Way too early RWC Squad

[Big D]

Still 3 months out from RWC but Brown is still on crutches in these pics:
https://www.scottishrugby.org/fanzone/s ... d=1&pid=38

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Still 3 months out from RWC but Brown is still on crutches in these pics:
https://www.scottishrugby.org/fanzone/s ... d=1&pid=38

Awful clobber

[Big D]

Asked yesterday if Gray would still be considered in the event of second-row injuries, Townsend said: “He’d definitely be in the mix

Gray will probably be better off focusing on getting a bit of rest and a good pre season under his belt. Next season is a contract year and if he has a good year and hints at not being available for internationals then there may be a good few euros in it for him.

[Big D]

Brown had an operation on his foot apparently.

[ARM]

And Duncan Taylor is fit.

At least until the first warm up game when inevitably his head will fall off or something.

[OptimisticJock]

Happy for him to get a chance to prove himself but hes been out a long time and I don't want to see someone lose out on the hope he will regain form.

[no sleep]

I'd like to see Johnson & Taylor in the centres; though I've pretty much given up on the idea of seeing an established centre pairing. Reckon those two would pose a defence plenty of problems, and should be solid enough defensively.

[Tobylerone]

And Duncan Taylor is fit.

At least until the first warm up game when inevitably his head will fall off or something.

Lightning strike..?
Would be about right, with his luck..

[Chunks Baws]

These recent Japan results have made our group very interesting. A little bit of worry is creeping in.

[General Zod]

These recent Japan results have made our group very interesting. A little bit of worry is creeping in.

Agree. The fact that it is now Russia and not someone significantly better that we play 4 days before we play Japan in the last game is hopefully going to be helpful. I am still worried about the Samoa game after last time tho!

In fact, I am more worried that the amount of grief I gave my wife after the Boks lost to Japan is going to come back and bite me in the お尻!

When is the actual squad named - I note england are naming theirs after they play wales this Sunday.

[Big D]

We should be beating Japan. Yes it is their home world cup but this squad should be challenging Ireland to win the group.

This set of players are our best to head to a RWC in a long time. Time for them to step up.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Good thing we've got a 6 foot 9, 20 stone lock we can bring on to grind them down if it comes to it.


Oh wait...

This RWC is going to be a real test for Toony. To better the last one we either have to learn to beat Ireland & SA or NZ (if we finish second)... I've seen nothing under his reign so far to suggest we can beat any of those 3. Excluding one of his first games against NZ in 2017 AIs...

[General Zod]

So when is the actual 31 named?

[Big D]

It will be after game 3 probably

[Big D]

So when is the actual 31 named?

Deadline of 8 September imposed by World Rugby.

[Big D]

Graham
Pyrgos
Steyn
Grigg

All cut from squad.

[Adder]

Graham
Pyrgos
Steyn
Grigg

All cut from squad.

Which Graham?

Sent from my Moto G (5S) using Tapatalk

[hanuman]

Gary Graham

[switchskier]

Gary Graham

You had me worried there.

No real surprises, though I thought grigg might have made the cut. Think it's the right decision though.

[Cameo]

I actually thought from those that Steyn had the best chance with his versatility. All make sense though. For what it is worth, my squad now would be (though this will probs change after warm ups)

Dell Bhatti
McInally Brown Turner
Nel Fagerson Berghan
Gray Gray (realistically Cummings)
Gilchrist Skinner
Barclay Ritchie
Watson
Bradbury Fagerson (though depends on BladeThomson whose ability to cover second row would be handy - if so, may drop Ritchie instead of Fagerson)
Price Horne Laidlaw
Russell Hastings
Graham Seymour
Johnson Taylor (form dependent, otherwise Horne)
Jones Hutchinson
Kinghorn Maitland
Hogg

[hugh_woatmeigh]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49304310

As opposed to... not taking a swing at it?!

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Also why are people naming R Gray? Something changed?

[Big D]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49304310

As opposed to... not taking a swing at it?!

Reads like quotes lifted from a wider speech or answers to members questions at the AGM.

More interestingly, I wonder who the party is they are talking to regarding the investment? Probably the money who want to buy into the 6N?

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Anyone know what the deal is with the seating arrangements for the France game? Is the East stand completely closed? Can't imagine it's sold out... Can only find crap in the corners atm.

[ARM]

Anyone know what the deal is with the seating arrangements for the France game? Is the East stand completely closed? Can't imagine it's sold out... Can only find crap in the corners atm.

They had sold 50,000 tickets a month ago so yes I imagine East stand is sold out and corner tickets are all that are remaining.