Team v Italy

[Cameo]

Only good thing was a wee bit of composure near the end there. Hogg effectively played 10 for the last 15 mins.

Couldnt impose our tempo on that game at all though. Scraped a win. Let's forget about it now and hope we get 3rd

[Donny osmond]

Barclay, Gray, Laidlaw, Russell or Hogg need to give the team a shake.

Italy can't keep this level up for 60 mins let alone 80, lets just be patient

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ah yes, right again...... [emoji15]

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[General Zod]

Why did it take us so long to work out that the driving maul worked in this match.

We played better as the previous night’s vino tinto wore off.

[switchskier]

Barclay, Gray, Laidlaw, Russell or Hogg need to give the team a shake.

Italy can't keep this level up for 60 mins let alone 80, lets just be patient

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ah yes, right again...... [emoji15]

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It's one of the more enduring mysteries why Italy can't play for a full 80 minutes. After all they're all pro players with some of them at pretty decent clubs. Anyways they've got a very tasty back row taking shape with Negri, Pollegri and Parisse.

For its its a win but not much more. Denton should have been on much earlier as we sorely lacked power but what I wouldn't give for a Vunipola that could consistently put us on the front foot.

[Donny osmond]

Italy can't keep this level up for 60 mins let alone 80, lets just be patient

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ah yes, right again...... [emoji15]

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It's one of the more enduring mysteries why Italy can't play for a full 80 minutes. After all they're all pro players with some of them at pretty decent clubs. Anyways they've got a very tasty back row taking shape with Negri, Pollegri and Parisse.

For its its a win but not much more. Denton should have been on much earlier as we sorely lacked power but what I wouldn't give for a Vunipola that could consistently put us on the front foot.

I know what you mean, but they started so quick and with so much movement, I'm not sure anyone could keep that tempo up.

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[BlackCat1978]

Nel and Brown cleay aren't fit. Swinson and Wilson were completely anonymous. What exactly is Wilson in the side for?
Jones had another poor game: his defence is bloody awful! Horne made a massive difference, as did Denton doing some actual carrying. Seemed a throwback to the Welsh match, throwing the ball back and forward laterally, with no hard carrying to suck the defence in and make gaps.
I'm not doubting Barclay's ability , but as a captain, where was the leadership.
Reid and Fagerson could easily have gotten hard-worked for penalties reversed by getting into petulant handbags.
On the positive side; Maitland, Hogg, Laidlaw, McInally, both Grays, Watson and Grigg, all played well imo.

[ARM]

Bonus point win. Simple.

[Edinburgh in Exile]

Bonus point win. Simple.

Indeed. Sure, we may never lose again.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Coincidence that we've salvaged wins from what looked like certain defeats against France and Italy after hooking Finn?

Not blaming him - think the issue lies at both 10 and 9. But these changes against France and Italy changed the momentum massively.

[BlackCat1978]

Also, if memory serves, the change has also coincided with Wilson being hooked for someone who can actually carry...
Personally I'd have Strauss at 8 all day long, with Denton on the bench.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Also, if memory serves, the change has also coincided with Wilson being hooked for someone who can actually carry...
Personally I'd have Strauss at 8 all day long, with Denton on the bench.

Wilson, Barclay and Watson are PROBABLY our 3 best back rowers. But the balace just isn't right - completely agree with that.

[Mikey Brown]

Coincidence that we've salvaged wins from what looked like certain defeats against France and Italy after hooking Finn?

Not blaming him - think the issue lies at both 10 and 9. But these changes against France and Italy changed the momentum massively.

When Laidlaw stopped playing 9 you mean? I don’t think you could say it was specifically down to either move, but he has been properly shite as a 9.

Great goal kicker, but he is back to totally stunting any forward momentum in attack. It just isn’t worth it.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Dropping Gilchrist, Berghan entirely and McInally to the bench almost backfired big time today. Anyone disagree with that?

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Coincidence that we've salvaged wins from what looked like certain defeats against France and Italy after hooking Finn?

Not blaming him - think the issue lies at both 10 and 9. But these changes against France and Italy changed the momentum massively.

When Laidlaw stopped playing 9 you mean? I don’t think you could say it was specifically down to either move, but he has been properly shite as a 9.

Great goal kicker, but he is back to totally stunting any forward momentum in attack. It just isn’t worth it.

I'm not going to get drawn into whether the issue is at 9 or 10 as I'm too drunk. You're probably right but even when Finn has been delivered quick, fast ball he has wasted possession and played stupid ass, telegraphed shit that a toddler could read or floaty hospital passes that would send Martyn Madden in under the posts if he was still playing.

The combination isn't right. We need more competition at 10 - that's for sure.

[morepork]

Scottish people, how much of this was down to the fact the Italians are actually moving towards an aggressive attack not based entirely on mauling? I didn't see the game but from what I have seen of Italy this year, they seem to be attempting to use their attacking threats more actively than in the past, with guys like Minozzi being ones to watch.

[BlackCat1978]

Also, if memory serves, the change has also coincided with Wilson being hooked for someone who can actually carry...
Personally I'd have Strauss at 8 all day long, with Denton on the bench.

Wilson, Barclay and Watson are PROBABLY our 3 best back rowers. But the balace just isn't right - completely agree with that.

I ask again, what does Wilson actually give you? He has been pretty anonymous the entire tournament. I like his fighting spirit, but he's a jack of all trades, and master of none.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Also, if memory serves, the change has also coincided with Wilson being hooked for someone who can actually carry...
Personally I'd have Strauss at 8 all day long, with Denton on the bench.

Wilson, Barclay and Watson are PROBABLY our 3 best back rowers. But the balace just isn't right - completely agree with that.

I ask again, what does Wilson actually give you? He has been pretty anonymous the entire tournament. I like his fighting spirit, but he's a jack of all trades, and master of none.

Wilson? Very good with the ball in hand at both carrying and distributing. Always hits his rucks in attack when needed - doesn't hang out on the wing which CDP and Denton are guilty of. He offers an extra option come lineout time and is a good defender & jackal. Also a niggly bugger who winds up the oppo.

Some might call it a jack of all trades, I think he is a very, very good player now. But the overall balance is wrong. I'd actually drop Barclay & start WIlson at 6 which opens up a spot for an out and out 8.

I may change my mind in the morning...

[Donny osmond]

Scottish people, how much of this was down to the fact the Italians are actually moving towards an aggressive attack not based entirely on mauling? I didn't see the game but from what I have seen of Italy this year, they seem to be attempting to use their attacking threats more actively than in the past, with guys like Minozzi being ones to watch.

Had their best game by far, and yes it was due to them actually playing rugby, moving the ball around, trusting each other and looking for quick possession. They appear to have some handy backs and a decent back row to compliment their traditional 'strength' in the front five. Connor OS has them moving in the right direction.

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[morepork]

Scottish people, how much of this was down to the fact the Italians are actually moving towards an aggressive attack not based entirely on mauling? I didn't see the game but from what I have seen of Italy this year, they seem to be attempting to use their attacking threats more actively than in the past, with guys like Minozzi being ones to watch.

Had their best game by far, and yes it was due to them actually playing rugby, moving the ball around, trusting each other and looking for quick possession. They appear to have some handy backs and a decent back row to compliment their traditional 'strength' in the front five. Connor OS has them moving in the right direction.

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Thanks mate.

[Mikey Brown]

Wilson, Barclay and Watson are PROBABLY our 3 best back rowers. But the balace just isn't right - completely agree with that.

I ask again, what does Wilson actually give you? He has been pretty anonymous the entire tournament. I like his fighting spirit, but he's a jack of all trades, and master of none.

Wilson? Very good with the ball in hand at both carrying and distributing. Always hits his rucks in attack when needed - doesn't hang out on the wing which CDP and Denton are guilty of. He offers an extra option come lineout time and is a good defender & jackal. Also a niggly bugger who winds up the oppo.

Some might call it a jack of all trades, I think he is a very, very good player now. But the overall balance is wrong. I'd actually drop Barclay & start WIlson at 6 which opens up a spot for an out and out 8.

I may change my mind in the morning...

That seems a bit extreme. I’m sure I remember having a bit of an epiphany with Wilson a couple of years back and suddenly seeing a bit of value in him, with you shouting me down I believe. But you’re right he has improved a huge amount in the last couple of years. He still isn’t a big carrier or influential enough elsewhere to really demand a spot, but is a great spoiler and grafter.

The balance is all off as you say. If we had a Negri at 6 he’d look a better fit but we don’t. And Barclay is the better, more important player.

That missed tackle today was unforgivably shit.

[Big D]

Scottish people, how much of this was down to the fact the Italians are actually moving towards an aggressive attack not based entirely on mauling? I didn't see the game but from what I have seen of Italy this year, they seem to be attempting to use their attacking threats more actively than in the past, with guys like Minozzi being ones to watch.

They are moving forward but Scotland were very lacklustre even when under little pressure today.

I'd say probably 50/50 today between them being better than they have been and us being poor.

Their lack of fitness in each game has been unforgivable at international level.

[hugh_woatmeigh]

I ask again, what does Wilson actually give you? He has been pretty anonymous the entire tournament. I like his fighting spirit, but he's a jack of all trades, and master of none.

Wilson? Very good with the ball in hand at both carrying and distributing. Always hits his rucks in attack when needed - doesn't hang out on the wing which CDP and Denton are guilty of. He offers an extra option come lineout time and is a good defender & jackal. Also a niggly bugger who winds up the oppo.

Some might call it a jack of all trades, I think he is a very, very good player now. But the overall balance is wrong. I'd actually drop Barclay & start WIlson at 6 which opens up a spot for an out and out 8.

I may change my mind in the morning...

That seems a bit extreme. I’m sure I remember having a bit of an epiphany with Wilson a couple of years back and suddenly seeing a bit of value in him, with you shouting me down I believe. But you’re right he has improved a huge amount in the last couple of years. He still isn’t a big carrier or influential enough elsewhere to really demand a spot, but is a great spoiler and grafter.

The balance is all off as you say. If we had a Negri at 6 he’d look a better fit but we don’t. And Barclay is the better, more important player.

That missed tackle today was unforgivably shit.

Oh I didn't think Wilson was much cop until the last year or so.

I also don't think he's that great - he is very good though. I was just offering the positives that he brings.

[BlackCat1978]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think he's terrible; but the lack of a penetrative ball carrier at 8, is contributing to the lack of incision in our attack.

[switchskier]

Don't get me wrong, I don't think he's terrible; but the lack of a penetrative ball carrier at 8, is contributing to the lack of incision in our attack.

I'd agree but also say that we can get away with Wilson in some matches if McInally starts and carries well. Also applies to Faegerson to a lesser degree.

[Big D]

The thing with Wilson is he does somethings ok, somethings well and not many things poorly or very well.

I am not sure what his position really should be at international level.