RugbyRebels

Lizard wrote:The tests should be on at a good time for us in NZ. It should be interesting to see how Japan fare after a good RWC. Regrettably they won't have Leitch who apparently wants a rest (and I hope this is not due to any French Club style pressure from my Chiefs on him).

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:I think it's pretty obvious Dunbar is not going to be available. He's named because his injury is still being confirmed.

Cameo wrote:

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:I think it's pretty obvious Dunbar is not going to be available. He's named because his injury is still being confirmed.

If he is out do we think bennet will be called back in? I kindof hope not as it'd be fun to see him in Rio. I hate myself for saying this but from a personal marketability point of view I bet his agent wants him at the olympics too

Big D wrote:

hp18 wrote: Strauss is much improved at that level.

To be fair that is true. I still have the same concerns as before regarding him, but credit where it is due.

I'd almost have been tempted to pick Bradbury for the tour as a flyer. He has nearly always impressed me off the bench for Edinburgh and offers real impact but still way too early for him.

Mikey Brown wrote:I feel Strauss could do with stringing some games together for Scotland, but agreed we shouldn't just be offering that up for nothing.

I just have this feeling that 6. Strauss 7. Watson 8. Ashe could be fantastic, with very little to base it on.

With Ashe at 22, Richie at 19, Bradbury at 20, CdP 25, Denton 26, even Wilson at 27 and no doubt others (Ally Millar for example) who will come through the youth or appear from nowhere I am not sure Strauss will ever have a chance to get an extended run in the side. He obviously should if form merits it but there will be plenty of different options for VC and the next coach to try out and find a balance.

Although 6 and 8 are short term concern it is actually 7 that is the longer term worry IMO.

hp18 wrote:

Big D wrote:

hp18 wrote: Strauss is much improved at that level.

To be fair that is true. I still have the same concerns as before regarding him, but credit where it is due.

I'd almost have been tempted to pick Bradbury for the tour as a flyer. He has nearly always impressed me off the bench for Edinburgh and offers real impact but still way too early for him.

Mikey Brown wrote:I feel Strauss could do with stringing some games together for Scotland, but agreed we shouldn't just be offering that up for nothing.

I just have this feeling that 6. Strauss 7. Watson 8. Ashe could be fantastic, with very little to base it on.

With Ashe at 22, Richie at 19, Bradbury at 20, CdP 25, Denton 26, even Wilson at 27 and no doubt others (Ally Millar for example) who will come through the youth or appear from nowhere I am not sure Strauss will ever have a chance to get an extended run in the side. He obviously should if form merits it but there will be plenty of different options for VC and the next coach to try out and find a balance.

Although 6 and 8 are short term concern it is actually 7 that is the longer term worry IMO.

How so? Hardie, Barclay, maybe Cowan immediately. Watson should be in there and has many years ahead of him. Blake looked to have some skills and post Rio should be more focussed on XVs. Smith at U20s level definitely one to watch.

hp18 wrote:

Big D wrote:

hp18 wrote: Strauss is much improved at that level.

To be fair that is true. I still have the same concerns as before regarding him, but credit where it is due.

I'd almost have been tempted to pick Bradbury for the tour as a flyer. He has nearly always impressed me off the bench for Edinburgh and offers real impact but still way too early for him.

Mikey Brown wrote:I feel Strauss could do with stringing some games together for Scotland, but agreed we shouldn't just be offering that up for nothing.

I just have this feeling that 6. Strauss 7. Watson 8. Ashe could be fantastic, with very little to base it on.

With Ashe at 22, Richie at 19, Bradbury at 20, CdP 25, Denton 26, even Wilson at 27 and no doubt others (Ally Millar for example) who will come through the youth or appear from nowhere I am not sure Strauss will ever have a chance to get an extended run in the side. He obviously should if form merits it but there will be plenty of different options for VC and the next coach to try out and find a balance.

Although 6 and 8 are short term concern it is actually 7 that is the longer term worry IMO.

How so? Hardie, Barclay, maybe Cowan immediately. Watson should be in there and has many years ahead of him. Blake looked to have some skills and post Rio should be more focussed on XVs. Smith at U20s level definitely one to watch.

Croft_No.5 wrote:Thought I would post it here. RWC19 draw pushed back to May 2017, post next 6Ns. Hopefully we can push ourselves into the top 8 by then!

Croft_No.5 wrote:Thought I would post it here. RWC19 draw pushed back to May 2017, post next 6Ns. Hopefully we can push ourselves into the top 8 by then!

Cameo wrote:

Croft_No.5 wrote:Thought I would post it here. RWC19 draw pushed back to May 2017, post next 6Ns. Hopefully we can push ourselves into the top 8 by then!

Cant do the maths but that seems a good thing for us. If we beat everyone below us til then and get one or two big wins we must have a chance

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:I like Sean Lamont but how is this going to help Scotland in the medium to long term? Just shows how far off international selection Lee Jones & Tom Brown really are.