posted May 9, 2008

I'm not talking about Parks! had enough of it!

Worried at the 2nd row! could be our downfall!

Hmmmmmmmmmm

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posted May 9, 2008

Funny how second row has suddenly become such an issue but agree that it's probably the weakest area in the squad at the moment. You take Hines out of the equation and the resources are seriously stretched. MacLeod isn't a test quality lock and Jason White falls between 6 and 5 (although I think 5 may be his resting place for Scotland in future). Scott Murray has played his best matches already and Jim Hamilton, although chunky, hasn't yet developed the appetite for carrying and rucking that would make him something special. Bascially leaves up hoping that Kellock can get fit ASAP.

Albacete and Lobbe will not be afraid!

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posted May 9, 2008

Such a shame! we've always been traditionally strong in the 2nd row!

I'm not going to patronise anyone by giving my team selection! However! I'm thinking about suggesting putting parks in the front row!

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posted May 13, 2008

Is Hines injured? If not then this is a complete farce. Just sack Frank honestly, no good...

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posted May 13, 2008

Atomic Pom - Hines is out due to the extension of the French Top 14. We are also missing Cusiter to Perpignan, Murray to Montuban and Taylor to Stade Francais. Moray Low is out after injuring himself on the last day of the season - and he had played in every ML game this year without injury - the luck of the Scots eh!

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posted May 13, 2008

It's never going to be easy against the pumas, but I think there's a good chance that scotland will see some of its best back line performances for years during these tests (not that that's necessarily saying much)

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posted May 14, 2008

Well without a decent second row it should force Hadden to adopt a more mobile backs orientated approach. He could include MacLeod, White, Strockosh, Barlcay and Hogg in the pack which although woefully lightweight as a set-piece unit at least all contribute hugely around the pack in the rucks and mauls. Keeping the ball alive for 80 minutes may not be a bad gameplan, we certinaly streched the Pumas in the WC for the last 15 minutes using that approach.

The Pumas are also missing a couple of their big guns and have lost some players since the WC due to retirement.

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posted May 14, 2008

Pumas are a completely home based player selection. That means ALL the stars of the world cup will be missing. I know that the amateur game is strong in Argentina but a professional outfit with two excellent caoches (Lineen and Robinson) should have too much skill and conditioning for the Pumas. there is a question mark over the strength of our 2nd rows with only McLeod currently selected. However Hamilton will hopefully be fit and possibly Kellock as well. However the pace of De Luca, Cairns and Thom Evans should make the difference if the pack can win quick ball. Hall ahead of Thomson would my only selection query. Thomson was outstanding against England and did well in Italy, throwing much better that Ford. Having watched Glasgow v Munster have to say Hall does not look able the last a full game yet.
Selection on the tour will be interesting. Will Beattie and Barclay be restored to the back row alongside Strokosh, or will Hadden stick with Hogg, a great ball player but not a genuine open side?

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posted May 14, 2008

That's interesting. I didn't know that the Pumas were not going to select any overseas players. I had assumed the likes to Lobbe and Contepomi would be available.

Without any of their overseas players in the side then I agree, Scotland should have enough to seize the opportunity and prevail.

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posted May 14, 2008

Max evans is a great addition, he can play centre and he's not afraid to run with ball, something we lacked at 6nations!

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