It's funny really, the way I see it Wales and Scotland have similar but opposite problems at outside half. Bigger was outstanding last night, sheer bloody will to win, great decision making, kicked superbly, defended like a demon, I pure luves him. But he's also our biggest problem, with him at 10 (ignoring Hardy who was shit at 9) we create very little, its why Anscombe pre injury was so well thought of. Bigger is one of our best players but also our biggest problem. If only Patchel could stay fit for a year or two.
For Scotland you have the same issue with Russell but in reverse....well that and the players are never quite as good as everyone thinks they are, or could be or might be if the stars align.
Tj, how on Earth do you propose that Scotland are the 4th best team in the World???
I didn't. I said thats their potential. Currently we are 9th and thats where we belong playing as we have been
It would be interesting to swap the welsh coaching team for the scots because the welsh seem to me to be the best prepared team in the competition
Yes please, where do I sign, Pivac is shit!!!
I'd agree something is wrong. But not all down to toonie, although as head coach he takes ultimate responsibility.
There are two teams on the pitch and we let beating England cloud our thinking, part management part players, part pundits blowing smoke up their arse (looking at you Hastings).
We've got players spread to the 4 winds and playing/training with clubs when others have their squads cloistered and focussed.
And that 2017 season England put 60 past us.
2018 we beat England and France. Then almost get turned over by Italy. It's a lack of focus but it's the Scottish disease.
Biggar has been superb this year or two. Thats why I had him as my lions 10. Yes he plays a limited game but he plays it so well
Yes please, where do I sign, Pivac is shit!!!
He ( or someone on the staff) is doing a superb job prepping Wales. Look how well they knocked France out of their stride and came within one catch of winning the game despite producing so little go forward ball and so few scoring chances
Jonathan Davies I'm surprised he wasn't HIA'd took a bang to the head then one to the face. Both left him shaking his head.
Tj, how on Earth do you propose that Scotland are the 4th best team in the World???
I think he meant we have the individual pieces to make the 4th best team in the world.
However, the way those pieces are currently assembled we're lucky if we're in the top 8.
Not sure if I entirely agree but there does seem to be something amiss in the Scotland camp at the moment. Or maybe it's just Hogg and Russell have had two mediocre games in a row and we're all pressing the panic button prematurely.
Guess we'll find out in a few hours if it really is time to hit the panic button or not.
Yup - thats it Bruce
Hogg is fast becoming one dimensional. Catch, arcing run, hitch kick, tackled turned over. There's no denying his passion and he may well be a good leader but he needs a bit more.
Pin Italy back make them run into a defensive line attack when we can. But play it canny move their big lads around. Let them drift up the pitch before pinning them back.
Reckon today's back row could be devastating or carded, probably for offences against themselves.
If only Patchel could stay fit for a year or two.
So much this! And Biggar is a god, but Wales have so much more potential, from what I see, when they can play Biggar&someone or someone&Biggar 50min/30min.
It would be interesting to swap the welsh coaching team for the scots because the welsh seem to me to be the best prepared team in the competition
Yes please, where do I sign, Pivac is shit!!!
Pivac has yet to convince me, too. Also, I don’t think I can take to him as a person. His man management style is irritating. I also wonder how good a job Stephen Jones is doing?
Ps I wouldn’t want Townsend either. However, I’d take either over Eddie Jones!
I think Biggar is probably the best Lions 10 currently - much as I hate to say it, as he's an annoying whingedbag!!
Tj, how on Earth do you propose that Scotland are the 4th best team in the World???
I didn’t. I said thats their potential. Currently we are 9th and thats where we belong playing as we have been
Sorry, I misunderstood.
Quick check: Scotland 7th, Wales 8th following yesterday’s result.
He'll be overtaken by Smith on current form by the time the next tour occurs. As long as EJ doesn't limit him.
Coaching for scotland is always going to be an issue as it will never be a top job. this leaves us with a choice of a young ambitious coach who will use it as a st4epping stone, someone towards the end of their career or a second rate coach. If we get a good coach who is also a patriotic scot then we might get a first rank coach at the top of their game
townsends bluff should have been called and he should have spent these last few years learning his trade at clubs not the Scotland team.
I think Biggar is probably the best Lions 10 currently – much as I hate to say it, as he’s an annoying whingedbag!!
Yup - he does tend to make me laugh rather than angry tho and he seems to have toned it down a bit!
What do you reckon chaps - do I need to build my pillow fort behind the sofa for todays game or can I watch it sitting on the sofa?
A quick search gives:
Gregor Townsend earns a salary estimated to be £480,000
What do you reckon chaps – do I need to build my pillow fort behind the sofa for todays game or can I watch it sitting on the sofa?
I think you can safely start watching, sitting comfortably on the sofa. But, pull it out should you need to dive behind. Italy have played some entertaining rugby, but have a few too many weaknesses to beat a composed Scotland. However, should a flakey Scotland turn up - who knows.
Scotland should easily take Italy.
I think at the highest level a controlling 10 is more important than a maverick. I enjoy watching Smith & Russell play, but Bigger has a better overall impact on the game.
You are making a fair case for Farrell.
Scotland should easily take Italy.
Makes careful note of exactly who to blame when it all goes tits up.
Scotland should easily take Italy.
Makes careful note of exactly who to blame when it all goes tits up
😂
The Sun is always dazzling in Rome, even on the tv, they need a huge shade.
Luke Pierce as ref. Thats good. I rate him
Makes careful note of exactly who to blame when it all goes tits up.
Thats Ok, I'm supporting Italy anyway. 🤣🤣🤣
Anyone but Scotland?🙄😀
Damn!
Lovely break though.
Anyone but Scotland?
No, just that I generally support Italy as long as they are not playing us, they need some love.
Just a jest.
I tend to agree with the sentiment
Italy have so, so deserved that try!
How they keep their determination, despite not having won a game for forever, is very admirable.
Really good from italy
Catching up from last night. I watched the Wales / France game early hours after being out-out.
Wales played a brilliant strategy of discombobulating France. After the France try I thought Wales would be in for a hiding. But Biggar is playing the best rugby of his career. His tactical kicking from hand was superb. One dropped pass was the difference.
The case for Farrell up there ^^^^. Biggar is two dimensional, very limited as an attacking 10. Farrell has one, kick it away aimlessly.
Italy are up for a proper game here.
Yes
The wee man again. Great score
Ali Price having a very good game.
How was that not forward?
Ball was passed from behind the line and was caught in front of the line!
2m forward at least, obvious at first sight from the telly coverage.
Hamish Watson does not seem to have the same impact on a game as he once did.
I’m glad Hogg is not on my team!
Wow, that new Italy kid is lively!
Wow great finish.
After this Scotland performance I don't rate their chances agaisnt Ireland next week at all.
So England likely to get stuffed now, I'm thinking Frogs will have their bogey match agaisnt us next week (if you don't call the close game agaisnt Wales their bogey) and Ireland win on points?
Why Gauss?
That was an entertaining game and Italy could have won that
Wow, that new Italy kid is lively!
But should he not still be playing under 14s? 🙂
After this Scotland performance I don’t rate their chances against Ireland next week at all.
I never have. Ireland play in a way we seem unable to play against. Ireland and France are the two best teams
And the summarisers in the TV studio watch Hogg's try and say what a good pass it was? Are they under orders of some kind not to question decisions?
And the summarisers in the TV studio watch Hogg’s try and say what a good pass it was?
Unbelievable.... Jesus it was miles forward!!
Shame for Italy
No - they are just daft!
Its a funny thing the "forward pass" - once tv replays came it it became clear that many passes travel forward eventho they look backwards so its now judged on the direction of the hands as its passed
watch this video for explanation
