Scotland Autumn series post mortem and 6N look ahead

by **RDW** Mon 28 Nov 2016, 9:19 am

First topic message reminder :

Results

Scotland 22 Australia 23 Sad

Scotland 19 Argentina 16 Yahoo

Scotland 43 Georgia 16 Very Happy

I think the Scotsman summed up our Autumn Series pretty well:

Scotsman wrote:Two wins, one desperately narrow loss that could have ended differently, ten tries, two ranking places gained and all of the above completed with the absence of a host of players who have proved crucial for Scotland in the past, including the two best props in the country. All in, there was much to admire about Scotland’s autumn series

6N fixtures

Scotland V Ireland
France V Scotland

Scotland V Wales

England V Scotand
Scotland V Italy

by MacKnocked-on Tue 03 Jan 2017, 1:08 pm

bsando wrote:Only 32 days until Scotland vs Ireland. January is always like the buildup to christmas for most of us and I am really excited about this years 6 Nations and Scotland's chances of securing more than 2 wins.

Have to say I'm interested to see if Hastings gets an opportunity to be involved. Personally I think Jackson and probably Weir are ahead of him in pecking order as Horne is injured, but you never know.. He's doing well at Bath and it is great he gets to learn his trade from both Ford and Preistland as well as Blackadder.

Will we see Hogg at 10 for any of the matches? Would we want to see him at 10?

How are Scotland's young front row forwards going to fair after a good showing in Autumn?

Exciting times ahead!

You would assume that Cotter will name a training squad fairly soon given England have already done so. I'd be surprised if Hastings was in it, other than for perhaps training experience, I think Hogg as back up to Russell may be the best strategy as it means we could include an additional flair player such as Bennett on the bench. I wonder if there will be any first time call-ups, perhaps Mitch Eadie who seems to be playing well for Bristol currently or Josh Bassett perhaps?

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 1:59 pm

I don't want to see Hogg at 10. He's a fullback, and a very good one. Jackson should cover Russell at 10. Jackson is more than capable.

I'd be happy for Hastings to train with the squad, but he doesn't deserve to be in it. Eadie has been getting some rugby at the right level, but Strauss is looking good at the moment and for my money should be wearing the Scotland 8 jersey come the 6 Nations. Behind him I'd expect the persistently overrated Ryan Wilson to feature, with the "new boy" slot reserved for Magnus Bradbury.

I don't think we'll see many surprises with this squad. Cotter has things pretty settled at the moment.

by **George Carlin** Tue 03 Jan 2017, 2:39 pm

Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:07 pm

George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.

by demosthenes Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:10 pm

George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I would assume that if Scotland select him, he will be released. Can't see any reason why his club should be able to refuse release during an International window.

Or am I missing something in the NH / SH relationship? Mind you, wasn't he injured?

by IanBru Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:20 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.

That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.

by **George Carlin** Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:31 pm

IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.
That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.

I'm assuming that pistols at dawn was called off? No point in reducing Edinburgh's attendance that evening by 10%.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:36 pm

IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.
That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.

No worries. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime is for spraying anyway, and my driver was able to furnish me with some replacement maroon corduroys at half time.

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:39 pm

George Carlin wrote:
IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.
That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.
I'm assuming that pistols at dawn was called off? No point in reducing Edinburgh's attendance that evening by 10%.

I don't like the assumption that the Edinburgh fan would lose the duelling contest. I would think your average Edinburgh fan rather more adept at handling an antique duelling pistol. Had you said glass bottles or flick knives at dawn, then I'd have to hand it to you.....

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:43 pm

Whilst on the topic of snobbery, I encountered a fantastically snooty quote the other day:

"The problem with Michael [Heseltine], is that he had to buy his own furniture".

Alan Clark

Love it.

by Nematode Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:51 pm

10 is increasingly becoming a real concern.

I wonder if SHC should be moved to fly-half? He's now, what, 4th in the pecking order for SH behind Laidlaw, Price & Pyrgos (you could put Kennedy in there too) after having a disappointing run of form.

Given Edinburgh are hardly going to get worse and, let's face it, aren't going to make the top 6 or finish above Glasgow, would there be any harm?

by funnyExiledScot Tue 03 Jan 2017, 3:56 pm

Well I still think SH-C is our most talented 9 and best goal kicker, so I'd personally pick him at 9 for Edinburgh every day of the week and twice on Sundays and keep him there. The general malaise in the Edinburgh backline could, in my view, be lifted by a top quality coaching team. I think we have the players.

I think Kennedy is behind SH-C in terms of talent and potential, although I'd place them both above Fowles.

I've also seen nothing to suggest that SH-C can play at 10.

What we really need is for young Hastings for find game time somewhere. The alternative would be to move Kinghorn back to 10, although I do like him at 15 (despite his blunder against the Great Unwashed).

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 04 Jan 2017, 11:03 am

Anyone been to this new Up & Under bar at MF? Any good?

by **RDW** Wed 04 Jan 2017, 11:25 am

Hogg should stay at 15 and only play 10 in an emergency
Kinghorn looks the best 15 we've had since Hogg - he should stay there
SHC should not move to 10

Job done thumbsup

by funnyExiledScot Wed 04 Jan 2017, 12:01 pm

If I had to shoe horn an Edinburgh player into the 10 jersey (other than Tovey/Weir), it would probably be Phil Burleigh. Whilst 12 is his best position, he can do a job at 10. It would also free up the 12 jersey for the unscripted play of Rasolea. Burleigh qualifies for Scotland in the summer I believe (not that I'd pick him at 12 ahead of Dunbar or Scott).

by CraigS1874 Wed 04 Jan 2017, 12:48 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Well I still think SH-C is our most talented 9 and best goal kicker, so I'd personally pick him at 9 for Edinburgh every day of the week and twice on Sundays and keep him there. The general malaise in the Edinburgh backline could, in my view, be lifted by a top quality coaching team. I think we have the players.

I think Kennedy is behind SH-C in terms of talent and potential, although I'd place them both above Fowles.

I've also seen nothing to suggest that SH-C can play at 10.

What we really need is for young Hastings for find game time somewhere. The alternative would be to move Kinghorn back to 10, although I do like him at 15 (despite his blunder against the Great Unwashed).

I am pretty sure SHC played the majority of his junior rugby at merchi at 10. From what I can remember he was a very good play maker at 10 but was then shunted to full back at U20 level I think for defensive reasons before being moved to 9 in the following years

by **RDW** Wed 04 Jan 2017, 12:57 pm

CraigS1874 wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Well I still think SH-C is our most talented 9 and best goal kicker, so I'd personally pick him at 9 for Edinburgh every day of the week and twice on Sundays and keep him there. The general malaise in the Edinburgh backline could, in my view, be lifted by a top quality coaching team. I think we have the players.

I think Kennedy is behind SH-C in terms of talent and potential, although I'd place them both above Fowles.

I've also seen nothing to suggest that SH-C can play at 10.

What we really need is for young Hastings for find game time somewhere. The alternative would be to move Kinghorn back to 10, although I do like him at 15 (despite his blunder against the Great Unwashed).

I am pretty sure SHC played the majority of his junior rugby at merchi at 10. From what I can remember he was a very good play maker at 10 but was then shunted to full back at U20 level I think for defensive reasons before being moved to 9 in the following years

He did indeed but there's a huge difference between being a schoolboy 10 and doing the job at pro level! He's also spent the last 5 years training to be a specialist 9.

You're right about his defensive problems - he was a turnstile at 10 from what I can remember.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 04 Jan 2017, 1:54 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
CraigS1874 wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Well I still think SH-C is our most talented 9 and best goal kicker, so I'd personally pick him at 9 for Edinburgh every day of the week and twice on Sundays and keep him there. The general malaise in the Edinburgh backline could, in my view, be lifted by a top quality coaching team. I think we have the players.

I think Kennedy is behind SH-C in terms of talent and potential, although I'd place them both above Fowles.

I've also seen nothing to suggest that SH-C can play at 10.

What we really need is for young Hastings for find game time somewhere. The alternative would be to move Kinghorn back to 10, although I do like him at 15 (despite his blunder against the Great Unwashed).

I am pretty sure SHC played the majority of his junior rugby at merchi at 10. From what I can remember he was a very good play maker at 10 but was then shunted to full back at U20 level I think for defensive reasons before being moved to 9 in the following years

He did indeed but there's a huge difference between being a schoolboy 10 and doing the job at pro level! He's also spent the last 5 years training to be a specialist 9.

You're right about his defensive problems - he was a turnstile at 10 from what I can remember.

We could always borrow the Glasgow Warriors tactical playbook from the Dan Parks days, when they put Stortoni at 10 in defence (socks rolled down), and had Dan Parks standing at the back, pretending that it had something to do with Parks being a good kicker should the opposition kick to him.

by tigertattie Wed 04 Jan 2017, 4:40 pm

that was a clever tactic until Parks became the last line of defense!

by GLove39 Wed 04 Jan 2017, 9:19 pm

Right then, SHC to 10, Russell to fullback where he'll have more time to assess his options. Get the squashed goblin out of retirement & at 12, his diminutive stature will be a god send with the new tackle laws. Guaranteed penalty with every carry.
Big Sean to win cap 900 at outside centre.
Bennett on one wing, Lee Jones on the other.

Sorted.

by tigertattie Thu 05 Jan 2017, 9:07 am

GLove39 wrote:Right then, SHC to 10, Russell to fullback where he'll have more time to assess his options. Get the squashed goblin out of retirement & at 12, his diminutive stature will be a god send with the new tackle laws. Guaranteed penalty with every carry.
Big Sean to win cap 900 at outside centre.
Bennett on one wing, Lee Jones on the other.

Sorted.

Make a video of it graham!

by funnyExiledScot Thu 05 Jan 2017, 11:03 am

tigertattie wrote:
GLove39 wrote:Right then, SHC to 10, Russell to fullback where he'll have more time to assess his options. Get the squashed goblin out of retirement & at 12, his diminutive stature will be a god send with the new tackle laws. Guaranteed penalty with every carry.
Big Sean to win cap 900 at outside centre.
Bennett on one wing, Lee Jones on the other.

Sorted.

Make a video of it graham!

The video would have to carry an 18 certificate.

by jimbopip Sat 07 Jan 2017, 3:06 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.
That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.
I'm assuming that pistols at dawn was called off? No point in reducing Edinburgh's attendance that evening by 10%.

I don't like the assumption that the Edinburgh fan would lose the duelling contest. I would think your average Edinburgh fan rather more adept at handling an antique duelling pistol. Had you said glass bottles or flick knives at dawn, then I'd have to hand it to you.....

I've tried duelling with plastic bottles but after three days we agreed to call it a draw. Probably just as well as my opponent showed no signs of tiring and her husband was demanding his tea.

by tigertattie Mon 09 Jan 2017, 11:21 am

jimbopip wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:
IanBru wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Agreed. Will be very interested to see if young Shuggy Jones is released by the Stormers for this 6N. If not then both Dunbar and Bennett have been playing fairly well.

I thought Jones was touch and go for the 6 Nations? I'd love him to be fit and playing as he was in the AIs, but Dunbar and Bennett are playing nicely at the moment so no worries at all about them starting. Bennett's break was about the only thing worth standing up for in the 1872 game.
That and when someone knocks you from behind, spilling Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime on your mustard-yellow trews. I'm sorry about that, by the way.
I'm assuming that pistols at dawn was called off? No point in reducing Edinburgh's attendance that evening by 10%.

I don't like the assumption that the Edinburgh fan would lose the duelling contest. I would think your average Edinburgh fan rather more adept at handling an antique duelling pistol. Had you said glass bottles or flick knives at dawn, then I'd have to hand it to you.....

I've tried duelling with plastic bottles but after three days we agreed to call it a draw. Probably just as well as my opponent showed no signs of tiring and her husband was demanding his tea.

Was she called Chantelle or Shaniqua

by R!skysports Mon 09 Jan 2017, 11:35 am

While it may not happen now, I think Hogg (Number 6/8 variety) has been playing very well recently.

Shame he was for so long in the wilderness.

by EST Mon 09 Jan 2017, 12:09 pm

Riskysports wrote:While it may not happen now, I think Hogg (Number 6/8 variety) has been playing very well recently.

Shame he was for so long in the wilderness.

I think it was about the time of the WC, Ally Hogg had been consistently excellent for Newcastle, and was never even included in much of the conversation regarding squads, let alone being asked to join. I said at the time, but I still have no idea why he has been ignored for so many years - in my mind he is a much better player than Denton. Anyway, as you say, the ship has sailed now.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 09 Jan 2017, 12:14 pm

EST wrote:
Riskysports wrote:While it may not happen now, I think Hogg (Number 6/8 variety) has been playing very well recently.

Shame he was for so long in the wilderness.

I think it was about the time of the WC, Ally Hogg had been consistently excellent for Newcastle, and was never even included in much of the conversation regarding squads, let alone being asked to join. I said at the time, but I still have no idea why he has been ignored for so many years - in my mind he is a much better player than Denton. Anyway, as you say, the ship has sailed now.

The problem with Ali Hogg is that, unlike Ryan Wilson, he doesn't play above the ground....

Hogg should have won a bunch more caps. Horribly underrated by the Scotland hierarchy.

by EST Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:09 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
EST wrote:
Riskysports wrote:While it may not happen now, I think Hogg (Number 6/8 variety) has been playing very well recently.

Shame he was for so long in the wilderness.

I think it was about the time of the WC, Ally Hogg had been consistently excellent for Newcastle, and was never even included in much of the conversation regarding squads, let alone being asked to join. I said at the time, but I still have no idea why he has been ignored for so many years - in my mind he is a much better player than Denton. Anyway, as you say, the ship has sailed now.

The problem with Ali Hogg is that, unlike Ryan Wilson, he doesn't play above the ground....

Hogg should have won a bunch more caps. Horribly underrated by the Scotland hierarchy.

I did forget that fES, and of course, unlike Denton, he can both pass and catch a rugby ball, thus preventing him from running into contact in an upright manner.

Perhaps it's because he was at Newcastle when they went down to the Championship, or maybe it's due to the fact that Newcastle are relatively unfashionable, but how a player of his caliber, in a country with such limited resources, goes so long without being considered, totally baffles me.

by reallybored Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:11 pm

Any word on when Denton is expected back?

Very pleased to see Ashe back and playing well, constantly does the hard yards and good skills.

by MacKnocked-on Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:25 pm

Mitch Eadie is by all accounts playing very well at 8 for Bristol now who look a far better team than earlier in the season. He scored a good try on Saturday. I wonder if he might get a call up to the squad?

by **George Carlin** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:39 pm

I don't want to see Denton back.

I've just got Mr ColdTitsForHands out of my immediate memory.

No 8 is a difficult position. We need to find a Fijian whose mother loved men in kilts.

by **RDW** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:43 pm

i don't think we can discount Denton - he is still relatively young and let's not forget how good he was in the world cup. Hopefully Blackadder will develop him into a more rounded player.

by R!skysports Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:48 pm

We really do need a destructive ball carrier

I almost think the only reason England have done so well is through Billy. He brings so much destruction

Be interesting to see how they progress in the 6 nations without him

by **RDW** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:53 pm

England have a lot of injuries to worry about - they may not romp this 6N as many think. They probably have better strength in depth than anyone but it is certainly going to be tested.

by EST Mon 09 Jan 2017, 1:58 pm

Scotland do lack a destructive carrier in the backrow, but at international level you obviously need to offer more than that. Denton has great physical gifts, but his basic skills are appallingly bad for an international 8.

I'm really hoping CDP can rediscover his mojo, in my opinion he is the best option if he can get back to his previous form.

by **RDW** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 2:04 pm

EST wrote:Scotland do lack a destructive carrier in the backrow, but at international level you obviously need to offer more than that. Denton has great physical gifts, but his basic skills are appallingly bad for an international 8.

I'm really hoping CDP can rediscover his mojo, in my opinion he is the best option if he can get back to his previous form.

Completely agree, but he's been a shadow of his former self this season and I really don't know why. For 3 seasons he's been consistently excellent for Edinburgh - one of our top 3 players each season - yet as soon as he becomes SQ he's rank average!

by tigertattie Mon 09 Jan 2017, 2:17 pm

bit harsh.

CDP was out injured and then came back into one of the most pisspoor edinburgh teams every to trot out at murrayfield.

Once Edinburgh get a new coach, hopefully he'll get back to his barnstorming best!

Also, I was saying two years ago when Hogg was playing everyone at newcastle (who were in the prem at the time) off the pitch, that he was fully deserving of a Scotland recall but players like Wilson, Denton and Strokosch were keeping him out!

by EST Mon 09 Jan 2017, 3:03 pm

Has CDP ever played at 7 for the Burgh? Not that I would advocate it, but he would fit the Eddie Jones mould of a 7. I.e a massive unit who tackles and rucks all day.

Bradbury
CDP
Strauss

Now that would have some bite to it.

by tigertattie Mon 09 Jan 2017, 3:12 pm

EST wrote:Has CDP ever played at 7 for the Burgh? Not that I would advocate it, but he would fit the Eddie Jones mould of a 7. I.e a massive unit who tackles and rucks all day.

Bradbury
CDP
Strauss

Now that would have some bite to it.

too slow and no one there there to do the nuisance work! We need Watson or Hardie at 7 to do the openside jobs! I'd happily have CDP and Bradbury playing either 6 and/or 8 with Watson alongside them.

Would be some ball carrying back row though!

by **RDW** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 3:14 pm

CDP has played 7 a few times but I don't think it should be his long term position.

by EST Mon 09 Jan 2017, 3:21 pm

Yeah, I wasn't advocating it - too slow and cumbersome.

I have been genuinely surprised at how well England's backrow has worked under Jones though, I assumed Haskell at 7 would be rubbish - shows how much I know.

by EWT Spoons Mon 09 Jan 2017, 3:27 pm

To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

by tigertattie Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:02 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

by munkian Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:04 pm

tigertattie wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

Good luck with that one petal. hear it every year kiss

by 123456789 Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:07 pm

munkian wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

Good luck with that one petal. hear it every year

In fairness the last time you had Howley we had Scott Johnson, a veritable race to the bottom in coaching terms albeit one that Johnson would win every day of the week.

by EWT Spoons Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:14 pm

tigertattie wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

Exact same (including my prediction of games we could and could not win etc) that was until I read this...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team

Wikipedia wrote:2009–present[edit]
In a dismal 2009 Six Nations campaign, …..

In the 2010 Six Nations Scotland lost against France, Wales and Italy before drawing with England. Against Ireland, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland gained their only win of the tournament …..

Scotland had a poor showing in the 2011 Six Nations, winning just one match, ……

Scotland were terrible during the 2012 Six Nations, picking up the wooden spoon and being whitewashed, …..
During the 2013 Six Nations, Scotland won their matches against Italy and Ireland to finish third, their best finish in the competition since 2006. – Bright spot!

Scotland had a dismal 2014 Six Nations campaign; managing only one win (away in Italy), finishing second bottom ….

The 2015 Six Nations Championship ended in a whitewash for Scotland, despite optimism amongst players and supporters beforehand.….

I have no idea after all this how we remain positive/optimistic about the 6 nations.

This year will be different though, I reckon 3rd spot is ours Very Happy

by **RDW** Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:19 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

Exact same (including my prediction of games we could and could not win etc) that was until I read this...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team

Wikipedia wrote:2009–present[edit]
In a dismal 2009 Six Nations campaign, …..

In the 2010 Six Nations Scotland lost against France, Wales and Italy before drawing with England. Against Ireland, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland gained their only win of the tournament …..

Scotland had a poor showing in the 2011 Six Nations, winning just one match, ……

Scotland were terrible during the 2012 Six Nations, picking up the wooden spoon and being whitewashed, …..
During the 2013 Six Nations, Scotland won their matches against Italy and Ireland to finish third, their best finish in the competition since 2006. – Bright spot!

Scotland had a dismal 2014 Six Nations campaign; managing only one win (away in Italy), finishing second bottom ….

The 2015 Six Nations Championship ended in a whitewash for Scotland, despite optimism amongst players and supporters beforehand.….

I have no idea after all this how we remain positive/optimistic about the 6 nations.

This year will be different though, I reckon 3rd spot is ours

I'm probably the ultimate 6N pessimist when it comes to Scotland's chances. Every year I trot out the same stats spelling out just how badly we do in the 6N, year-in year-out. I remember having a heated argument with TJ last year because he said 2 wins should be classed as a failure and I disagreed. Last year's 2 wins (and we really should have beaten Wales, once again!) was generally classed as a success by most people. Overall I was very pleased with last 6N!

Realistically this Scotland team could win 3 games but there is also an equal chance that we will be going into the final round against Italy fighting off the wooden spoon. The 6N is so cutthroat and we have a terrible history!

by EWT Spoons Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:28 pm

I think 3 wins has to be the target this season. Anything less is a disappointment. You're right RDW that we could easily be heading into the final fixture hoping for a win to avoid the wooden spoon, but we need to be setting our targets higher than sneaking a win over Italy.

HOWEVER, this is based on Russell playing well and throughout the tournament. If we have to rely on Duncan Weir then all bets are off and our only hope is to not be embarrassed too highly.

by munkian Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:28 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:
tigertattie wrote:
EWT Spoons wrote:To be fair CDW has done well playing at 7 for Edinburgh, I mean back when he was in form. But as RDW says it's possibly not his best position.

26 days till the 6 nations kicks off. Sod Christmas, this is the countdown that matters!

I'm Uber excited!

This is the first year in yonks where I genuinely think we can be competitive in the competition!

Now I'm not saying we're going to win the thing, I'm saying that we have every chance of beating Italy, Wales and France. England and Ireland will probably be a stretch too far but my god it would be nice to finish the competition somewhere other than last or 2nd last!

Exact same (including my prediction of games we could and could not win etc) that was until I read this...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_national_rugby_union_team

Wikipedia wrote:2009–present[edit]
In a dismal 2009 Six Nations campaign, …..

In the 2010 Six Nations Scotland lost against France, Wales and Italy before drawing with England. Against Ireland, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland gained their only win of the tournament …..

Scotland had a poor showing in the 2011 Six Nations, winning just one match, ……

Scotland were terrible during the 2012 Six Nations, picking up the wooden spoon and being whitewashed, …..
During the 2013 Six Nations, Scotland won their matches against Italy and Ireland to finish third, their best finish in the competition since 2006. – Bright spot!

Scotland had a dismal 2014 Six Nations campaign; managing only one win (away in Italy), finishing second bottom ….

The 2015 Six Nations Championship ended in a whitewash for Scotland, despite optimism amongst players and supporters beforehand.….

I have no idea after all this how we remain positive/optimistic about the 6 nations.

This year will be different though, I reckon 3rd spot is ours

Christ, I get depressed cheering for Scotland and thats for only 1 game a year Shocked

by MacKnocked-on Mon 09 Jan 2017, 4:29 pm

I'm hoping for at least two wins but I think the margin between winning and losing matches this 6Ns will be as narrow as has ever been the case, worse case scenario is we could conceivably compete well in every match but lose by a single score. I don't see us taking a hiding from anyone though.

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