Scotland Six Nations Lookahead

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Scotland Six Nations Lookahead

Fixtures

Round 1 | Sco v Ita | Cuttitta Cup

Date: Saturday 1st February 2025
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 2:15pm
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
TV Coverage: Live on BBC

Round 2 | Sco v Ire | Centenary Quaich

Date: Sunday 9th February 2025
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
TV Coverage: Live on BBC

Rest weekend 15th/16th

Round 3 | Eng v Sco | Calcutta Cup

Date: Saturday 22nd February 2025
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Kick-off: 4:45pm
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
TV Coverage: Live on ITV

Rest weekend 29th/30th

Round 4 | Sco v Wal | Doddie Weir Cup

Date: Saturday 8th March 2025
Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 4:45pm
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TV Coverage: Live on BBC

Round 5 | Fra v Sco | Auld Alliance Trophy

Super Saturday Finale
Date: Saturday 15th March 2025
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Kick-off: 8:00pm (GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
TV Coverage: Live on ITV

Front row and lock depth is where we really struggle. A couple of injuries and we are in trouble.

What's the latest regarding Euan Ferrie because he seemed to be getting raves reviews from Tom English on BBC rugby podcast during autumn even though he was injured ?

Hopefully he will be back fit for the upcoming European games.

The weather is so awful, not much else to do other than watch rugby this afternoon

Ben White came off the bench for Toulon and played very well against Racing. I guess he is struggling to get a start as Serin is playing so well.

Cam Henderson also put in a decent 80 min shift for Tigers. He was calling the lineout and scored a try. I would be surprised if he is not back in the squad for the 6N.

I exoect we are looking at GG, Cummings, Williamson and Henderson with Brown as a hybrid option.

So we get 3x home games, momentum by having Italy first and one of the away games at Twickers which we know we're able to win?

We cannot really blame the draw if we defecate in the sleeping station again this year.

Josh Bayliss played on the wing for a bit today after an injury to Will Muir .

Is there anything this lad can't do .

Highland Shaun wrote:Josh Bayliss played on the wing for a bit today after an injury to Will Muir .

Is there anything this lad can't do .

If Andy Henderson, Rob Dewey and Roland Reid can play international rugby on the wing for Scotland, anyone can!

don't forget Ritchie Vernon - started games for Scotland as a back row and as a centre. The Vernonator!

TJ wrote:don't forget Ritchie Vernon - started games for Scotland as a back row and as a centre.  The Vernonator!

Always thought shlong could've done a job at flanker too.

It's okay though we've got McDowall now who can cover every position, if only there wasn't a restriction on how much of his power we can use. Guess CVC couldn't sell rugby if there's one player who wins every game.

Highland Shaun wrote:Josh Bayliss played on the wing for a bit today after an injury to Will Muir .

Is there anything this lad can't do .

Did a decent job as well. Perhaps helped by Saints having to rejoin their backline so his opposite number wasn't Freeman and was instead club winger Seabrook.

Bath had obviously prepared in advance for the eventuality as they'd gone with a 7-1 bench split and Bayliss the only forward able to shift into the backs.

Bath just lost out to Northampton with the last kick of the game.

The Jeff is much more competitive this year which is good to see.

George Carlin wrote:Bath just lost out to Northampton with the last kick of the game.

The Jeff is much more competitive this year which is good although the style of rugby they play is akin to Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage Morris dancing; never something you want to see.

Fixed that for you, GC.

George Carlin wrote:Bath just lost out to Northampton with the last kick of the game.

The Jeff is much more competitive this year which is good to see.

I watched that and it was a good game but there have been some really one sided games this year in England and all over the place as well, it is very inconsistent.

Lots of teams chucking the ball about and scoring great tries but defence does seem to be optional at times. It is a bit reminiscent of Super Rugby at its prime.

BigGee wrote:The weather is so awful, not much else to do other than watch rugby this afternoon

Ben White came off the bench for Toulon and played very well against Racing. I guess he is struggling to get a start as Serin is playing so well.

Cam Henderson also put in a decent 80 min shift for Tigers. He was calling the lineout and scored a try. I would be surprised if he is not back in the squad for the 6N.

I exoect we are looking at GG, Cummings, Williamson and Henderson with Brown as a hybrid option.

The true Christmas buildup has begun. Beginning the six nations on a Friday night is one of my favourites as well.

I’d be very happy with those locks selections. Williamson has really impressed. Henderson gaining some form is a huge boost for Scotland. If Scotland do start poorly in the six nations then brining in Gray (assuming he’s out for the first few games) could help bolster the pack.

Italy first up would previously have been a great platform to build some momentum but they’re a much better side now. On the flip side beating a strong Italy side and avoiding injuries could be the perfect buildup to Ireland. Scotland really need to embrace these two home games as the favourites (even if they’re not by the bookies). Lose to Ireland and then England away and it’s all over before the end of Feb.

Henderson did call the lineout and played well. He also took on the carrying that Martin normally does (he was rotated out for a rest). He's mobile for a big lad so often gets used to hit a line in the second phase of attack, ideally the first carrier crashes up and makes a metre and then the second carrier cuts a line whilst the defence is on their heels. Henderson took his try nicely as well, working round to follow Pollard's break, time his run and canter through the disorganised defence taking a couple of defenders with him (long arms used to reach for the score).

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/01/07/england-kiwi-fergus-burke-scotland-call-6n/

Ok so it's happening then so it seems like The Ruck got it wrong as they stated that Dan Lancaster was indeed the man GT was targeting .

Highland Shaun wrote:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/01/07/england-kiwi-fergus-burke-scotland-call-6n/

Ok so it's happening then so it seems like The Ruck got it wrong as they stated that Dan Lancaster was indeed the man GT was targeting .

He's looked decent enough for Sarries, but as a 10 it'll take a lot to get up to speed with Scotland. Hopefully he's happy to be in the training squad through the 6N then gets capped in the summer.

Then he moves to Edinburgh in a few years where his career then nosedives!

I think GT will probably cap him for Italy if he can. Russell will start, 21. Horne, 22. Burke, 23. TJ. Pretty well covered. Kinghorn can swap to a wing if there’s an injury there. If he is gonna be involved I wouldn’t be surprised if he played a decent role this six nations.

Seems a bit of a waste to have both Burke and TJ on the bench. Also don't think we should be in a huge rush to cap this guy to the detriment of the squad quality!

Yeh the days of "cap against Italy, should be alright", even off the bench, are long gone.

I reckon Burke will be in the squad but won't get capped, barring injuries, until the summer tour.

TJ to continue as our super sub on a 6/2 split, he's perfect for it.

Toonie doesn’t go the 6:2 as much as Franco, so for most of the tournament I’d expect a 5:3 split apart from perhaps France and Ireland.

Do you not rate him much RDW? As Toonie capped Healy against Italy I’m of the opinion that if he thinks Burke is a promising player he’ll do the same. Especially since Burkes form has been very good for Saracens and he qualifies for England.

For me at least it feels like Toonie would need to cap him. An injury to an English fly half would open the door, especially as M Smith will probably tour with the Lions. Also, for Scotland’s summer tour, both Russell and Kinghorn are likely to be away on lions duty. Possibly even TJ.

Saying all this he may not even be in the squad

We have not gone 6:2 in the past, but we have not had a player like Jordan who very much opens up that possibility.

Dobie as well has that versatility and is playing well enough to be capped.

Burke also plays FB as well as FH.

6:2 works well if you have the players to make it happen and we do seem to have them now. Maybe not against Italy, but against Ireland and France and possibly England, I can see it happening.

Toonie took a 6:2 bench for south africa and a 5:3 for oz.

Clearly sees needing a larger bench of forwards necessary for physically dominant teams but against a team more flighty we'll probably see a 5:3.

However, i see more teams electing for 6:2 more regularly as backs getting injured is less likely than previously and forwards bring more off the bench than, say, a change in centre or wing.

TJ and Dobie bring a versatile, cover-all-positions in case of injury.

I think, for the time being, using the bench to change the tactics of the team is a thing of the past. 10s are fit enough to run a match for 80 minutes and teams dont train plan A and plan B anymore. they might change where on the field the apply their gameplan dependant on the opposition but the broadstrokes dont change so having a different 10 on the bench is no longer a necessity. So having players who can up the tempo or keep the gameplan going is more important.

Tramptastic wrote:Toonie took a 6:2 bench for south africa and a 5:3 for oz.

Clearly sees needing a larger bench of forwards necessary for physically dominant teams but against a team more flighty we'll probably see a 5:3.

However, i see more teams electing for 6:2 more regularly as backs getting injured is less likely than previously and forwards bring more off the bench than, say, a change in centre or wing.

TJ and Dobie bring a versatile, cover-all-positions in case of injury.

I think, for the time being, using the bench to change the tactics of the team is a thing of the past. 10s are fit enough to run a match for 80 minutes and teams dont train plan A and plan B anymore. they might change where on the field the apply their gameplan dependant on the opposition but the broadstrokes dont change so having a different 10 on the bench is no longer a necessity. So having players who can up the tempo or keep the gameplan going is more important.

Trampy - I think that you're forgetting the secret genius of Borthwick who loves taking off his 10 when they aren't injured, are playing well, have a good sense of match tempo and an 85%+ goal kicking percentage.

George Carlin wrote:

Tramptastic wrote:Toonie took a 6:2 bench for south africa and a 5:3 for oz.

Clearly sees needing a larger bench of forwards necessary for physically dominant teams but against a team more flighty we'll probably see a 5:3.

However, i see more teams electing for 6:2 more regularly as backs getting injured is less likely than previously and forwards bring more off the bench than, say, a change in centre or wing.

TJ and Dobie bring a versatile, cover-all-positions in case of injury.

I think, for the time being, using the bench to change the tactics of the team is a thing of the past. 10s are fit enough to run a match for 80 minutes and teams dont train plan A and plan B anymore. they might change where on the field the apply their gameplan dependant on the opposition but the broadstrokes dont change so having a different 10 on the bench is no longer a necessity. So having players who can up the tempo or keep the gameplan going is more important.

Trampy - I think that you're forgetting the secret genius of Borthwick who loves taking off his 10 when they aren't injured, are playing well, have a good sense of match tempo and an 85%+ goal kicking percentage.

Borthwick clearly playing 4D chess by lowering expectations for... reasons?

I think the Fergus burke articles are speculative at best, the papers know how desperate us Scotland fans are to nab a decent SQ player!

I hope he's been approached but I think basically the articles say, "he's Scottish qualified and therefore may be named", which is akin to me saying I may get a NZ sauvignon for the fridge because it's available in my local supermarket and eligible to have with neeps and haggis. These same sources speculate whether Zack Mercer will switch allegiances to Scotland, despite not being able to under IRB rules.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/i-still-have-a-lot-of-ambition-cam-dodson-keeping-scotland-dream-alive/

I have no idea about this bloke as I've just stumbled upon this article whilst browsing through the Scottish Rugby section of NewsNow but, is this bloke a potential bolter for 6Ns or even summer tour squad ? Anyone have any info on the bloke as that would also be helpful to me being virtually new to Rugby .

Highland Shaun wrote:https://www.rugbypass.com/news/i-still-have-a-lot-of-ambition-cam-dodson-keeping-scotland-dream-alive/

I have no idea about this bloke as I've just stumbled upon this article whilst browsing through the Scottish Rugby section of NewsNow but, is this bloke a potential bolter for 6Ns or even summer tour squad ? Anyone have any info on the bloke as that would also be helpful to me being virtually new to Rugby .

No idea but got a few younger second rows coming through, I'd start there. Would sooner give jare a chance for Scotland tbh.

Is it next Monday the squads being announced?

NeilyBroon wrote:

Highland Shaun wrote:https://www.rugbypass.com/news/i-still-have-a-lot-of-ambition-cam-dodson-keeping-scotland-dream-alive/

I have no idea about this bloke as I've just stumbled upon this article whilst browsing through the Scottish Rugby section of NewsNow but, is this bloke a potential bolter for 6Ns or even summer tour squad ? Anyone have any info on the bloke as that would also be helpful to me being virtually new to Rugby .

No idea but got a few younger second rows coming through, I'd start there. Would sooner give jare a chance for Scotland tbh.

Is it next Monday the squads being announced?

Wednesday I think

The Mighty Meatball is 33 now and I cannot help but shake the feeling that if Glasgow dropped him, he wouldn't get a professional contract anywhere else. Makes perfect sense for Burke to head to Glasgow if he wants. With Jordan heading to Brizzle, it may be the perfect time.

George Carlin wrote:The Mighty Meatball is 33 now and I cannot help but shake the feeling that if Glasgow dropped him, he wouldn't get a professional contract anywhere else. Makes perfect sense for Burke to head to Glasgow if he wants. With Jordan heading to Brizzle, it may be the perfect time.

Burke is in his first season of a three year deal at Sarries. I doubt he's going anywhere. Sarries went all in on him being the Farrell replacement in the medium term. I doubt they'd let him leave cheaply.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

George Carlin wrote:The Mighty Meatball is 33 now and I cannot help but shake the feeling that if Glasgow dropped him, he wouldn't get a professional contract anywhere else. Makes perfect sense for Burke to head to Glasgow if he wants. With Jordan heading to Brizzle, it may be the perfect time.

Burke is in his first season of a three year deal at Sarries. I doubt he's going anywhere. Sarries went all in on him being the Farrell replacement in the medium term. I doubt they'd let him leave cheaply.

Exactly, this is not happening

Glasgow did sound out Burke before when we were a bit lost for a FH when TJ was learning his trade, but he choose Sarries.

I think we need Hasto to find some form and develop a youngster, Simpson or Irwin.

Finn had a very good game in the ERCC at the weekend - I will say this for him - he is a big game player/test match animal. Hopefully Farrell realises this when Lions selection roles around.

Has anyone seen Finn Smith enough to know whether he justifies the hype? I cannot be arsed to join the Prendergast hype train. He needs to be targeted by murderous loose forwards at test level for a couple of seasons before I'm willing to acknowledge anything.

George Carlin wrote:Finn had a very good game in the ERCC at the weekend - I will say this for him - he is a big game player/test match animal. Hopefully Farrell realises this when Lions selection roles around.

Has anyone seen Finn Smith enough to know whether he justifies the hype. I cannot be arsed to join the Prendergast hype train. He needs to be target by murderous loose forwards at test level for a couple of seasons before I'm willing to acknowledge anything.

All Finn is missing is a big win of something. Prem is most likely but Champions Cup or (in our dreams).a 6N win is the only way people outside of Scotland will really rate him.

I wonder if you kind souls can give me some advice.....
I have tickets for the senior Italy game for me and Junior Anglo, we will commute on the day by train.

However, I have also just booked tickets for the u20 match (good experience for junior, as he is in the u17 Exiles programme) anyway, is there anywhere decent/safe to park on the Friday for the game at The Hive? - does the Hive or the Ice Rink have parking?
Or is the nearby Sainsburys a good parking option?

Any support advice will be much appreciated

Anglobraveheart wrote:I wonder if you kind souls can give me some advice.....
I have tickets for the senior Italy game for me and Junior Anglo, we will commute on the day by train.

However, I have also just booked tickets for the u20 match (good experience for junior, as he is in the u17 Exiles programme) anyway, is there anywhere decent/safe to park on the Friday for the game at The Hive? - does the Hive or the Ice Rink have parking?
Or is the nearby Sainsburys a good parking option?

Any support advice will be much appreciated

Can't imagine it'll be busy so you should be able to park on residential streets. Ravelston would be my go-to (less likely to have your car keyed) parking up the hill on Murrayfield road or one of the side streets off it. Stop for a pint at the Murrayfield on your way to the game!

Depending on where you are driving from.

The only time I ever had to drive to Edinburgh for a match (from Glasgow because of a train strike)

There is a big park and ride (free) car park at Ingliston and you can do the rest of the journey on the tram.

That worked well for us but I did notice on the way back that it was rammed and if we had not got there early we might have struggled.

However I can't imagine that will be an issue for an U20s game.

Thanks guys. We're coming up during the day, then travelling from East of Edinburgh. Saturday is sorted, I have booked train tickets for us.
It was just the logistics in getting there on Friday evening. The train service is sparse on a Friday night, so I was hoping for parking nearby so that we can get in and out easily.
Hopefully in 2 or 3 years time Junior will be playing that's the dream anyway.

Anglobraveheart wrote:Thanks guys. We're coming up during the day, then travelling from East of Edinburgh. Saturday is sorted, I have booked train tickets for us.
It was just the logistics in getting there on Friday evening. The train service is sparse on a Friday night, so I was hoping for parking nearby so that we can get in and out easily.
Hopefully in 2 or 3 years time Junior will be playing that's the dream anyway.

Good luck jnr Braveheart! Would be nice to have an inside source on how the Scottish pathway system actually works...

Cheers Gee and RDW, just had a look at the map. Murrayfield Road looks like a great suggestion

Regarding the Pathway System, it's quite spread out, South of the borders, so we've travelled up to 250miles round trip for a few of the Exiles sessions.

But it's all part of getting him noticed. He's in the Sale Academy, which is run really well, so there's plenty opportunity there to be seen playing at a decent standard too.
Next Exiles session for him is at Worksop on 2 Feb, the day after the Scotland game, so it'll be an early night on the Saturday ready for an early start on the Sunday

Anglobraveheart wrote:Cheers Gee and RDW, just had a look at the map. Murrayfield Road looks like a great suggestion

If you need another option, Westfield Avenue (behind Wicks & across from Sainsburys) is where I normally park for Edinburgh games.

Gilchrist and Muncaster both carrying injuries now according to latest Edinburgh injury update.

A shame for Muncaster, who has looked Edinburgh best backrow this season and ready to step up to the international game.

Gilchrist out till end of Jan, so likely to miss the first games. We probably need to be looking past him at some point soon, so this may force Toonie's hand a little.

Max Williamson is meant to be back for Glasgow this week and will be pushing hard to start now I imagine.

According to the Scotsman Adam Hastings needs to stop speeding and using his phone whilst he’s doing it, regardless of how much he might feel it improves his multitasking skills.

Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Mcsweens wrote:Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Well let's hope toonie has given him a good offer if he has been approached! Can't bear the thought of the drop off after Russell and Jordan. I'd take kinghorn at FH over Healey/Thompson atm!

NeilyBroon wrote:

Mcsweens wrote:Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Well let's hope toonie has given him a good offer if he has been approached! Can't bear the thought of the drop off after Russell and Jordan. I'd take kinghorn at FH over Healey/Thompson  atm!

I'd take Allan Jacobson at FH over Healey/Thompson atm.

Mcsweens wrote:Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Was ever only likely to be get an A team place. Smith X2 and Ford are all currently better 10s.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Mcsweens wrote:Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Was ever only likely to be get an A team place. Smith X2 and Ford are all currently better 10s.

Correct. Burke may feel that Scotland is his best bet for a game in the next 3 years.

In terms of Scotland's pecking order, it's Russell, Jordan, the man who cleans the lavatories at Murrayfield, Alan Jacobson, a Bobblehead doll of Dan Carter and then Healy/Thompson.

Monye and co on RU weekly seem to think it’s this year or never for Scotland. Monye in particular said we say this every year, but consistency has let Scotland down time and again. I tend to agree, this six nations is going to be about dealing with the pressure of being amongst the favourites.

Briefly on their squad. Itoje to captain (finally) seems a great move. Overall I think they have a solid squad that is still developing but with more potential than last year.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Mcsweens wrote:Feegie Burke not picked for the England squad...

Was ever only likely to be get an A team place. Smith X2 and Ford are all currently better 10s.

The smiths I agree with but ford? Don't get me wrong on his day a very decent player but I don't think any better than burke.

Marcus smith will be England's Finn Russell, have to say he's a pleasure to watch and his game is really maturing nicely.