Squad for 6N

[Scottish Caley Fan]

It may be early for this but, it is just over 3 months away so maybe not

To be honest, club form probably dictates who gets picked but maybe not because apparently GT has his favorites.

For me I'd like to see Bradbury, Hutchinson, Gary Graham, George Horne and Callum Hunter-Hill included.

Duhan van der Merwe has certainly shown enough to be a mainstay of the team and I'd say Oli Kebble is worth of another shot.

I can't think of anyone who has shown they don't deserve another shot, so maybe you guys can help me out.

I look forward to your contribution

[Cameo]

Who would you replace with Callum Hunter-Hill?

I can see Graham getting more caps if he plays well for Newcastle but have never seen anything from him that makes me think he will be better than Ritchie or Watson.

The main things I would like to happen before the 6N are:

1. Russell get fit and flying

2. Hutchison and Jones re-establish themselves at 14 at club level.

I'm also not convinced that Darcy Graham has been fully fit.

[Big D]

Saracens aren't back playing are they? Tough to call up any of their guys at that point.

[Chunks Baws]

How many of Newcastle's Scottish contingent are playing regularly? If Newcastle keep up their current form it might be more than just Gary Graham getting a look in.

[septic 9]

I can see Graham getting more caps if he plays well for Newcastle but have never seen anything from him that makes me think he will be better than Ritchie or Watson.

he only has to be better than them if he is competing for the same role in the back row, or a bench spot. Balance again.

I haven't see Newcastle's games (I have them recorded and will watch if I find time) and never been a big Graham fan but he does cover all 3 back row positions, something Watson for example does not. Richie covers both flanks, Fagerson 6 and 8 (and I think 7 would be a good move for him), Thomson, Bradbury 6 and 8 etc.

Graham when I've seen him always looks a very decent player at league level, but not really the pace and stamina for a higher level

[septic 9]

It may be early for this but, it is just over 3 months away so maybe not

To be honest, club form probably dictates who gets picked but maybe not because apparently GT has his favorites.

For me I'd like to see Bradbury, Hutchinson, Gary Graham, George Horne and Callum Hunter-Hill included.

Duhan van der Merwe has certainly shown enough to be a mainstay of the team and I'd say Oli Kebble is worth of another shot.

I can't think of anyone who has shown they don't deserve another shot, so maybe you guys can help me out.

I look forward to your contribution

full squad or match day 23? how many if full squad?

BTW every coach at every level has their favourites. Townsend is not nearly as blatant as some, including current international caoches

[stevedog1980]

full squad or match day 23? how many if full squad?

BTW every coach at every level has their favourites. Townsend is not nearly as blatant as some, including current international caoches

Just wait for the Lions squad to be announced!!

[Big D]

There will not be many changes. Will be a few bag holders like Harley etc.

LHP: Looks like Sutherland, Kebble and Bhatti will be the 3 barring injury.

Hooker: Sigh. Rambo inconsistent, Brown can't help give away daft penalties and Turner had a couple of decent cameos. Stewart has done well enough for Glasgow. Need Ashman to start breaking through at Sale.

THP: Fagerson, Nel/Berghan but could do with one of McCallum or Rae really kicking on but that doesn't seem likely.

2nd Row: Cummings is a shoe in, his partner is up for debate. Would imagine Gray, Skinner, Toolis and maybe Craig to be involved in the squad. I'd like to have seen Skinner get a start but the Scottish staff don't seem to trust him as much as Baxter.

Back row: Watson and Ritchie will be 1st choice for now. Fagerson too by being least worst of options at 8. Would like to see Crosbie get involved in the squad and the way Graham seems to be playing his way into contention. Would love Bradbury to regain some form but seems doubtful.

9: Price, SH-C and mini Horne. Some will say Christie and/or Vellacott but can't see it.

10: Finn, VDW and Weir - pretty straight forward I think.

12: Taylor or SJ. Hutchinson can play here but I think he is a better 13. GT seems to like Lang. I would be speaking to Redpath even though it isn't likely to work.

13: Harris, Hutchinson and maybe Jones but until he pays there for Glasgow he wont start for Scotland there IMO.

Back 3: Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Maitland, Jones and probably Kinghorn who they seem to like regardless of form.

Captain - Hogg, he is still learning and I don't think his captaincy has been that bad. I like the aggression of kicking to the corner a lot. The criticism he has had of him coming in at 10 is strange, it will be a coaching decision not a unilateral decision by Hogg.

[Mikey Brown]

What about having your captain repeatedly fail at the basics of his position and give away crucial, match-turning points or field position?

I’d get it if fullback were a useful position of influence on the field to start with but it just seem arse about face. Maybe that’s why it’s quite fitting, now that I’ve said it.

Maybe it’s nothing to do with the captaincy and he’ll turn it around, let’s hope so, but it just doesn’t look right for me.

Has him standing in at 10 been what people are criticising? I think the best period he’s played recently was actually at flyhalf vs Wales.

[septic 9]

Scottish fans are an odd lot at times. The 2 players who have taken more heavy flack than anyone are Hogg and Russell. Go ask any coach anywhere if they would like to have them on their books. Go ask those same coaches which players they have most respect for as opponents.
Then ask why they get some much flak from so called fans.

And yes we can criticise or point out errors, as long as we balance with the upsides, and its pretty hugely obvious which way the scales tip

[Mikey Brown]

Do we really need to be saying we think Hogg and Russell are fantastic players, who pretty much walk in to the side regardless of form, every time we discuss them?

Maybe there’s a different kind of flack they’re getting elsewhere, I don’t know. I think it’s pretty reasonable to question why Hogg has been so shaky and if the captaincy has anything to do with it. We need to be getting the best out of players like him, otherwise we’re not even contenders.

[septic 9]

Do we really need to be saying we think Hogg and Russell are fantastic players, who pretty much walk in to the side regardless of form, every time we discuss them?

Maybe there’s a different kind of flack they’re getting elsewhere, I don’t know. I think it’s pretty reasonable to question why Hogg has been so shaky and if the captaincy has anything to do with it. We need to be getting the best out of players like him, otherwise we’re not even contenders.

Hogg would not have been my choice for captain, mainly because back 3 players are not best placed to get in a refs ear, a necessary evil these days
As I said criticism is fine. If its sensible, preferably constructive and balanced.
Plus rest assured If his form drops and/or someone is playing better, I'd be quicker to drop him than most coaches.
I've seen Hogg accused of kicking too much, as if every team doesn't and it wasn't part of the game plan. I've seen (not necessarily on here) both Hogg and Russell being accused of arrogance (ehm, what do you want on the park, from a 10 or 15?), being big headed, selfish or just slated for every error real or imagined. Mostly from folk who clearly think its big to do that and have "issues" I suspect.
On Hogg for example, I cannot count how many times I've read about him dropping a ball in a certain match. The reality was more complex, but he does not make a huge error every game, just as he does not score a wonder try every game. But the errors get talked about more and for longer and get thrown up much later than any of the good stuff he does. Same with Russell.

[Scottish Caley Fan]

How many of Newcastle's Scottish contingent are playing regularly? If Newcastle keep up their current form it might be more than just Gary Graham getting a look in.

Only Gary Graham.

Looks like Hardie, Guy Graham, Robbie Smith and Tom Marshall won't get much game time this season.

[switchskier]

Do we really need to be saying we think Hogg and Russell are fantastic players, who pretty much walk in to the side regardless of form, every time we discuss them?

Maybe there’s a different kind of flack they’re getting elsewhere, I don’t know. I think it’s pretty reasonable to question why Hogg has been so shaky and if the captaincy has anything to do with it. We need to be getting the best out of players like him, otherwise we’re not even contenders.

Hogg would not have been my choice for captain, mainly because back 3 players are not best placed to get in a refs ear, a necessary evil these days
As I said criticism is fine. If its sensible, preferably constructive and balanced.
Plus rest assured If his form drops and/or someone is playing better, I'd be quicker to drop him than most coaches.
I've seen Hogg accused of kicking too much, as if every team doesn't and it wasn't part of the game plan. I've seen (not necessarily on here) both Hogg and Russell being accused of arrogance (ehm, what do you want on the park, from a 10 or 15?), being big headed, selfish or just slated for every error real or imagined. Mostly from folk who clearly think its big to do that and have "issues" I suspect.
On Hogg for example, I cannot count how many times I've read about him dropping a ball in a certain match. The reality was more complex, but he does not make a huge error every game, just as he does not score a wonder try every game. But the errors get talked about more and for longer and get thrown up much later than any of the good stuff he does. Same with Russell.

We dont always agree but I'm with you on this. Hogg had done great moments this autumn but the nature of fullback play is that your errors can look huge. The Ireland one was just a well placed kick with an oval ball, it happens.

[Big D]

What about having your captain repeatedly fail at the basics of his position and give away crucial, match-turning points or field position?

I’d get it if fullback were a useful position of influence on the field to start with but it just seem arse about face. Maybe that’s why it’s quite fitting, now that I’ve said it.

Maybe it’s nothing to do with the captaincy and he’ll turn it around, let’s hope so, but it just doesn’t look right for me.

Has him standing in at 10 been what people are criticising? I think the best period he’s played recently was actually at flyhalf vs Wales.

What of your hooker is captain and can't throw (hello Rory Best), or a 7 that gives away penalties over and over?

From everything I have heard in interviews and read he has been a driving force in trying to drive standards up. He hasn't been great this autumn, but his captaincy has by and large looked pretty good from a far.

And yes people elsewhere are criticising Hogg for that:
"one position. It might cut down on the try-conceding howlers if he wasn't trying to play ten as well as fullback."

Also another criticising for taking kick offs. Bizzare imo.

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Out of the younger players or ones that would be classed as "surprise inclusions", who should we be keeping a keen eye on.

I have really gotten into Rugby since the restart (definitely a fan of Mark Durden Smith and Flats, take a guess at what I watch lol) so do keep a close eye (not easy to do on highlights alone but I don't have BT as Tennis is on Prime and Sky have football so nothing else worth subscribing to BT for).

I have started to watch Premier Sports coverage of live Edinburgh or Glasgow games (again, I'm a big fan of Rory and Jim Hamilton and Chris Paterson) so will get closer look at potential Scots but that may not be good lol because first Edinburgh game I watched was against Ospreys I think, JVDW had a shocker that night if I recall and I remember saying that I'd be amazed if he got a call up on that performance.

From Premiership, I'd say: Gary Graham at Newcastle, Glen Young of Quins and Jack Stanley (I think Gloucester).

[septic 9]

good news is Russell appearing for Racing this weekend

[switchskier]

From Premiership, I'd say: Gary Graham at Newcastle, Glen Young of Quins and Jack Stanley (I think Gloucester).

Young starts again for Quins against Munster tomorrow. I've never seen him as an international though. Not dynamic enough for me.

[septic 9]

Young starts again for Quins against Munster tomorrow. I've never seen him as an international though. Not dynamic enough for me.

me neither, been a bit of a squad player down there, but TBF what I've seen of him last while he is playing really well, but plenty in font of him for lock

Craig at Glouc still young and folk have high hopes for him following U20s. Big unit

[stevedog1980]

What of your hooker is captain and can't throw (hello Rory Best), or a 7 that gives away penalties over and over?

From everything I have heard in interviews and read he has been a driving force in trying to drive standards up. He hasn't been great this autumn, but his captaincy has by and large looked pretty good from a far.

And yes people elsewhere are criticising Hogg for that:
"one position. It might cut down on the try-conceding howlers if he wasn't trying to play ten as well as fullback."

Also another criticising for taking kick offs. Bizzare imo.

We had the same issue with Ross Ford and Mcinally as well when captain his throwing went to pot! At the time I remember looking for him to be relieved from throwing duties, anyone can throw into the lineout so replacing him with a prop and allowing Ford to lift should have been a viable option. You can't let someone else play full back though, if you're at 15 it's your responsibility.

I have to agree with criticising him for taking kick offs. Not because there's anything wrong with him taking the kick off as such but just because it's another responsibility to lay at his door that others are capable of performing. Same with kicking to touch from penalties. By this point he's responsible for kicking off, kicking to touch, playing first receiver in attack and full back in defence. All of these are pivotal responsibilities. Just taking some of the burden off his shoulders will surely help?

[Big D]

What of your hooker is captain and can't throw (hello Rory Best), or a 7 that gives away penalties over and over?

From everything I have heard in interviews and read he has been a driving force in trying to drive standards up. He hasn't been great this autumn, but his captaincy has by and large looked pretty good from a far.

And yes people elsewhere are criticising Hogg for that:
"one position. It might cut down on the try-conceding howlers if he wasn't trying to play ten as well as fullback."

Also another criticising for taking kick offs. Bizzare imo.

We had the same issue with Ross Ford and Mcinally as well when captain his throwing went to pot! At the time I remember looking for him to be relieved from throwing duties, anyone can throw into the lineout so replacing him with a prop and allowing Ford to lift should have been a viable option. You can't let someone else play full back though, if you're at 15 it's your responsibility.

I have to agree with criticising him for taking kick offs. Not because there's anything wrong with him taking the kick off as such but just because it's another responsibility to lay at his door that others are capable of performing. Same with kicking to touch from penalties. By this point he's responsible for kicking off, kicking to touch, playing first receiver in attack and full back in defence. All of these are pivotal responsibilities. Just taking some of the burden off his shoulders will surely help?

He takes kick offs and kicks to touch because he is the best in the team at it. Same reason that Kinghorn does it when he plays. The extra 10m he can kick the ball further than everyone else is important. Taking a few kicks isn't that big a responsibility, see ball kick ball. These are things he will not be thinking about until he needs to do them.

He hasn't been at his sparkling best but the mistakes he is making is hardly because he is taking kick offs and penalties. If anything IMO he needs to rethink his attitude that he wants to play every game. He had a series of massive games for Exeter then came straight into 4 fairly tough and physical internationals. He would probably benefit from a break every now and then.

[stevedog1980]

It's fine when they are going well but missing touch to effectively forfeit the game just goes to show how important they are.If they're important, they're pressurised. Like I said, I don't think either of these responsibilities by themselves add much but when you take them all together, Hogg has a pivotal responsibility in everything we do.

I totally agree with you on workload, it's been a very strange and congested international season and with Exeter challenging on all fronts as well there's very little time for recuperation. Burnout feels like a very real possibility

[General Zod]

Refs have been announced. Apparently, this was a while ago, so may be old news!

England - Andrew Brace (think he was the ref who helped England over the line to the nations cup)

Wales - Matthew Carley

France - Wayne Barnes

Ireland - Poite

Italy - Peyper

And congratulations to Mike Adamson who is “oor” first 6N ref for years in the England v Italy match.

Can’t find the touch judges right now...

[Cameo]

Ireland - Poute. That does not fill me with confidence.

[General Zod]

Ireland - Poute. That does not fill me with confidence.

I switched to surnames at that point. Like all the baddies get.

Although I quite like Peyper and would put him up there with the best. Good old Jaco.