posted Dec 22, 2008

Hi Ali. As a unit, I think you are right. Barclay/Beattie compared to MacDonald/Rennie makes Glasgow's back row perhaps shading it slightly although this is helped by the fact that Ally Hogg is unusually off-form this season. I'm not a big fan of Kelly Brown and think that we can perhaps exploit him a bit?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 22, 2008

InjuredAgain - your opinion of Kelly Brown is similar to the one I had of him last season. I saw him as a reliable workhorse who simply did not have enough ability to be effective internationally.

However, this season, he has added anew dimention to his game: offloading. He was a stand out at the game at the Rec. Brown has improved on many aspects of his game, and as far as ball retention in the tackle goes, he is probably the safest forward in Scotland. He can take on slow ball and improve it. Add to this an offloading ability, you get an effective player.

Beattie and Brown are the back row equivalent of Yin and Yang: they are oppposites, but they are both as effective as each other in their own way. Brown is the least celebrated member of the trio: but his donkeywork is every bit as effective as Beattie's breaks.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 22, 2008

Ali, I sense that you are not going into this game with too much optimism!!
One way or another, here's hoping that there is a really good game for a big crowd (figures between 15 and 20,000 arer being thrown around)
Even as an Edinburgh fan, a little bit of me wouldn't mind Glasgow winning both games to get a Scottish team to the top/very near the top of thwe ML. The game here really need that sort of a boost.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 23, 2008

Does anyone know if the Boxing Day game is being shown on TV/Sky?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 23, 2008

It's on Setanta I think.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 23, 2008

RE Kelly Brown - I would agree he is a bit of an unsung hero, I have watched him several times this season and have been impressed every one. He is an absolute master at winning turnovers and is a key component of Glasgow's back row and therefore team. I do find it difficult to see why Hadden picked White for the AIs at 6 when Brown and Strokosch are, in my mind, far superior and better equipped to perform the role required of a top quality 6.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 23, 2008

Both matches are on Setanta. Boxing day one kicks off at 7.30pm then the Firhill match on the 2nd is a 3pm KO. Hopefully people won't be discouraged to attend because it's on the telly!

I think Glasgow will edge both matches, they seem to be playing with a lot more confidence and spirit then Edinburgh at the mo.

Talking of back rows tho, isn't Rennie banned?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 23, 2008

He was but it was for two week and this runs out prior to boxing day.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 27, 2008

I cannot believe I've just read that, As an Edinburgh fan if we won both games e would be near the top of the league. Its just astounding that yo've come out with a comment like this and reflects an attitude highlighting whats wrong with the pro teams

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Dec 27, 2008

Good game all round though Glasgow didn't really turn up. Was by no means their worst performance but Edinburgh attack was slick. Southwell had a screamer and well deserved his MOTM bubbly.

No offence to Munster fans buts i really hope you drop some points. If that happens we could see some high flying scots...

And i swear Webbo could be coated in oil or butter with the way he runs

add comment | complain about this comment