my opinion "horribly, horribly dishonest and self denying".

bsando, good to see you - can't imagine you will spark any bickering, we're all entitled to our opinions

In fact, was thinking just last night that in terms of balance, it's important to the keep Scots of all views on the board to make it more interesting. I would take issue with your syaing that "Morrison performed well" tho - true, if you meant by his standards, not true imo, if you meant by the required standards of an international IC - he had a decent game by the latter measure in my view, but no more, making a couple of breaks (33m run, 1 defender beaten, 2 offloads, 10 tackles made, 2 missed: ok stats for a 12, but not great) - I felt our centre partnership clicked far better when NdL came on and SLamont went to the wing. There's still no doubt in my mind that Matt Scott is the form 12 - by all means have Morrison as back-up, but let's select FORM

by **rodders** Thu 08 Mar 2012, 7:30 am

Its probably worth pointing out the Gordon D'arcy tends to struggle against Morrison for province and country.

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 08 Mar 2012, 7:32 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Just been listening to Alan Brazil interviewing Gregor Townsend on Talksport (other good sporting stations are available) and Toonie was going on about the usual cack - teams improving, they're going to click yadda yadda yadda.

He did say that it was incredible how much support they've got.

Err not you Gregor me ol mucker. The team, yes.

You, no.

I also loved the way he talked about Hogg as though it was an ingenious move by the coaching team to pick him.

I've been thinking about this and I reckon whoever reaches the 16 point mark will win the game - I think it'll be that close.

I also think we'll score another two tries.

I also know for a fact that my missus will say - "God, is the rugby STILL on?"
Why is it that every year, the same question arises? I mean it's not as tho they randomise the schedule so that sometimes it's May-June?! Bliwdy wimen

I'll add to that As...

Going to the pub to watch the game and the question "How long will you be" is always asked.

A couple of hours....like last week and two weeks before that.

And for every game last year (Paris and Edinburgh aside)

Bsando - Aslong is right - Morrison is ok and granted he did play well against France (by his standards) but name me one other top 10 team (sorry make that top 12 now (thanks AR ya fud)) that would pick him at 12?

Also ask yourself whether there are better 12's available for Scotland.

There you go

by Scot Abroad Thu 08 Mar 2012, 12:20 pm

The Irish are dropping like flies. SOB now out, he must have read the above article and thought bugger this I'm not playing against this lot Laugh

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 08 Mar 2012, 1:18 pm

All we need now is Sexton, Kearney, Bowe, Healy, Best, Ferris and Heaslip to drop out and we should sneak a draw.

by bsando Fri 09 Mar 2012, 7:12 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
bsando, good to see you - can't imagine you will spark any bickering, we're all entitled to our opinions In fact, was thinking just last night that in terms of balance, it's important to the keep Scots of all views on the board to make it more interesting. I would take issue with your syaing that "Morrison performed well" tho - true, if you meant by his standards, not true imo, if you meant by the required standards of an international IC - he had a decent game by the latter measure in my view, but no more, making a couple of breaks (33m run, 1 defender beaten, 2 offloads, 10 tackles made, 2 missed: ok stats for a 12, but not great) - I felt our centre partnership clicked far better when NdL came on and SLamont went to the wing. There's still no doubt in my mind that Matt Scott is the form 12 - by all means have Morrison as back-up, but let's select FORM

Cheers mate, yeah I don't rate Morrison as an amazing 12, but I like him because he just gets stuck in and is one of the players who kind of goes unseen at times but does make a difference. I think his style is well suited for Glasgow but yes, I would also like to see Matt Scott getting a go at some point (mainly because I support Edinburgh Wink

), hopefully against Italy fingers crossed. Agree with sean being on the wing, but he's brilliant at line breaks so despite his lack of passing (which he even admits to in the above article) I still think he's not a bad choice to have at centre for now, although a more permanent and better suited 12/13 partnership would eventually be preferable for sure. NDL, Ansbro and Scott would be my 3 players to fight it out for a spot at either 12/13. It'll be intersting to see what happens when Visser arrives, where AR will put him. I'd say put him at his normal position. Perhaps a backline like this for Australia test then...

9. Blair/Cusiter
10. Laidlaw
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. NDL/Ansbro
14. Lamont/Jones
15. Hogg

Another player who has kinda gone off the radar just now is Cuthbert at Bath. he's a big lad with a bit of pace on him for his size and I think he's got a lot of potential. I hope he gets back on form at some point to challenge Hogg's spot. bit of competition is good for improvement. But Hogg is looking better and better with every game so big challenge for Cuthbert who is struggling for games at Bath atm. Could be a good fullback for games where we need to keep defense a lot tighter and avoid missed tackles as much as possible.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 09 Mar 2012, 7:16 am

I like that backline for Australia alright - the only non-optimal pick in that lot is Laidlaw at 10, but until he's pushed hard by Weir or Jackson or even one of the others comes racing thru, then that's our strongest line-up

by **RDW** Fri 09 Mar 2012, 7:18 am

bsando wrote:
Another player who has kinda gone off the radar just now is Cuthbert at Bath. he's a big lad with a bit of pace on him for his size and I think he's got a lot of potential. I hope he gets back on form at some point to challenge Hogg's spot. bit of competition is good for improvement. But Hogg is looking better and better with every game so big challenge for Cuthbert who is struggling for games at Bath atm. Could be a good fullback for games where we need to keep defense a lot tighter and avoid missed tackles as much as possible.

I definitely don't agree with what I've highlighted there - the guy looks like a lumbering 2nd row never mind a big fullback with a bit of pace. Massive improvement needed IMO if he's to be a serious contender for 15.

The cupboard is a bit bare just now with Mossy retired and Ramont always injured so agree we need backup, I just think Richie Gray offers more gas than Cuthbert just now!

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 09 Mar 2012, 7:30 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
bsando wrote:
Another player who has kinda gone off the radar just now is Cuthbert at Bath. he's a big lad with a bit of pace on him for his size and I think he's got a lot of potential. I hope he gets back on form at some point to challenge Hogg's spot. bit of competition is good for improvement. But Hogg is looking better and better with every game so big challenge for Cuthbert who is struggling for games at Bath atm. Could be a good fullback for games where we need to keep defense a lot tighter and avoid missed tackles as much as possible.

I definitely don't agree with what I've highlighted there - the guy looks like a lumbering 2nd row never mind a big fullback with a bit of pace. Massive improvement needed IMO if he's to be a serious contender for 15.

The cupboard is a bit bare just now with Mossy retired and Ramont always injured so agree we need backup, I just think Richie Gray offers more gas than Cuthbert just now!

Murchie, Thompson and Brown look to be the most obvious fullback candidates, but none really shoving their hand up at the moment to challenge Brown. RLamont is the other existing option, but the lad is just so fragile

by bsando Fri 09 Mar 2012, 9:35 am

i think I like him because he doesn't urine about when he gets the ball. He makes a decision and see's it out. He's also vary aware of what's going on around him and where the ball is/going. But yes, he is definitely not as quick as Hogg or Ramont, but I dunno about lumbering 2nd row, I think thats a little harsh RDW

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 09 Mar 2012, 9:37 am

Why let the facts stand in the way of a fine hyperbole?!?! Laugh

by **RDW** Fri 09 Mar 2012, 9:50 am

OK maybe not a lumbering 2nd row but he's definitely the slowest and least athletic looking back I've ever seen - and that includes Morrison!

Plus I remember a while back on here we were talking about him and a lot of the Bath guys were saying he really wasn't very good for them, citing the same reasons I've given!

He's still young and I'm sure he'll improve, just think he should be no where near the Scotland team just now.

by Hollbeck Ghyll Fri 09 Mar 2012, 10:47 am

I was lucky enough to be at the Bath Worceter game last weekend - Cuthbert came on for the last quarter and set up a great try for Biggs to run in - didn't look anything like a second row flying up the wing (well, I'm sure Richie could give it a go). He's by no means the full package, and sitting on the bench for Bath isn't going to help, but he still has potential.

by IanBru Fri 09 Mar 2012, 11:22 am

On Twitter, Duncan Weir has mentioned that his sister's getting married tomorrow.

Not that I'm defending Robinson (heaven forbid...) but could that be the reason Jackson was included? Did Weir make himself unavailable?

I don't think I would have expected, say last year when his sister was arranging a date for the big day, for Weir to have been included at this stage. It has been his form this season which has made him a contender.

by alexgmacdonald Fri 09 Mar 2012, 11:49 am

IanBru wrote:On Twitter, Duncan Weir has mentioned that his sister's getting married tomorrow.

Not that I'm defending Robinson (heaven forbid...) but could that be the reason Jackson was included? Did Weir make himself unavailable?

I don't think I would have expected, say last year when his sister was arranging a date for the big day, for Weir to have been included at this stage. It has been his form this season which has made him a contender.

I think at this point thats the most feasible reason.

What I don't understand is the ferocity of the Jackson hating, I mean I know the guy isn't in great form but he isn't playing terrible. His kicking is suspect but he's playing solidly at the moment.

I thought last weekend against the Ospreys, he took the ball upto to the line well and brought Alex Dunbar into the game very well just by simply letting him run onto the ball.

Also, I wonder how long it will take before Chris Fusaro gets a look in on the Scotland squad because he's having a stormer this season.

by SecretFly Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:05 pm

Sister getting married - Six Nations game in Dublin where you could stamp your name on the shirt for years to come with a good performance - not to mention the joy of a possible win.

I know marriage is a big day... but I think if your brother had such a big chance to have a great International day and project his career on the back of it, I think you'd give him grace/ a dispensation to miss the wedding - quick flight home for the reception!.

by Scot Abroad Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:09 pm

A very selfless act by Weir making himself unavailable. I'm sure it means the world to his sister that he's chosen to not play. I think the Jackson hate came from the fact that we thought Robbo dropped Weir to push Jackson back into the fray. It'd be business as usual for Robbo dropping a player who did nothing wrong for one of his favourites.

by alexgmacdonald Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:11 pm

SecretFly wrote:Sister getting married - Six Nations game in Dublin where you could stamp your name on the shirt for years to come with a good performance - not to mention the joy of a possible win.

I know marriage is a big day... but I think if your brother had such a big chance to have a great International day and project his career on the back of it, I think you'd give him grace/ a dispensation to miss the wedding - quick flight home for the reception!.

I think thats a bit harsh, his sister is probably only gonna get married once, but he could possibly play against Italy and then the rest of his career ahead of him, so I think its only fair that he goes to his own sister's wedding.

by alexgmacdonald Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:13 pm

Scot Abroad wrote:A very selfless act by Weir making himself unavailable. I'm sure it means the world to his sister that he's chosen to not play. I think the Jackson hate came from the fact that we thought Robbo dropped Weir to push Jackson back into the fray. It'd be business as usual for Robbo dropping a player who did nothing wrong for one of his favourites.

So amongst all this hating, he's actually a decent player, but just not as good as Weir.

by Scot Abroad Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:26 pm

alexgmacdonald wrote:
Scot Abroad wrote:A very selfless act by Weir making himself unavailable. I'm sure it means the world to his sister that he's chosen to not play. I think the Jackson hate came from the fact that we thought Robbo dropped Weir to push Jackson back into the fray. It'd be business as usual for Robbo dropping a player who did nothing wrong for one of his favourites.

So amongst all this hating, he's actually a decent player, but just not as good as Weir.

He's a promising player for sure. I was personally upset because I feel Weir is the better option when comparing the two. He's played more than Jackson this year and his kicking from the tee is deadly accurate. Something Jackson has struggled with this season.

On a different note, seems the SRU are serious about scouring the globe for the best talent. They've contacted Tahs SH Brendan McKibben about coming north and getting involved with the Scotland setup. Born in Scotland so he's not a pinch.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/mckibbins-bound-for-scotland/story-fn8t3fts-1226294105013

by SecretFly Fri 09 Mar 2012, 12:47 pm

alexgmacdonald wrote:
SecretFly wrote:Sister getting married - Six Nations game in Dublin where you could stamp your name on the shirt for years to come with a good performance - not to mention the joy of a possible win.

I know marriage is a big day... but I think if your brother had such a big chance to have a great International day and project his career on the back of it, I think you'd give him grace/ a dispensation to miss the wedding - quick flight home for the reception!.

I think thats a bit harsh, his sister is probably only gonna get married once, but he could possibly play against Italy and then the rest of his career ahead of him, so I think its only fair that he goes to his own sister's wedding.

Not harsh. Not harsh in the slightest. A thought. Just a thought. A thought that was certainly mentioned amongst themselves as they came to the realisation there would be a clash. People get so sensitive on here. I missed my brother's wedding. I couldn't go. Life happens. Weir's going to his sister's wedding. Nice for him.

by malky1963 Fri 09 Mar 2012, 1:09 pm

bsando wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
bsando, good to see you - can't imagine you will spark any bickering, we're all entitled to our opinions In fact, was thinking just last night that in terms of balance, it's important to the keep Scots of all views on the board to make it more interesting. I would take issue with your syaing that "Morrison performed well" tho - true, if you meant by his standards, not true imo, if you meant by the required standards of an international IC - he had a decent game by the latter measure in my view, but no more, making a couple of breaks (33m run, 1 defender beaten, 2 offloads, 10 tackles made, 2 missed: ok stats for a 12, but not great) - I felt our centre partnership clicked far better when NdL came on and SLamont went to the wing. There's still no doubt in my mind that Matt Scott is the form 12 - by all means have Morrison as back-up, but let's select FORM

Cheers mate, yeah I don't rate Morrison as an amazing 12, but I like him because he just gets stuck in and is one of the players who kind of goes unseen at times but does make a difference. I think his style is well suited for Glasgow but yes, I would also like to see Matt Scott getting a go at some point (mainly because I support Edinburgh ), hopefully against Italy fingers crossed. Agree with sean being on the wing, but he's brilliant at line breaks so despite his lack of passing (which he even admits to in the above article) I still think he's not a bad choice to have at centre for now, although a more permanent and better suited 12/13 partnership would eventually be preferable for sure. NDL, Ansbro and Scott would be my 3 players to fight it out for a spot at either 12/13. It'll be intersting to see what happens when Visser arrives, where AR will put him. I'd say put him at his normal position. Perhaps a backline like this for Australia test then...

9. Blair/Cusiter
10. Laidlaw
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. NDL/Ansbro
14. Lamont/Jones
15. Hogg

Another player who has kinda gone off the radar just now is Cuthbert at Bath. he's a big lad with a bit of pace on him for his size and I think he's got a lot of potential. I hope he gets back on form at some point to challenge Hogg's spot. bit of competition is good for improvement. But Hogg is looking better and better with every game so big challenge for Cuthbert who is struggling for games at Bath atm. Could be a good fullback for games where we need to keep defense a lot tighter and avoid missed tackles as much as possible.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Visser qualifies after the Oz game but can play in the Fiji and Samoa tests - anyone know definitively?

by Triangulation Fri 09 Mar 2012, 1:22 pm

scotland will win this ! Run

by **NeilyBroon** Fri 09 Mar 2012, 1:43 pm

aye if we do it'll only be because half of Ireland are injured though lol. We need another decent scalp if I'm to be convinced we're going to be okay, a weakened Ireland won't be amazing even if we do win! I want to see us beat Australia and South Africa this year. Wishful thinking? Maybe but those are the wins we REALLY need.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Fri 09 Mar 2012, 1:45 pm

Anyone who knows Duncan Weir would realise he would rather cancel his own wedding than miss out on a cap ! So I think this is a smokescreen. The Jon Welsh non-selection is very typically Robinson though mad

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri 09 Mar 2012, 1:53 pm

The wedding is in Dublin ... Whistle

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