Glasgow and Edinburgh 30 - Starting the new season with 2 wins - Long may it continue

by **BigGee** Mon 23 Oct 2023, 9:32 am

First topic message reminder :

Well both Scotland's pro teams got off the mark with a W this weekend, though probably fair to say that Glasgow's was slightly more pleasing on the eye!

Still not to be sniffed at and probably a while since it last happened.

A good omen for the season, let's hope so, though early season games are not always a predictor of longer term performance. Both sides still got plenty of players to bring back into the fold and a lot of improvement to make.

Roll on 2023/24!

by **BigGee** Mon 06 May 2024, 11:11 am

Vellacott for Edinburgh, is much like Horne ( or was) for Glasgow and Scotland.

Very dynamic off the bench, which always grabs some column inches, but there are always doubts about their ability to start and control a game.

I still think those doubts exist with George Horne as well, despite him moving into the starting role now.

Price has at least been a proven starter during his career, even if he has had the odd wander off track.

by EWT Spoons Mon 06 May 2024, 11:22 am

I agree I don't think Vellacott is the ideal starting 9 for Edinburgh either (think we've spoken about this previously), but neither is Price.

Price hasn't been good for Edinburgh, no idea why he was given a contract extension other than maybe Everitt/Edinburgh rugby have been told to, so he gets playing time so he can be still in contention for Scotland.

I'm not saying Price won't come good, because as you rightly say he has shown in the the past he can be a brilliant 9. His time with the B&I lions emphasises this where he was the best 9 on the tour, and if that was the player we were seeing at Edinburgh, I would be jumping through hoops with glee. However the reality is we seem to have signed a regional working men's club tribute act of that player, who was once told they have a passing resemblance to Price and attempted to make a career out of it. That metaphor really got away from me there

by **George Carlin** Wed 08 May 2024, 9:54 am

BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
BigGee wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Hogg just needs to keep his head down now. And fecking behave himself

Horses, stable door?

The man was arguably the best 15 we’ve had and now he’s going down the route of being remembered more for being an utter twàt than his rugby abilities.

It will always be Andy Irvine for me!

Irvine was a prince and a comparable attacking threat to Hogg - Irvine was also a key member of the Lions test team on a couple of tours which the Hawick Harasser never was. Hastings was a brick outhouse who could take high balls all day.

Who was the best? I would say Hogg probably was but it's marginal. Hastings is happily married to a great woman and they have overcome some terrible family health challenges in recent years. Compare that to Hogg's Instagram sh@gathons and I know which player I still look up to.

by **BigGee** Thu 09 May 2024, 12:51 pm

Good to see Finn Russell back playing for Bath this weekend, following on from what was described as a serious groin injury.

FR certainly does seem to posess good healing powers, he usually makes it back from injury pretty quickly.

by **RDW** Thu 09 May 2024, 12:54 pm

That's remarkable - you hope he's fully fit as a groin injury as a kicker could be flakey. Hopefully he stays fit and gets a good crack at the season run in.

by bsando Thu 09 May 2024, 6:10 pm

He does seem to cope well with a heavy workload. Tough call to predict who will win the Premiership, but if I were a betting man I would say don't write off Saracens. Nice to see several England based Scots involved at the business end of the season.

by **RDW** Thu 09 May 2024, 10:20 pm

Ultimately you want our players to gain experience of taking the final step to actually win something, and hope that mentality can be brought back to Scotland camp...

by jimbopip Fri 10 May 2024, 8:28 am

So it seems that Ross Thomson will be plying his trade in Embra next season.
Well, he has a very floppy Luvvies haircut.

Meanwhile the Rugby Club will have Haircut at 10.
And Meatball has a one year contract.

by Hazel Sapling Fri 10 May 2024, 11:22 am

jimbopip wrote:So it seems that Ross Thomson will be plying his trade in Embra next season.
Well, he has a very floppy Luvvies haircut.

Meanwhile the Rugby Club will have Haircut at 10.
And Meatball has a one year contract.

Where did you see that Jimbo?

Makes sense and Thompson is actually from Edinburgh but can't see confirmation anywhere.

by jimbopip Fri 10 May 2024, 11:30 am

It's the chat on the Glasgow Forum. They're usually pretty good at these snippets of rumour.
So...
Haircut
Meatball
PH2
plus an academy player probably.

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 12:27 pm

Glasgow Warriors team to face Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, Saturday 11 May, kick-off 1pm UK time. You can watch the match live on Premier Sports, or follow the action at our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.

1 Jamie Bhatti (100)
2 Grant Stewart (49)
3 Murphy Walker (11)
4 Gregor Brown (17)
5 Scott Cummings (120)
6 Matt Fagerson (105)
7 Rory Darge (42)
8 Jack Dempsey (44)

9 George Horne (113)
10 Tom Jordan (44)
11 Sebastian Cancelliere (33)
12 Sione Tuipulotu (49)
13 Stafford McDowall (76)
14 Kyle Steyn (C) (72)
15 Josh McKay (44)

Replacements

16 Johnny Matthews (67)
17 Nathan McBeth (38)
18 Zander Fagerson (143)
19 Max Williamson (14)
20 Euan Ferrie (15)
21 Henco Venter (16)
22 Jamie Dobie (62)
23 Duncan Weir (147)

Unavailable for selection: Fraser Brown (knee), Facundo Cordero (ribs), Richie Gray (bicep), Gregor Hiddleston (calf), Huw Jones (hand), JP du Preez (knee), Alex Samuel (head), Ollie Smith (knee), Logan Trotter (thigh), George Turner (foot), Sione Vailanu (knee).

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 12:31 pm

Interesting selection from Glasgow, who seem to have picked a reverse front row for this fixture, presumably hoping that Fagerson et al can make a big difference against tiring Bulls props when they come on early in the second half.

We will have to stay in the game for the first 40 mins for that to work though and presumably the Bulls will be throwing the kitchen sink at us during that time.

You would hope that pacy Glasgow backline has some tries in them though if they get a sniff.

by jimbopip Fri 10 May 2024, 3:21 pm

Two things;
That has to be the lightest front five I've seen for the Warriors. Dagenham Ladies Thirds would fancy their chances of pushing them off the ball.
Second, no sign of Ross Thomson in South Africa.

It's a lightweight pack, to begin with, but a very strong set of backs. If they manage to be in the game when Franco empties the bench then we could get a result here.

by demosthenes Fri 10 May 2024, 5:42 pm

Gregor Brown starting in the second row? Has he ever played there at senior level?

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 8:26 pm

3 tries in the bag for Edinburgh at HT

They are likely to cruise home from here but goodness, they still look very one dimensional. No-one other than Mata giving them any punch at all.

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 9:00 pm

Edinburgh making really hard work of this, now a one score game and still no BP.

Maybe a few subs will inspire them.

You have got to say Ali Price and Mark Bennett going off just look like shadows of the players they once were. You can really see why they have signed Tuipolotu

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 9:07 pm

Christine finally gets the 4th try, so Edinburgh look like they will live to fight another day

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2024, 9:29 pm

6 tries and comfortable in the end.

BV brought some pace and incision from the bench and the replacement front row did some damage as well.

Munster may not be so accommodating next weekend unfortunately!

by **RDW** Fri 10 May 2024, 11:15 pm

Like most of Edinburgh's season, good to get the win but another unconvincing performance. I suspect not much will change on that last bit at this stage of the season.

Two tough games to come!

by Hazel Sapling Sat 11 May 2024, 10:08 am

jimbopip wrote:Two things;
That has to be the lightest front five I've seen for the Warriors. Dagenham Ladies Thirds would fancy their chances of pushing them off the ball.
Second, no sign of Ross Thomson in South Africa.

It's a lightweight pack, to begin with, but a very strong set of backs. If they manage to be in the game when Franco empties the bench then we could get a result here.

Piggy-backing this and Biggee, has anyone ever heard when most scrums are in the game? My conspiracy theory is I wonder if an analyst has gone most scrums are in the second half when folk are tired and scrummaging takes on a greater impact. If Cummings is playing 80 and Brown was going to be the bench lock, maybe the thinking was we will get beaten up in the last 30 whereas we can minimise the damage until then.

As for Ross Thompson, clearly he is not to Franco's taste and, if it happens, a fresh start at Edinburgh may push him on. Apparently, Healy has played 1,293 consecutive minutes in the URC since the 63rd minute of Munster's final win last year until the 76th minute against Zebre. I know 10 is a soft position but mentally he has to be tired.

by **RDW** Sat 11 May 2024, 2:04 pm

Glasgow 14 points down at HT to the Bulls. They've done a lot right but some inaccuracies in the lineout costing them, as well as a needles tip tackle from Steyn (who should know better) leading to a yellow card.

by jimbopip Sat 11 May 2024, 3:17 pm

I hate the plucky loser narrative... so I shall avoid all that.

However, 2 points means we're still top at the end of this round and we have a real chance of finishing top.
Home advantage in the play offs is huge and we could be good enough to make a semi final . Possibly a final at home. Oh be still my beating heart.
Who would have predicted that Meatball would be shining star today?
All we need is Leinster to be too focused on Europe and the Luvvies to beat Munster.
Ah!

by **RDW** Sat 11 May 2024, 11:03 pm

2 points is a good result for Glasgow. All that matters is keeping at the top and they've done that. Just hope they don't run out of steam by the end.

Annoyingly for Edinburgh, Benneton sneaked a win at the death away to the Sharks meaning we're on level point. If they hadn't don't that we'd be in a very strong position for 8th or higher. Both teams have two tough games next week so can see it coming down to the final game showdown. Then away QF against Glasgow...!

by **George Carlin** Sun 12 May 2024, 9:56 am

Bummer about the Bulls game. The dodgers of the soap just left themselves with too much to do. Russell and Cam came through the Falcons game for Bath pretty well. Reading the venerable newspapers from the West Country, Russell was good and Redpath was rustier than your maw's garden gate.

by jimbopip Sun 12 May 2024, 2:48 pm

Good news, lads thumbsup

I have discover a new nomme de guerre.

Matt F scored in the 6th minute yesterday with number 6 on his back. The minutes in which he scored his previous three tries? 6, 6, & 6.

The Beast!!!!

by EWT Spoons Mon 13 May 2024, 8:54 am

BigGee wrote:Edinburgh making really hard work of this, now a one score game and still no BP.

Maybe a few subs will inspire them.

You have got to say Ali Price and Mark Bennett going off just look like shadows of the players they once were. You can really see why they have signed Tuipolotu

In a turn up for the books, I thought Price had one of his better games for us. The opening 20-30 mins he was poor, but in the run up to half time and just after (so maybe about 15-20 mins), he was getting the ball out a bit faster and kept the pace of the game up. Which doesn't sound a lot, but it's a very low standard he's set.

I agree that both him and Bennett are showing their age and aren’t the players they once were. Which is a shame for Bennett, but it’s been the norm for Price since he joined Edinburgh.

Also, I can’t decide if playing for Edinburgh is the best or worst thing for Duhan. In one sense he never sees the ball and at his current level of involvement he could probably play on the wing for us till he’s in his 60s without fear of being overworked or burning out. However, he looks exasperated at never getting the ball and his questionable general rugby ability* is probably going to deteriorate through not using/developing it.

*He’s far from a natural rugby player. He’s a phenomenal athlete and gets away with not being amazing with things like passing and catching by his sheer athleticism.

by EWT Spoons Mon 13 May 2024, 9:09 am

Talking to a couple of mates at the game, and with a real focus on trying to be positive on Edinburgh and Everitt, I wonder if we’re being too harsh on the tactics and performances.

Reason being, we’ve lost only 1 game more than Glasgow this season. Which if you take that in isolation is impressive given Glasgow are arguably having one of their best seasons in a long time. We’re only let down by bonus points, which can come. If we get the foundations right in winning games, then once that becomes a habit, we can move on looking to develop and get those extra tries to take us to the next level.

We’ve also had an injury list that has frequently been in double figures with back 3 being a particular pain point, with Darcy, Boff and Goosen being out for prolonged periods and Kinghorn leaving in the middle of the season.

Add to this the players apparently absolutely love playing for Everitt (genuinely wouldn’t know it on the pitch) but that’s the word coming out the camp, and not in PR spin to the media.

So, whilst watching Edinburgh this season is the new go to phrase to replace “watching paint dry”, I am hopeful that it’s all part of a master plan to get us on the right track, with the view to getting those extra tries once we have additional strength in midfield and ideally a fuller compliment of back 3 players. Maybe another 10, who can control and run a game... and obviously a 9… could probably do with another tighthead to replace Nel…crap that positively didn’t last did it.

by **RDW** Mon 13 May 2024, 10:30 pm

Some good points Spoons.

On Duhan, at the weekend he ran in inside line off 10 and it wasn't executed well and he got smashed. Healy passed a little too early and hadn't drawn his man at the gainline so Duhan got the ball and 3 defenders at the same time. I don't know if playing in that team is actively bad for his development (he needs to learn to go lookin for more work, which is a good thing) but he'll definitely be frustrated. His high wages are a bit of a waste given how we play.

And also some good points on Everitt. He's been clear from day 1 this season that his only target is to finish top 8, and he's set up the team to play in a way that gives as a high chance of doing that, but not much more. Problem is it is incredibly dull. I don't mind us playing a risk averse gameplan, but I'd love it if we showed even a teensy bit more attacking intent more than our current attack (one out passes and run head first into defence). It's not high risk when you have a scrum outside the opposition 22 to actually run a backline move. It's not high risk to actually use your wingers when the time is right.

My fear on Everitt is his gameplan isn't sustainable as we've been in this situation before where a coach comes in, steadies the ship but can't then improve the team to add the next level. Players and fans get frustrated and usually the team goes backwards again. Do we play like this because this is what he's good at coaching? Next season is crucial that he can show he can add more attack whilst keeping up the wins.

by EWT Spoons Tue 14 May 2024, 9:02 am

Aye like I said I was putting a very positive spin on this season. It might all be nonsense and this style of play is as good as it gets, and next season once we are truly found out we'll be propping up the table.

However, for the moment I am going to chose to believe that this isn't the end game of how we're going to play, and next season with a few players back we'll actually have some plays that are more complex than 'pass it to the big lad and hope'.

Oh and only because he gets a lot of mixed press these days, but since Ritchie had the Sco capt. taken off him, he's looked a bit more back to his old self and certainly in the last few games has played really well. I think he needs to have a bit of needle in his game and he can't do that and be captain at the same time.

by jimbopip Tue 14 May 2024, 9:17 am

EWT Spoons wrote:Aye like I said I was putting a very positive spin on this season. It might all be nonsense and this style of play is as good as it gets, and next season once we are truly found out we'll be propping up the table. i think you'll be found out over the next two games; play one out rugby against Munster and they'll love it, they live for that "rutting stags headbutting each other for hours on end" rugby (it's even on their badge) but they also have the ability to open up and play in the wide open spaces when it's what is required to actually, you know, win a game. That is go out and win rather than just keep it tight and hope to outscore your opponents. As for Benneton easily the most improved side in the league, Brex and Menoncello are good enough to be mentioned in the same breath as Wee Shona and Lord Stafford. I honestly think they deserve to be in the play offs because they have played some lovely rugby this season. The Luvvies don't because they haven't.

However, for the moment I am going to chose to believe that this isn't the end game of how we're going to play, and next season with a few players back we'll actually have some plays that are more complex than 'pass it to the big lad and hope'. It would be nice...but how many times have we heard that sentiment expressed on these boards?

Oh and only because he gets a lot of mixed press these days, but since Ritchie had the Sco capt. taken off him, he's looked a bit more back to his old self and certainly in the last few games has played really well. I think he needs to have a bit of needle in his game and he can't do that and be captain at the same time. Well, he can...but he just pisses off the ref and loses the game. Not so much Mbawza as Wee Humza.

If you think I'm being unduly vitrioloic....I just know the Luvvies will finish eighth, the Rugby Club will finish top, and then we lose at Scotstoun 6-3.

by tigertattie Tue 14 May 2024, 11:57 am

See big Tom Stoltmam is worlds strongest man again.

Still time for him to see the light and become our starting No8 for the next World Cup

by EWT Spoons Tue 14 May 2024, 12:11 pm

Edinburgh announcing 3 signings/contract extensions today.

First up Ross McCann. 7s player, signing primarily as a winger but can play outside centre

by EWT Spoons Tue 14 May 2024, 2:02 pm

Sweeny and Goosen both on 1 year deals

by EWT Spoons Wed 15 May 2024, 1:30 pm

As expected Scott Steele has retired from rugby. Well at the end of the season, but he's still recovering from injury so can't see him playing so he's effectively retired now.

Not a surprise, but a shame for the lad

by Hazel Sapling Wed 15 May 2024, 1:58 pm

Shame for Scott Steele. I thought he was going to compete for the jersey with Vellacott but injury derailed him. Hopefully he has something lined up.

Glasgow sign a 25 year old SQ tighthead from Exeter named Fin Richardson. Not played for Exeter really, just for Cornish Pirates where he splits time with Matt Johnson (more or less sub for each other at 40-50 minute mark with alternating starts judging by the match reports).

I thought it would just be Schickerling replacing Pieretto (who has left) but looks like we are refreshing the TH stocks. Sordoni might be out of contract at the end of the season so might be moving from:

Zander, Sordoni, Walker, Pieretto, Kebble
to
Zander, Walker, Schickerling, Richardson, Kebble/Norrie

by bsando Thu 16 May 2024, 6:27 am

Great news from a Scotland perspective, the SRU really need to bolster depth. It should never have come to what we have now. Thankfully fagerson has managed to avoid a long term injury during this time of depleted TH depth. So far at least.

Yes it is a shame for Steele but he can be proud of his contribution to Scotland. He did well in his short time.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/emerging-blues-star-credits-scotland-stint-for-growing-through-youthful-impatience/

Cole Forbes has credited Glasgow for his strong super rugby form with the Blues. Great to see him playing well back in NZ and taking his game to the next level despite leaving Scotland.

by **George Carlin** Thu 16 May 2024, 10:26 am

bsando wrote:Great news from a Scotland perspective, the SRU really need to bolster depth. It should never have come to what we have now. Thankfully fagerson has managed to avoid a long term injury during this time of depleted TH depth. So far at least.

Yes it is a shame for Steele but he can be proud of his contribution to Scotland. He did well in his short time.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/emerging-blues-star-credits-scotland-stint-for-growing-through-youthful-impatience/

Cole Forbes has credited Glasgow for his strong super rugby form with the Blues. Great to see him playing well back in NZ and taking his game to the next level despite leaving Scotland.

That's a really nice article - good luck to him.

by **RDW** Thu 16 May 2024, 12:06 pm

Settled team for Edinburgh against Munster except Velacott starting. Not sure that's a great selection as we've been here many times before this season - BV has a good game off the bench so is given a starting spot. He's then very underwhelming as it's much harder for a 9 in the first 60 minutes than the last 20, especially an attack focussed 9 playing in the worst attacking team in the league. You then have Price coming off the bench to make an impact...

Will be a huge Test for Edinburgh given our reliance on our pack getting tries, and Munster will not make that easy at all. Can see it being a bit of a slog fest.

by **BigGee** Thu 16 May 2024, 12:09 pm

Edinburgh could do Glasgow a bit favour here by beating Munster or at least denying them a BP!

by jimbopip Fri 17 May 2024, 8:17 am

BigGee wrote:Edinburgh could do Glasgow a bit favour here by beating Munster or at least denying them a BP!

Could

But let's be realistic.

by bsando Fri 17 May 2024, 12:23 pm

Bayliss, Russell and Redpath all starting vs Northampton.

by Hazel Sapling Fri 17 May 2024, 12:59 pm

Glasgow side for the Lions
Kebble - Fraser - Walker (Bhatti - Matthews - Zander)
Brown - Cummings (Williamson)
Ferrie - Venter - Darge (M Fagerson - Dempsey)

Horne - Jordan (Dobie - Weir)
Tuipulotu - McDowall
Rowe - McKay - Steyn

Very strong bench to come on at half.

by **BigGee** Fri 17 May 2024, 7:13 pm

Sleepy Sean Maitland definitely not going on the summer tour now as he has decided to hang up the boots at the end of this season.

A great servant for Glasgow, Scotland and Sarries, an absolute rolls royce of a player, always seemed to make the right choice on the pitch even if he never seemed to be trying that hard.

He retires with quite a collection of trophies and could still add one more this season in the Prem as Sarries still look hungry.

by bsando Fri 17 May 2024, 8:43 pm

Well I think this is an excellent example of how to retire from pro rugby. A trophy still on the line with a handful of games remaining to give it your all. This will provide extra motivation for his teammates.

It feels a bit like the end of an era. He added so much to Scotland’s backline during his career and his move to Saracens was an excellent career choice. I can only say I am glad he chose to try his luck at warriors and Scotland rather than staying in NZ. By the sounds of it he’s settled in London and will continue living there with his family.

Yes it was sad to see him miss out on further Scotland caps but I am sure he’s immensely proud of his international career, he really was mr reliable. I hope he can still contribute to rugby once he hangs his boots up but either way all the best to him in his retirement. Another premiership title would be a stellar way to bow out.

by **BigGee** Fri 17 May 2024, 9:34 pm

Goodness, Edinburgh took Munster all the way but were their own worst enemies just being unable to take their chances.

They certainly had enough of them to have won that game!

by tigertattie Fri 17 May 2024, 9:48 pm

BigGee wrote:Goodness, Edinburgh took Munster all the way but were their own worst enemies just being unable to take their chances.

They certainly had enough of them to have won that game!

Sorry Glasgow. We tried

by **RDW** Fri 17 May 2024, 9:56 pm

Edinburgh game sounded an absolute humdinger but plenty frustration still from Edinburgh. Messing up 5m lineout in the last few minutes particularly bad!

by Welshmushroom Fri 17 May 2024, 10:09 pm

Was a good game - one of the better ones ive watched in the URC this season

by **RDW** Sat 18 May 2024, 12:41 am

Just watched the game. It was a huge effort from Edinburgh and they did have enough chances to win, but fair play to Munster they managed the game well and you can't argue with 4 tries to 2. Schoeman, Ritchie, Mata all immense and fair play Vellacot had a great game, with much better kicking than Price when he came on.

Lots of char about the ref on social media. I thought he let Edinburgh away with quite a lot in the first half and Munster would be aggrieved at how few penalties they got. Second half though had quite a few big/controversial decisions. I thought the penalty against Mata was a terrible decision. Steyman followed through late on Healy after a kick then lied down on top of him to give some verbal afters. Mata flopped on top to try and get him away then a minor scuffle followed. Ref gave a penalty against Mata for 'escalating the situation' which IMO was totally out of touch with the situation and incredibly harsh. Munster scored from that penalty which in the end decided the game.

Later on Vellacot passed the ball off the Munster prop who was returning from an offside position. Ref said Vellacot was milking a penalty. Of course he was, but only because the prop was in the passing line. If Vellacot had waited for him to get past it would have delayed quick ball. Terrible decision.

Then again I can't for the life of me see how the TMO awarded Venter's try but he was certainly determined to find a reason to give it. Justice was served after Connor Murray's cynical yellow which most likely prevented a try

Like most of Edinburgh's season that was another 'almost but not quite' performance!

by **BigGee** Sat 18 May 2024, 4:05 pm

8-7 Lions at HT

However Lions have had a RC and currently a YC.

Glasgow clearly the better team but have spooned a couple of good chances. This is their game if they can keep the head!

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