Scotland World Cup buildup

by Highland Shaun Mon 20 Mar 2023, 11:00 pm

First topic message reminder :

Scotland v Italy
Saturday 29 July

Scotland v France
Saturday 5 August

France v Scotland
Saturday 12 August

Scotland v Georgia
Saturday 26 August

I think it's only fair to start another thread for this topic because I can see it being a popular topic in terms of discussion Smile

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First things first is that 3 wins from 5 and a 3rd place finish probably exceeded expectations because most would have said 2 wins and the 4th place win, the one that most would have called was England to beat us as they were at home so imho we certainly deserve enormous credit for that one because we played very well against an England team that also had their moments, in fact I could already see improvements from the Eddie Jones era during that game and until DVDM clinched it at the death, I was still pretty worried we wouldn't win so was understandably over the moon that we did win.

The Wales and Italy matches were mixed bags tbh but we did get 5pts from both which was crucial, the Welsh game we didn't really perform first half and were in fact fortunate to go in at half time ahead but second half we were excellent and deserved the bonus point win. The Italy game was a mixed bag in terms of; we had patches where we did well and others where we were hanging on, such as the last 2mins, I also felt that in that game our top centre pairing of Huwipulotu were quiet in attack though DVDM was a bit more involved that he had been in the previous few weeks before.

The France game was bloody frustrating because we showed glimpses of how well we can play especially in the second half for large parts but we were guilty of missing key opportunities and indiscipline from the captain of all people was our undoing which is where the frustration comes because as fans, we expect our captain to know what the ref will tolerate in terms of backchat!

The Ireland game was a game of 2 halfs, in the first half we were going toe to toe with them, it was probably the best we've played against them in a very long time; second half was a completely different story, we basically just capitalutated and handed the game to them with basic errors and more stupid indiscipline.

In terms of the coach, I have made my feelings known and really hope that the situation is resolved by at least mid to late April as we really need clarity on the situation!

Finally, for the summer warm up matches I'd like to see fringe players like Cameron Henderson, Ben Healy, Stafford McDowall, Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith get some game time to see what they can offer either at the world cup (unlikely) or next 6N in 2024 Smile

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by tigertattie Sat 26 Aug 2023, 7:41 pm

Right ya big jobbies. What’s yer thinking?

I’m honestly thinking that this is the first time since 1991 where we can win the World Cup. Genuinely we can win it.

Sadly the two teams I fear most are Ireland and South Africa as they just play a game that negates our style and we struggle with them. They are also very good sides. But with SA sometimes slow to start tournaments we could catch them cold. Even Ireland are there for the taking if we play well for more than 40 mins.

If, and it’s a massive IF, we can beat one or both of these sides then my god we have a chance. No other team scared me in the slightest. Even France, we’ve shown we can go toe to toe with them.

Bring it on

by TJ Sat 26 Aug 2023, 7:43 pm

Im thinking we will not get out of our group - and even if we do by then we will be too battered bruised and injured to get beyond the 1/4 finals

If we were in the bottom half of the draw I would say a final is possible

by jimbopip Sat 26 Aug 2023, 9:07 pm

Very true TJ. England are woeful just now but should get out of their group and might conceivably make a semi final, and then anythings possible.

by Heaf Sat 26 Aug 2023, 9:09 pm

England won't beat Samoa or probably even Japan based on current form ...

by Heaf Sat 26 Aug 2023, 9:10 pm

Obviously no chance against Argentina

by TJ Sat 26 Aug 2023, 9:26 pm

One really good thing from today - no injuries or cards

by doctor_grey Sat 26 Aug 2023, 10:09 pm

jimbopip wrote:Very true TJ. England are woeful just now but should get out of their group and might conceivably make a semi final, and then anythings possible.

Ahh, you did not watch England in the Six Nations or now? Nothing is possible. And I am the optimistic one.

This England would struggle to beat my over 50s.
Why, you ask politely?
Well, I answer almost as polite, because they would kick away possession any time they would come near the 22.
Anything else, you ask with a small grin?
And I answer as gracious as possible, because they can't play defense when put under pressure.
Is there more you ask with a mixture of sympathy and concern lest the malaise strays too far north?
And I answer, because they would lay their shoulders into our heads resulting in 9-10 red cards.
Is that the end you ask with kindness tinged with a hint of sadness?.
And I answer with growing excitement, But wait, there's more! England have Owen Farrell
And you reply: Then you must Lido Shuffle your way home.

sorry, this is the best I got. And that is the story of my life.

by R!skysports Sat 26 Aug 2023, 10:36 pm

Anyone notice that the design of the Scotland shorts makes them all look like they have their pants showing?

No, well you will now …

You are welcome

by **NeilyBroon** Sat 26 Aug 2023, 11:40 pm

Well one thing is for sure, we seem to need the losing motivation to actually play like we want to win

The boys start off like cats with ADHD chasing a ball with a jingly bell in it batting it forward out of their hands left, right and centre. I'm surprised Finn didn't get a pack of dreamies when he came off.

Also our lad Ollie Smith saved 2 tries by my count. I think he's one of the best defensive fullbacks we've had in a while. Good point of difference from blairhorn.

by **RDW** Sat 26 Aug 2023, 11:50 pm

Well another case of job done. Compared to all the other teams I actually think our preparation has gone as well as any, Springboks aside.

We've had a good workout, confident boosting wins, no shock loss, no big injury blows and no-one suspended for the tournament. It would have been nice to have put in better 80 minute performances but that also means there shouldn't be any complacency.

Compared to certain other teams (including our nearest neighbour!) we're going into the tournament in good shape

by **RDW** Sun 27 Aug 2023, 12:29 am

R!skysports wrote:Anyone notice that the design of the Scotland shorts makes them all look like they have their pants showing?

No, well you will now …

You are welcome

The Georgian strip made them look like they had a thong riding high above the hips

You're also welcome

by jimbopip Sun 27 Aug 2023, 6:32 am

RDW wrote:Well another case of job done. Compared to all the other teams I actually think our preparation has gone as well as any, Springboks aside.

We've had a good workout, confident boosting wins, no shock loss, no big injury blows and no-one suspended for the tournament. It would have been nice to have put in better 80 minute performances but that also means there shouldn't be any complacency.

Compared to certain other teams (including our nearest neighbour!) we're going into the tournament in good shape

We're doomed ah say doomed.

by **NeilyBroon** Sun 27 Aug 2023, 9:00 am

I'm predicting we upset Ireland and not SA but go out on PD.

Vs SA I think they'll beat us by 10 but we could get try LBP
Vs Tonga I think we'll win by 4 tries to 3.
Vs Romania, if we're not hitting 50 points we're almost certainly out
Vs Ireland I think we're due a win. I'm going to say 2-3 points in it.

by bsando Mon 28 Aug 2023, 12:38 pm

NeilyBroon wrote:I'm predicting we upset Ireland and not SA but go out on PD.

Vs SA I think they'll beat us by 10 but we could get try LBP
Vs Tonga I think we'll win by 4 tries to 3.
Vs Romania, if we're not hitting 50 points we're almost certainly out
Vs Ireland I think we're due a win. I'm going to say 2-3 points in it.

Healy drop goal for the win

by jimbopip Mon 28 Aug 2023, 1:25 pm

bsando wrote:
NeilyBroon wrote:I'm predicting we upset Ireland and not SA but go out on PD.

Vs SA I think they'll beat us by 10 but we could get try LBP
Vs Tonga I think we'll win by 4 tries to 3.
Vs Romania, if we're not hitting 50 points we're almost certainly out
Vs Ireland I think we're due a win. I'm going to say 2-3 points in it.

Healy drop goal for the win

by jimbopip Mon 28 Aug 2023, 1:30 pm

bsando wrote:
NeilyBroon wrote:I'm predicting we upset Ireland and not SA but go out on PD.

Vs SA I think they'll beat us by 10 but we could get try LBP
Vs Tonga I think we'll win by 4 tries to 3.
Vs Romania, if we're not hitting 50 points we're almost certainly out
Vs Ireland I think we're due a win. I'm going to say 2-3 points in it.

Healy drop goal for the win

I think we may well be on 11 points going into the Ireland game, LBP, BPW, BPW.
One thing that impressed me about the France performance yesterday was, in the first half, whenever the Criminal Element conceded a penalty in their half Thomas Ramos was clinical in taking three points. This kept the French in front, put pressure on Oz and kept them honest(ish) at the breakdown.
A similar strategy might be more than useful against Ireland: what is Healey's kicking from the tee like?

by **George Carlin** Mon 28 Aug 2023, 5:16 pm

Really glad I found this. Conversation was way too short, but I appreciate it.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 28 Aug 2023, 6:15 pm

jimbopip wrote:
bsando wrote:
NeilyBroon wrote:I'm predicting we upset Ireland and not SA but go out on PD.

Vs SA I think they'll beat us by 10 but we could get try LBP
Vs Tonga I think we'll win by 4 tries to 3.
Vs Romania, if we're not hitting 50 points we're almost certainly out
Vs Ireland I think we're due a win. I'm going to say 2-3 points in it.

Healy drop goal for the win

I think we may well be on 11 points going into the Ireland game, LBP, BPW, BPW.
One thing that impressed me about the France performance yesterday was, in the first half, whenever the Criminal Element conceded a penalty in their half Thomas Ramos was clinical in taking three points. This kept the French in front, put pressure on Oz and kept them honest(ish) at the breakdown.
A similar strategy might be more than useful against Ireland: what is Healey's kicking from the tee like?

Its World Class Jimbo. As you'd expect from an Edinburgh kicker, following in the hallowed steps of Mossy and Laidlaw.

Can't quite get over you heading to Disneyland next year. I always had you pegged as a sparking wine socialist, but all that capitalism in one place will give you a rash!

Am in agreement that this will come down to the Ireland game, as I think the Boks will beat us both. We have a shot against the Irish, but we'll need to be right at the top of our game in defence and game management. We can score points against any side, but we can't give them cheap scores like we did in the 6 Nations.

by jimbopip Mon 28 Aug 2023, 6:57 pm

Fester, I think that in the past the Irish took to the field safe in the knowledge that if they gave us the ball and defended their line like Nadine protecting Boris' reputation we would get frustrated and go full throttle into " pulling rabbits out of unlikely orifices" mode. However, the mantra recently seems to be all about " trusting our systems...going through the processes ". I think that for a while there was a fragility to our confidence: we weren't going to be in control for too many periods in the game so we had to score RIGHT NOW. Rabbits backsides pulling.
Now there is a more confident mindset. On Saturday Mrs Pip watched 8 or 9 phases crash against the Georgian defence. "It's like a solid wall.They're not making any progress." On the next two phases we got outside them on the right wing and then left wing. Each time a covering defender made a try saving tackle. Then before the defensive line could reorganise we had scored. No miracle passes from Dancer. No trick plays. No impossible offloads. Just kept moving the point of attack until the defence broke down.
If the breakdown is refereed properly we can beat Ireland.
Disney World? See me! See steak for breakfast! See Have a nice day ya bam! Oh yes.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Mon 28 Aug 2023, 7:13 pm

Gentlemen, as well travelled individuals…. well, those who ever managed to leave Glasgow at least… if you were off to Singapore and their government had helpfully decided to turn Friday from a work day into a public holiday, any suggestions for how to spend some down time?

by funnyExiledScot Mon 28 Aug 2023, 7:21 pm

When I was last in Singapore I think Brendan Laney was soiling the Scotland jersey and Jimbo was only the second oldest member of his rugby club. My suggestions would be as outdated as Borthwick's coaching manual.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Mon 28 Aug 2023, 8:04 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:When I was last in Singapore I think Brendan Laney was soiling the Scotland jersey and Jimbo was only the second oldest member of his rugby club. My suggestions would be as outdated as Borthwick's coaching manual.

I won’t lie though, I was definitely expecting a list of private members clubs from you!

by jimbopip Mon 28 Aug 2023, 10:09 pm

Llama, Singapore is too far east of Maryhill for me to know anything about.
Fes, just like Suella de Ville you can't see a belt without hitting under it. I was ever so proud of being the oldest player to turn out for my club. Your jaundiced, cynical way of looking at it makes me feel all tarnished. Like that cuddly blond Sloaney work experience lassie that thought she was promoted to the House of Lords because she was a political genius....jaded sybaritic pharisees like you have made her question Boris' magnanimity.

by tigertattie Mon 28 Aug 2023, 11:03 pm

I’m just happy there won’t be any typhoons this time round

by **George Carlin** Tue 29 Aug 2023, 6:39 am

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Gentlemen, as well travelled individuals…. well, those who ever managed to leave Glasgow at least… if you were off to Singapore and their government had helpfully decided to turn Friday from a work day into a public holiday, any suggestions for how to spend some down time?

Have you been to Singers before? If not, unless you want to spend a while watch shopping or trying to coax another domestic servant to come back to the Grange with you (FES recommended these), just spend some time wandering around the Gardens By The Bay. Might be a cliche, but it's seriously impressive.

It'll be busy on a Bank Holiday so get there early, but if you want an authentic experience, that is definitely it.

If it gets too crowded, sit in the long bar at Raffles, order something that's not a Singapore Sling and watch the 9 American teenagers taking selfies next to you completely lose their minds.

by **NeilyBroon** Tue 29 Aug 2023, 7:13 am

The bird park is quite good or mcritchie park. The treetop walk is also nice!

It's been 10 years since I was there so again, my suggestions may be outdated or no good!

by jimbopip Tue 29 Aug 2023, 9:52 am

Although our literary perambulations around Singapore (which we never mentioned in our family without shaking our heads and damning the Japs for capturing the grandfather we never met) are highly entertaining and informative I thought I might go off piste somewhat and mention the Scotland squad.

Glasgow have announced the Warriors squad for the start of the season; it is sans The House Elf and That's a Godawful Mullet. Apparently they are in Nice, not "in" the Scotland squad but "with" them. White, Blarehorn and ADHD Kid are still not 100%.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 29 Aug 2023, 11:26 am

That must be a weird limbo. Hanging around France but not being in the squad. Reminds me of all those Welsh "b" raters who used to holiday around Lions tours when Gatland was in charge, knowing that geographic proximity would trump rugby ability. Still, what can you expect from Weegie players.....

by **RDW** Tue 29 Aug 2023, 11:30 am

George Carlin wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Gentlemen, as well travelled individuals…. well, those who ever managed to leave Glasgow at least… if you were off to Singapore and their government had helpfully decided to turn Friday from a work day into a public holiday, any suggestions for how to spend some down time?
Have you been to Singers before? If not, unless you want to spend a while watch shopping or trying to coax another domestic servant to come back to the Grange with you (FES recommended these), just spend some time wandering around the Gardens By The Bay. Might be a cliche, but it's seriously impressive.

It'll be busy on a Bank Holiday so get there early, but if you want an authentic experience, that is definitely it.

If it gets too crowded, sit in the long bar at Raffles, order something that's not a Singapore Sling and watch the 9 American teenagers taking selfies next to you completely lose their minds.

Singapore is awesome. I've been there a few times and am heading again in a few weeks.

Gardens by the Bay (recommend paying to get in the cloud forest) and Marina Bay Sands during the day, Clark Quay or Robertson Quay for dinner then the night zoo in the evening. Night zoo is a trek by public transport but taxis aren't too expensive.

One day in Singapore - job done.

It is incredibly hot and humid as a warning - you'll be sweating out your eyeballs after 5 minutes.

by tigertattie Tue 29 Aug 2023, 1:01 pm

I hope Mr Llama isn’t a ginger

by Boston Exile Tue 29 Aug 2023, 2:54 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Gentlemen, as well travelled individuals…. well, those who ever managed to leave Glasgow at least… if you were off to Singapore and their government had helpfully decided to turn Friday from a work day into a public holiday, any suggestions for how to spend some down time?

If it's your first time in Singapore then the tourist "must do" is to have a Singapore Sling at Raffles. Bit touristy but worth an hour. There are loads of galleries/museums, my favourites are the Botanic Gardens, Asian Civilisations Museum and the zoo is good. Met my son out there last time and we went to the rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands, it's worth doing. If you need any new suits then walk from Marina boulevard west towards Chinatown. They make fabulous made to measure suits (we're talking $600 for a $1200-1500 suit) and will ship it anywhere. At night there are some good spots along the marina front. Really though you don't need too much help, just take a hop on/off tour bus and you'll see loads of sights. It is a fabulous city and very clean/safe.

by jimbopip Tue 29 Aug 2023, 3:11 pm

tigertattie wrote:I hope Mr Llama isn’t a gminger

by funnyExiledScot Tue 29 Aug 2023, 3:23 pm

Agreed on it being safe. They have some cracking laws, including "caning" which I believe is still legal. The also have the death penalty for all manner of things, not just murder. If I were Home Secretary.....

Personally I'd like Toonie to use Singapore as a template for disciplining players. Squint lineout: caning. Dropped restart: caning. Failure to find touch from a penalty kick: curtains.

by jimbopip Tue 29 Aug 2023, 3:55 pm

See? Right there is an example of the myopic, unthinking fascist mind set which has turned Stockbridge into Scotland's own Mississippi circa 1920-late 2023.
Let us deconstruct your bigoted ramblings. Since the fat boys never, ever kick the ball then it follows that only the more aerodynamic players will ever kick it. Therefore it is only the slimline lads, and lasses, who wear double digits in their backs who will run the risk of public execution.
Let us not forget that scientific research has proven time and time again that no obstetrician has ever said, "Congratulations Mrs McGlumpher it's a prop." Obviously tigertattie is the exception here, no! it is a fact that children who receive adequate nourishment (and Farleys Rusks) grow big and tall. The big one's become front rows and the tall become locks. The sociopathic and sturdy become flankers.
The unintended consequence can only be that the undernourished poor build up speed by racing to catch the scraps from the rich man's table before they hit the axminster carpet (see I have read Adam Smith) and thus are ideally suited to becoming backs.

So, Fes your cruel heartless plan has been seen for the forced eugenics it really is: put the poor in the backs and shoot them if they kick the ball.
When the People's Soviet of Gorgie annex Stockbridge you will be first against the wall.

God I wish we had rugby to talk about.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 29 Aug 2023, 5:48 pm

Listen, I've long advocated eugenics for rugby purposes. Quite why we haven't sent our finest quines on "exchange programs" to successful rugby countries with one simple mission is beyond me.

by tigertattie Tue 29 Aug 2023, 8:47 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Listen, I've long advocated eugenics for rugby purposes. Quite why we haven't sent our finest quines on "exchange programs" to successful rugby countries with one simple mission is beyond me.

Oh aye, I’m sure the good people of Samoa et al would be glad when Senga fi Peterhead rocks up looking for a winch.

by **BigGee** Tue 29 Aug 2023, 8:50 pm

tigertattie wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Listen, I've long advocated eugenics for rugby purposes. Quite why we haven't sent our finest quines on "exchange programs" to successful rugby countries with one simple mission is beyond me.

Oh aye, I’m sure the good people of Samoa et al would be glad when Senga fi Peterhead rocks up looking for a winch.

Well they were pleased enough to see Robert Louis Stevenson!

by tigertattie Tue 29 Aug 2023, 9:09 pm

Apparently being overweight is an attractive feature in the islands

I’m emigrating

by TJ Tue 29 Aug 2023, 9:27 pm

I think we should put the gray brothers out to stud

by jimbopip Tue 29 Aug 2023, 10:14 pm

tigertattie wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Listen, I've long advocated eugenics for rugby purposes. Quite why we haven't sent our finest quines on "exchange programs" to successful rugby countries with one simple mission is beyond me.

Oh aye, I’m sure the good people of Samoa et al would be glad when Senga fi Peterhead rocks up looking for a winch.

Some of those south sea islanders...you'd need a winch to get them on and off.

by tigertattie Tue 29 Aug 2023, 11:20 pm

Ps, never post on Facebook about SA Rugby. Those gazelle cousins are more precious about rugby than the taffs.

by tigertattie Wed 30 Aug 2023, 8:29 pm

Are we nearly there yet?

by **BigGee** Wed 30 Aug 2023, 8:32 pm

tigertattie wrote:Are we nearly there yet?

I am not even leaving for Marseilles till next thursday Laugh

by bsando Thu 31 Aug 2023, 3:14 pm

I’m heading to Paris via sleeper train and Eurostar next Thursday. Opening game and Aus vs Georgia.

What’s everyone else got tickets for?

by No 7&1/2 Thu 31 Aug 2023, 6:38 pm

What's the gossip re Hogg and WhatsApp that everyone seems to know but is not openly out that I can see?

by carpet baboon Thu 31 Aug 2023, 7:57 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:What's the gossip re Hogg and WhatsApp that everyone seems to know but is not openly out that I can see?

If I have heard correct he's accidentally leaked that he will be standing as the leader of the Scottish conservatives.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 31 Aug 2023, 8:28 pm

That could be anything from dick pics to coke to sacrificing children to cthulhu.

by carpet baboon Thu 31 Aug 2023, 8:29 pm

I do hear cthulhu is making a big comeback next year

by tigertattie Fri 01 Sep 2023, 8:39 am

Man it’s strange how rumours run wild.

It wasn’t coke, it was Pepsi
It wasn’t clthulhu it was beelzeebub

Sheesh

by jimbopip Fri 01 Sep 2023, 8:45 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:That could be anything from dick pics to coke to sacrificing children to cthulhu.

That just sounds like the standard Borders Tourist Board promotional video.

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