GHF-23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 That is truly remarkable. Obviously didn't fancy the choice between moving to France and no international rugby or taking a massive pay cut to move to the Scarlets 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHF-23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Meanwhile we've announced our 6 Nations squad. Hepburn, Hurd, Paterson and Reed the newbies. I've seen the first two listed as both loosies but assume one must be being considered as a tighthead as can only see Fagerson and Nel there otherwise. Harris missing out completely a bit of a shock. Depth at 3 and a very uninspiring set of locks aside it's a very not bad squad tbf - although there's a few that, like Harris, you'd feel are unlikely to make 2027. With the constant pain point of ball carrying in the back row more or less resolved with Dempsey and one of Fagerson or Darge being very effective carriers, kind of shows up lock as being the pretty poor area it has been for a while. It's fine that we don't have a 6'10 powerhouse or a Beirne/Woki style guy who's essentially a massive 7, but I look at the current crop and I don't even really see a pair of really good meat and potatoes locks. Real shame that Gray and Henderson are injured as I think there's a lot of potential for that to be an effective, if not spectacular, partnership. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAD Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 20 minutes ago, GHF-23 said: Meanwhile we've announced our 6 Nations squad. Hepburn, Hurd, Paterson and Reed the newbies. I've seen the first two listed as both loosies but assume one must be being considered as a tighthead as can only see Fagerson and Nel there otherwise. Harris missing out completely a bit of a shock. Depth at 3 and a very uninspiring set of locks aside it's a very not bad squad tbf - although there's a few that, like Harris, you'd feel are unlikely to make 2027. With the constant pain point of ball carrying in the back row more or less resolved with Dempsey and one of Fagerson or Darge being very effective carriers, kind of shows up lock as being the pretty poor area it has been for a while. It's fine that we don't have a 6'10 powerhouse or a Beirne/Woki style guy who's essentially a massive 7, but I look at the current crop and I don't even really see a pair of really good meat and potatoes locks. Real shame that Gray and Henderson are injured as I think there's a lot of potential for that to be an effective, if not spectacular, partnership. I think it's harsh for Harris to be dropped as well, but Hutchison, Sione, Redpath, McDowell and Jones playing so well right now and you have to reward that I think. Hamish Watson being out altogether a bigger shock for me, especially with injury concerns about Darge. Is Watson injured? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 On 13/01/2024 at 09:47, Savage Henry said: I think it’s fair to say Townsend doesn’t rate him, and it doesn’t matter how well he plays. This aged well. From what I've seen of him this season he's absolutely deserved his place. Shocked at Hamish missing out. He's rapidly gone from being first name on the team sheet to yesterdays man. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 6 minutes ago, GAD said: I think it's harsh for Harris to be dropped as well, but Hutchison, Sione, Redpath, McDowell and Jones playing so well right now and you have to reward that I think. Hamish Watson being out altogether a bigger shock for me, especially with injury concerns about Darge. Is Watson injured? BBC news explicitly states neither Harris or Watson are injured. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHF-23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 (edited) 13 minutes ago, GAD said: I think it's harsh for Harris to be dropped as well, but Hutchison, Sione, Redpath, McDowell and Jones playing so well right now and you have to reward that I think. Hamish Watson being out altogether a bigger shock for me, especially with injury concerns about Darge. Is Watson injured? Yeah, Harris offers something still but McDowell has been there or there abouts and seems very highly rated for a while now, with only 1 (I think) cap to show for it. If it's a move towards looking to the future I don't hate it. Likewise I'd imagine Rowe or Reed might get a nod above Steyn now, and again maybe Watson missing out means more game time for Crosbie (Watson played Saturday so don't think he's injured). They're big calls but I think a change is needed at the moment and some new blood isn't the worst thing. On Hutchinson I was very annoyed he never got a proper go 2 years or so ago, but I think that moment's probably gone. Like the rest of the squad they never really fired at the WC but Sione and Huw is an excellent combo even with limited games together that could just about make the next WC, and Redpath will be playing directly outside Finn for the next wee while. So I'd say he's competing for the 4th choice place with McDowell, who also offers a bit more of a difference to the others. Of course injuries could change all that very quickly Edited January 16 by GHF-23 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Just now, GHF-23 said: On Hutchinson I was very annoyed he never got a proper go 2 years or so ago, but I think that moment's probably gone. Like the rest of the squad they never really fired at the WC but Sione and Huw is an excellent combo even with limited games together that could just about make the next WC, and Redpath will be playing directly outside Finn for the next wee while. So I'd say he's competing for the 4th choice place with McDowell, who also offers a bit more of a difference to the others. Of course injuries could change all that very quickly This has got me in a bit of a quandary. I never really rated Sione for Scotland until he was paired with Huw. As a pairing they seem excellent so I'd be loath to break that up. On the flip side you now have Finn and Redpath as a pairing (looked good together at the weekend). Can't fit them all in so it's a coin toss for me. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topcat(The most tip top) Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 7 minutes ago, Left Back said: BBC news explicitly states neither Harris or Watson are injured. Are we now the kind of country that after a world cup clears out players who are going to be too old for the next one? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 2 minutes ago, topcat(The most tip top) said: Are we now the kind of country that after a world cup clears out players who are going to be too old for the next one? We should offload Harris to Wales. He's Gatland's kind of player and they don't have any other halfway decent players now LRZ has patched them. Hard to imagine Scotland without Mish. Been Mr. consistency for years. Wasn't there a ridiculous stat that he went 2 or 3 years in the 6N without missing a tackle? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHF-23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Left Back said: This has got me in a bit of a quandary. I never really rated Sione for Scotland until he was paired with Huw. As a pairing they seem excellent so I'd be loath to break that up. On the flip side you now have Finn and Redpath as a pairing (looked good together at the weekend). Can't fit them all in so it's a coin toss for me. As good as Healy's been and it seems unfair to not have him in the 23, my own rationale would be you want Finn on the pitch unless he is injured and Sione offers a carrying option the other 2 don't so Redpath becomes the 22, with Kinghorn able to cover FH if Finn goes down or Redpath in an absolute emergency. Pick one of Steyn, Rowe, Reed or even Hutchinson as the 23 (although I didn't think much of his turn at FB in Argentina, seemed a bit of a waste). 7 minutes ago, topcat(The most tip top) said: Are we now the kind of country that after a world cup clears out players who are going to be too old for the next one? I am all for it if so Edited January 16 by GHF-23 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAD Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 2 minutes ago, GHF-23 said: As good as Healy's been and it seems unfair to not have him in the 23, my own rationale would be you want Finn on the pitch unless he is injured so Redpath becomes the 22, with Kinghorn able to cover FH if Finn goes down or Redpath in an absolute emergency. Pick one of Steyn, Rowe, Reed or even Hutchinson as the 23 (although I didn't think much of his turn at FB in Argentina, seemed a bit of a waste). I am all for it if so I actually think Redpath is in, I think he's starting. He's playing really well and he's pretty solid as well. I think Sione will play 13, which gives us three decent distributors/kickers in the midfield and three really dangerous runners in the back 3. I think it's a decent balance. All the problems I can see are up front. I think it's as weak a selection of forwards as we've had in a while. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 hour ago, GHF-23 said: That is truly remarkable. Obviously didn't fancy the choice between moving to France and no international rugby or taking a massive pay cut to move to the Scarlets I never understood how he was able to play for Wales while at Gloucester. Haven't Wales had that must play in Wales to be selected unless you have x amount of caps policy for a while now? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Left Back Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Just had a look at the Wales squad. Jeezo they're in complete disarray. Lots of names you would expect to be in there out for various reasons. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67989159 Cue Scotland serving up the usual catastrophe in Cardiff now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHF-23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 (edited) 13 minutes ago, GAD said: I actually think Redpath is in, I think he's starting. He's playing really well and he's pretty solid as well. I think Sione will play 13, which gives us three decent distributors/kickers in the midfield and three really dangerous runners in the back 3. I think it's a decent balance. All the problems I can see are up front. I think it's as weak a selection of forwards as we've had in a while. I could see it - he was always the golden boy and injuries are all that's held him back. You're right, with those runners (and lack of decent kickers other than Kinghorn!) in the back 3 is there a need for Jones? I'm not sure, just dunno if Townsend is quite ready to give up on such a source of linebreaks. Agreed the forwards are the issue. Back row, loose head and hooker all look very decent but just not as good as a couple of the teams we'll be playing; but as soon as Fagerson's out of puff it's straight back to WP and I understated how rank I think our lock options are above. Don't see much chance that dumpling Dalziel has worked out how to make a professional lineout function yet either. My only worry with the backline is in the backfield, our wingers just aren't great in the kicking game. I love both of them though and we don't have the player pool to drop them for more conservative players as Ireland did with Stockdale or France with Thomas, so have to hope they can be coached to improve further. 11 minutes ago, Left Back said: I never understood how he was able to play for Wales while at Gloucester. Haven't Wales had that must play in Wales to be selected unless you have x amount of caps policy for a while now? I think it's that you can first be selected while contracted to an outside club - a lot of Welsh lads (Reffell is another example) come through English academies, but to once you've been selected you have to move to a Welsh club at your next contract renewal to remain eligible. Then once you've got x amount of caps you could go get a payday somewhere. Could be wrong though Edited January 16 by GHF-23 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peasy23 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 2 hours ago, Savage Henry said: lol at Wales: Rees-Zammit has retired in order to play NFL reserves Some of the financials are in the replies. He'll get $50k ish for taking part in the IPP, and if he makes a full practice squad he can pick up around $220k for the regular season. If he somehow makes it on to a roster and earns a full time contract then that would jump way up, $3m per year is about the current average although that is boosted by guys like Tyreek Hill earning $30 million a year. If it doesn't work out he'll still be able to fall back on likely offers from France and Japan. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAD Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 35 minutes ago, GHF-23 said: I could see it - he was always the golden boy and injuries are all that's held him back. You're right, with those runners (and lack of decent kickers other than Kinghorn!) in the back 3 is there a need for Jones? I'm not sure, just dunno if Townsend is quite ready to give up on such a source of linebreaks. Agreed the forwards are the issue. Back row, loose head and hooker all look very decent but just not as good as a couple of the teams we'll be playing; but as soon as Fagerson's out of puff it's straight back to WP and I understated how rank I think our lock options are above. Don't see much chance that dumpling Dalziel has worked out how to make a professional lineout function yet either. My only worry with the backline is in the backfield, our wingers just aren't great in the kicking game. I love both of them though and we don't have the player pool to drop them for more conservative players as Ireland did with Stockdale or France with Thomas, so have to hope they can be coached to improve further. I think it's that you can first be selected while contracted to an outside club - a lot of Welsh lads (Reffell is another example) come through English academies, but to once you've been selected you have to move to a Welsh club at your next contract renewal to remain eligible. Then once you've got x amount of caps you could go get a payday somewhere. Could be wrong though Well, we always have Sean Maitland, but it seems no chance of that now. Still think he could do a job, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honestly united Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 For all the doom and gloom around Scottish rugby its come to something that we now have more than 3 current lions players, and we are able to not pick 3 in our wider squad nevermind not picking 3 in a match day 15. For me Sutherland is a big miss. I dont know enough on Hepburn or Hurd to comment, Hepburn is a strange one, I can see him being a Graham type pick, cap him and he cant go back to England. I havent seen a lot of him this season Watson missing as well, he looks 3rd choice openside behind Darge and Crosbie, but I would have had him in as cover as Darge misses probably the first 2 games at least. To be fair the squad is for the first 2 games at Wales and home teo France and we will probably get some changes for the other games so always a chance they will come back in 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Henry Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 2 hours ago, Left Back said: This aged well. From what I've seen of him this season he's absolutely deserved his place. Shocked at Hamish missing out. He's rapidly gone from being first name on the team sheet to yesterdays man. He’s going to be the Du Preez of the backs - he’ll get about twelve caps over the next six seasons. Still think Townsend doesn’t trust him. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Henry Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 4 minutes ago, honestly united said: For all the doom and gloom around Scottish rugby its come to something that we now have more than 3 current lions players, and we are able to not pick 3 in our wider squad nevermind not picking 3 in a match day 15. For me Sutherland is a big miss. I dont know enough on Hepburn or Hurd to comment, Hepburn is a strange one, I can see him being a Graham type pick, cap him and he cant go back to England. I havent seen a lot of him this season Watson missing as well, he looks 3rd choice openside behind Darge and Crosbie, but I would have had him in as cover as Darge misses probably the first 2 games at least. To be fair the squad is for the first 2 games at Wales and home teo France and we will probably get some changes for the other games so always a chance they will come back in The strength in depth at centre is absolutely unreal. The days of Andrew Henderson et al dropping passes at walking pace are long gone. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
come on shire Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Just now, Savage Henry said: The strength in depth at centre is absolutely unreal. The days of Andrew Henderson et al dropping passes at walking pace are long gone. Mind de Luca? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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