6N squad - starting team

[Mikey Brown]

Is Kebble not a tighthead because he’s not suited to it, or hasn’t had the time/commitment to it? It seemed odd to me how back and forth Townsend was with that experiment, without ever really giving it a proper test. Though that is something of a Townsend signature I guess.

[switchskier]

Walker has to be in pole position as the presumably the incumbent at Glasgow's and only one regularly starting. You have to hope that Edinburgh have reached out to McCallum and he's chosen not to go back.

Is Javan Sebastian starting for Scarlets?

[septic 9]

Is Kebble not a tighthead because he’s not suited to it, or hasn’t had the time/commitment to it?

could be the former but as you say not really followed through enough to find out.

I think loose and tight head are so different very few can switch between the two and anyone who tries these days will end up not really good enough for either at international level. So at a minimum Kebble would need to be playing TH fairly regularly for Glasgow
As it stands, Glasgow have Fagerson as clear no1, Murphy rapidly staking a claim to be no2, Bergan on his way back (was good last week), Pieretto currently injured but has been very solid, and Sordoni as short term cover. Glasgow would have to have an horrendous run of injuries to play Kebble as starting or bench TH

So for me we see Kebble as a loose head - the experiment was about the RWC squad, Kebble isn't going to get any game time before it methinks

On the RWC squad, remember that Murphy IIRC debuted for Glasgow at LH

[General Zod]

AB Zondagh apparently on his way to Lyon at the end of the season. Don’t really know whether that’s good or bad. You’d think bad because it means getting in a new coach before the RWC, but on the other hand our attack doesn’t seem to have been as potent this year is in more recent years.

[Mikey Brown]

Our attack has largely gone to shit. Whether that’s him not being up to it or some clash of styles/personalities it just isn’t working.

Wouldn’t surprise me at all if he has great success at Lyon, I’m sure I didn’t get to where he was at Toulouse by accident, but we may as well roll the dice a bit with Scotland. Whether there is anyone half decent available/willing to step in is another matter.

Let’s be honest we’re going to need something drastic to overcome our shortcomings vs Ireland and SA.

[septic 9]

Our attack has largely gone to shit. Whether that’s him not being up to it or some clash of styles/personalities it just isn’t working.

Wouldn’t surprise me at all if he has great success at Lyon, I’m sure I didn’t get to where he was at Toulouse by accident, but we may as well roll the dice a bit with Scotland. Whether there is anyone half decent available/willing to step in is another matter.

Let’s be honest we’re going to need something drastic to overcome our shortcomings vs Ireland and SA.

no matter who the coach is and no matter who the rest of the backs are no attack is going to sparkle with Harris at 13.

No step, no acceleration, no top end gas, poor hands and shit pass; doesn't run good lines, not really able to run crash ball go forward

Can anyone name a single attacking attribute he brings?

[Mikey Brown]

It’s a different issue. Yeah there’s a lot of overlap, but the attack wasn’t bad entirely because of Harris. We seem to have a fundamentally poor sense of timing, running lines, contact skills and communication.

If somehow it was all Harris’s fault and Zondagh can’t get somebody else selected that’s an issue too.

[General Zod]

Will we have the same starting coach?



Can see a few three pint sessions incoming!

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Yes because this is for after the world cup!

So it's now official, by this time next year we'll have a new coach so I really hope that the SRU are beginning the search or at least sounding out names that could be in contention; perhaps some coaches will be stating their availability too though I doubt Scott Robertson will be one!

[stevedog1980]

While it’s for after the World Cup if he’s applying for jobs now what’s the message to the team? If Finn decides to pop out for a few shandies how can GT take the high horse about commitment to the team etc?

Results and performances lately haven’t been too great, bin him now and give Eddie Jones a contact until the the end of the World Cup!

[septic 9]

Yes because this is for after the world cup!

So it's now official, by this time next year we'll have a new coach so I really hope that the SRU are beginning the search or at least sounding out names that could be in contention; perhaps some coaches will be stating their availability too though I doubt Scott Robertson will be one!

official? Is it?

[Big D]

While it’s for after the World Cup if he’s applying for jobs now what’s the message to the team? If Finn decides to pop out for a few shandies how can GT take the high horse about commitment to the team etc?

What is he meant to do? Clubs are lining up their coaching staff for next season. If he doesn't get one lined up he'll miss the best jobs.

If he and the SRU have decided two world cups is enough, and it normally is for coaches then no one can complain really.

[Cameo]

While it’s for after the World Cup if he’s applying for jobs now what’s the message to the team? If Finn decides to pop out for a few shandies how can GT take the high horse about commitment to the team etc?

Results and performances lately haven’t been too great, bin him now and give Eddie Jones a contact until the the end of the World Cup!

Alternatively, man coming to end of contract who's had people demanding he quit looks at options. It's more Finn leaving Glasgow to Racing than Finn getting pissed.

He may also feel that after the World Cup it will be time for a fresh voice

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Now linked with Leicester Tigers :O.

I agree that 2 world cups is probably enough, especially if they resulted in early elimination and tbh I reckon Gregor wants a crack at another club job, probably at a top club hence the links to Leicester and Montpellier.

What worries me though is that neither Gregor (yet) or the SRU have dismissed or spoken about these rumours yet

[Cameo]

Now linked with Leicester Tigers :O.

I agree that 2 world cups is probably enough, especially if they resulted in early elimination and tbh I reckon Gregor wants a crack at another club job, probably at a top club hence the links to Leicester and Montpellier.

What worries me though is that neither Gregor (yet) or the SRU have dismissed or spoken about these rumours yet

I know what you mean, but what do you want them to say? It'd be different if they were rumours of him looking to leave now (not seen the Leicester one but presume that is post world cup too), but at the moment they would just be commenting on things he or they may or may not be considering.

A bland statement of "Gregor is contracted until after the World Cup. We will announce any further news in due course" would be okay but I don't really see the point.

[septic 9]

I understand Townsend was.approach by France.

If he moves on it will be to a club as head coach

[Big D]

Now linked with Leicester Tigers :O.

I agree that 2 world cups is probably enough, especially if they resulted in early elimination and tbh I reckon Gregor wants a crack at another club job, probably at a top club hence the links to Leicester and Montpellier.

What worries me though is that neither Gregor (yet) or the SRU have dismissed or spoken about these rumours yet

He's out of contract at the conclusion of the world cup.

The SRU shouldn't be saying anything.

With a good few players coming to the end of their international career or peak international career, it makes sense for both parties to move onto other options IMO. There is always a point that sports teams and coaches reach where a natural parting of ways is sensible.

[septic 9]

With a good few players coming to the end of their international career or peak international career, it makes sense for both parties to move onto other options IMO. There is always a point that sports teams and coaches reach where a natural parting of ways is sensible.

last sentence is of course true

However both parties may not agree when that time is. Should for example Scotland somehow get out of their RWC pool (ie finish above one of Ireland and SA), then get to a semi final, then maybe that would not be the time. Or maybe Toonie would still want a chnane of scenery, or want to cash in while his value is highest ; meanwhile the SRU would want him to stay on

All speculation of course, we'll see what happens in due course

[stevedog1980]

Townsend should comment and it’s pretty straight forward to resolve.

“My future after the World Cup lies elsewhere and I’m exploring some options for when that happens. Right now, I’m fully committed to Scotland and will be doing everything I can to prepare the team for a massive challenge in the group stages”

Initially I was taken aback at the timing of the news and just feel it would be best that someone take ownership of the situation

[Cameo]

Anyway.

We are getting quite close to the England game. Am I right in saying that Fagerson, Darge and Cummings are almost certainly out and that Watson and Graham are big doubts? What about the hookers - they seem to rotate on and off the injury list so I lose track?

That severely weakens us but we can still put a good team out. As ever recently, locks and centres will be the main area of interest I would think.

[septic 9]

Townsend should comment and it’s pretty straight forward to resolve.

“My future after the World Cup lies elsewhere and I’m exploring some options for when that happens. Right now, I’m fully committed to Scotland and will be doing everything I can to prepare the team for a massive challenge in the group stages”

Initially I was taken aback at the timing of the news and just feel it would be best that someone take ownership of the situation

there's nothing to resolve

Best way to deal with rumours is to ignore them. Responding only fuels more questions

[septic 9]

Anyway.

We are getting quite close to the England game. Am I right in saying that Fagerson, Darge and Cummings are almost certainly out and that Watson and Graham are big doubts? What about the hookers - they seem to rotate on and off the injury list so I lose track?

That severely weakens us but we can still put a good team out. As ever recently, locks and centres will be the main area of interest I would think.

don't think any of those 3 are definitely out just yet

main worry is tight head prop, if Zander isn't fit. Walker is also injured and Edinburgh can only offer the geriatric Nel. So Bergan or Rae or Sebastian ...............

[Big D]

Anyway.

We are getting quite close to the England game. Am I right in saying that Fagerson, Darge and Cummings are almost certainly out and that Watson and Graham are big doubts? What about the hookers - they seem to rotate on and off the injury list so I lose track?

That severely weakens us but we can still put a good team out. As ever recently, locks and centres will be the main area of interest I would think.

don't think any of those 3 are definitely out just yet

main worry is tight head prop, if Zander isn't fit. Walker is also injured and Edinburgh can only offer the geriatric Nel. So Bergan or Rae or Sebastian ...............

That may be the reason Edinburgh found the funds to bring McCallum in.

[Big D]

With a good few players coming to the end of their international career or peak international career, it makes sense for both parties to move onto other options IMO. There is always a point that sports teams and coaches reach where a natural parting of ways is sensible.

last sentence is of course true

However both parties may not agree when that time is. Should for example Scotland somehow get out of their RWC pool (ie finish above one of Ireland and SA), then get to a semi final, then maybe that would not be the time. Or maybe Toonie would still want a chnane of scenery, or want to cash in while his value is highest ; meanwhile the SRU would want him to stay on

All speculation of course, we'll see what happens in due course

I agree with that in principle but waiting until the conclusion of the RWC would remove likely remove him from the running for a club head coach role in Europe. Clubs are unlikely to wait until November and risk being told no.

We of course may never know, although it should be public and some point, but I would be shocked if Townsend and the SRU weren't aware of where and what his next contract was prior to the month his current one expires.

As you say though, all speculation and something to fill the news void pre 6 nations

[Big D]

Fairly settled squad with Henderson and McDowell being rewarded for their form and Healy getting the inevitable call up.

Not sure I see the benefit of McConnochie being there really. Nine starts, 16 appearances and 1 try in two seasons for an average Bath team. At 31, he isn't old by any means but I don't see the benefits of him over even a youngster getting squad experience.