This has to be Townsends last stand, 2 home games , with varying levels of difficulty,Italy away is not the threat it was.3 wins are enough for meI disagree – Harris has had quite a bit of opportunity now and whilst he is indeed playing well with Glaws, so are all the other 13s – two of who have stood out in the Test arena – Jones and Bennett.He’s had few opportunities, I grant you, but he’s not set the heather ablaze when he’s had the chance, however limited that may have been.
In the process he turned off the men left behind, that is what I believe is really damaging. I think Bennet is the form centre at present.
Alan, the ‘whole Toony thing ‘ will never defuse. There’s plenty of options with this group. the team is never settled so there is no accountability just threat and fear to motivate. Hoyland? His presence, attitude, passion and energy are qualities which will influence others around him. As results proved, it was too much for them to bear.I think the key to the upcoming six nations is not so much about the squad selection rather how quickly the players selected can pick up the new defensive patterns under Steve Tandy. Toony will have done his part to hype a border brother to a few more years in the game and in the process snubbed a few others, in the ill-conceived belief they will welcome a telephone call from him, when he is ready . STUART HOGG has been named captain of a Scotland squad for the Six Nations Championship which contains six uncapped players. So I’d pick Hutchison with Jones, otherwise Scott with Hutchison.I’ve not been that impressed with Johnson at test level and our midfield in the RWC was very stodgy.The pundits say that’s all sorted now and he’s one of the best defenders in his league.I’ve only seen highlights which tend to show what he does in attack!I am a bit gutted for Mark Bennett. so you never know, we might turn them over against expectations. Hogg ain’t no captain, doesn’t have the brains and reeks of handing it to the star player no matter how ill suited he is. In 1951, the touring Springboks massacred Scotland 44–0 scoring nine tries, a then record defeat.The teams from 1955–63 were an improvement. I would argue that there is a limitation of ability to see beyond the point with the way both players lack a perspective of edge that is needed and required at international level. ).Bennett unlucky but all the other centres deserve their places (including Harris apparently on club form but I’m still not convinced…).The only other one I’m not that happy with is Pyrgos – would have much rather get someone young/new in than picking someone who is really just another Pete Horne (solid but not outstanding and never going to push us up to top level).Maybe wrong but thought I heard Matt Fagerson has a broken rib which would explain his omission.Townsend just confirmed M Fagerson has a fractured rib which will keep him out for a few weeks. He also became a touch predictable, and maybe now we can see more variety bringing people, like Tagive or Steyn into the mix. You lot have all resigned yourself to 2 more years of Townsend.I wish we woukd just man up and do it.The whole Toony thing needs a defuse.
I’m always slightly concerned that we pick up injuries to Hogg and Russell in the first game of the six nations.
But since Macron took over as kit supplier, the number fonts on the back of their kits were Beating all the sides in the Six Nations is called a Scotland has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. Like Messi for Argentina.Leaves out the west coast Scots boys – Ried, Bennett, R.Gray and picks obscure foreigners instead. It will be interesting if we play more pragmatic rugby, playing rugby further up the pitch and only forcing the play when the opportunities present themselves. If not then it’s going to be a loooooooong championship.Interesting, it seems the Tombola has returned. Robbie Nairn? I think for the match 23 it largely still picks itself but will be great for the new boys to get some experience and act as injury cover. !McGuigan and Tagive but no Bennett? The English could hardly ignore such a challenge and this led to the first-ever rugby international match being played at Academical Cricket Club's ground at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on Monday 27 March 1871. Kinghorn and Hastings aren’t bad replacements but if we really want to do something in the tournament we need our stars fit and firing.Good squad. Brilliant referees, availability good, almost Injury free , the players for the new brand of Scottish rugby available and an enthusiastic , eloquent captain.
I think Hogg is mature enough now to be Captain, but do worry that he is a little remote from he the action. They’re taking our jobs, aided and abetted by Walter Mitty.I would agree , Hogg is no captain but the alternatives are few.