Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XII - Twelve Monkeys

[A Simply Mesmeric Try]

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A Brief History of Time-Wasting


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
https://www.606v2.com/t55409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-v-the-fun-continues
https://www.606v2.com/t56913-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vi-banter-boogaloo
https://www.606v2.com/t57946-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vii
https://www.606v2.com/t58659-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-viii
https://www.606v2.com/t59409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ix
https://www.606v2.com/t60764-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-x-rated
https://www.606v2.com/t61904-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-xi-the-undiscovered-country

Edinburgh

1872 Champions

Edinburgh's Fixtures & Results (click to show):

Glasgow

1872 Runners-up

Glasgow Warrior's Fixtures & Results (click to show):

Ladies and Gents, Girls and Boys, it's season finale!

Guinness PRO12 Play Offs
Fri 20 May 19:45 - Semi Final
Leinster Rugby 30 - 18   Ulster Rugby - RDS Arena 19,100

Sat 21 May 18:30 - Semi Final
Connacht Rugby  16 - 11   Glasgow Warriors - Galway Sportsground 7,800

Sat 28 May 17:30 - Grand Final
Leinster Rugby  10 - 20  Connacht Rugby  - BT Murrayfield - 34,550

Cinderella story or what?! Congrats to the Galway posse who were the form team of the season!

[George Carlin]

No mention of where. 4 games in a season. He must be worried about getting any type of contract

Yes, sadly Keiran became the Mike Cusack of the boiler house.

[bsando]

Funny to see De Luca all over the BBC Rugby Union Page. Must be very slow news now the seasons over. Good on him for getting a contract at Wasps though! Maybe he'll emulate Giteau with the Wallabies and push his way back into the Scotland squad :P

[RuggerRadge2611]

I was about to make a comment on NDL's excellent move to wasps. I'm trying to square this one off and figure out what Wasps want with someone like NDL... I can only presume it is for testing cosmetics on, because I would question even his ability to hold a tackle bag correctly.

[RDW]

A bit more from De Luca - he sounds as surprised as anyone but fair play to him for getting it!

Nick De Luca says he was ready to retire from rugby before Wasps offered him a short-term deal.

Capped 43 times by Scotland, the centre has signed a six-month contract with the Premiership club and hopes to stay for longer after a largely frustrating two-year spell in France with Biarritz.

De Luca, 32, said: "Mentally, I'd kind of prepared myself for retiring.

"There wasn't much out there (in terms of offers) apart from in lower leagues and I didn't want to do that again."

Dumfries-born De Luca started his career with Edinburgh and rejoined the capital outfit after a year with Border Reivers before moving to the French second division in 2014.

"My family all came out to watch my last game for Biarritz and they were very emotional," he told BBC Scotland.

"I started talking to Wasps just after that, so it was a weird time but a time I've learned a lot from. Hopefully I can take that forward going into this opportunity.

"To be honest, the last few years at Biarritz I thought the chance had passed me by for high-level rugby again.

Nick De Luca
De Luca made his Scotland debut against France in 2008
"So to be given this opportunity with such a high-end club, I'm really looking forward to the challenge and seeing if I can still cut it.

"It's a six-month contract, so I've got to hit the ground running and really impress from the word go because I want to stay here and be part of what seems to be a really exciting club."

'Scotland have better players than me now'

De Luca is Wasps' 11th signing of the summer and the Scot is looking forward to teaming up with the likes of England fly-half Danny Cipriani and mercurial Australian Kurtley Beale, who are also among the new batch of recruits.

"It was one of the reasons I wanted to come," he said. "I want to play with the best and be part of that.

"I'm really looking forward to hopefully linking up with these guys, playing some exciting rugby and adding to what already is a fantastic backline."

Nick De Luca
De Luca was part of the Edinburgh team that famously beat Toulouse in 2012 to make the last four of the European Cup
Despite securing the move to Wasps - who finished third in the Premiership last season - De Luca is not expecting a return to the Scotland squad under Vern Cotter.

"Of course we never give up, we always put our names in the hat, but realistically there are better players than me there now who have done more in their short term than I did in my 40 caps," he admitted.

"It would be wonderful, but I'm not expecting that fairytale to continue."

'A tough phase for Scottish rugby'

Scotland's encouraging strides in the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations impressed De Luca, who believes the mindset of the squad under Cotter is a long way from his days in the dark blue jersey.

"I was involved in what was a predominately tough phase for Scottish rugby," he recalls.

"For whatever reason, we've all taken our fair share of blows and it's just part and parcel of the game unfortunately.

"I'm still in touch with a lot of the boys. I've got good friends there, including the current captain (Greig Laidlaw), and they just seem to know exactly what it is they're trying to do.

"It's really refreshing. They've been given this confidence and the ability to go out and show what they've got.

Scotland
De Luca believes the current Scotland team play with a confidence not evident during his spell in the national side
"A lot of the time when I was involved, across the board really, it was about minimising mistakes and all the attention was on your mistakes.

"Therefore, when you go out and play, that's all you're thinking about. Just subtle things like that change the mindset.

"I think you see that, when they go out there, they play with fun, they have a smile on their face.

"If something goes wrong, they smile and laugh it off - it's not the end of the world.

"They've got some great players and it's great to see them playing with a swagger. It's a situation to envy and I just hope it continues for them."

[George Carlin]

He's easy to make fun of, but I honestly wish Nick well.

I admire anyone who bluntly admits that there are now better choices than him. We all know it's true, but it's refreshing to hear someone without ego saying it.

I expect him to fly at Wasps. He's playing for his professional career and he knows it. He's experienced enough and has had enough disappointment to just enjoy this experience and try his heart out. He has absolutely nothing to lose. It's actually a smart signing for Wasps - where else do you get a 45 cap international, still only a shade over 30, for bugger all money who, in even a worst case scenario, won't let you down and may well pleasantly surprise you. My only fear for him is a lack of premier league fitness and sharpness, but it's within his gift to do something about that.

I honestly hope that he does well and gets the full year with them, at least.

[nickj]

Here, here. I know he gets ridculed, but he was a pretty talented guy and he was the best choice at 13 for Edinburgh and Scotland at the time. He wasn't gifted 45 caps for a laugh.

[Anglobraveheart]

Come on, let's be honest. NDL was dreadful for Scotland. He acquitted himself well with Edinburgh, but I can recall about one and a half games where he 'did well' for Scotland. If he wasn't gifted caps, then how he amassed 45 is beyond me.
If he could have caught the ball in the RWC 2011 game against England or indeed on many of the other times where his manual dexterity failed him miserably, then he maybe would have deserved those caps.
He could do well as Wasps maybe, but if he ever gets near a Scotland squad again, I'll eat my own sporran.

[Hazel Sapling]

Don't think there is any chance of NDL coming close to the Scotland squad Anglo. Taylor, Scott, Horne, Dunbar, Bennett and Jones are all ahead of him nowadays with Fergusson, Groves, Dean and Lamont (for better or worse) all way behind.

NDL is a decent club player who will hold the fort when the internationals are away.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Come on, let's be honest. NDL was dreadful for Scotland. He acquitted himself well with Edinburgh, but I can recall about one and a half games where he 'did well' for Scotland. If he wasn't gifted caps, then how he amassed 45 is beyond me.  
If he could have caught the ball in the RWC 2011 game against England or indeed on many of the other times where his manual dexterity failed him miserably, then he maybe would have deserved those caps.
He could do well as Wasps maybe, but if he ever gets near a Scotland squad again, I'll eat my own sporran.

The point being that had there been anyone else really making a case for that 13 shirt and putting in the performances then he wouldn't have got as many caps as he did. Its not NDLs fault he was the best option in a very limited field for some time

[RDW]

So is it fair to say that Edinburgh and Glasgow’s recruitment is pretty much done for the season now? I’d be surprised if there were many more, although Super Rugby signings are often announced a bit later as they won’t be arriving until October.

So because I’m bored and there’s nothing else to talk about here is a final summary of the Edinburgh squad – I’ve put our strongest XV out first with players then listed in order of preference.

1 Dickinson, Sutherland, Dell, Cosgrove
2 Ford, McInally, Cochrane, Turner
3 Nel, Berghan, Bryce, Beavon
4 Bresler, McKenzie
5 Gilchrist, Toolis, Carmichael
6 Du Preez, Ritchie
7 Hardie, Watson
8 Manu, Bradbury

9 Hidalgo-Clyne, Kenndy, Fowles
10 Weir, Tovey
11 Scholes, Brown, Helu
12 Burleigh, Rasolea, Tofilau
13 Allan, Dean
14 Hoyland, Northam
15 Bryce, Kinghorn

23 forwards (20 SQ – 87%)
17 backs (9 SQ – 53%)
Squad of 40
30 SQ (75%)

I’m fairly content with that squad, without being overly excited – it is trimmed down from last season and we’ve lost a lot of the dead wood, and there is a reasonable balance to the squad. The pack still significantly outshines the backs though, and once again should be aiming to be one of the top packs in the league.

I am hoping that Weir and Tovey will bring added direction to the team, especially since it allows Burleigh to move back to his best position.

SQ players

Amazingly all but 3 of our forwards are SQ, and there are a lot of promising youngsters in there too.  Come the autumn there will only be 2 non SQ forwards as Du Preez will become qualified. Given that those 2 will be Bresler and Manu – 2 of our best players – that is pretty good. Our entire front row resources are SQ.

It is a different story in the backs though.  They have always been our weak point under Solomons and once again he’s looked abroad to try and improve things – signing Tovey, Scholes, Rasolea, Tofilau and Northam. Almost half of our backs are NSQ which isn’t ideal, but hopefully the promising under 20s players that we have identified will start to break through in a couple of years, replacing these players. Of our 5 centres only 1 is SQ – good thing Glasgow have so many!

Strength in depth?

In the front 5, absolutely. Not so much at 6 or 8 though – we have 2 top class players and 2 young guys at the start of their careers backing them up. 2 openside isn’t ideal either, but Ritchie could cover there if required.  But that would leave us with 1 blindside. Given that Du Preez and Hardie are likely to be away in the AIs that leaves us with only enough players to cover the starting team and 1 on  the bench – so no injury cover.

A versatile back rower is very much in need I reckon.

Reasonable depth in the backs, especially given that very few of them will be called up by Scotland! Plenty options on the wings and Weir and Tovey should keep each other on theirs toes fighting for the 10 spot.

Thoughts?

[Majestic83]

Happy with the forward pack overall. Only area that needs more depth like you said is the back row. Back row is an area that can sustain a lot of injuries so definitely need another brought possibly 2.

The backs for me look a bit weaker, 9 & 10 are ok, think Hugh Fraser will be involved as well at 9 as heard that he is promoted to a f/t contract.

At 12 we should be ok but 13 for me is still a bit of a weak position, Dean showed early promise with Scotland 7s but hasn't really kicked on with Edinburgh and looks to be maybe short of pace for playing 13. Michael Allen did ok last season but for me didn't set the world on fire there. Out of all the backs positions that is the one that needs strengthened. I keep on saying it James Johnstone is worth a shot at 13.

Full back we have two good options, wing I would say Brown, Hoyland and Scholes are strong options.
I would have preferred to see Helu being released instead of Fife. Helu looks slow and ponderous. Even at the Melrose 7s against amateurs Helu looked poor. Northam looks very good on attack on a wide pitch so would have been ideal if still playing at Murrayfield. Reports from oz though say he isn't great in defence or when it is a tight game on a narrow pitch, he struggles to get involved.

[RDW]

Agreed on Helu over Fife, but Helu had another year on his contract and Fife's was up so that was probably the decider!

Plus Fife has maybe been earmarked for the 7s, with a view to him earning back his pro spot.

I'd much prefer Fife over Helu though! Neither have set the heather alight this season (apart from the 7s game) but Fife is at least a young local lad. And I don't mean that in a Nigel Farage way...!

[funnyExiledScot]

I think the squad is stronger than last year, which you'd like to think was one of the objectives behind the recruitment policy. I thought Tovey was a really positive influence at 10, and despite my views as to Weir's lack of international credentials, I think he'll do a good job for Edinburgh in the Pro12. The recruitment of two specialist 10s is, in my view, going to make the biggest difference between the coming season and last.

Another related positive is the prospect of Burleigh nailing down the 12 jersey. I think he's a class act and given a proper run in the side at 12 could really transform our backline.

The pack is pretty much as you were, although if Nasi Manu can stay fit this season and, touch wood, whistle and spit, Grant Gilchrist can feature, then we should be more competitive there.

I think we'll be stronger and finish slightly higher. We left a lot of points on the table last season, and I think with proper specialists at 10 our game management ought to improve.

[RDW]

It is going to be another difficult season for Edinburgh. We may get better again but still end up 8th - every other team will be trying to get better too.

I can't see the Ospreys and Munster being as bad this year, and Leinster, Ulster and Glasgow will be there or there abouts, so it may come down to whether Connacht can keep it up and what the Scarlets can put out next season! The Blues have recruited well too.

We need to get better at a greater rate than the other teams!

[MacKnocked-on]

Any word on which players the SRU are sending down to LS now that arrangement has been revived? Thought it might have been announced by now considering pre-season training is well under way.

[Hazel Sapling]

Edinburgh have the squad to go for 5th/6th. At least 1 team always falls back due to injury and another due to players taking a step back. If Edinburgh rotate the squad a bit they have the kicking to win a few more games this year.

Munster have not recruited so injuries or bad form could haunt them and Connacht have lost some top players. Leinster have lost several key players (Te'o, Madigan, Moore, Fitzgerald, Boss, Reddan) and are rebuilding. Scarlets and Blues look good. Ulster should be favourites.

Think a table looking like
Ulster
Glasgow
Scarlets
Leinster
Ospreys
Blues
Munster
Edinburgh (resulting in Solly being replaced)
Connacht
Treviso
NGD
Zebre

[funnyExiledScot]

It is going to be another difficult season for Edinburgh. We may get better again but still end up 8th - every other team will be trying to get better too.

I can't see the Ospreys and Munster being as bad this year, and Leinster, Ulster and Glasgow will be there or there abouts, so it may come down to whether Connacht can keep it up and what the Scarlets can put out next season! The Blues have recruited well too.

We need to get better at a greater rate than the other teams!

This is very true, but if we can get the likes of Manu and Gilchrist actually playing for us then I think they become, in effect, new signings.

I think we'll end up 6th or 7th. Small steps but forwards nonetheless. The key difference will be having players who can control the game from 10. Burleigh is a good ball player but not a specialist 10, and all too often last season we lacked direction. Also, whilst we have made some good new signings, the side is still pretty settled.

[Eejit]

There are some baffling rumours on both Glasgow and Bristol forums that Hogg is off to Bristol next season.

Surely not. Bristol will be battling the drop, no champions cup and it's a Lion year.

[RDW]

That would be one of the strangest moves in the history of Scottish rugby moves - he should be touting the mega rich teams, not a team regularly fighting for survival never mind regularly playing in the Champions Cup!

Unless they are totally minted and are giving him loads of cash??

[Hazel Sapling]

Bristol are meant to be minted and have a large, new stadium. If they can survive, they might throw money at a couple of marquee signings to fill the stands like Hogg or Russell.

If I were Hoggy though, I would be looking at a team like Bordeaux. Up and coming with 20k attendance and an open style of rugby.

[funnyExiledScot]

That would be an utterly daft move for Stuart Hogg. If he wants cash then surely go to France, and if he wants to go to the Aviva then surely one of the top sides would better allow him to showcase his talents.

Where would this leave Glasgow?? Peter Murchie is pretty injury prone. Perhaps Sean Lamont could have a stab at it?

[Hazel Sapling]

Glasgow had Bryce who developed a year too early for this. There might be a young one in the academy who is a year off.

General question, is it better for a player like Hogg to be "sold" with a year remaining for a few hundred thousand or kept for momentum to try and push on in the Champions Cup?

[funnyExiledScot]

They should try Lee Jones at 15, just for a laugh.

[jimbopip]

I've just the two things to add to the Hogg debate.
Firstly, on the Warriors Forum "a source close to the player" is saying that Hogg is rubbishing the idea. ( Which is probably the best birthday present I shall receive today.)
Secondly, Fes, I am sure the Selkirk Pixie could play full back; no-one lasts long at Scotstoun ,home of the once and future champions, if they can't tackle. e.g. For all the Aussie commentators are drooling over "the Aussie Lomu" the feeling among Glasgow fans is that Tacky had a Visserish streak in him. I do believe that all prospective signings get put in a tackle grid with Simone, Bluto, Big Bad Bob and Richie V while Toonie has a cuppa. If he's still standing when the Toonmeister returns then they move onto the next stage.... "My Favourite Super Hero Costume To Wear To A Meal Out With Friends Is"

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Happy Birthday Jimbo!

In other news, Glasgow have signed 23 year old Kiwi fly-half Hagen Schulte.

To add to the Hogg issue, my mate in Bristol said he heard this rumour over three months ago. Bristol have an unlimited budget apparently and are looking for a huge signing to fill the stands.

[RDW]

He hasn't got any professional pedigree but is 4th choice standoff - he's SQ too so worth a punt!

[funnyExiledScot]

I've just the two things to add to the Hogg debate.
Firstly, on the Warriors Forum "a source close to the player" is saying that Hogg is rubbishing the idea. ( Which is probably the best birthday present I shall receive today.)
Secondly, Fes, I am sure the Selkirk Pixie could play full back; no-one lasts long at Scotstoun ,home of the once and future champions, if they can't tackle. e.g. For all the Aussie commentators are drooling over "the Aussie Lomu" the feeling among Glasgow fans is that Tacky had a Visserish streak in him. I do believe that all prospective signings get put in a tackle grid with Simone, Bluto, Big Bad Bob and Richie V while Toonie has a cuppa. If he's still standing when the Toonmeister returns then they move onto the next stage.... "My Favourite Super Hero Costume To Wear To A Meal Out With Friends Is"

Happy Birthday old man. Not long until you start weeing yourself, so enjoy the dry underpants whilst you still can.

I'm sure Jones could cope with the tackling, I just think his abilities under the high ball could be exploited. There's a small box in the Scotstoun changing rooms so I'm told just so that Jones can reach the top peg for his kit.

Also, why is Richie V in your tackle grid??

[George Carlin]

Very interesting signing. From the Canterbury stable, so Blackadder and our usual contacts would have provided all of the intell that we needed. Toonie probably also saw him when Russell was over playing for Lincoln University. He seems to be an absolutely solid goalkicker, so I'll take that for starters.

[Eejit]

Also, why is Richie V in your tackle grid??

I am uncomfortable with the suggestion that Richie V needs to train aswell.

[George Carlin]

I've just the two things to add to the Hogg debate.
Firstly, on the Warriors Forum "a source close to the player" is saying that Hogg is rubbishing the idea. ( Which is probably the best birthday present I shall receive today.)
Secondly, Fes, I am sure the Selkirk Pixie could play full back; no-one lasts long at Scotstoun ,home of the once and future champions, if they can't tackle. e.g. For all the Aussie commentators are drooling over "the Aussie Lomu" the feeling among Glasgow fans is that Tacky had a Visserish streak in him. I do believe that all prospective signings get put in a tackle grid with Simone, Bluto, Big Bad Bob and Richie V while Toonie has a cuppa. If he's still standing when the Toonmeister returns then they move onto the next stage.... "My Favourite Super Hero Costume To Wear To A Meal Out With Friends Is"

Happy Birthday old man. Not long until you start weeing yourself, so enjoy the dry underpants whilst you still can.

Schiz tells me that leaky ship has already sailed. 

Happy birthday Jim. I don't suppose that you would tell us what the number is? Is it divisible by 5?

[funnyExiledScot]

I've just the two things to add to the Hogg debate.
Firstly, on the Warriors Forum "a source close to the player" is saying that Hogg is rubbishing the idea. ( Which is probably the best birthday present I shall receive today.)
Secondly, Fes, I am sure the Selkirk Pixie could play full back; no-one lasts long at Scotstoun ,home of the once and future champions, if they can't tackle. e.g. For all the Aussie commentators are drooling over "the Aussie Lomu" the feeling among Glasgow fans is that Tacky had a Visserish streak in him. I do believe that all prospective signings get put in a tackle grid with Simone, Bluto, Big Bad Bob and Richie V while Toonie has a cuppa. If he's still standing when the Toonmeister returns then they move onto the next stage.... "My Favourite Super Hero Costume To Wear To A Meal Out With Friends Is"

Happy Birthday old man. Not long until you start weeing yourself, so enjoy the dry underpants whilst you still can.

Schiz tells me that leaky ship has already sailed. 

Happy birthday Jim. I don't suppose that you would tell us what the number is? Is it divisible by 5?

...or a multiple of 20?

[Tattie Scones RRN]

I think he's at the age where he can't trust a fart.

[jimbopip]

Actually gentlebeans it is divisible by 29, which is approximately the number of cocktails MrsPip will need to consume before she allows me near a karaoke bar.

Haven't trusted a fart since Schiz last offered to buy a round.

Richie V is in the tackle grid because he's Richie V and can do whatever he wants.

Fes, Lee Jones may need a box to reach a high peg but unlike pegs high balls actually fall in a downward motion.

hagen Daz at 10? Sounds tasty.

[George Carlin]

I can confirm that Richie Vernon and Chuck Norris have never been seen in the same room.

[GLove39]

BLOODY KILMARNOCK
https://vine.co/v/5W7agenEmB6

[jimbopip]

I think he's at the age where he can't trust a fart.

Seems to be the only reasonable response to Mr Glove's latest thunderclap.

[George Carlin]

Well, I can recommend the Park Hotel which adjoins the stadium. 

Stayed there for a week just a fortnight ago and they do a decent black pudding in the morning.

[funnyExiledScot]

Well, I can recommend the Park Hotel which adjoins the stadium. 

Stayed there for a week just a fortnight ago and they do a decent black pudding in the morning.

Sold! I love an unhealthy breakfast. Yoghurt and fruit is all good and well, but only after, and as a supplement to, a decent portion of fried fare.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Happy birthday Jimbo. Hogg leaving for Bristol is surely just mental case rumor? If he has Lions aspirations I cannot fathom why he would join Bristol when they are unlikely to have anything other than an ok season. With Glasgow he'll be playing in Europe and likely in a team that will be featuring in end of season playoffs in the pro12.

[jimbopip]

I once took MrsPip for a weekend in the Cotswolds: we had one of those Men are from Mars and Women are from Feccnose moments when after a hearty full English at the hotel we strolled through some quaint village or other admiring the vernacular architecture and "lovely yellow stone" for about 18 hours until finally I spotted a pub with proper ale and venison curry on the lunchtime menu. She gave me the sort of look the Luvvies get at Scotland training camps when they try to get Shrek and Bluto to discuss male grooming products. "How can you think of eating anything after that breakfast you demolished?"
I swear I felt my arteries harden just to spite her.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Sounds like you went to Bourton on the Water.

Lovely place.

Would be nice to live there if you could afford to pay over £1m for a bedsit.

[jimbopip]

Stone me Mr Scones your local knowledge would do credit to Comanche scout. Stayed at Shipston on Stour but that conversation may well have been in Bourton in the Overdraft. Or the one where the company that keeps sending her furniture catalogues has their lair/ shop.

Off season don't you love it? I can't wait till we get started again and can start talking proper Love sacks instead of this drivel.

[jimbopip]

As much as I hate what the police did to those two innocent guys in America , I still think shooting the 11 Cops was wrong


A relative of mine posted this on Facebook today. No wonder we sent her to live in Australia.

[funnyExiledScot]

As much as I hate what the police did to those two innocent guys in America , I still think shooting the 11 Cops was wrong


A relative of mine posted this on Facebook today. No wonder we sent her to live in Australia.

That is a view well worth sharing. There are plenty in America who would disagree with one or both sentiments!

[jimbopip]

Gentlemen, I have just returned from a birthday weekend away with MrsPip.( one highlight was finding a cocktail bar which served me a "Ginger Beer Special" and instead of a slice of lemon or lime adorning the glass had a ginger nut biscuit) princess daughter gave me a birthday card when I got in which contained the words, "You will shortly be receiving two tickets for Scotland v Australia by mail".


Not the worst weekend I've ever had.

[George Carlin]

Glad you had a good time, Jim.

I must admit that when I hear the joke at 3:52 here, I think of you:

[RDW]

So with Bath in a bit of turmoil, a new head coach and Faletau signing what are the chances of Denton coming back to Edinburgh?

I can't see it happening as I think it would have by now, but his gametime is likely to be limited and that won't do his Scotland prospects any good.

I suspect he'll see out another year though - if he comes back now then it will be a mossy-esque failure in the AP!

We're already short in the 6/8 department so he would get plenty gametime if he came back.

[Hazel Sapling]

Denton is a good player but should he come back to be blocking Bradbury and Ritchie from game time? I would like to see Denton go somewhere like Quins who have Robshaw and Clifford to do the dirty work. He would be the natural successor to Easter as the big ball carrying 8.

For Edinburgh, Tyrone Holmes or Coman (as a back up purely) would have been perfect as a back up. I guess they must have another youngster coming through they like for it to be ignored.

[RDW]

They would obviously get less gametime but I suppose it comes down to whether Edinburgh should prioritise winning and being a better team or focusing on developing younger players - given how bad things have been for a number of years I think the focus really needs to be on the former.

An experienced international is a much better squad option to have than a couple of promising youngsters at the start of their careers!

Bradbury looked good last season but everyone could see that Ritchie was still a year or two off being physically ready - he was only getting all that gametime due to a long injury list. He did OK but a barnstorming ball carrier like Denton would have been a big step up.

I mean, how many other top clubs only have 2 experienced pros and 2 youngsters covering 6 and 8?

Again I doubt Denton would be brought back but the point still stands - we need another experienced back rower.

[Hazel Sapling]

Maybe your right RDW but for the money Denton is likely on and what he provides, Edinburgh are better developing their youngsters. Bear in mind that the main crunch on the backrow will be international breaks when Hardie and CDP are likely away.

Really Edinburgh could do with 2 more back rowers; 1 young and 1 older.

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