Tag Archive: Scotland National Team


5 Uncapped Players to Tour

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May 16, 2012

Scotland coach Andy Robinson today announced a 28-man squad for the tour of Australia and the Pacific Isles.

Just few of the other players left at home this time out are: Ruaridh Jackson, Graeme Morrison, Hugo Southwell, Moray Low, Chris Fusaro, Ryan Wilson, Alex Dunbar and Johnnie Beattie. If the new guns – in the loosehead and centres particularly – bed in successfully, some of these guys may struggle to return come the autumn. Conversely the likes of Fusaro, Dunbar and Wilson should count themselves very unlucky not to be going.

The potential is there for a young exciting backline although there is plenty of familiarity and experience too. Whether Robinson would actually field a backline of Laidlaw, Weir, Visser, Scott, Ansbro, Brown, Hogg remains to be seen. We are more likely to see Evans or Lamont on the wing as Brown is the only fullback other than Hogg and Cusiter and Blair are both in the squad as scrum halves. Good to see Grove and Ansbro back in the mix alongside the young gun Scott. De Luca will no doubt prove a controversial selection as always.

This is of course Tim Visser’s first call up; Tom Brown, Tom Ryder, Ryan Grant and Rob Harley are also uncapped. The last four-named were among the Scotland A squad who put England Saxons to the sword 35-0 at Netherdale in February, while Visser, the 24-year-old Dutch born winger, will qualify for Scotland through the three-year residency rule on 12 June and will thus be available for selection for the Tests against Fiji and Samoa.

22-year-old Tom Brown, a product of North Berwick RFC and the Edinburgh Academy, who has also played club rugby for Currie, admitted: “It was a pretty tense day yesterday wondering if the call might come and when it did it was pretty overwhelming but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Welsh, Weir and Scott have a single cap each but this tour is a clear opportunity to earn a few more.

“One quarter of the squad has yet to start an international but we’ve seen from the manner in which Edinburgh and Glasgow have finished the domestic season that there’s confidence that we will be looking to build on” said coach Robinson at the announcement

Without further ado, here are the players due for a bruising down under:

Backs – Joe Ansbro (London Irish), Mike Blair, Tom Brown (both Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Max Evans (Castres), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)

Forwards

John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), Geoff Cross, Ross Ford (captain) (both Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Grant, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall, Robert Harley, Alastair Kellock (all Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby), Tom Ryder (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Richie Vernon (Sale Sharks) and Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors).

Unavailable through injury: Kelly Brown (Saracens), David Denton and Lee Jones (both Edinburgh Rugby)

Rested: Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby)

Management:

Head coach – Andy Robinson
Assistant coach – Scott Johnson
Specialist coaches – Massimo Cuttitta and Duncan Hodge
Fitness, strength and conditioning – Neill Potts and Huw Jones
Team manager – Gavin Scott
Team operations co-ordinator – Kirsty Mackay
Medical – Dr James Robson, Dr Jonathan Hanson, Paul McGinley and Stephen Mutch
Analyst – Ciaran Beattie
Media – Graham Law
Baggage master – John Pennycuick

Squad departs: Thursday 24 May

Matches:

Tuesday 5 June v Australia in Newcastle, NSW, kick-off 7.30pm local (10.30am BST)
Saturday 16 June v Fiji in Lautoka, kick-off 2pm local time (3am BST)
Saturday 23 June v Samoa in Apia, kick-off 3.30pm local time (3.30am BST).



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Scotland Announce EMC Test Dates

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May 15, 2012

Scotland will play three Tests against Southern Hemisphere teams this November, it was confirmed today by the big chiefs at Murrayfield.

The EMC Tests will see Scotland face New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga in (depending on the summer tour) a series of matches that could make or break Robinson’s reign at Murrayfield. More dismal results in an arena televised by the BBC (as opposed to 3am in Samoa when only sad cases like us will be paying attention) will only increase the public pressure.

Conversely, good results against Australia and South Africa have been counted in Robinson’s Plus column in recent years when the Six Nations has shown little cheer. I would say that the summer tour and the autumn will be Robinson’s chance to show what his aims are with his new (own) coaching set-up. If they aren’t clear or successful, it could be time to make way…

The world’s number one ranked team, Rugby World Cup holders, conquerors of the universe, wearers of only one strip and lovers of silly dances (the All Blacks), will visit Murrayfield on Sunday 11 November with a 2.30pm kick-off.

The Springboks, ranked third in the world, who Scotland beat on their last tour in 2010, will take to the Murrayfield turf six days later (Saturday 17 November, kick-off 2.30pm)

The series will conclude against Tonga – the hard-hitting Pacific islanders who stunned France at last year’s Rugby World Cup – on Saturday 24 November with a 3pm kick-off. The venue for this one is still to be confirmed, though the match is likely to be played away from Murrayfield, so Pittodrie may once again be a likely candidate.

Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive Mark Dodson said: “We are delighted to announce our fixtures for the EMC Tests and firmly believe that these games will excite the interest of our fans.

“We’re also very pleased that we have secured a two-year broadcast deal with the BBC which will ensure ongoing maximum exposure across their extensive broadcast platforms and that’s good news for Scottish Rugby and our partners.”

Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport, said: “We’re delighted to be broadcasting Scottish Rugby’s autumn test matches though to 2013. This gives viewers further opportunities to enjoy live top flight rugby union on the BBC.”

Details of ticket prices will be announced shortly.



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Robinson Seeking The Right Blend As Options Narrow

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May 15, 2012

It seems unlikely there will be many new faces when Andy Robinson names his Scotland squad later this week for the summer tour Down Under, with only 28 places available on the plane to Australia.

Robinson is likely to keep faith with the majority of the squad involved in this year’s Six Nations, with soon-to-be-qualified try machine Tim Visser certain to travel, and expected to be the only new face in the squad. Visser’s inclusion was always going to come at this stage given his club form, and he will probably replace injured Edinburgh team-mate Lee Jones.

Alasdair Strokosch will come back into contention after missing the latter half of the Six Nations, giving Robinson more options in the back-row, where Richie Vernon is also set for a recall as David Denton recovers from an ankle ligament injury.

Question marks have been raised over the form of veteran prop Allan Jacobsen in recent months, and for that reason, Jon Welsh is likely to travel following his impressive performances for Glasgow, and his international debut against Italy. There has been talk in some quarters of ‘Chunk’ being rested for the tour, so Ryan Grant may find himself on the plane.

One area where Robinson may be forced into experimenting, and bringing in a new face, is at lock. With Jim Hamilton suspended and Nathan Hines retired, Glasgow lock Tom Ryder would seem favourite to come into the squad, with Rob Harley’s versatility adding a fourth second-row option.

Behind the pack, Robinson is somewhat short on options, with Rory Lamont and Nikki Walker long-term injury absentees, and Visser not available for the first match against the Wallabies. Joe Ansbro‘s return to fitness and form is a timely boost, and he may well fill the number 12 jersey with Nick De Luca again outside him. Max Evans and Stuart Hogg would provide the other back-three options.

What of the likes of Hugo Southwell and Simon Taylor, though? The pair have been in form and it looks, on paper, a squad bereft of experience, especially behind the scrum. Southwell was awarded London Wasps’ Players Player of the Year, and could offer something different from or perhaps in tandem with the mercurial Hogg.

Whatever Robinson chooses to do, it is sure to be a tough examination of his coaching ability, and of his players, as they aim to put right the results that have seen Scotland plummet to 11th in the world rankings.



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Robinson’s Tour Plans Take A Hit

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May 10, 2012

Edinburgh pair Lee Jones and David Denton have today been ruled out of Scotland’s summer tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa through injury. Gloucester’s Jim Hamilton has also become unavailable as he will be serving a ban for punching.

Jones, 23, who scored his first try for Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against France in February, has a fractured right shoulder blade, while 22-year-old Denton, who made his debut off the bench in the EMC Test win against Ireland last August, has damage to his left ankle ligaments.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Lee suffered the fracture in the Heineken Cup semi-final loss to Ulster last month.  Injuries of this nature typically resolve over the course of six to eight weeks, so he will not be available for the tour.

“David sustained the ankle injury in the final game of the league season against Treviso last weekend and subsequent scanning of the joint revealed damage to the ligaments. [He] will not require surgery but will now embark on a prolonged period of rehabilitation which will rule him out of the summer tour. His estimated return would be between eight to ten weeks.”

Hamilton was given a yellow card for punching London Irish hooker David Paice. Following what seemed to be a sneaky push on Paice during loose play there was some fisticuffs between the two, and the pair continued their antagonism on their respective paths to the bin with Paice doing a fair bit of yapping. Jim being the no-nonsense sort of character he is took umbrage, and the ensuing mass brawl (that saw the Big Stroker, Ansbro and Shingler mixing it up with the rest of them) left Dave Pearson no choice but to make the departures permanent.

(via Rugbydump)

Following a disciplinary hearing, both men have been banned for 7 weeks which means Jim won’t make the plane.

Finally, Scotland winger Simon Danielli is set to retire from rugby, as basically his body seems to have had enough. Danielli’s club Ulster has confirmed this afternoon that he has been forced to hang up his boots due to a back injury which has plagued the winger throughout this past season.

Danielli made a try-scoring full international debut for Scotland against Italy in 2003, ahead of that year’s Rugby World Cup. He went on to win 32 caps for Scotland, playing in two World Cups and scoring eight tries and he also played ten times for the Scotland A team including in their passage to the 2006 Churchill Cup Final in Canada. His last Scotland A game was the 35-0 victory over England Saxons at Netherdale in February 2012.

Speaking on the announcement of this news, Danielli said: “Representing Scotland has been the pinnacle of my career and I have so many great memories and friendships from these days, from all the amazing match day atmospheres at Murrayfield and the intensity that international rugby brings, to the fantastic tours I have been lucky enough to be a part of.”

The Scotland tour party for next month’s three Test tour will be announced next Wednesday (16th May).

With Jones and Danielli out, Robinson may consider Tom Brown as another small pacy back, but Joe Ansbro will also be back in the mix. A big loss during the Six Nations, Joe could potentially appear on the wing, although I’d rather see him in the centre. The absence of Jones almost guarantees that a certain T. Visser will be in the party too…

In the second row, Tom Ryder and Grant Gilchrist are probably the stand-out candidates to fill in (assuming he goes for 4 second rows) but Fraser Mackenzie could be another option if he has recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Six Nations, as could Tim Swinson of Newcastle/Glasgow. Mackenzie might be short of form though. Perhaps another option is using Harley in the second row.

Indeed that might be a way to get him or others on board as even without Denton (or Kelly Brown) there is still a terrific battle ahead for however many back-rowers Robinson opts to take. Similarly, picking Barclay as a 6 or 8 where he has played recently might be a way to get Fusaro into the squad while those slightly further up the pecking order are unavailable. And we know how well Fusaro does under those sorts of circumstances.

How about Strokosch / Harley, Fusaro / Rennie, Barclay / Ryan Wilson? And you’ve still got Richie Vernon, Johnnie Beattie and Roddy Grant to play about with too. Tough choices, especially given the pressure to see things turned around at international level after Edinburgh and Glasgow have returned the feelgood factor that the Six Nations shattered.

We’ll find out who has made the grade next week.

UPDATE: As Al says below, the Waratahs midweek match is off due to their Aussie squad commitments. Scotland team manager Gavin Scott said: “We have had confirmation from the Waratahs that due to injuries and the requirements of the Wallabies squad they would be unable to fulfil the fixture.

“We have looked into alternatives but, unfortunately, nothing else fits into our tour schedule.”

The Scotland playing party will now be 28-strong.

The tour dates are as follows:

Tuesday 5 June v Australia in Newcastle, NSW, kick-off 7.30pm local (10.30am BST)

Saturday 16 June v Fiji in Lautoka, kick-off 2pm local time (3am BST)

Saturday 23 June v Samoa in Apia, kick-off 3.30pm local time (3.30am BST).



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The SRU Create New Post for Paterson, But Spurn Youth

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May 8, 2012

The almighty dollar has a hex over all of us. It is a simple fact and one that, particularly in professional sport, is fearfully respected. If you find a way to market something you are almost duty bound to take it, are you not?

In recent Scottish rugby history there have been too few heroes. If one were brutally honest it could be stated that Scotland have had a dearth of world-class talent in the last decade or so. Now we have some new, exciting, marketable players in Richie Gray, Stuart Hogg and Tim Visser. This is a relief, because the SRU could not just keep wheeling out Gavin Hastings for every single marketing opportunity.

However, in the period where Scotland were poor, one man stood out as a fan favourite. Chris Paterson scooped more caps than anyone else and he did so with the love of a nation.

At one point the world’s most accurate kicker, Paterson was never the most physical, the most athletic or the most dangerous, but he was capable of some beautiful rugby and he had spirit. If there is one thing a glory starved support appreciates, it is spirit.

Now, though, as he retires and others are told to seek their fortunes elsewhere there is something strange happening. Edinburgh and Glasgow have signed some players that will command large wage packets like the Lamont brothers, Welsh pair Rees and Yapp and All Blacks MacDonald and Atiga. The season has been good so there is a bit more cash, but these signings have all but burned that up.

See, the experienced players moving on from the pro sides are moving on because they have been around a while and after so many incremental increases in wages any new deal would cost more money than before. It is therefore much cheaper to get in new players for much less.

It all boils down to money. If the SRU were prepared to offer astronomical wages to Richie Gray while Barclay and Rennie sign on for much more than they were on before, then budgets evaporate pretty quickly.

How does one recoup the money lost? Obviously everyone crosses their fingers and hopes that Edinburgh and Glasgow can double up and recreate this season’s form next term. However, there needs to be something done on top of that. There needs to be more marketing.

Today the SRU unveiled a new role – one too bewildering to have a title yet, in an age where the SRU are already struggling to create titles for Scott Johnson and Sean Lineen – which Chris Paterson straddles. He will be a Coach/Ambassador.

The SRU hope to cash in on Paterson’s popularity. On top of this, though, they cannot justify such an ambassadorial position without getting more from him. He trained as a teacher when he was younger so coaching seems logical. They just need to net him some shiny new drills from New Zealand, the kind Gregor Townsend is so fond of.  They need to get Paterson some coaching qualifications from somewhere.

So more money is scraped from the treasury and Paterson is sent on the Macphail Scholarship alongside another long established DO. They travel out beside two players already earmarked for stepping into the pro games.

This is where the Macphail initiative falls down. They have the funds to send four players to develop, four players who could become able to face the pro game with a push. Instead they send two players already deemed good enough and a coach who is from New Zealand and who is already deep inside the SRU coaching system. On top of this Paterson is sent to learn “how should you watch a game as a coach?” and to learn about long-term and short-term plans.

Could he not learn about that in Scotland? The fact that he is not sends a message that there is absolutely no confidence in the way coaches are trained in this country. With changes already coming in in that department would money not be better spent on that fundamental?

In the end the SRU can trot out as many popular figures as they want, but there are two areas they need to work on desperately. They need to ensure that they have as many quality young Scots players coming through as possible, with highly developed skill sets (which would mean that players from the English Championship are not heralded as coups) and the national team need to markedly improve their results.

I believe in the changes Robinson and Lowe are implementing with the bringing in of exciting young internationals, and I am hopeful for the future. However, with the Macphail Scholarship and some of the signings from England’s lower reaches they have snubbed Scottish youth. They have misplaced their enthusiasm and will spend a fair bit of money in the process.



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Lest We Get Carried Away…

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May 7, 2012

With the regular season over there is a brief pause for contemplation before Glasgow tip themselves into the Playoffs. This in itself signifies a magnificent achievement and the team fully deserve to get there by the grace of their own valorous defence.

Edinburgh, too, must face praise for their ability to meliorate. Time and time again they overturned their league form and the expectations of the rugby community to provide their fans with salving results. More so than this, though, they played some of the most enticing run-or-be-damned rugby.

However, as the social networking sites become thick with flattery and the pedestal gets dusted off once more you must remember, to a fan, that this is one step along a long path of horridly uneven ground.

Indeed as I hear the words ‘hero’, ‘legend’ and ‘new beginning’ I cannot help but conjure up images in my head of a stilted, neo-biblical scene…

Stood atop a jutting rock, cloth billowing in the air, Andrew Robinson surveys his crowd.

Meagre at first, their numbers have grown as word of shocking feats has danced along that same wind. Jilted before and weary of false dawns the crowd have set their resolve more stolid and ventured out to see where they may be led. They yearn for a time of peace and plenty.

They recognise this character before them, as they had perhaps cursed his minions in the past, but he looks different. The light dances off his scalp and that look in his eye that had previously been believed to be frustration is now believed to be calculation.

This leader has disappointed them before, with failed raids and campaigns that crashed upon the rocks, taking wildly fanciful expectations to the dust with them. Defeat had been tasted and faith had waned. Under such auspices this leader sunk into the shadows, basking in the brief obscurity.

New leaders pushed out into the light, representing fiefdoms and marching under the banner of more localised interests. They battled hard and secured treasures. As if by miracle these regions saw their wealth grow and they looked to build stockades. New idols were pushed forward by the hoards. Young soldiers. Supporters rallied and these teams marched to battle with a din at their backs and a stockpile at their lair. No one asked questions, many more believed.

Now, though, it becomes clear that the leader in the shadows has played a part in all of this. The miracle gold has been sent out at his behest. The new soldiers sent for from far, foreign lands have been decided upon by a council headed by the leader. Other leaders have been summoned. Elders have been banished in private.

Now, as one good harvest has been gathered by the fiefs the leader comes out again. It is time to rally. Robinson turns atop his rock, squinting to the south. The masses see this and they feel gladness in their hearts…

Now I may be over exaggerating, but as this is my fantasy it is my prerogative. Nonetheless, I feel fear as I see the faith grow, and as fantastic as growing support is, Scotland has been hurt too many times before believing glory is close at hand.

This has been a good club season, but fans must not get carried away. There is still a vast, ugly desert to cross before it is time to gorge on milk and honey.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have shown that they did not have the required depth to take on longer campaigns so they have let many players go. New ones are coming in. There are to be swathes of change in both clubs’ coaching structures, as well as the Scotland coaching structure. Alongside this there is more of a streamlined look as management shake-ups come in.

Things appear to be moving in the right direction after almost two years of Graham Lowe and Andy Robinson getting in league.

However, what remains to be seen is if Scotland can start to produce more talented youngsters to supplement the few shining for the pro sides just now, like RabDirect Young Player of the Year Stuart Hogg. Depth must be achieved, but the money –wherever it has been won or borrowed from –is not limitless, and there cannot be a continual sending for players whose international allegiances are not even known.

By the same token, questions must be asked about how the SRU is being restructured with the likes of Henry Edwards parting ways with the SRU. What shape will the new-look management take? Who is coming in? Who else is going? How are we going to make the development of kids our most important priority?

Edinburgh and Glasgow have had good seasons, and Glasgow’s may turn out to be great if they play fantastically against Leinster. However, in the last two seasons one of either team has finished second bottom of the league. Stability must be achieved before anyone can talk of fighting on two fronts, which must be the target.

As well as this the SRU must be concerned by the fact that they enjoy a transient crowd. Numbers swell, in their way, when the teams are doing well. Yet when Edinburgh went to Dublin for their Heineken semi-final only a fraction of the 37,000-odd who saw their quarter travelled. Also, we are talking about numbers like the 5,374 who saw Glasgow secure a playoff place. Again, this is improvement, but we must be aiming for higher. Strugglers Newcastle and Wasps secured a crowd of 13,475 on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership, while 13,047 saw Scarlets defeat Cardiff. Everyone knows that those transient fans need to be tied down.

So things are going good, but not great. We need to be shown that there are plans to make it all great. I’m all for a bit of faith, but we should never, ever, ever get carried away in this country. Especially when the national team still have so much to prove.



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Lest We Get Carried Away…

Filed Under: News by Dirty Balls — Leave a comment
May 7, 2012

With the regular season over there is a brief pause for contemplation before Glasgow tip themselves into the Playoffs. This in itself signifies a magnificent achievement and the team fully deserve to get there by the grace of their own valorous defence.

Edinburgh, too, must face praise for their ability to meliorate. Time and time again they overturned their league form and the expectations of the rugby community to provide their fans with salving results. More so than this, though, they played some of the most enticing run-or-be-damned rugby.

However, as the social networking sites become thick with flattery and the pedestal gets dusted off once more you must remember, to a fan, that this is one step along a long path of horridly uneven ground.

Indeed as I hear the words ‘hero’, ‘legend’ and ‘new beginning’ I cannot help but conjure up images in my head of a stilted, neo-biblical scene…

Stood atop a jutting rock, cloth billowing in the air, Andrew Robinson surveys his crowd.

Meagre at first, their numbers have grown as word of shocking feats has danced along that same wind. Jilted before and weary of false dawns the crowd have set their resolve more stolid and ventured out to see where they may be led. They yearn for a time of peace and plenty.

They recognise this character before them, as they had perhaps cursed his minions in the past, but he looks different. The light dances off his scalp and that look in his eye that had previously been believed to be frustration is now believed to be calculation.

This leader has disappointed them before, with failed raids and campaigns that crashed upon the rocks, taking wildly fanciful expectations to the dust with them. Defeat had been tasted and faith had waned. Under such auspices this leader sunk into the shadows, basking in the brief obscurity.

New leaders pushed out into the light, representing fiefdoms and marching under the banner of more localised interests. They battled hard and secured treasures. As if by miracle these regions saw their wealth grow and they looked to build stockades. New idols were pushed forward by the hoards. Young soldiers. Supporters rallied and these teams marched to battle with a din at their backs and a stockpile at their lair. No one asked questions, many more believed.

Now, though, it becomes clear that the leader in the shadows has played a part in all of this. The miracle gold has been sent out at his behest. The new soldiers sent for from far, foreign lands have been decided upon by a council headed by the leader. Other leaders have been summoned. Elders have been banished in private.

Now, as one good harvest has been gathered by the fiefs the leader comes out again. It is time to rally. Robinson turns atop his rock, squinting to the south. The masses see this and they feel gladness in their hearts…

Now I may be over exaggerating, but as this is my fantasy it is my prerogative. Nonetheless, I feel fear as I see the faith grow, and as fantastic as growing support is, Scotland has been hurt too many times before believing glory is close at hand.

This has been a good club season, but fans must not get carried away. There is still a vast, ugly desert to cross before it is time to gorge on milk and honey.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have shown that they did not have the required depth to take on longer campaigns so they have let many players go. New ones are coming in. There are to be swathes of change in both clubs’ coaching structures, as well as the Scotland coaching structure. Alongside this there is more of a streamlined look as management shake-ups come in.

Things appear to be moving in the right direction after almost two years of Graham Lowe and Andy Robinson getting in league.

However, what remains to be seen is if Scotland can start to produce more talented youngsters to supplement the few shining for the pro sides just now, like RabDirect Young Player of the Year Stuart Hogg. Depth must be achieved, but the money –wherever it has been won or borrowed from –is not limitless, and there cannot be a continual sending for players whose international allegiances are not even known.

By the same token, questions must be asked about how the SRU is being restructured with the likes of Henry Edwards parting ways with the SRU. What shape will the new-look management take? Who is coming in? Who else is going? How are we going to make the development of kids our most important priority?

Edinburgh and Glasgow have had good seasons, and Glasgow’s may turn out to be great if they play fantastically against Leinster. However, in the last two seasons one of either team has finished second bottom of the league. Stability must be achieved before anyone can talk of fighting on two fronts, which must be the target.

As well as this the SRU must be concerned by the fact that they enjoy a transient crowd. Numbers swell, in their way, when the teams are doing well. Yet when Edinburgh went to Dublin for their Heineken semi-final only a fraction of the 37,000-odd who saw their quarter travelled. Also, we are talking about numbers like the 5,374 who saw Glasgow secure a playoff place. Again, this is improvement, but we must be aiming for higher. Strugglers Newcastle and Wasps secured a crowd of 13,475 on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership, while 13,047 saw Scarlets defeat Cardiff. Everyone knows that those transient fans need to be tied down.

So things are going good, but not great. We need to be shown that there are plans to make it all great. I’m all for a bit of faith, but we should never, ever, ever get carried away in this country. Especially when the national team still have so much to prove.



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Scotland Announce Plans for Summer Holiday

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April 17, 2012

Scotland will undertake a three Test tour to Australasia this summer, it was confirmed today by the SRU. Most of it we knew already but the dates and times have been firmed up.

The tour will begin with a Test match against Australia, which will be played at the Ausgrid Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales, on Tuesday 5 June with a 7.30pm kick-off local time. The Scotland match against Australia will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.

The Test match action continues against Fiji on Saturday 16 June at Churchill Park, Lautoka (kick-off 2pm local time) and concludes against Samoa on Saturday 23 June at Apia Park, Apia (kick-off mid afternoon local time).

In addition, a Scotland XV will play New South Wales Waratahs at the Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, on Sunday 10 June at 3pm local time.

In terms of these other matches, Scottish Rugby is making inquiries into broadcast arrangements in the Pacific Islands for supporters at home and will advise us as soon as there is any further information. I wouldn’t hold out any hope of seeing the Waratahs game, put it that way.

A 32-strong playing party will be named in mid May.   Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: “This will be a tough, full-on tour and I’ve been pleased with the form of many of the contenders for places within both the Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors teams over the last few weeks.

“We have seen a fantastic victory by Edinburgh over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup quarter-final and Glasgow remain on course for the play-offs in the RaboDirect PRO12, having displayed ruthlessness in their win against Cardiff Blues.”

The tour will be without Kelly Brown who confirmed at the Melrose Sevens that he would be out until next season most likely, so it remains to be seen whether Robinson continues with Ross Ford as captain or reverts to a new or old face to lead the squad.

The tour will also see the dateline for Tim Visser’s qualification on residency as a Scottish-eligible player (June 12th), in time for the Fiji and Samoa tests. Whether or not the Waratahs game is full-cap or what rules govern those sort of matches is unclear, but it is unlikely he would make an appearance there if he was in the tour party. There is always a chance he may not make the party, given Edinburgh’s league form but he played very well in a defensive/chasing role against Toulouse and if he can harness that to the try-scoring side of his game he would be a big threat to some of the incumbents in the squad who have fairly poor try scoring records.



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Damn Lies and Statistics

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April 12, 2012

The IRB has released its annual statistical review of the RBS Six Nations and whilst it might seem a little futile to continue poking the rotting carcass of Scotland’s performance with a stick, it does make for interesting reading.

The last time I posted some stats on the site someone quoted Ebbe Skovdahl who said “statistics are like miniskirts: They give you good ideas but hide the important things.” However, statistics can also challenge our perceptions, especially those that may not necessarily be a reflection of the truth.

I’m not going to comment too much on what these statistics might show. Those of us with any energy left can duke it out in the comments box. But the statistics certainly raise some interesting questions.

I’ve pulled out what I think are the most interesting points in terms of Scotland. If you want to read the full report you can find it here.

The Scrum

Scotland’s scrum was held up as a major cause for concern and has been for a while. There were calls for wholesale changes in the front row and Jon Welsh’s performance in the Italy game might make it difficult for Chunk to regain a starting position.

But the IRB report claims that the importance of the scrum is declining, pointing out that Wales won the championship despite only having possession from the scrum on 14 occasions throughout the entire tournament.

From a Scottish point of view things might not as bad as they might seem. Scotland won 89% of scrums from their own put in (3rd best in the tournament and only 1% behind France in 2nd) and managed to win 13% of scrums from an opposition feed (joint 4th with Ireland).

France and Wales are streets ahead of other teams winning around a quarter of scrums from an opposition put in.

Breakdown

Another criticism levelled at Scotland during the tournament was the loss of ball at the breakdown. Again, the IRB stats tell a different story. Scotland managed to retain possession at the breakdown (winning the ball or earning a penalty) 94% of the time; the 2nd highest performance in the tournament. 

Passing

It might not come as a surprise that Scotland passed the ball more than any other team in the tournament with 7.9 passes completed for every minute of possession. Even our Forwards were getting in on the act making almost 100 more passes that their English counterparts.

It’s also interesting to note that the back row chose to pass more than those in other teams (42% compared with Wales 27%) as did the 2nd rows (31% compared to Wales 14%).

There report also highlights noticeable differences in the number of passes by 12’s and 13’s. The Scotland centres made the most passes (67) whilst for the second year running the Welsh made the least (40).

Kicking 

In 2011 Scotland had one of the highest kicking averages in the tournament with a rate of 1.3 kicks for every minute of possession. In 2012 Scotland had the lowest kicking rate of any team with a rate of 0.8 kicks which is half England’s rate of 1.6 and below Wales’s 1.4 

Restarts

There is an interesting and marked difference in the way teams are approaching the restart. Scotland and Ireland prefer to kick short (84% & 87% of restarts) and contest the restart whereas Wales and England generally don’t bother and prefer to kick long (both 57% of restarts). In fact Wales didn’t bother to win any of their own restarts in the whole tournament, and it didn’t do them any harm.

Scoring 

Another Six Nations, and another decline in the number tries per game. In 2002 there were an average of 5 tries per game and in 2012 there were just 3.1. Overall there were 29 fewer tries scored this year compared with 10 years ago.

The IRB suggests a number of reasons for this, not least the introduction of specialised defence coaches and the increasing size of players. Despite the presence of such slender figures as Laidlaw, Jones and Hogg in our backs Scotland players are still, on average, the second heaviest team (although this might suggest that someone somewhere might be carrying a little bit too much weight).

But despite the decline in the number of tries being scored by everyone else and Scotland’s new found ability to cross the whitewash, it has not made any difference to the results. So what else might we pick up from the IRB’s report?

The Scottish defence tends to go in the 2nd half. Of the 11 tries Scotland conceded, 7 came in the 2nd half.

Scotland are more vulnerable in their own 22 than any other team in the tournament (6 tries) but conceded less from the opposition half than any other side bar Wales (1).

Scotland didn’t attempt a drop goal during the whole tournament.

Scotland were awarded (or won) fewer kickable penalties in the 2nd half than any other side (2 compared with England, France and Wales’s 8).

Discipline

Of the 13 yellow cards shown in the tournament 5 were flashed in the direction of Scottish players.

On 9 out of the 13 occasions yellow cards were shown, the opposition 15 were unable to score any points whilst players were in the sin-bin. On only one occasion (Wales v Scotland) did the points scored during the sin-binning account for the final points margin between the two sides.



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Scotland’s Standing Around the World

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April 4, 2012

If you look at Tartan week and Richie Gray stalking along a trendy New York catwalk, clad in traditional finery and winking at global fashion moguls, you would be forgiven for thinking that Scotland had some sort of international clout. Many individuals from many different ethnic backgrounds united in a love of tartan. Scotland seems to be recognisable.

Of course, Richie Gray is someone who does stand out, anyway. He is our one unquestionable world class talent and he is easily picked out of a crowd. He is in the happy situation where he will be sent to events as a signifier of Scotland until his last breath rattles into his lungs.

Do not be fooled. Stock abroad is something that figures heavily in the thinking of those at Murrayfield.

Scotland’s next fixtures involve games against Australia and a Super 15 side this summer and then New Zealand and South Africa travel north to take on Scotland at home, in November. These fixtures have long been in the can, but with the Scottish slide down the world rankings it will be hard to convince the top tier teams to play the Scots in three or four years time should the numbers stay as they are now.

So Scotland must sell themselves in any way they can. It is a popularity contest and only now, under a regime which, to their credit, have given themselves a shake and tried to promote themselves instead of appealing to the same old market it did in the 70s, are the grins pasted on faces and palms getting greased. I only hope someone at the Union – someone with a bit of guile about them and some people skills – accompanied Richie Gray and Thom Evans to New York and tried to schmooze some international high rollers.

If ‘the Union don’t do that sort of thing,’ then they should.

However the hot topic right now seems to be what Scotland can attain from abroad as well. Coaches are being shipped in for the summer and Gregor Townsend, with his coaching sessions learnt from southern experts, is moving west. He is swapping, of course, with Sean Lineen, who is to become a coach and a chief scout from within Murrayfield.

With this move I found myself asking why a chief scout was needed in the first place. So I asked the former Scotland international Shaun Longstaff, who is a director at Top Marque Sports, an agency that manages several international rugby players, how things work.

“All the progressive Unions have been scouting for years,” Longstaff informs me. “I don’t think things will change too much as far as Scottish rugby [is concerned]. In terms of the practicalities and opportunities for players with Scottish heritage there are only two pro teams in Scotland, there are thirty in France, twelve in England and then there’s the rest of the Rabo league and Japan, without touching the Super 15, too!

“Scouts historically work closely with the agents and will continue to do so. The roles definitely have similarities. In some countries I am considered more a scout than an agent.”

This last statement throws me off a little. If practices in searching for Scots qualified players have been going on for years then why do Scotland need a chief scout-type character to go out across the world now? If the Union feel this position is essential, is it the agents here or the local scouts, managers or agents abroad that they do not trust?

As well as this there is a question of expertise. If Scott Johnson, a man with a track record of alerting others about international talent, comes in and does not have the right contacts, how will Lineen fare any better? I would propose that local ‘experts’ would find it easier than either of them. Could flashing a bit more cash, signed off by a speculating CEO, really find better players?

Longstaff seems to sense my scepticism. “We, as always, have sourced Scottish qualified players for the SRU. Off the top of my head I can name Ali Muldowney, Ryan Wilson, Tommy Seymour, Tim Swinson and Keiran Murphy at the Scarlets –we’ve just brought [him] to the SRU’s attention. He is Scots qualified and a massive talent. All of these players are managed by our company … the list of players that we’ve sourced over the last 9 years of being in this business goes on.”

So will any gold rush for mercenaries or several Union appointed scouts make things tougher for the traditional agents?

“We’ll still be involved.”

I suspect that few agencies are quaking at the prospect of new SRU and IRFU scouts flying out and knocking on doors or cold calling contacts from way back when. Their first port of call will be with the people in the know and on the ground. Plus, in the competitive market, are agents or officials more likely to uncover that one free agent looking for four years sanctuary and a plush motor in return for international games down the line? Either way that players ends up in Scottish employ so why add another link to the chain?

In the meantime the fascination with the Southern Hemisphere continues. Scouts will fly out and so will a few Scottish youngsters.

With Jonny Gray and Gregor Hunter heading over to learn a thing or two in New Zealand as part of the Macphail Scholarship, alongside coach Ben Fisher (New Zealand born, bred and coached himself), there is a hope that both will learn enough to bring them on, even if the SRU have already deemed these two good enough for pro rugby.

It is great that some elite youngsters are getting the chance to enjoy some new rugby experiences, but one wonders if the money from such an initiative could be spent on something that benefits more than two young, already professional rugby players per year.

Scotland seems to be spending a lot of money these days for things achievable from the comfort of home.



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Scotland’s Looming Predicament

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March 19, 2012

Andy Robinson’s record now stands out like tap shoes in an abbey.

He has led his team to failure in all of this year’s 6 Nations games and understandably is considering his position. The problem is, however, that Scotland’s Head Coach has a position unlike most other coaches in international rugby.

After Saturday’s limp performance in Rome I spoke to a professional rugby player. He said that from what he had heard “The SRU is now like the United States of Andy Robinson”.

Now this may have been said in haste, right after the cheek-searing shame of Scotland losing their way to a wooden spoon. It is almost certainly an overstatement, as well. The sentiment, though, is one I have heard before.

With Andy Robinson in charge Scotland have had their worst ever World Cup and seven straight defeats. There has been a slide down the Rankings and Italy have bested them abroad. By all accounts the national squad has felt the strain, with public lauding of Robinson’s vision but rumours surfacing that the squad have lost hope. They were said to have been pushed hard by the Scotland Under 20s team in a training session before the big game on Saturday, after which Robinson allegedly praised the youngsters and looked disgusted with his own team.

If there is a real breakdown, though, and there is a frisson of malcontent, would Robinson take this into account? The reason this is important is that Robinson would have to walk to leave his job, because Mark Dodson has backed him till 2015.

Robinson has a fire guard of a contract and has surrounded himself with people that can solidify his position. Pro coaches have been shifted around without positions even being advertised, and he certainly had a hand in that. When he first arrived everyone intoned that Scotland had poached themselves a real star coach. Yet, with the team posting poor results and the man holding such high esteem at EH12, no one else can get the blame.

If no one is going to say that Scotland must accept that our players make up a second tier team in International terms – something even the most depressed of thistle wearers are wary of stating – then Robinson must shoulder the cross.

But there could be ways of escaping it. The coaches under him are leaving and there is a spate of new players. The baying crowd are told of progress in attempts to quell their blood lust. Political moves like shifting Sean Lineen can momentarily turn the crowd’s heads. Robinson could take a step upstairs in the coming weeks, to a Director of Rugby position (putting a title to a role he already holds).

If his pride swells and he gets a-swallowing, though, he could walk. There is only so much embarrassment a competitive man can take.

What if he walks, then? What fresh hell awaits the Scottish fans? Well with young promising individuals like Gray, Denton, Scott, Hogg, Weir, Welsh, Jones and Visser, Scotland could very well compete in the future, but before such a time there would be political issues.

In a move to further insulate Robinson’s position there have been the signings of new Australian coaches. One of them has a track record of walking away from jobs he does not like. If Robinson jumps, what will happen with Scott Johnson and Matt Taylor?

There is a tour of the Southern Hemisphere coming up pretty soon and most of that same squad will be there. If there is tension or there is an mood descending would a few new coaches change that? This certainly has to be talked out. There cannot be a situation where Robinson retreats into his shell and choreographed press releases swirl around news rooms. This has to be hammered out.

I have said it time and time again, but those in charge of Scotland need to make it clear to the nation what the long term plan is. Don’t keep people in the dark. It is disrespectful to a country that got caught up at the start of the campaign, filling stadiums, but who were ultimately let down.

For example, if, like England, this had been labelled a transition year things would be a tiny bit better now. Yet England obliterated expectations, while Scotland reneged on them. England talked of working towards the future publicly, while David Denton was allowed to say openly that Scotland could have won four games. This was one example of reckless PR and Andy Robinson is left to look silly.

If Robinson walks there will be turmoil. Scott Johnson could walk, too. Other people could have to answer questions about the long term vision for Scotland, not to mention cough up a lot of money in pay-offs. Conversely, if he stays, he or the SRU could lose credibility. It is a tough little conundrum.

Scotland, there is a problem clacking towards you. What’s it gonna be?



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Italy 13-6 Scotland

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March 17, 2012

The sun was shining on Rome yesterday but for the quality of rugby on display it might as well have been pouring rain and howling a gale.

Scotland turned up with only the wooden spoon to win and they duly obliged. You can’t doubt that these players did not want to lose, but the only team that seemed capable of doing anything about it were Italy.

The first half was uneventful as both sides struggled to find a rhythm or any sort of useful possession. Scotland gave away too many penalties, or perhaps Alain Rolland awarded too many. Regardless, the Italians dominated the possession and got the first points. They could have had plenty more with two further penalties and a charged down from Kris Burton (the Dan Parks-lite of Italy), while most of Scotland’s opportunities were out of kicking range of Greig Laidlaw. Even the one he confidently put over to send the teams in at half time at 3 apiece. Unfortunately there wasn’t parity in the team numbers as seconds before, Nick De Luca had thoughtlessly booted the ball from between the hands of scrum half Gori.

You could see from the look on De Luca’s face that a yellow card was the last thing he wanted to give away given his rollercoaster ride in this year’s Six Nations, but sadly Rolland is no great lover of romance, sentiment or anything intangible like that. If he spots it, you’re going. And so Scotland faced the start of the half down a man.

They battled well to hold Italy off but eventually the numbers proved the wee edge Italy had been seeking to get round Scotland’s nuggety defence, Venditi bursting through Hogg’s inneffectual tackle to score. From then on Italy held firm while Scotland struggled to put any sort of shape or pace on the game. No sooner had De Luca come back on than Jim Hamilton went to the bin for another silly indiscretion around a ruck.

In the face of this, even traditionally reliable men like Gray or Denton toiled to make headway. Gray was replaced for the lively Al Kellock early, but even as Italy started to tire and Scotland got the bounce of the ball (or should that be the rub of Rolland?), the home team did enough to prevent Scotland from scoring anything more than an additional penalty.

While hugely frustrating, late substitution to the starting XV Jon Welsh bolstered the scrum and did not give away any silly penalties that I saw and if he can make more impact in the loose, Chunk’s place could finally be under threat. Stuart Hogg still had little ball, but showed brief snatches in attack and was much better under the high ball and with his clearance kicks. The defence was largely sound, but discipline, line-out and tactics were mostly dreadful. Fix one thing, and another thing goes wrong.

It was looking fairly rosy before the tournament began, as it always does. It stuttered, but then came (mostly) good against France. We had an exciting new defence coach coming in, talent was being unearthed here and abroad, the SRU seemed like things were going in the right direction and tries were being scored. Okay, the results weren’t coming in but we’d put up with that for a wee while, in return for more performances like that. In return for progress.

Now we have a coach who may be making progress but the results point to the contrary, an untried and possibly unsuccessful coach in charge of Glasgow next season and a team that looks like it has regressed severely. The SRU with the handling of the announcement over Lineen and Townsend took a backwards step too.

In short, doom and gloom.

Where next for Scotland? We’ll be watching.

Keep an eye out for our tournament roundups next week and ongoing league and Heineken Cup coverage.



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Scotland Team To Face Italy

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March 14, 2012

Andy Robinson announced pretty much the team we had all suspected today, with Evans swapping in for the injured Lee Jones and a bit of reshuffle on the bench as one of the extra boys called up to training this week – in this case Jack Cuthbert – was swapped in to the utility back slot for Matt Scott who had filled in at the last minute last weekend. It’s perhaps tough on Scott, but if he keeps his form up for Edinburgh there should be plenty more caps for him. No place for blog favourite Alex Grove despite a strong showing in the A Team game at the start of the campaign, and regularly crossing the line for Worcester. Hogg, De Luca and Blair have recovered from their knocks and I suspect they would fancy having a crack at the Italians if the conditions favour it.

The pack this tournament has had a consistency of selection that is pleasing while the backline has changed considerably from that which faced England many moons ago, and it is perhaps time for them all to reward Robinson with the win he needs to salvage something from this tournament.

Scotland team to face Italy on Saturday: Stuart Hogg, Max Evans, Nick De Luca, Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont, Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, Geoff Cross, Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton, John Barclay, Ross Rennie, David Denton
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Euan Murray, Al Kellock, Richie Vernon, Chris Cusiter, Ruaridh Jackson, Jack Cuthbert

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Italy vs Scotland Teams Announced

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March 14, 2012

Andy Robinson announced pretty much the team we had all suspected today, with Max Evans swapping in for the injured Lee Jones and a bit of reshuffle on the bench as one of the extra boys called up to training this week – in this case Jack Cuthbert – was swapped in to the utility back slot for Matt Scott who had filled in at the last minute last weekend.

It’s perhaps tough on Scott, but if he keeps his form up for Edinburgh there should be plenty more caps for him and I would expect him to tour in the summer; the same probably goes for Duncan Weir as both men will (barring injury) have to settle for a first cap, for now. No place for blog favourite Alex Grove despite a strong showing in the A Team game at the start of the campaign, and regularly crossing the line for Worcester. Hogg, De Luca and Blair have recovered from their knocks and I suspect they would fancy having a crack at the Italians if the conditions favour it.

The pack this tournament has had a consistency of selection that is pleasing (this lineup has been chosen for the last 3 games) while the backline has changed considerably from that which faced England many moons ago, and it is perhaps time for them all to reward Robinson with the win he needs to salvage something from this tournament.

Perhaps if the other games had gone better we’d have seen a more experimental flavour to this team but the days of nonchalance against Italy are long gone. These players got us into the hole and now they have a chance to pull themselves out of it a little way, before it’s all change and some new faces for the summer tour.

Scotland team to face Italy on Saturday: Stuart Hogg, Max Evans, Nick De Luca, Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont, Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair; Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, Geoff Cross, Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton, John Barclay, Ross Rennie, David Denton
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Euan Murray, Al Kellock, Richie Vernon, Chris Cusiter, Ruaridh Jackson, Jack Cuthbert

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).  Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland) and Pascal Gauzere (France).  TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales).

UPDATE

For Italy, Jacques Brunel again makes wholesale changes from the side which lost to Wales. Fit again Martin Castrogiovanni returns at tighthead, Marco Bortolami comes into the second row, and Robert Barbieri is included at openside. In the backs Edoardo Gori resumes at scrum-half, Tomasso Benvenuti comes in at centre, and and Giovanbattista Venditti once more starts on the right-wing. Joshua Furno and Manoa Vosawai are named on the bench for the first time this campaign.
The selected team is the most experienced Italy team of all-time with a total of 787 caps with another 50 caps on the bench.

Italy Team: D’Apice, Masi, Venditti, Benvenuti, Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, Burton, Gori; Lo Cicero, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni, Geldenhuys, Bortolami, Zanni, Barbieri, Parisse (capt)
Replacements: Cittadini, Furno, Favaro, Vosawai, Botes, Toniolatti



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Negative? Scotland Just Weren’t Good Enough

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March 12, 2012

Thinking back on Scotland’s loss to Ireland has been hard. Out of respect for the players I will analyse the goings-on at Scotstoun and Murrayfield in a separate piece because that is something that had no effect on Saturday’s result. What I will say, though, is that Scotland lost because they were bested by their opponents.

Many people say that Scotland has a negative press and that we must seek positives. With this game you cannot gloss over the fact that Scotland were second best in a lot of major facets. It is hard to put spin on it.

The scrum once again disintegrated. The lineout, so dominant before, was picked off when Scotland were chasing the game. The discipline was poor. It was made easy for Ireland’s defence by passing in front of them, moving towards the touchline. Scotland never seemed to cope with Ireland’s instant box-kick from every kick-off reception.

David Denton played fairly well and Richie Gray carried brilliantly but Scotland seemed to wander around this game. When they were direct they worked forward well, however, the lapses in concentration ensured that Scotland could never win it. Negative? This is the truth and it must be faced up to that this team face a watershed in Rome.

Gone was the dynamism in the runs. Some were willing, but Ireland were not wearied like many had hoped. There was a lapse from Sean Lamont – who was playing with far too much fire in his head, for some reason – when he attempted to obliterate Reddan at the base of a ruck and the Leinster 9 slipped under his charge and scampered in for a score. It was the very definition of a soft score.

At the end of the first half, when Scotland had roared back following a moment of individual brilliance from Gray, there was another lapse as a mark was called in the away side’s 22. Jones passed it to Hogg. He ran at full tilt, perhaps conscious that he had been outplayed by Kearney, and the fire was once again stoked up in players’ heads. Instead of playing sensible rugby the ball found Andrew Trimble who surged in at the corner.

I am trying to find positives, really I am, but the problem is that errors were made and Ireland were gifted opportunities.

As for the Earls ‘dive’, I will assume that the passions of being a fan are clouding peoples’ judgement. Evans did make some contact with him and in real time it looked for all the world like the Scot had given up running for the ball and just cut in behind the Irishman. No matter how minimal the contact was it was made and if Earls did not go down –theatrically, of course –he would still have looked like his run was that much harder. It would still have been obstructed by an Evans making for the touchline and behind Earls. Earls was never going to score but his chance was tugged away from him, ever so slightly. How can you give a penalty without a yellow card?

Of course this talk also takes a lot away from Ireland. Much of it was not that Scotland were so bad, but that Ireland were much better than many expected them to be. That is where the shock came in. Scottish fans, for some inexplicable reason, expected Ireland to be weak. They were not and Ferris, Kearney, Ryan and O’Mahony all played very well.

The over-analysed ‘Choke Tackle’ was not so much of an issue as Ireland bossing the breakdown. Evans got a yellow card, yes, and it seems like Irish players could have gotten one earlier, but where Ireland’s offenses at the ruck were streetwise and out of the referee’s gaze, a few of Scotland’s were not.

Scotland were unlucky. They were unlucky because Ireland made them unlucky.

In The Hollow Reality after the France result I said, “If injuries ravage Ireland then maybe Scotland can turn them over a week on Saturday, but now he will be looking at Italy and the summer tour.” That is still the case and this game needs to be completely forgotten. It was a heavy loss and will only demoralize if it is dwelt upon.

The progress from the France game did not continue. Hopefully against Italy it will restart. There are talented youngsters there, but Ireland outplayed them.



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