Samoa v Scotland: Teams, Build Up & Live Match Thread

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

First topic message reminder :

Content from Kick and Chase

Can Scotland do the unthinkable and make it 3 from 3 down under? Here's when to watch:

Saturday 23rd June, 2012 15:30 WST, 03:30 BST
Friday 22nd June 22:30 EST ()
Apia Park, Apia - capital of Samoa
Capacity: 15,000
Current forecast for Saturday: Sunny, 22C/72F, 20mph winds

Andy Robinson keeps the 15 largely unchanged, with one forced and two unforced changes. Richie Vernon comes in for John Barclay who has left to arrange his wedding. Chris Cusiter has been 'rewarded' by Andy Robinson with his first start on tour at the expense of Mike Blair, who is likely to now start on the bench. Sean Lamont comes in to directly replace Max Evans at 14, preferred for his physicality.

**Scotland bench and Samoa squad to be updated here later in the week.**

Scotland Squad:

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) 2 caps
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 60 caps, 2 tries, 10 points CAPTAIN
3 Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons) 46 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
4 Richie Gray (Sale Sharks) 23 caps, 1 try, 5 points
5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 43 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan) 27 caps, 1 try, 5 points
7 Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) 18 caps
8 Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks) 19 caps

9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 61 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
10 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 9 caps, 2 tries, 6 conversions, 14 penalties, 64 points
11 Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby) 1 cap, 2 tries, 10 points
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) 3 caps
13 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps, 1 try, 5 points
14 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 67 caps, 8 tries, 40 points
15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps, 1 try, 5 points

Replacements : S Lawson (London Irish), G Cross (Edinburgh), T Ryder (Glasgow), R Harley (Glasgow), M Blair (Brive), D Weir (Glasgow), M Evans (Castres)

Samoa team 15 Fa’atoina Autagavai (Vailoa); 14 Paul Perez (Vaimoso), 13 Fautua Otto (Bristol), 12 Paul Williams (Stade Francais), 11 David Lemi (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN; 10 Tusi Pisi (Hurricanes), 9 Kahn Fotuali’I (Ospreys);

1 Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps), 2 Ti’i Paulo (Clermont-Auvergne), 3 Census Johnston (Stade Toulouse), 4 Fa’atiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe), 5 Daniel Crichton (Counties Manukau), 6 Ben Masoe (Papatoetoe), 7 Maurie Fa’asavalu (Harlequins), 8 Kane Thompson (Waikato Chiefs)

Subs: 16 Wayne Ole Avei (Bordeaux Begles), 17 Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), 18 Joe Tekori (Castres), 19 Afa Aioni (Marist), 20 Jeremy Sua (Tasman), 21 Ki Anufe (Marist), 22 Lolo Lui (Moata’a)

Who's up for this one, then?!

[RDW]

Although not so promising from a team perspective (great Italy win aside) it is really encouraging to see these individuals stand out. Eadie looks a great prospect and lets hope he grows into a decent sized number 8 to allow him to make the step up- he doesn't look huge but is still young.

Farndale looks an exciting player too - Chris Ashton style from what I've seen (without being a ) - and will hopefully get some Edinburgh game time when Visser and Jones are with Scotland (we've only get Penn, Fife and Farndale as backup).

[QuickBall]

Samoa are no push-overs, this'll be a game i'll be keeping an eye on. A real test for Scotland imo.

[RDW]

Anyone else really concerned about this game?

Samoa are like Fiji. but better organised and more physical, which was where we had our advantage over them. Combine Fiji's attacking ability with those aspects and we're gonna struggle I think. Especially in our pack with a lighweight number 8 and our big boys- Strokosh and Murray - sound like they are struggling with injury.

[TJ1]

Samoa are no push-overs, this'll be a game i'll be keeping an eye on. A real test for Scotland imo.

Tehy are above Scotland in the rankings IIRC and are at home having won the pacific islands cup

[RDW]

Folks,

A reminder that there is a sticky set up for the match build up here

https://www.606v2.com/t31291-samoa-v-scotland-teams-build-up-live-match-thread#1329039

Just to keep everyone chatting in the same place!

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Nah....it'll be Samao's 6th side so we'll scrape it

In all honesty, this match should be easier than the Fijian one as they're so unpredicatable, it's difficult to defend against but with Samao being more organised, it should be easier to call when on the pitch.

They are dirty bar stewards though so the late hits will be coming in thick and fast.

[Manky-Flanker]

I think its likely that the whole bench will be used against Samoa, due to the hot weather (even hotter than Fiji) and the fact that it is the final game of the tour.

Still no word on a broadcaster?

[Biltong]

I think Samoa will be a tougher test for Scotland, I agree their structure is much better than Fiji's and they are a lot more organised in defence.

I am in a bit of a conundrum here as I have always liked samoa and how they play rugby, but then I admire Scottish rugby a lot.

So maybe I should be sitting on the fence for this one.

[RDW]

I tweeted the Scotland team feed to ask but nothing as of yet.

[RDW]

but then I admire Scottish rugby a lot.

I've always liked you Biltongbek!

[Biltong]

I heard someone say the other day they use an IP adress blocker or something. If you know how to do that then supersport is your answer for a link.

[RDW]

A link to watch the game?

The problem is no broadcaster is showing it - never mind not being able to find it on the internet!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

A link to watch the game?

The problem is no broadcaster is showing it - never mind not being able to find it on the internet!

Unless Biltong is saying it is being screened on SA TV?

[RDW]

It wasn't on his list when he was showing off about how good SA rugby coverage was?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Can you emerge the two threads otherwise it can get confusing? (Also, will boost the number of posts and make us look like the Irish or Welsh in terms of detailed pre-match analysisinter-pro/inter-region bickering!!)

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

That's what I thought, but maybe he has a private feed!

[RDW]

Can you emerge the two threads otherwise it can get confusing? (Also, will boost the number of posts and make us look like the Irish or Welsh in terms of detailed pre-match analysisinter-pro/inter-region bickering!!)

Done!

over 100 posts now

[George Carlin]

Can you emerge the two threads otherwise it can get confusing? (Also, will boost the number of posts and make us look like the Irish or Welsh in terms of detailed pre-match analysisinter-pro/inter-region bickering!!)

Fair enough. Let's try it.

I'm from Ayrshire. I hate all of you east-coast, lupine, cycloptic cousin-feckers.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Can you emerge the two threads otherwise it can get confusing? (Also, will boost the number of posts and make us look like the Irish or Welsh in terms of detailed pre-match analysisinter-pro/inter-region bickering!!)

Fair enough. Let's try it.

I'm from Ayrshire. I hate all of you east-coast, lupine, cycloptic cousin-feckers.

We Trossachs-born folks hate the whole of the rest of the smelly Picto-Celt numpties in the country

How's that, back at ye, GC?

[Biltong]

Sorry you are correct, that is the one game that doesn't seem to be televised anywhere, I see all the pacific nation cup atches are live, but for some reason that match isn't being broadcasted even on highlights package.

[Biltong]

A link to watch the game?

The problem is no broadcaster is showing it - never mind not being able to find it on the internet!

Unless Biltong is saying it is being screened on SA TV?

I don't think there are camera's at that match, we have the RB nations cup, we have the pacific nations cup, but that match deosn't show, which leads me to beleive there aren't camera's

[RDW]

Bloody South Africans eh - can't even rely on them to show Scotland V Samoa. Shocking.

[nickj]

The Beeb seem to have named the bench http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18519235

Replacements : S Lawson (London Irish), G Cross (Edinburgh), T Ryder (Glasgow), R Harley (Glasgow), M Blair (Brive), D Weir (Glasgow), M Evans (Castres).

I'm pretty pleased with that, but I would have liked to see Ansbro in there instead of Maxxy on this occasion.

[George Carlin]

Can you emerge the two threads otherwise it can get confusing? (Also, will boost the number of posts and make us look like the Irish or Welsh in terms of detailed pre-match analysisinter-pro/inter-region bickering!!)

Fair enough. Let's try it.

I'm from Ayrshire. I hate all of you east-coast, lupine, cycloptic cousin-feckers.

We Trossachs-born folks hate the whole of the rest of the smelly Picto-Celt numpties in the country

How's that, back at ye, GC?

[RDW]

Good to see Harley in there - he'll add some much needed grunt for the last half hour or so (he better bloody get on!).

Agreed about Ansbro - he must be ragin that a post match celebration ruled him out of two games!

[Biltong]

Bloody South Africans eh - can't even rely on them to show Scotland V Samoa. Shocking.

[nickj]

Good to see Harley in there - he'll add some much needed grunt for the last half hour or so (he better bloody get on!).

Agreed about Ansbro - he must be ragin that a post match celebration ruled him out of two games!

I know, he must be absolutely steamin! That 'bloody psycho Fifer' owes him a pint or eight.

Super chuffed for Harley, can't believe he's been in and around extended squads for 2 seasons and he's still only 22. Good on him... he makes me feel old

[RDW]

Bench confirmed

http://www.scottishrugby.org/content/view/2942/2/

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

From scottishrugbyblog.co.uk (pre-team announcement, but still interesting):

Seeing Off Samoa

Posted by Alan Dymock at 1.26pm

Building up to the Samoa game there is an air of expectancy on home soil. It has not been verbalised – Scots are canny and self deprecating due to years of being below the other home nations – but many are secretly buoyant. The team are back up to 10th in the IRB World Rankings and the Samoa game is being seen as the crowning moment in a successful tour.

Pride, no matter what doors it is hidden behind, comes before the fall.

Against the eponymous Flying Fijians the home side were passed around and stifled. They ran hard but Scotland had enough brains and bootlaces to ensure that the result was a favourable one.

However, one would be lying if they did not think Scotland looked sun bothered and sapped going into the last quarter. Al Kellock looked more drained with every contact; Blair’s box was hoisted lower the further he ran; Ross Ford and Al Strokosch would need several days in the shade after their collisions. There was illness going around the camp, but Scotland looked battered more than looking ready to vomit.

Credit must go to Dr. Neill Potts and his conditioning crowd for getting the team able to see that game out, but you cannot fully prepare Scotland for the Pacific conditions. Toiling at points must be factored into the game plan.

Samoa, who are one place above Scotland in the World Rankings despite recent triumphs, will be better organised and more set-piece savvy than Fiji. This means that cloth must be cut accordingly. It also means that the team must be as fresh as possible.

Laidlaw has had a magnificent tour, running with purpose and making De Luca shine with his positional play while also jumping in at 9 to keep the cogs moving. He may have to be used with longevity in mind, though.

What this means is that he may have to be sacrificed with 20 to 25 minutes left in the game, depending on the score, so as to allow Weir’s farther reaching boot to breathe. This would also mean that Blair would have to go, as the balance Scotland achieve with the half-back twinnings is one of Andy Robinson’s greatest successes.

Changes may have to be planned for in the forwards, too. The front row will stay as it is, but with Barclay away to plan his wedding and Samoa being stronger in the tight exchanges than Fiji there will be a need for Kellock’s experience while Richie Vernon is likely to slip in at 8.

Because of a Vernon inclusion, ballast will be important. Fiji bested Samoa in the scrum in their last meeting, but Samoa traditionally raise their game for Northern opponents and have men coming in for this test. The Sale man can run and link wonderfully, but the rucking and scrummaging tends fall to others. Kellock has already shown that he tires badly in the heat, so this creates an opportunity. Rob Harley should come in on the bench.

There has been buzz about Tom Ryder, who has had an impressive season, but Harley has carved out a reputation as a niggly and determined worker. He will scrum until he passes out and rucks are his favourite places on the pitch. He should get a run as soon as Kellock puts his hands on his head.

Away from all of this there will be a need to offload only when the ball is being kind to Scotland. Tightness and tactical punting will be more valuable in this game than it was in the last and the touchline may yet prove to be the key to Scotland’s tour. They cannot play to the strengths of Ben Masoe, David Lemi, George Pisi, Ti’i Paulo and Kahn Fotuali’i.

Of course, keeping the plan of hitting Tim Visser in space, regardless of field position, is probably still advisable…

[RuggerRadge2611]

Good to see Harley in there - he'll add some much needed grunt for the last half hour or so (he better bloody get on!).

Agreed about Ansbro - he must be ragin that a post match celebration ruled him out of two games!

I know, he must be absolutely steamin! That 'bloody psycho Fifer' owes him a pint or eight.

Super chuffed for Harley, can't believe he's been in and around extended squads for 2 seasons and he's still only 22. Good on him... he makes me feel old

HEY! We are not all psychos......

Don't really have a leg to stand on when I have radge in my user name.....

[nickj]

Of course not mate. My grannie lived in Kirkcaldy for a wee while.

[RuggerRadge2611]

I lived their all my days..... don't like to admit to it though

[nickj]

Ansthuther is one of my favourite places ever. Cracking wee pub on the quay.

[RDW]

I lived with Fifers at Uni and they kept going on about "Ainster" and had no idea where they were talking about. Turns out it is Anstruther!

[R!skysports]

Wow - hold on there. Now I am not having this

U East coasters are soft, with your sun and sandy beaches.
the Northerns are soft, with your wooley sheep to keep your beds warm
and the borders and soft as you cuddle England

Just us Westeners are tough with driving rain off the Clyde, hails the size of golf balls (Or m and m's) and our two seasons, rain and rain on its way

That is why our teams are the best

[KickAndChase]

The fact this is not being televised is simply appalling. No really, what gives?? It's not like Samoa can't get a camera there, they've done it for the Pacific Nations.

What the hell do I do now on Friday night?

Oh right, yeah, go out daaaancingggg check the result when I get back

[KickAndChase]

...Have an extra 3 or 4 beers ready if it's a thumping ...

[ChequeredJersey]

Good luck Scotland, this is going to be a bruising encounter. Should win it and keep up the 100% winning record against the SH in 2012

[RDW]

Samoa team (v Scotland at Apia Park, Apia on Saturday, kick-off 3.30pm local, 3.30am BST): 15 Fa’atoina Autagavai (Vailoa); 14 Paul Perez (Vaimoso), 13 Fautua Otto (Bristol), 12 Paul Williams (Stade Francais), 11 David Lemi (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN; 10 Tusi Pisi (Hurricanes), 9 Kahn Fotuali’I (Ospreys);

1 Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps), 2 Ti’i Paulo (Clermont-Auvergne), 3 Census Johnston (Stade Toulouse), 4 Fa’atiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe), 5 Daniel Crichton (Counties Manukau), 6 Ben Masoe (Papatoetoe), 7 Maurie Fa’asavalu (Harlequins), 8 Kane Thompson (Waikato Chiefs)

Subs: 16 Wayne Ole Avei (Bordeaux Begles), 17 Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), 18 Joe Tekori (Castres), 19 Afa Aioni (Marist), 20 Jeremy Sua (Tasman), 21 Ki Anufe (Marist), 22 Lolo Lui (Moata’a)

Have to say - I recognise a lot more of those names than I did with the Fiji team, and have at least heard of most of the clubs they play for! Very strong front and backrow.

Massive test for Scotland - and a significant achievement if we win.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Interestingly that's not as strong a backline as I thought we'd face, so quick ball could be of paramount importance in this game

[RDW]

Whose missing Asbo?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Alesana Tuilagi, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, George Pisi, Seilala Mapusua, Sailosi Tagicakibau

[RDW]

That is quite a list....any idea why they aren't there?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Internal politics for some of them (captain's report re drunk coaches at the RWC), not sure about the others

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Internal politics for some of them (captain's report re drunk coaches at the RWC), not sure about the others

Dobbing in the coaches/hangers-on got RWC skipper Mahroni Schwalger the axe too. He's been good enough to keep Hika Elliot on the bench a lot for the Chiefs this season

[alive555]

just noticed Blair to brive. In division 2 Does that not mean the end of his intl ambitions ?

[nickj]

Not in my opinion, but several posters believe that's the case and one reason why Cusiter is playing this weekend. He's too good not to pick IMO

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

just noticed Blair to brive. In division 2 Does that not mean the end of his intl ambitions ?

Robinson did say some time ago that he would not be considering players in the English Championship, but then ignored then when he first capped Grove. Presumably if the Falcons do after all go down, he'll be ignoring that for the Rev too, so maybe Blair will still be eligibly after all

[Scot Abroad]

I believe the game is being broadcast by Samoan TV1. Don’t quote me on that but check for links when the game starts.

[RDW]

Where did you hear that??

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