Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread V - The Fun Continues

[IanBru]

First topic message reminder :

Banter through the ages:

https://www.606v2.com/t48240-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread
https://www.606v2.com/t51313-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ii
https://www.606v2.com/t53119-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iii
https://www.606v2.com/t54519-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iv

Well friends, the pre-season has come and gone, now things get real.

A. Edinburgh Rugby


1. Pre-Season

Edinburgh 10-11 Leicester Tigers
Edinburgh 21-15 Newcastle Falcons

2. Results
Munster 13-14 Edinburgh
Edinburgh 13-14 Connacht
Ospreys 62-13 Edinburgh
Edinburgh 20-20 Scarlets
Ulster 30-0 Edinburgh
Edinburgh 24-10 Newport Gwent Dragons
Bordeaux-Bègles 13-15 Edinburgh

3. Upcoming Fixtures

Friday 24 Oct 2014 - 19:45 (TBC)
Lyon   (H)   -   European Rugby Challenge Cup

B. Glasgow Warriors


1. Pre-Season Results
Glasgow Warriors 23-24 Harlequins
London Scottish 19-38 Glasgow Warriors

2. Results
Glasgow Warriors 22-20 Leinster
Cardiff Blues 12-33 Glasgow Warriors
Newport Gwent Dragons 13-33 Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors 39 - 21 Connacht
Benetton Treviso 23-40 Glasgow Warriors
Ulster 29-9 Glasgow Warriors


3. Upcoming Fixtures

Sat 18 Oct 2014 - 15:15 (Live on BT Sport 2)
Bath   (H)   -   European Rugby Champions Cup

Sat 25 Oct 2014 - 18:15 (Live on Sky Sports)
Montpellier Herault   (A)   -   European Rugby Champions Cup

Any and all discussion of things rugby-related is welcome. Restaurant recommendations are openly sought. Introductions to eligible young people would be fantastic. Bullying, jingoism, and wang-measuring is not on.

We need to move forwards not backwards, upwards not forwards, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.

[justified sinner]

Wow just see that Grant Shiels has siged for you guys (Edinburgh).

It is fantastic news. Great signing and one that makes sense for all parties..

Great news, hopefully means we can get rid of that useless eejit Blaauw.

[RDW]

As has been said you've got to be concerned that he's been unheard of since moving to Bath, but he played well at Newcastle by all accounts, and is still young enough.

Shame on Dell - he was starting to look promising.

[VinceWLB]

Shiells is definitely a positive signing for Edinburgh although a kick in the teeth for Sutherland who has never looked out of place this season.
But at 186 cm and 107 kg he is a bit on the lightside for a prop, even a loosehead. Maybe he can play in the back row?

Edinburgh have also apparently signed Hugh Blake from Otago http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Blake

Lets hope he is more a Du Preez or Leonardi kind of player rather than Coman!

[justified sinner]

Well Blake ticks some of the right boxes, NZ under 20, Scots granny, but the fact he can't get into the Highlanders team doesn't suggest he'll set the heather on fire. Still, it's a deal to the end of the season so if he doesn't work out we can always return him and upgrade to Hardie.

[InjuredYetAgain]

Todger Baird
Anyone know why Newcastle let Shells go? I thought he was a regular for them, either starting or at least on the bench

[George Carlin]

Wow just see that Grant Shiels has siged for you guys (Edinburgh).

It is fantastic news. Great signing and one that makes sense for all parties..

Great news, hopefully means we can get rid of that useless eejit Blaauw.

Absolutely delighted with Shiels - Edinburgh should have done this a season ago.
Shiels is class and stupidly, Bath obviously decided not to play him that much.  Big, big mistake.

[RDW]

Looking forward to seeing some mental fijians running riot against the welshies today!

[tigertattie]

Niko's other mate (who wears 7 for Fiji) was criminal not passing that ball.

Come on Glasgow!!! I mean Fiji

[RDW]

5 on 1 blown - that's what Scotland normally do!

[George Carlin]

5 on 1 blown - that's what Scotland normally do!

Glasgwegian training dies hard...

[tigertattie]

Niko's mate Jerry enters the fray

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Anyone got any idea how Rennie is getting on in Bristol, is he injured at the moment? Haven't seen him in any of the match reports lately

[justified sinner]

Think he's furry ducked at the moment, knee, but not too serious.

[Nematode]

Shiells Joins Edinburgh

[RDW]

Shiells Joins Edinburgh

Old news pal!

[Nematode]

Shiells Joins Edinburgh

Old news pal!

Not again...

[RDW]

Take it as granted that if it is on the Edinburgh or Glasgow social media or website, or any of the Scottish press, it will end up on here straight away!

[tigertattie]

If the unwashed are lovingly reffering to Edinburgh as Edinbokke, then I think we need to start calling them Glasiji

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t56478-scarlets-v-glasgow-warriors-21-november

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t56490-edinburgh-v-cardiff-blues-23-november

[madmaccas]

The Otago Daily Times is saying that John Hardie has signed for Edinburgh and will arrive after the next Highlander's season (June/July).

Southland and Highlanders flanker John Hardie is believed to be heading to the same club after the next Highlanders season. Hardie also qualifies as a local player through his ancestry.

It's not totally emphatic, but much more convincing than previous speculation (and these sorts of stories from the region's press usually have an element of truth).

He has been the Highlander's form player over the past 12. Shame he's not coming now, when most needed, because he'd be a very very handy player for Edinburgh and Scotland.

With Robbie Robinson back playing for the Maori, but without a Super Rugby contract, surely we could have a go getting him?! I also read that he is keen to travel and see more of Europe!

[madmaccas]

Ah and the Waikato Times is reporting that Robinson has signed an 'overseas' contract. Fingers crossed!

[George Carlin]

The Otago Daily Times is saying that John Hardie has signed for Edinburgh and will arrive after the next Highlander's season (June/July).

Southland and Highlanders flanker John Hardie is believed to be heading to the same club after the next Highlanders season. Hardie also qualifies as a local player through his ancestry.

It's not totally emphatic, but much more convincing than previous speculation (and these sorts of stories from the region's press usually have an element of truth).

He has been the Highlander's form player over the past 12. Shame he's not coming now, when most needed, because he'd be a very very handy player for Edinburgh and Scotland.

With Robbie Robinson back playing for the Maori, but without a Super Rugby contract, surely we could have a go getting him?! I also read that he is keen to travel and see more of Europe!

Great find, Maccas (noting that the same paper makes a point of stressing that Scotland were not good at all in the recent test and that the Blackness served to beat themselves for the first 70 minutes).

I am quite excited about Hardie as his pedigree is at least as good as, say, Tyrone Holmes but hope that some judgement is exercised with Robinson - he would have got a Super rugby deal if he hadn't been crocked. He is clearly carrying something and Edinburgh should not be re-named The Nikki Walker Memorial Retirement Home.

[RDW]

Well at 26 he's still young, but I take it at 6ft and just over 100kg he's a 7?

Agree that we desperate need him now.

44 Super Rugby caps, so he's definitely got pedigree. Certainly the minimum level of experience we should be targeting.

[EWT Spoons]

Same chat essentially but from the Evening News

EDINBURGH RUGBY are being linked with the signing of a Scots-qualified flanker from New Zealand’s provincial scene.


And the acquisition of 22-year-old Hugh Blake is already a done deal brokered through Scotland’s director of rugby, Scott Johnson, according to the Otago Daily Times.

A former All Black colt who played in the 2012 junior World Cup, Blake is already talking about the move, saying: “I was off contract with Otago and with my grandparents having emigrated from Scotland, I can get residency and can go as a local player.”

Edinburgh are also being linked with a move for another flanker, John Hardie, at the end of this season.

Blake, who is expected to arrive by the end of this month, adds: “Things have not been progressing much here. I had one year with the wider squad with the Highlanders but had nothing for next year, so I thought I would take on this opportunity.”

Knee and elbow injuries have blighted Blake’s progress and he is hoping for a fresh start while playing down prospects of making the Scotland squad.

“That hasn’t really been discussed. I did it all through Scottish director of rugby Scott Johnson. I just want to get over there and play some games.”

Blake will initially be contracted until the end of this season. John Hardie is four years older than Blake with added experience based on playing 44 times for the Highlanders in Super Rugby. He is also Scottish qualified.

[EWT Spoons]

Forgot to add, I don't know much about Hugh Blake, but sounds promising and he's on his way soon, so that'll help....hopefully.

[RDW]

Well this Blake chap is still young, but certainly doesn't fit the minimum level of experience we should be aiming for.

If he's not even getting into the Otago squad you've got to wonder...

Still, only get him short term and we need to bodies!

[MacKnocked-on]

Obviously sounds as if Edinburgh are on the recruitment drive currently. With Glasgow going so well and providing the majority of the Scotland team currently I was wondering what positions in the Glasgow team/squad people think could be improved by the addition of extra players and who they might be? Would Cowan for example strengthen the back row instead of Fusaro if he were tempted from LI? Interested to hear people's thoughts..

[RDW]

I'd love to get Cowan to Scotland, and Edinburgh definitely need him more

Can't be overly appealing move for him though currently....

He definitely looks better than fusaro - certainly at international level - but fusaro is still effective at pro 12 level for Glasgow.

[MacKnocked-on]

I'd love to get Cowan to Scotland, and Edinburgh definitely need him more

Can't be overly appealing move for him though currently....

He definitely looks better than fusaro - certainly at international level - but fusaro is still effective at pro 12 level for Glasgow.

Obviously Edinburgh are very much a work in progress (we hope) but it's Glasgow that I'm particularly interested in asking the question of where they could be improved, and by which possible player/s. All the speculation about John Hardie joining Edinburgh, perhaps he would be a better signing for Glasgow?

[madmaccas]

Great find, Maccas (noting that the same paper makes a point of stressing that Scotland were not good at all in the recent test and that the Blackness served to beat themselves for the first 70 minutes).

I am quite excited about Hardie as his pedigree is at least as good as, say, Tyrone Holmes but hope that some judgement is exercised with Robinson - he would have got a Super rugby deal if he hadn't been crocked. He is clearly carrying something and Edinburgh should not be re-named The Nikki Walker Memorial Retirement Home.

From what I've seen and read he's far ahead of Holmes, who only has 1 Super Rugby cap to his name. He's been the Highlander's first choice 7 and played almost every minute of the Super Rugby season. At 26 he's also in his rugby prime.

Robinson wise he had a really difficult injury - the blood supply to his hip was cut off. Looked like he'd have to retire and was dropped by the Chiefs, but after treatment he played the whole ITM Cup season and went on the Maori tour, so looks like he's over that. When he was released Dave Rennie brought in a couple of other players so he couldn't bring Robinson back now even if he wanted to. My fear as that he'll be snapped up by a Japanese team, which would be a shame because he really is top class and could fight it out with Hogg for the 15 shirt.

[George Carlin]

Great find, Maccas (noting that the same paper makes a point of stressing that Scotland were not good at all in the recent test and that the Blackness served to beat themselves for the first 70 minutes).

I am quite excited about Hardie as his pedigree is at least as good as, say, Tyrone Holmes but hope that some judgement is exercised with Robinson - he would have got a Super rugby deal if he hadn't been crocked. He is clearly carrying something and Edinburgh should not be re-named The Nikki Walker Memorial Retirement Home.

From what I've seen and read he's far ahead of Holmes, who only has 1 Super Rugby cap to his name. He's been the Highlander's first choice 7 and played almost every minute of the Super Rugby season. At 26 he's also in his rugby prime.

Robinson wise he had a really difficult injury - the blood supply to his hip was cut off. Looked like he'd have to retire and was dropped by the Chiefs, but after treatment he played the whole ITM Cup season and went on the Maori tour, so looks like he's over that. When he was released Dave Rennie brought in a couple of other players so he couldn't bring Robinson back now even if he wanted to. My fear as that he'll be snapped up by a Japanese team, which would be a shame because he really is top class and could fight it out with Hogg for the 15 shirt.

Do you live in the SH, Maccas? Just wondering.

I suppose what might be key in RR choosing Scotland is the prospect of international rugby - however, that makes a number of quite major assumptions - (1) is he SQ? Received wisdom has it that he is but I have never seen that formally verified anywhere and (2) is he eligible? He has played for the NZ Maori and the U20s but I have always understood that NZ's second team for the purposes of international qualification is the 'Junior All Blacks' whom he doesn't seem to have played for.

[madmaccas]

Do you live in the SH, Maccas? Just wondering.

I suppose what might be key in RR choosing Scotland is the prospect of international rugby - however, that makes a number of quite major assumptions - (1) is he SQ? Received wisdom has it that he is but I have never seen that formally verified anywhere and (2) is he eligible? He has played for the NZ Maori and the U20s but I have always understood that NZ's second team for the purposes of international qualification is the 'Junior All Blacks' whom he doesn't seem to have played for.

Not any more, I used to live in Melbourne and spent a bit of time over in Wellington. Been back in these rainy isles for a couple of years now though. Still, I try to keep abreast of goings on down there.

Oh yeah these are all massive assumptions on my/our part, he may not be qualified but could be in 3 years. He'd be 28 then. It doesn't look like he'll ever be given the chance by the ABs, despite being a fan favourite, so you'd think this is his only chance to make the step up.

As a fullback it would work well for Edinburgh with Tonks back at 10, Scott at 12 and Burleigh at 13 (Strauss and Atiga carrying the water). With Visser and Fife finishing it off that'd be a very tasty backline.

[madmaccas]

Oh and he's a very handy 10, so with the Hobbit of Lanark-Shire failing to step up, he may provide an alternative/competition for Russell.

[RDW]

Edinburgh have just announced that defence coach Omar m....... Has left the club with immediate effect, citing personal reasons back home in SA.

Think its fair to say Edinburghs new found 'physicality' never really manifested itself in their performances, but Solomons rated him and the players seemed to like him.

Need a new defence coach now!

[EST]

Warriors confirmed the signing of Fraser Lyle today. I would imagine that this might be the end of Connor Braids involvement as essentially they cover the same positions.

Lyle is a big athletic guy, far more impressive than both Weir and Russell in that regard; but its still a bit difficult to see where he fits in when everybody is firing.

[Majestic83]

The Otago Daily Times is saying that John Hardie has signed for Edinburgh and will arrive after the next Highlander's season (June/July).

Southland and Highlanders flanker John Hardie is believed to be heading to the same club after the next Highlanders season. Hardie also qualifies as a local player through his ancestry.

It's not totally emphatic, but much more convincing than previous speculation (and these sorts of stories from the region's press usually have an element of truth).

He has been the Highlander's form player over the past 12. Shame he's not coming now, when most needed, because he'd be a very very handy player for Edinburgh and Scotland.

With Robbie Robinson back playing for the Maori, but without a Super Rugby contract, surely we could have a go getting him?! I also read that he is keen to travel and see more of Europe!

Great find, Maccas (noting that the same paper makes a point of stressing that Scotland were not good at all in the recent test and that the Blackness served to beat themselves for the first 70 minutes).

I am quite excited about Hardie as his pedigree is at least as good as, say, Tyrone Holmes but hope that some judgement is exercised with Robinson - he would have got a Super rugby deal if he hadn't been crocked. He is clearly carrying something and Edinburgh should not be re-named The Nikki Walker Memorial Retirement Home.

Been keeping an eye on hardie for a couple years and mentioned him on here a while back. Was first approached by scotland 2 years ago but turned us down as he was still hopeful of an all blacks call up. Had a very good 2013 season but been injured for a lot of the 2014 super season and also couldn't get his place back from Shane christie. Surprised he isn't coming now as he could easily make the 7 jersey his own at scotland. 10 times the player Tyrone holmes is. Would say heis similar to Barclay but quicker and more aggressive.

Robbie Robinson would still be a great addition to scottish rugby, seems to be over his hip injury and put in some impressive performances at itm cup level. Seemed to have kept his pace and can play anywhere from 10 through to 15.
Unlucky to miss out a super rugby contract but at the moment there are a lot of good full backs in the superrugby teams. During his injury he went backpacking through Europe and enjoyed it so think he could we'll be Europe bound. He is good mates with john hardie from their time at the highlanders together.

[funnyExiledScot]

Edinburgh have just announced that defence coach Omar m....... Has left the club with immediate effect, citing personal reasons back home in SA.

Think its fair to say Edinburghs new found 'physicality' never really manifested itself in their performances, but Solomons rated him and the players seemed to like him.

Need a new defence coach now!

Not sure what to make of this - difficult to form an opinion of Omar given the mixed bag of performances.

Hopefully they'll search high and low for a decent new coach, rather than the classic SRU approach of just appointing the first bloke to walk through the door.

[tigertattie]

Awwww crap!

I've just fallen through a door at Murrayfield and now I'm Edinburgh's new defence coach!

[Tattie Scones RRN]

I see things may be hotting up in Glasgow:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-30121044

It's hard to believe that highly paid professional sportsman would lose all common sense and carry out an attack (or self defence as it may be) of this nature?

Surely there must be CCTV around the area?

Sounds a bit dodgy to me but the truth will out I suppose.

[RDW]

Old news obviously with things taking so long to get to court, but sounds like a very serious alleged assault From all accounts from my sources the guy was in a bad way.

From a purely rugby point of view, 3 of Glasgows players going through a criminal trial really will cause a lot of grief for the club.

If they are proven guilty though then it really is shameful that they did it, not least because of their position as role models. Lets see what the courts say.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

If they are found guilty, I wonder if it would force Glasgow into taking drastic disciplinary action of their own?

[RDW]

I'd think they would have to - Glasgow have done so well building up their ties with the community and the 'club atmosphere' - they will burn a lot of bridges if they mess this up.

[George Carlin]

Real shame, but the law is the law. If you're Scotland's first choice loosehead prop and spend days in the gym pushing your own bodyweight above your head and deadlifting Volkswagon Golfs, it's never going to be a great visual if you tw@t someone and they end up in hospital with a broken face.

This doesn't seem to be as cut and tried as the toerag muppetry in the Max Evans case, unfortunately.

[Majestic83]

It mentions those three but what has happened to sean maitlands charges, have they been dropped?

[RDW]

They were dropped quite early on.

[George Carlin]

They were dropped quite early on.

Maitland presumably too pretty to be in a Glasgow prison.

[tigertattie]

Obviously you need to be careful with what you say in an ongoing court case! I've been told that Messers Grant and Wilson were in the wrong place at the wrong time and that they didn't assault anyone but were placed at the scene!

[RDW]

Obviously you need to be careful with what you say in an ongoing court case! I've been told that Messers Grant and Wilson were in the wrong place at the wrong time and that they didn't assault anyone but were placed at the scene!

Well given those individuals have specifically been charged - assuming based on witness accounts and from the accused, it would be strange if they had nothing to do with it at all...! Especially given the graphic nature of what they have been accused with. It's not as if you can mistake someone punching someone on the ground with giving someone a cuddle...

As you say though - it will probably all be conjecture on our part until the court case.

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

Obviously you need to be careful with what you say in an ongoing court case! I've been told that Messers Grant and Wilson were in the wrong place at the wrong time and that they didn't assault anyone but were placed at the scene!

Should be a cut and dry court case then. Assuming what you have heard is true.

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