The Rabbo Preview 2013/2014 - Scottish Sides

Glagow:

Last Season: 3rd Place

Transfers in 2013/14 (5 in total): Richie Vernon, Tyron Holmes, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Gabriel Ascarate, Will Bordill (unconfirmed)

Transfers out 2013/14 (6 out in total): John Barclay, Nick Campbell, Ofa Fainga’anuku, Taylor Paris, Graeme Morrison, Rory Lamont

Players likely to feature less due to International commitments: Grant (Scotland Prop), Kellock (Scotland Lock), Lamont (Scotland Centre/Wing), Maitland (Scotland Wing) Hogg (Scotland Full Back) Duncan Weir (Scotland Fly Half)

Probable Starting Lineup(during international windows & rest periods):
1.  Welsh  2. Hall  3. Low   4. Ryder   5. Harley   6. Vernon  
7. Holmes/Fusaro    8.  Wilson  9. Matawalu  10. Jackson   11.  Dunbar  12. Bennett  13.  Horne  14. Van der Merwe   15.  Murchie/Ascarate

Comments:  Showed brilliant form last season.  Barclay may be a big loss to them as Holmes will have his work cut out for him.  That said, this team has quality throughout even without its internationals.  Matawalu was a standout performer last season and one of the best scrum halves on show.  Scoring tries is not a problem for Glasgow and I don’t expect that to be a problem for them this term either.  If anything they are likely to be even stronger this season as they brought so many players through last term.  They play an attractive brand of rugby and it’s good to see a Scottish side challenging for honours.    

Prediction: 2nd – I don’t expect Glasgow to slip up for a home playoff like they did last term.  There is no doubt this team will grow and take performance up a notch.  If there is to be a Scottish name on the Rabbo title it’s likely to be Glasgow.

Edinburgh:

Last Season: 10th Place

Transfers in 2013/14 (4 in total): Nikki Walker, Jack Cuthbert, Aleki Lutui, Alasdair Dickinson

Transfers out 2013/14 (8 out in total): Richie Rees, Netani Talei, Sep Visser, Mike Penn, Andy Titterrell, Allan Jacobsen, James King, Steven Turnbull

Players likely to feature less due to International commitments: Ford (Scotland Hooker) Denton (Scotland Backrow) Laidlaw (Scotland Scrum Half) Visser (Scotland Wing) De Luca (Scotland Centre)

Probable Starting Lineup(during international windows & rest periods):
1.  Yapp  2. Lawrie  3. Cross   4. Gilchrist   5. Parker   6. Cox  
7. Rennie    8.  Basilaia  9. Leck 10. Scott   11.  Walker  12. Cairns 13.  Atiga  14. Jones   15.  Tonks/Cuthbert

Comments:  With a big increase in available budget Edinburgh should be a top 6 side.  Sadly money is not an over riding factor as the Cardiff Blues found out a couple of seasons back.  They do contribute a fair number to international duty but the standard of the remaining players is lacking in certain positions.  9 & 10 look a bit week on paper to me and while the backline this season could be useful its hard to see the 2nd choice 9/10’s releasing them.  Edinburgh seem to have a solid enough platform with the forward not shirking often but again the real issue in the pack when the internationals are away, there are not enough ball carriers to make their mark.      

Prediction: 9th – I can see Edinburgh improving from last season’s 10th position but not by much.  This probably is a combination of a lack of quality in certain areas as well as the strength of other teams squads and recruitment.  The new coach will probably be given time to stamp his mark on the team and readjust his squad and replace under performing players with better players with the money available.

Mushroom, continuing the excellent work

Glasgow international commitments look a little off, and Edinburgh will certainly lose Matt Scott to Scotland. Expect Chris Fusaro to play at openside in place of John Barclay, and Josh Strauss to appear on the other flank

Ill include Fusaro for now. I do expect Holmes to probably oust him though. Strauss ahead of new signing Vernon? Not sure about that one. I'll leave it for now.

my bad will change international section now.

It's a good effort, and I completely agree with your predictions.

International window sides slightly off potentially.

Glasgow:

1.Welsh 2.Hall 3.Cusack 4.Ryder 5.Gray 6.Harley 7.Fusaro 8.Strauss 9.Matawalu 10.Jackson 11.DTH 12.Ascarate 13.Bennett 14.Seymour 15.Murchie

Edinburgh:

1.Yapp 2.Lawrie 3.Nel 4.VDW 5.Cox 6.Basilia 7.Grant 8.McInally 9.Kennedy 10.Francis 11.Cuthbert 12.Atiga 13.Cairns 14.Walker 15.Tonks

That's my guess anyway.

Yes I'd say Rennie and Scott will definitely start for Scotland, and probably Dunbar with Geoff Cross possibly on the bench so would remove those from the club sides listed.

I haven't seen Holmes play but I'll be surprised if he comes from Italian sub-Rabo rugby and ousts Fusaro who has been very close to Barclay and kept him out of the Glasgow side at times. I'll be even more surprised if Vernon gets into the side ahead of Josh Strauss, there is really no comparison there for me!

Also Peter Horne is out for a while with an ACL injury and Michael Bradley departed from Edinburgh in the spring.

Other than that though I think you've got the predicted league table placings spot on!

I actually think Dunbar will be starting for Scotland at 13. I think Scott Johnson is a fan and will keep the Scott and Dunbar combination going this season, at least in the AIs.

Welshmushroom, a superb effort. Thanks.
I think your predictions are pretty accurate but Cusack will prop for Glasgow whenever he wants to. The jersey is his as he is top notch when fit and we are counting the days till he is Scottish qualified. Also look for Jonny Gray coming into the second row- Gray and Gray at 4&5 for Scotland soon  
Also the Glasgow back row is almost an embarrassment of riches;
6. Strauss
7. Fusaro (we only let Barclay go because Fozzy is such a good prospect.)
8. Vernon
Throw in Harley, Holmes, Wilson and Jedi and you are slightly spoiled for choice. Oh, and I believe Barclay will be a revelation at Dave Parade this season. I think we are still short of a centre while Horne is out of action and this could prove costly. Still, if last season's painful lessons have been learned then we should be genuine contenders.

jimbopip wrote:Welshmushroom, a superb effort. Thanks.
I think your predictions are pretty accurate but Cusack will prop for Glasgow whenever he wants to. The jersey is his as he is top notch when fit and we are counting the days till he is Scottish qualified. Also look for Jonny Gray coming into the second row- Gray and Gray at 4&5 for Scotland soon  
Also the Glasgow back row is almost an embarrassment of riches;
6. Strauss
7. Fusaro (we only let Barclay go because Fozzy is such a good prospect.)
8. Vernon
Throw in Harley, Holmes, Wilson and Jedi and you are slightly spoiled for choice. Oh, and I believe Barclay will be a revelation at Dave Parade this season. I think we are still short of a centre while Horne is out of action and this could prove costly. Still, if last season's painful lessons have been learned then we should be genuine contenders.

Not at Dave Parade unfortunately; he's joining the Scarlets down at Parc.

Griff, sorry for my stupidity. Still, he's a superb rugby player and I think Scrum 5 will be full of people saying "How did we not notice this before?" I honestly think that he and Tips are better 7's than Warburton. With Dussatoir ahead of all three, obviously.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I actually think Dunbar will be starting for Scotland at 13. I think Scott Johnson is a fan and will keep the Scott and Dunbar combination going this season, at least in the AIs.

this is what I meant, clumsy phrasing let me down. Rennie, Scott and Dunbar starting, Cross competing with Welsh for a bench spot.

Aye, Bradley got sacked about 6 months ago. The problem is, we still havent got a replacement. The PR team are getting bombarded with people demanding answers, and tbh, for once I agree. Its becoming a joke.

Edinburgh has a PR team??

funnyExiledScot wrote:Edinburgh has a PR team??

PR = Posh and Righteous

I know Welsh brethern prnounce it Caadiff but Glagow is a step too far !

Very good Mr ASBO. You're wasted on those roads....

Agree with the sentiments so far - starting teams during international windows are a bit off the mark, but a much better attempt than I could do with any of the Welsh teams!

Also I may be wrong but reading what you've said suggests Bradley is still in charge - we booted him 5 months ago!

RDW_Scotland wrote:Agree with the sentiments so far - starting teams during international windows are a bit off the mark, but a much better attempt than I could do with any of the Welsh teams!

Also I may be wrong but reading what you've said suggests Bradley is still in charge - we booted him 5 months ago!

Nonsense.

1.Davies 2.Davies 3.Jones 4.Davies 5.Llewellyn 6.Thomas 6.Davies 7.Llewellyn 8.Jones 9.Jones 10.Davies 11.Thomas 12.Jones 13.Llewellyn 14.Jones 15.Thomas

Done. Misc. Welsh region during the international window......

I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

There's no way that fat Meat trombone soloist wee Eck could play 9. God knows he'd confuse the opposition...

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

That's just racialist.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Agree with the sentiments so far - starting teams during international windows are a bit off the mark, but a much better attempt than I could do with any of the Welsh teams!

Also I may be wrong but reading what you've said suggests Bradley is still in charge - we booted him 5 months ago!

Nonsense.

1.Davies 2.Davies 3.Jones 4.Davies 5.Llewellyn 6.Thomas 6.Davies 7.Llewellyn 8.Jones 9.Jones 10.Davies 11.Thomas 12.Jones 13.Llewellyn 14.Jones 15.Thomas

Done. Misc. Welsh region during the international window......

No feicin idea why you've left out Williams and Ap Williams - are you mad? 

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

Think we'll need a token Embra private school lad in there - Torquil or Cameron

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

Think we'll need a token Embra private school lad in there - Torquil or Cameron

True, and let's not forget 'wee mental Davie' on the bench!

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

Think we'll need a token Embra private school lad in there - Torquil or Cameron

Or ASBO....  

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Agree with the sentiments so far - starting teams during international windows are a bit off the mark, but a much better attempt than I could do with any of the Welsh teams!

Also I may be wrong but reading what you've said suggests Bradley is still in charge - we booted him 5 months ago!

Nonsense.

1.Davies 2.Davies 3.Jones 4.Davies 5.Llewellyn 6.Thomas 6.Davies 7.Llewellyn 8.Jones 9.Jones 10.Davies 11.Thomas 12.Jones 13.Llewellyn 14.Jones 15.Thomas

Done. Misc. Welsh region during the international window......

No feicin idea why you've left out Williams and Ap Williams - are you mad? 

I've never rated Williams, or Kinnock for that matter.

What is Townsend doing differently than Lineen in terms of style of play?

Imperialbigdave wrote:Aye, Bradley got sacked about 6 months ago. The problem is, we still havent got a replacement. The PR team are getting bombarded with people demanding answers, and tbh, for once I agree. Its becoming a joke.

Sounds like they might have an eye on a coach from down under.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'm just awaiting an equally steriotypical response from a Welshman saying

Scottish XV:

1 Jock 2 Tam 3 Hamish 4 Malky 5 Tam 6 Bruce 7 Jimmy 8 Tam 9 Eck 10 Dougie 11 Jock 12 Eck 13 Willie 14 Tam 15 Malky

 

Think we'll need a token Embra private school lad in there - Torquil or Cameron

Or ASBO....  

Was ASBO not a KA FP ?

Erm, GA FP if you pls!!

Ah, I thought you were an EA FP. I must have just assumed that due to your love of Stockbridge....

Is the BTSport shirt sponsorship just a canny way to soften Scottish opposition in the European cup competition negotiations? Or am I just a shocking cynic?

I think it's more about sticking two fingers up at Sky. Expect the BT logo to be a prominent feature on the Edinburgh and Glasgow kit, and painted large on the pitch at Scotstoun!

I'm not marketing genius but surely if people are watching the game it'll mean they have sky sports, so aren't in need of bt sport??

You can have both though, and BT Sport have rights to different things. Being a tad obsessed with sports, I've gone and got myself both Sky and BT Sport.....Mrs fES is not best pleased.....

funnyExiledScot wrote:You can have both though, and BT Sport have rights to different things. Being a tad obsessed with sports, I've gone and got myself both Sky and BT Sport.....Mrs fES is not best pleased.....

Overload?  

Welsh Mushroom - big shout for the effort.
 
Edinburgh XV:
1. Torquil
2. Cameron
3. Findlay
4. Farquar
5. Angus
6. Robertson
7. Denholm
8. Laughlan
 
9. Smyth
10. Smythe
11. Xander
12. Xanadu
13. Adair
14. FES
15. IBD
 
Glasgow XV:
1. Begbie
2. Rents
3. Dougie
4. Eck
5. Shuggie
6. Moistie
7. Broonie
8. Tam
 
9. Parole Number 289847763
10. Psycho
11. Wee Malkie
12. Big Malkie
13. Killer
14. Bamstick
15. Bawbag

Surely there's got to be a 'shagger' somewhere in there for Glasgow? OR Big Davie? Wee mental Kevin?

I'd not idea that Schizoid was a scrum half......

Athough I have just noticed GC that you've got 2 trainspotting characters in there - Edinburgh's claim to fame!

I also note that you have me playing wing. Now whilst I'm fairly confident of being able to match Lee Jones' contribution to the 14 jersey last season, as those who have met me will testify, a winger I am not.....

funnyExiledScot wrote:I also note that you have me playing wing. Now whilst I'm fairly confident of being able to match Lee Jones' contribution to the 14 jersey last season, as those who have met me will testify, a winger I am not.....

Even if you stand out there and let opposing players run into you, FES, you're still more apt defensively than Visser.

That's true. Unlike Visser I'm not fast enough to run out of the way.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I also note that you have me playing wing. Now whilst I'm fairly confident of being able to match Lee Jones' contribution to the 14 jersey last season, as those who have met me will testify, a winger I am not.....

You cannae do any worse. Perhaps without the pace to catch and tackle your opposite number your keen mind and sharp intellect might put you in a position where you can become a "road block".

funnyExiledScot wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Agree with the sentiments so far - starting teams during international windows are a bit off the mark, but a much better attempt than I could do with any of the Welsh teams!

Also I may be wrong but reading what you've said suggests Bradley is still in charge - we booted him 5 months ago!

Nonsense.

1.Davies 2.Davies 3.Jones 4.Davies 5.Llewellyn 6.Thomas 6.Davies 7.Llewellyn 8.Jones 9.Jones 10.Davies 11.Thomas 12.Jones 13.Llewellyn 14.Jones 15.Thomas

Done. Misc. Welsh region during the international window......

No feicin idea why you've left out Williams and Ap Williams - are you mad? 

I've never rated Williams, or Kinnock for that matter.

The real shocker is that he's left out Evan Bevan.

It depends on the player coming towards me. I was never averse to the "swinging arm" tackle for small players, being tall the refs usually give you some leeway....

funnyExiledScot wrote:I'd not idea that Schizoid was a scrum half......

You have (or ever will have) no idea how funny this is fES    

George Carlin wrote:Welsh Mushroom - big shout for the effort.
 
Edinburgh XV:
1. Torquil
2. Cameron
3. Findlay
4. Farquar
5. Angus
6. Robertson
7. Denholm
8. Laughlan
 
9. Smyth
10. Smythe
11. Xander
12. Xanadu
13. Adair
14. FES
15. IBD
 
Glasgow XV:
1. Begbie
2. Rents
3. Dougie
4. Eck
5. Shuggie
6. Moistie
7. Broonie
8. Tam
 
9. Parole Number 289847763
10. Psycho
11. Wee Malkie
12. Big Malkie
13. Killer
14. Bamstick
15. Bawbag

GC,

your Embra XV is forenames only surely?

Your Glasgow XV needs a Fung (Feckin Ugly New Guy) maybe as 20. Also Helmet Head at 16. Dobber at 17 too perhaps? And also no self-respecting Weegie 23 could be without a Dagger Man!!!!  Guesting from the leafy West End Charles Chumley-Murgatroyd,ex GA too, at 22 !  

Rookie mistake on not picking up on Bradley no longer coaching. Will change that now.

Additionally regarding the international selection, what I have tried to do is look at the Scotland starting 15 for the 6 Nations and Autumn. Outside of that 15 generally most squad call ups are released back for regional duty to keep them match fit. That's why I didn't include general fringe players. That said, I am an outsider looking in so I concede my viewpoint may not be accurate or pure conjecture on my part.

Effort is genuinely appreciated WelshMushroom. If you asked me who the Ospreys international window XV would be, I wouldn't have a scooby.

Got to be honest - looking forward to watching Glasgow play this season. At times they where an absolute joy to watch. Hopefully the crowds will pick up for home matches this season for them as well as they are producing some entertaining rugby and at good value for money.