Early 6N discussion thread

[Mikey Brown]

This doesn't say anything regarding a potential return date but confirms he's still out with concussion.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/scarlets ... jury-list/

As with Scott, I really hope this is simply the new, more informed, approach to concussions and being extra careful with any head injuries.

[Chunks Baws]

This doesn't say anything regarding a potential return date but confirms he's still out with concussion.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/scarlets ... jury-list/

As with Scott, I really hope this is simply the new, more informed, approach to concussions and being extra careful with any head injuries.

Cheers. I had a quick look on Twitter and he's still showing symptoms and might not be back until after the 6N starts

[Mikey Brown]

Yep. Not promising. There is clearly room for a player or two to claim the 6 or 8 shirt, but if he's only going to get his first cap in the summer that isn't a lot of time to settle in, even if he's as good as we hope.

Is Dean considered an option for Scotland? He's often impressive in highlights, but I struggle to see past his babyface.

[Big D]

Yep. Not promising. There is clearly room for a player or two to claim the 6 or 8 shirt, but if he's only going to get his first cap in the summer that isn't a lot of time to settle in, even if he's as good as we hope.

Is Dean considered an option for Scotland? He's often impressive in highlights, but I struggle to see past his babyface.

Hardie came straight in so it is possible but yeah will be tough.

He did get a proper sore one though tbf.

[OptimisticJock]

This doesn't say anything regarding a potential return date but confirms he's still out with concussion.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/scarlets ... jury-list/

As with Scott, I really hope this is simply the new, more informed, approach to concussions and being extra careful with any head injuries.

He was talking at half time on Sat and said he'd be back in a couple of weeks.

[Cameo]

I've now watched the two games from the weekend. A few players in contention helped their chances:

Graham - not going to be first choice wing but has confirmed he is worth his squad place. I'd say fourth choice wing.

Cherry - Ford didnt convince though was decent in open play. Stewart was better in the lineout. However Cheery might be in pole position for the bench.

Horne - was decent and definitely ahead of Price for me.

Johnson - the main one for me. I'd say first choice 12

[Chunks Baws]

When's the squad announced? France and Italy have both announced their wider training squads.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Believe it was 17th Jan last year. Is it not typically in the weekdays between the two HC games? Never quite understood that. Makes sense to do it after the second game

[Big D]

Believe it was 17th Jan last year. Is it not typically in the weekdays between the two HC games? Never quite understood that. Makes sense to do it after the second game

First game of the 6n is 01/02/19. I would expect them to be meeting up the Monday after the last HC game.

[Chunks Baws]

The squad is announced tomorrow.

[Big D]

On the rugby pod big Jim asked a surprisingly good question of GG about his arm injury 5 years ago.

Broke both bones in his forearm which led to only 1 bone setting properly and another op. Then tore his groin in the RWC after coming back then fractured his forearm.

Really unfortunate. Cost him the Scotland captaincy at then time and a deal at Toulon.

[General Zod]

So, any predictions for Toony’s bolter tomorrow? (And why is it called a bolter?).

I’m going with a hooker, although I’m not sure who.

[whatisthejava]

Because its Ireland and Italy only one or two surprises

Not sure if Reid, Sutherland or Battie are backup to Dell
No Ford for my money so McIanlly, Cherry and the weeg lad.
4 locks - JG, GG, SS, BBT - No Swinson or harley
Backrow - Ashe, Fagerson (if fit), Watson, Wilson, Richie

Surprise at 9 may be no Price
No surprise at 10
Centres Horne, Dunbar, Jones and JJ or Sam J
Back 3 Kinghorn, Graham, Hogg, Seymore, Maitland

Thats my bet for the majority of the team

[OptimisticJock]

How much game time is this Kerr lad had? Is he dual qualed?

You think Pyrgos might get a recall java?

[Big D]

It would be ridiculous if Harley is picked.
Possibles:
Kerr might get a look in at 2.
McCallum as 5th prop (or probably 6th and 3rd choice LHP).
Maybe one of the young locks in for training.
Strauss?
Hardie as back up 7? Crosbie invited to training.
Pyrgos genuinely has been excellent for Edinburgh lately.
I suppose WFD is the form back up 10.
Dunbar is done. McDowall might get an invite to training.
Johnson and JJ both deserve a call up.
Graham has to be in the squad.

Results speak for themselves, Edinburgh are no longer clearly second best as before and reputations (Dunbar esp) should not be enough to avoid picking form alternatives.

[Big D]

How much game time is this Kerr lad had? Is he dual qualed?

You think Pyrgos might get a recall java?

Kerr is Scottish. Only at Leicester because he went to uni down there.

[OptimisticJock]

How much game time is this Kerr lad had? Is he dual qualed?

You think Pyrgos might get a recall java?

Kerr is Scottish. Only at Leicester because he went to uni down there.

Cheers.

As for Pyrgos he's been much better, I'm not sure I'd want him playing though.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

So, any predictions for Toony’s bolter tomorrow? (And why is it called a bolter?).

I’m going with a hooker, although I’m not sure who.

It'll have to be hooker given the injuries. Stewart, Cherry or Kerr.

I don't think it will be Vellacott but he should take note if Toony does show an interest again. He may not get another opportunity to play for Scotland and it's looking unlikely he'll make the grade with England for a while.

[switchskier]

Dingwall as a bolter? Toony may be keen to cap him and he's better than Harris for me

[Mikey Brown]

It would seem a bit mad to use a 6N spot just to tie Dingwall in when he’s only 19. I can’t work out if Harris is ever going to be a usefull option in the 23 with Jones around, but he’s something a bit different.

I hope Johnson can show something.

I’d like to see more of both Bhutti and Sutherland, but I don’t know how the involvement of a rookie hooker might affect that.

Agreed we can surely, finally push past Swinson/Harley now for good.

How many at the back? Graham, Maitland, Seymour, Kinghorn, Hogg?

[Big D]

How much game time is this Kerr lad had? Is he dual qualed?

You think Pyrgos might get a recall java?

Kerr is Scottish. Only at Leicester because he went to uni down there.

Cheers.

As for Pyrgos he's been much better, I'm not sure I'd want him playing though.

I see our 9s as two groups. Pyrgos seems the not quite but close enough like for like replacement for Laidlaw and then Horne and Price.

Given it's WC year it wouldn't do any harm to have him at training just in case.

[Big D]

Dingwall as a bolter? Toony may be keen to cap him and he's better than Harris for me

We don't cap people just to tie them down. Of all our caps since the last RWC only Burleigh has been one and done. All others there has been a good reason for calling them up (even Lang).

So if he is picked it will be on merit and as you say he has shown more than Harris. Although so have the Edinburgh centres and McDowall.

[switchskier]

It would seem a bit mad to use a 6N spot just to tie Dingwall in when he’s only 19. I can’t work out if Harris is ever going to be a usefull option in the 23 with Jones around, but he’s something a bit different.

I hope Johnson can show something.

I’d like to see more of both Bhutti and Sutherland, but I don’t know how the involvement of a rookie hooker might affect that.

Agreed we can surely, finally push past Swinson/Harley now for good.

How many at the back? Graham, Maitland, Seymour, Kinghorn, Hogg?

I'm not saying to cap him for the sake of it, more that he nay already be one of our 32 best options and worth a look. In the bits and pieces that I've seen (not a lot admittedly) he looks more dangerous than Lang or Harris. Worth getting him in the squad for a look I think.

McDowell us the other option but I'd want to see him play a few more intense games first. I think that the two could dovetail quite nicely in the future though.

[Mikey Brown]

Actually pretty damn good? Greig as captain is my major issue. Give it to McInally or Gilchrist and play a fast 9, but no massive blunders in there? Not feeling Grigg at this level but Scott/Dunbar can't stay fit.

[Mikey Brown]

1. Dell, Allan, Bhatti
2. McInally, Kerry, Cherry, Stewart
3. Nel, Berghan, Rae
4. Gilchrist, Skinner, Swinson
5. Gray, Toolis
6. Ritchie, Graham
7. Watson, Hardie
8. Ashe, Strauss, Wilson (though it won't be in that order)

9. Laidlaw, Horne, Price
10. Russell, Hastings
11. Maitland, Jones
12. Horne, Johnson, Dean
13. Jones, Harris, Grigg
14. Seymour, Graham
15. Hogg, Kinghorn