Scotland Post Match thread

[123456789]

First topic message reminder :

Positives:
We have a back-three that can score from anywhere
Matt Scott showed he's an international class centre (still question marks over his defence)
Laidlaw showed bits of class and will improve throughout the competition
Beattie's back
Ford was very good when he came on
We appear to be more patient in the opposition 22

Negatives:
Jackson wasn't very good
Lamont isn't a 13
Inconsistent scrummaging
Our defence stands off too much meaning teams like England and New Zealand and England make ground with apparent ease

For next week:
Need to be more aggressive
Maybe Cairns or Grove should be promoted
I'd stay with the same team except I'd start Denton, Ford, Weir and Grove

The question is, was it better to see Scotland weaker in defence but have a far greater attacking threat or better to see Scotland strong defensively but blunt in attack?

[sensisball]

One very worrying stat to mention.

After conceding on average 31 points per match in the autumn we have just shipped another 38. Take a bow defensive guru Matt Taylor. Interesting to note how much snappier and effective the A team was overall in defensive chores compared with the big show yesterday.

Now if Italy can score 30 points or more against us then we will know that the game is well and truly up for this 6N's.

[RDW]

Have to say, just watched the highlights and we did score two incredible tries!

That break from Hogg was phenomenal and the support play and handling from Laidlaw and Maitland was top notch. Those 3 our by far our best 'rugby' players and it really showed with that try.

The 2nd was great too and Maitland did very well and Hogg's footballing skills were excellent.

So there are things to look forward to - we have our most potent back 3 that we have had for a very long time, it is just a shame that we don't have the pack or inside backs to get the best out of them!!

[bsando]

Tend to agree with ya sensiball. Scotland were dropping tackles all over the place. I think Jim Hamilton missed a lot, I like him as a player and person, but I think he is A bit slow and fumbles ball a lot. Time to blood The young fellas, both played well vs Saxons. Our defence coach when AR first came in was pretty awesome.

Is there anyway we can get Tonks and Hogg on pitch at same time? Hogg at 13 maybe? Although Hogg didn't look too flash at 13 for Glasgow, but his form has improved drastically since then.

[RDW]

I think Hogg has to stay at 15. He is a wonderful broken field runner and lacks the strength the make an impact at 13 I think.

He was the stand out fullback yesterday from both teams - let's keep him there.

I'd definitely have Tonks on the bench though!

[bsando]

They were great try's, I think Hogg deserves the most credit for first one. He made an amazing break, Laidlaw and Maitland were just in the right place at right time, did some simple passing.

Maitland did so well for that second one, very confident calm control of the ball. Hogg came flying up so darn fast, I have to say, he must be the quickest player in NH, I have yet to see anyone beat him for pace.

I think Maitland Hogg and visser are our best players. Laidlaw is not really that great, overrated player in my opinion. Sorry for going on about it, don't want to sound really negative or anything but you just have watch other nations 9/10 to see whtwe're missing. I men youngs and Farrell were maxing yesterday.

[RDW]

They were great try's, I think Hogg deserves the most credit for first one. He made an amazing break, Laidlaw and Maitland were just in the right place at right time, did some simple passing.

Maitland did so well for that second one, very confident calm control of the ball. Hogg came flying up so darn fast, I have to say, he must be the quickest player in NH, I have yet to see anyone beat him for pace.

I think Maitland Hogg and visser are our best players. Laidlaw is not really that great, overrated player in my opinion. Sorry for going on about it, don't want to sound really negative or anything but you just have watch other nations 9/10 to see whtwe're missing. I men youngs and Farrell were maxing yesterday.

How often have we failed at both of those 'simple' things in recent years though? Both players read the break and had the good hands to keep the ball alive.

Cracking break by Hogg though.

[UlstermaninGlasgow]

Anyhoo:

1. Grant
2. McArthur
3. Murray
4. Swinson
5. Gray
6. Brown
7. Fusaro (if not fit, Harley)
8. Beattie

9. Laidlaw
10. Heathcote
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Grove
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Lawrie
17. Welsh
18. Low
19. Kellock
20. Denton
21. Pyrgos
22. Weir
23. Tonks

Thank you please.

Gray bigger than Swinson so should pack down behind Murray.

GC I agree apart from Jackson keeping the 10 shirt and Heathcote on the bench. You can hardly blame Jacko for not having a openside to defend him all game... Robshaw was on him every time as Denton/Brown were still stuck on the scrum/out in the backs looking for ball...

Fusaro has to start if he's fit. Attack the breakdown and get some clean ball for Laidlaw and Jackson to work with.

[GloriousEmpire]

just a word on the referees you are always going to struggle to get the "rub of the green" when playing in the oppositions national stadium. the crowd influences the referee and there is no doubt about it. there were examples in both matches and more in wales and ireland game where we saw a penalty for a late tackle on a player i think it was sean obrien on cuthbert but in the first half the tables were reversed there was no call from the referee. this is just what you expect and the only revenge is to get the volume up in the home games and encourage the referee to make the border calls your own way.

i have to agree about scotlands defense though its too passive they need to rush up and close down space for the attacking team and put pressure on the half backs scotland have the physicality to match anyone so the window/slide approach should be binned. scott johnsons first match though and he seems to have changed your shape already so "give the man some time" and he will get to it i am sure he is an innovator we are aware.

[bsando]

They were great try's, I think Hogg deserves the most credit for first one. He made an amazing break, Laidlaw and Maitland were just in the right place at right time, did some simple passing.

Maitland did so well for that second one, very confident calm control of the ball. Hogg came flying up so darn fast, I have to say, he must be the quickest player in NH, I have yet to see anyone beat him for pace.

I think Maitland Hogg and visser are our best players. Laidlaw is not really that great, overrated player in my opinion. Sorry for going on about it, don't want to sound really negative or anything but you just have watch other nations 9/10 to see whtwe're missing. I men youngs and Farrell were maxing yesterday.

How often have we failed at both of those 'simple' things in recent years though? Both players read the break and had the good hands to keep the ball alive.

Cracking break by Hogg though.

True true, better late than never I guess haha. you're right about the potential of the team. Just need to be better in rucks and bully other teams a bit more, I'm excited for Italy next week. Really wanna see how team responds to yesterday's defeat.

[GLove39]

Statement from the SRU

Eight players are promoted from the Scotland A squad following their 13-9 win over England Saxons at Newcastle on Friday – namely props Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors) and Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), hooker Steve Lawrie (Edinburgh Rugby), back-rower Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks), scrum-half Sean Kennedy (Glasgow Warriors), stand-off Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby) and wings Nikki Walker (Worcester Warriors) and Duncan Taylor (Saracens).

Can't believe that of the 8 promoted, no sign of Wilson, Tonks or Grove.

[Pat_Mustard]

Frak Nikki Walker and no Tonks! And neither Grove nor Dunbar!

Oh well at least Horne should be fit for selection this week and hopefully Welsh on the bench.

[UlstermaninGlasgow]

Statement from the SRU

Eight players are promoted from the Scotland A squad following their 13-9 win over England Saxons at Newcastle on Friday – namely props Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors) and Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), hooker Steve Lawrie (Edinburgh Rugby), back-rower Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks), scrum-half Sean Kennedy (Glasgow Warriors), stand-off Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby) and wings Nikki Walker (Worcester Warriors) and Duncan Taylor (Saracens).

Can't believe that of the 8 promoted, no sign of Wilson, Tonks or Grove.

Ridiculous. If Beattie and Denton are injury worries then Wilson should be there. And god Grove deserves his chance as does Tonks!

[Pat_Mustard]

No mention of Fusaro either

[RDW]

Duncan Taylor at 13?
farce that the Motm and best back haven't been called up. Vernon over Wilson??

[George Carlin]

Good:
Welsh
Lawrie
Heathcote
Taylor

Bad:
Walker
Dickinson

Baffling:
Vernon
Kennedy

Not promoting Grove is very strange. Tonks I can kind of understand as Hogg is nailed on, Maitland provides cover there and Tonks is really a specialist.

I thought that Dunbar was in the original squad 27 and so technically may still play against Italy. But that could be a lot of poopie as this website is so keen to have us say.

[RDW]

Oh wait, does this mean they were happy with Vernon at 7??

[UlstermaninGlasgow]

Yeah Kennedy is the really baffling one. Pyrgos and Laidlaw are both fit, so why bring him up? I agree he's going to hold tackle bags but he'd be better playing with Glasgow in Italy than sitting on his bum at home.

[RDW]

Tweeted to the sru and they said some players in the A team are subject to ongoing medical assessment, so sounds like tonks and Wilson are injured. Or at least you hope that's the reason!

[Exiledinborders]

Rolland was beans too. Just sayin'

One of his strangest calls was when Denton stripped the ball from Barrett I think, the ball was spilled forwards. Rolland said "ripped out by blue play on!".

Second half, same thing Haskell stripped Scott... "knock on scrum down, white ball"

Granted Scotland struggled with the English physicality, which surprised me, buy Rolland wasn't interested in giving us any if the 50-50 calls.

If the ball was stripped by Denton and then goes forwards (from an English point of view) then there is no knock on and referee is correct!

[cakeordeath]

Rolland was beans too. Just sayin'

One of his strangest calls was when Denton stripped the ball from Barrett I think, the ball was spilled forwards. Rolland said "ripped out by blue play on!".

Second half, same thing Haskell stripped Scott... "knock on scrum down, white ball"

Granted Scotland struggled with the English physicality, which surprised me, buy Rolland wasn't interested in giving us any if the 50-50 calls.

If the ball was stripped by Denton and then goes forwards (from an English point of view) then there is no knock on and referee is correct!

In which case he still got one of the calls wrong. Referees will make mistakes, I can live with that. They are only human, but they should at least be consistent.

[GLove39]

Anyone else just get an email from the SRU saying we're giving away 2 free tickets to the Italy game because you bought tickets early?

[bsando]

Statement from the SRU

Eight players are promoted from the Scotland A squad following their 13-9 win over England Saxons at Newcastle on Friday – namely props Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors) and Alasdair Dickinson (Sale Sharks), hooker Steve Lawrie (Edinburgh Rugby), back-rower Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks), scrum-half Sean Kennedy (Glasgow Warriors), stand-off Tom Heathcote (Bath Rugby) and wings Nikki Walker (Worcester Warriors) and Duncan Taylor (Saracens).

Can't believe that of the 8 promoted, no sign of Wilson, Tonks or Grove.

Ridiculous. If Beattie and Denton are injury worries then Wilson should be there. And god Grove deserves his chance as does Tonks!

Outrageous to leave those three out. What the hell does Tonks have to do to get into squad!? Wilson exclusion and grove s really strange too. All three played very well. Congrats to others though, especially Taylor and lawrie.

[GLove39]

Looking at ticket sales for the Italy game, with 6 days to go there's almost 25,000 seats unsold...

[Imperialbigdave]

I dont think the criticisms of Lamont yesterday were for him going forward, it was in defence that he was not up to the standard. 13 is tha hardest position to defende, and Lamont isnt up to it, he looks lost when the opposition are coming down his channel. Thats the reason people are calling for Grove.

Also, I dont get the criticism of the kicking yesterday. When the forward pack collectively werent pulling their weight and we were getting mullered at the breakdown, kicking was the only sensible option. And we did it pretty well. Laidlaw and Hoggs kicking, along with Vissers chasing relieved pressure so many times.

And again, Laidlaw did just fine considering the platform he got. Its unfair to compare him to youngs who looked like a livewire thanks to the quick recycled ball he was getting and the lack of any pressure from the scottish forwards when he crabbed about everywhere. what few times he got the ball outside of our 22, he read the game very well, putting in smart touch finders and mixing it up. And if thats slow service, im sorry but you need to fish out a tape of Chris cusiter in the 2010 six nations. He was up there with Kellock for volume of arm waiving and pointing while standing at a ruck.

[jimbopip]

At the risk of being a voice in the wilderness, here's something I noticed yesterday.
The damage was all done in the centres. Defensively: We expected Barrit to start at 12 and crash up the middle, thus allowing our backrow to rush the breakdown and stifle their attacks. 36 played there and played, as the southern hemisphere say, as a second 5/8. This meant he was running angled lines away from contact and leaving our backrow behind. This caused confusion and allied to our drift defence gave them lots of space to play in. The net result was that England were able to "go through the phases" and their half backs had time and space in which to control the game.
Offensively: For one of their tries we won a lineout, fed Scott who ran straight into contact, was isolated, turned over and they ran the ball and scored. I would love to see the statistic for turnovers, but there seemed to be an awful lot. We never seemed to go beyond one out ball and run straight: they were expecting this and ate it up.
They constantly changed the point of attack : we played one out till he got isolated and turned over.
What concerns me massively is the inability to change the gameplan as the game progresses. Laidlaw and Jackson seemed unable to influence events and the lack of a seven was painful to behold. I still don't think the former is an international 9 and the latter could easily be replaced by Wee Dunkie on Saturday.

[funnyExiledScot]

Promoting Tonks makes no sense unless Hogg is injured. I find the suggestion of moving Hogg away from 15 frankly offensive - he was comfortably our best back yesterday, both in attack and defense. Yes, Tonks is an excellent alternative, and in a different league to Murchie, but with Hogg starting he doesn't offer me anything from the bench unless Hogg gets injured.

I suppose the concept of Vernon joining the squad is to bring added mobility to the back row. Just looking at the Italians playing now, I don't think that's the right call. If we don't have an openside, I'd rather Denton or Harley played there.

Very pleased for Lawrie - he's a rising star and make no mistake. Busy, physical and a good thrower.

Don't know why Grove hasn't been called-up. Taylor looked good on the wing but I've never seen him play 13 so I'm not going to even consider him to start an international in that position. I'd give Lamont another shot, purely because I think as a ball carrier and attacking force, if used properly, he'll cause Italy some problems. With Grove not included, the other option will be Horne. A better allround footballer, but hasn't done alot at 13 this season to justify the selection.

When is NDL back?

[Imperialbigdave]

If the forwards dont man up by saturday, Italy will beat us. They finally seem to offer something in the backs, and you can bet your arse their pack will be up for a fight.

[RDW]

Italy looking worryingly good do far....

[Tramptastic]

horne 12 scott 13? again not a natural 13 but he has shown he can fill the position in games like against the scarlets I think he was fairly respectable?

otherwise I don't know what to say about the England game that hasn't already been said?

Bit nervous about the Italy game now though...

[Imperialbigdave]

horne 12 scott 13? again not a natural 13 but he has shown he can fill the position in games like against the scarlets I think he was fairly respectable?

otherwise I don't know what to say about the England game that hasn't already been said?

Bit nervous about the Italy game now though...

Hes shown great attacking from 13, but its going right back to the problem with Lamont, he isnt used to defending the 13 channel. Considering he was a stand off until about a year ago thats nothing to hold against him, but at this level, we just cant afford someone who doesnt instinctively know how to defend the 13 channel.

I am not suggesting anything for one second here, just an example; but for all De Lucas faults and brainfarts, he could read the opposition from 13 better than any other scottish player.

Ill show myself out.

[NeilyBroon]

I genuinely fear another wooden spoon.

There's nothing wrong with our attack (for once!) its the defence and retaining the ball that worry me.

I'm even tempted to say bring Ally Hogg back to the Scotland squad? He played at 7 for a while if I'm not mistaken and whilst he's only in div 1 he is having a storming season. We need a specialist and he's the closest I can think of who's not injured.

I'm sorry Denton had one too many brainfarts the other match and I'd much rather keep him on the bench. Those two crazy passes he made were enough to give me a heart condition!

[funnyExiledScot]

IBD - you're absolutely right, NDL is an excellent defender in the 13 channel, as is Alex Grove, which is exactly why he should be in the squad as an option.

I fully appreciate the issues with Lamont at 13, but we could have had Conrad Smith out there and it wouldn't have made a difference. Wave after wave of attacks came and the point of attack changed all the time. The problems defensively came principally in the forwards and our complete trashing at the breakdown. The outside backs hardly had a prayer defending against that.

Italy look handy! Going to be fun at Murrayfield next week!

[funnyExiledScot]

Really clever from Italy taking that drop goal. They're showing worrying composure here, and good ball retention as well.

This really is going to be a challenge next week.

[123456789]

The problem yesterday was a complete lack of aggression, there was no line speed, big tackles or strong rucking. The only positive is that the French looks abysmal.
Our attack off turnover ball was good but due to a lack of 7 there wasn't much, next week I'd bring in Fusaro and Weir, Fusaro for the breakdown work and Weir for the field position. I think Horne should come in for Lamont because Benvenuti isn't the same physical threat as Barritt.

[Cryptoyourisan]

I was quite pleased with how Scotland played. We were thrashed but I think that's more of a reflection of how good England are becoming. Scotland showed quite a bit more attacking intent than usual and, apart from a few howlers, the players' skill levels with ball in hand seemed competent.

I have slight concerns over our half-backs - binning Jackson after Johnson has picked him despite his erratic form this season probably isn't the way to go. Moreover, I'm not convinced we have the right person to step in against Italy next week. Laidlaw is needed at scrum-half and neither Heathcote nor Weir have the experience needed to risk having them self-destruct against Italy.

In light of Strokosch's injury, I would like to see Brown move back to the blindside and Fusaro come in at openside, although having Denton and Beattie in the back-row gives us extra carries. I thought Lamont was fairly ineffective in the centres and, if memory serves, he shot out of the line in the build up to Ashton's try. Had Grove been in the squad, I'd have brought him in and benched Lamont. Moving Scott to 13 and bringing in Horne at 12 or playing Dunbar at 13 could risky. I'd probably go with Scott and Dunbar in the centres and keep Lamont on the bench.

[NeilyBroon]

Really clever from Italy taking that drop goal. They're showing worrying composure here, and good ball retention as well.

This really is going to be a challenge next week.

Exactly why I'm worried that we'll see the same against Italy next week.

Our set piece didn't look awful yesterday but compared to England it was, to say the least pretty woeful.

How long is Matt Taylor contracted for too? He's made our defence look like saloon doors, players flapping all over the place.

My changes to the pack, for what its worth, would be:

1. Grant 2. McArthur 3. Murray

4. Gray 5. Kellock

6. Brown 8. Beattie 7. Harley

Explanations, McArthur is a pretty mobile hooker I'd say he's a third flanker, which is what we need right now with our woeful breakdown cover. I've kept Grant (fairly self explanatory) and Murray just because we don't have better there. Unless of course its on a Sunday in which case I'll go for Low for same reasons. Gray looks solid enough, he needs to get his head back in the mindset of 2010, excellent tackling workrate though, we definitely need his blonde mop next week. I've changed Hamilton for Kellock because frankly England made Hamilton look like what he is, a big lump. He's like a poor version of Nathan Hines (I really wish he'd come out of International retirement!) and Kellock has a calming influence on the set piece, and whilst he may not be the heaviest, he is quite mobile and leads well, so for me Kellock should start.

I'm desperate to see Brown back at 6, I feel so bad for the man, but it seems to be the tradition of recent coaching to shoehorn the most over-rated backrow in the world in (Stroks) anyway now that he's injured, Kelly's definitely our guy. Beattie again is self explanatory. I've gone for Harley on the openside, purely because we need someone to p*** them off at the rucks, and I think Harley can do that.

Make a few changes, we have a chance of beating Italy next weekend. If we don't then we're quite simply, screwed.

[GLove39]

Italy beat France 23-18. We are in for a massive game this weekend

[RDW]

Italy just won - baws!

[123456789]

That result puts us in the merde

[funnyExiledScot]

I think we'd all like Fusaro, Rennie or Barclay to start, but the question is fitness. No worth starting an unfit player.

Massive credit to Italy. They were awesome against France, although you cannot compare the performance of France against that of England. A different world of intensity.

Don't understand these calls for Weir. What has he done this season? Let's give Jackson a chance, or if we do need to make a change, Heathcote.

[funnyExiledScot]

Wouldn't want to be Wales next weekend. The backlash from France will be brutal.

Let's hope that Italy inflict some serious damage on themselves tonight in Rome - I want to hear about epic two day hangovers!!

We have to beat Italy now, and beat them well, to avoid the wooden spoon. Nothing like setting ourselves a big challenge.

[George Carlin]

We need to step up a huge amount for next week.

But we knew that anyway. The other nations are all improving and we need to improve by the same amount or get left behind. I have no problem with any sport being a meritocracy.

[RDW]

I think it's fair to say Italy have well and truly over taken us as a rugby nation now.

[funnyExiledScot]

Agree with you both, but I do think that there isn't much between us and Italy as the results this weekend suggest. England were far far tougher opponents than France on the day.

I still think we'll win on Saturday, although clearly it's going to be close.

[NeilyBroon]

I think our forwards just need a bit more urgency and intensity next week.

AND OUR DEFENCE DESPERATELY NEEDS WORK.

[123456789]

I think it's fair to say Italy have well and truly over taken us as a rugby nation now.

I think that you're massively overreacting, Glasgow are way ahead of Treviso and Zebre and Edinburgh are ahead of Zebre and only one place below Treviso despite being abysmal all season. Our pro teams have greater attendance figures and so does the national team. There were empty seats at the stadium today against their biggest rival, you would never have that at a Scotland game against England. They beat France at home which is an achivement but we beat Australia away, and not too long ago South Africa at home too. We've beaten every tier one team except New Zealand in the last ten years. They've had one very good result against a poor French performance and had they performed the same way at Murrayfield I'm sure we'd have beaten them and probably by a larger margin.
We still have better players than them, our defence is poor but our team is littered with good players; Hogg, Visser, Maitland, Beattie, Brown, Gray and (on form) Ford are all fantastic players. We had a poor result yesterday which could have been a lot closer had Beattie not fumbled five minutes from the end. I think we're being too pessimistic, only one team scored a length of the field try this weekend and that was us. If we can sort our discipline out we will beat Italy by a good margin. In fact I am prepared to bet anyone £100 we will beat them by more than 10 points.

[George Carlin]

Besides, it's not as though we are culturally inferior.

I mean, apart from the Renaissance, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Visconti, pizza, Venice, Como, Florence, Pompeii, Capri, barolo and a dozen other amazing grape varietals, Sofia Loren, Monica Belluci, classic tailoring, year round sunshine and good coffee, what have they really got to be smug about?

Very little, I think you'll find.

[Imperialbigdave]

I think it's fair to say Italy have well and truly over taken us as a rugby nation now.

I think that you're massively overreacting, Glasgow are way ahead of Treviso and Zebre and Edinburgh are ahead of Zebre and only one place below Treviso despite being abysmal all season. Our pro teams have greater attendance figures and so does the national team. There were empty seats at the stadium today against their biggest rival, you would never have that at a Scotland game against England. They beat France at home which is an achivement but we beat Australia away, and not too long ago South Africa at home too. We've beaten every tier one team except New Zealand in the last ten years. They've had one very good result against a poor French performance and had they performed the same way at Murrayfield I'm sure we'd have beaten them and probably by a larger margin.
We still have better players than them, our defence is poor but our team is littered with good players; Hogg, Visser, Maitland, Beattie, Brown, Gray and (on form) Ford are all fantastic players. We had a poor result yesterday which could have been a lot closer had Beattie not fumbled five minutes from the end. I think we're being too pessimistic, only one team scored a length of the field try this weekend and that was us. If we can sort our discipline out we will beat Italy by a good margin. In fact I am prepared to bet anyone £10 we will beat them by more than 10 points.

Maybe at the moment, but that will change very soon if the entire mentality in scottish rugby doesnt change. Italy consistantly play as a team. That is far more than can be said of scotland. While Italy still struggle against the big guys, they put away teams that they are supposed to put away. Scotland always sink and occasionaly rise to the level of the opposition. When was the last time we bossed a game and didnt just react to the opposition? Canada 2008. We havent put a single team away in a complete and convincing performance in over 4 years. The team dont assert their style on anyone, and its because of that that we will continue to regress.

[123456789]

I think it's fair to say Italy have well and truly over taken us as a rugby nation now.

I think that you're massively overreacting, Glasgow are way ahead of Treviso and Zebre and Edinburgh are ahead of Zebre and only one place below Treviso despite being abysmal all season. Our pro teams have greater attendance figures and so does the national team. There were empty seats at the stadium today against their biggest rival, you would never have that at a Scotland game against England. They beat France at home which is an achivement but we beat Australia away, and not too long ago South Africa at home too. We've beaten every tier one team except New Zealand in the last ten years. They've had one very good result against a poor French performance and had they performed the same way at Murrayfield I'm sure we'd have beaten them and probably by a larger margin.
We still have better players than them, our defence is poor but our team is littered with good players; Hogg, Visser, Maitland, Beattie, Brown, Gray and (on form) Ford are all fantastic players. We had a poor result yesterday which could have been a lot closer had Beattie not fumbled five minutes from the end. I think we're being too pessimistic, only one team scored a length of the field try this weekend and that was us. If we can sort our discipline out we will beat Italy by a good margin. In fact I am prepared to bet anyone £10 we will beat them by more than 10 points.

Maybe at the moment, but that will change very soon if the entire mentality in scottish rugby doesnt change. Italy consistantly play as a team. That is far more than can be said of scotland. While Italy still struggle against the big guys, they put away teams that they are supposed to put away. Scotland always sink and occasionaly rise to the level of the opposition. When was the last time we bossed a game and didnt just react to the opposition? Canada 2008. We havent put a single team away in a complete and convincing performance in over 4 years. The team dont assert their style on anyone, and its because of that that we will continue to regress.

Italy 2011 was pretty convinving

[Manky-Flanker]

In fact I am prepared to bet anyone £100 we will beat them by more than 10 points.

Fighting talk! I like your optimism.

While I wouldn't say that Italy have overtaken Scotland, I would say that Italy's performance today would have been enough to beat Scotland given their performance yesterday. Hopefully Scotland can fix things this week in training.

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