6N squad - starting team

[Mikey Brown]

Hopefully this is a slightly easier format to read?

Front Row
Ashman, Brown, Cherry, Turner
Bhatti, Sutherland, Schoeman
Berghan, Fagerson, Nel, Sebastian

Second Row
Henderson, Gray, Gray, Skinner, Gilchrist

Back row
Christie, Crosbie, Ritchie, Watson
Fagerson, Dempsey, Bayliss

Half Back
White, Horne, Price
Russell, Healy, Kinghorn

Centre
Redpath, Harris, Tuipulotu, McDowall, Jones

Back Three
Mailtand, McConnochie, Steyn, Van Der Merwe
Hogg, Smith

[Mikey Brown]

"Zander Fagerson, Fraser Brown and Hamish Watson are included despite fitness concerns" is probably the biggest caveat with this squad. I'm guessing the 4th options at both hooker and tight-head are due to this.

Bennett out doesn't seem right, but Jones and ST have been playing very well. Is McDowall deserving of a spot?

Kinghorn and some Irish guy as second choice 10s, but I guess we have few options. Is Healy actually any good?

McConnochie seems like he would have been a good shout a few years back but has been injured for a long time and can't remember when I last saw him get in a Bath side. I thought we'd moved beyond Maitland but he still seems to be playing well and is good 15 cover.

[BaldiePete]

I don’t see Harris being dropped any time soon. For better (defence) or worse (attack) Toony obviously sees him as crucial to the backline. That leaves everyone else fighting over the inside centre position which is definitely not going to suit Bennett. Tuipulotu is in great form and has to start. I can see Tuipulotu and Harris starting with Jones on the bench. With a 5:3 bench Jones and Kinghorn cover all the backline positions. As for McConnochie, that’s just an attempt at shithousing England. See also Healy, he’ll get a cap off the bench against Italy.

[Mikey Brown]

He is deluded if he thinks picking McConnochie is going to wind up the England selectors.

I really hope we're not seeing tuipulotu at 12 again but you're probably right.

[Big D]

I don’t see Harris being dropped any time soon. For better (defence) or worse (attack) Toony obviously sees him as crucial to the backline. That leaves everyone else fighting over the inside centre position which is definitely not going to suit Bennett. Tuipulotu is in great form and has to start. I can see Tuipulotu and Harris starting with Jones on the bench. With a 5:3 bench Jones and Kinghorn cover all the backline positions. As for McConnochie, that’s just an attempt at shithousing England. See also Healy, he’ll get a cap off the bench against Italy.

Healy has committed to Edinburgh so is at least moving here.

The wing position will be interesting as the main runners and riders all have a shout for the position.

[switchskier]

Looking forward to seeing what Henderson can bring. Got all the attributes I reckon. Mailtand and McConnochie is a bit damning on the young talent at wing where you can break through a bit earlier. Is Mclean injured? Tight head stands out as a massive weakness.

Not good from an Edinburgh perspective. Pretty poor representation. Hopefully serves as a motivator.

[BaldiePete]

Not good from an Edinburgh perspective. Pretty poor representation. Hopefully serves as a motivator.

On the plus side, more players available for Edinburgh’s game against the Sharks on the 28th.

[Cameo]

Mainly gutted that Graham is out. One of our best players. Really light on the wing.

Any news of return dates for him and Darge?

[stevedog1980]

Graham is a potential for the last 2 games. I agree, he’s a huge loss and there’s really nobody else like him to replace him. His ability to create his own opportunities is fantastic, a pretty reliable back up plan is just to get the ball in his hands and play whatever happens next!

[General Zod]

I like Harris, but would start Tuipolotu and Jones just for the chaos they could cause by swapping about and being fed by Russell. However, I think Toony will maybe wait until later in the match to do that.

I also think he will start Steyn on the wing and Crosbie will make the bench at least.

So there.

[Mikey Brown]

Steyn always seems like a solid option when he gets a chance. Maybe not the same threat as Graham but a really good all rounder.

I’m still just waiting for Redpath to get a run, but the Glasgow pair do seem to be the form options, but Harris is still immovable I’m guessing unless Tandy has also thrown the towel in.

Do we have an attack coach currently?

[Cameo]

Back to Townsend I guess

Would love to see Jones and Tuipolotu start together but just can't see it. To be fair, it's not like they have played often enough together to make an irresistible case for selection.

[Cameo]

Just on the Townsend thing. According to the BBC, he says he was approached by France to see if he was available after the World Cup. He said he might be as he hasn't yet been offered a new contract. He certainly doesn't seem to be saying he wants to go.

Don't think there is any big scandal here. Most would say it is premature to offer him something new. Inevitably there will therefore be some discussions about other options.

[septic 9]

Back to Townsend I guess

Would love to see Jones and Tuipolotu start together but just can't see it. To be fair, it's not like they have played often enough together to make an irresistible case for selection.

yes, Toonie taking that attack currently but I think he has someone in helping (probably from Warriors) and moves are afoot for a full time appointment

Can't see Jones and Tuipolotu starting. Lack of games together will be used (tonight's is the 3rd I think) but Toonie won't move away from Harris unfortunately

[septic 9]

Just on the Townsend thing. According to the BBC, he says he was approached by France to see if he was available after the World Cup. He said he might be as he hasn't yet been offered a new contract. He certainly doesn't seem to be saying he wants to go.

Don't think there is any big scandal here. Most would say it is premature to offer him something new. Inevitably there will therefore be some discussions about other options.

I think he said he was approached and replied he wouldn't discuss anything just now. And he clearly wants to stay on

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Just on the Townsend thing. According to the BBC, he says he was approached by France to see if he was available after the World Cup. He said he might be as he hasn't yet been offered a new contract. He certainly doesn't seem to be saying he wants to go.

Don't think there is any big scandal here. Most would say it is premature to offer him something new. Inevitably there will therefore be some discussions about other options.

I think he said he was approached and replied he wouldn't discuss anything just now. And he clearly wants to stay on

The question is, does Dodson want him to stay on

I do but truly believe he's off after the world cup unfortunately .

[Mikey Brown]

Jonny Gray out and Hodgson in.

Not really sure if his form warranted being ahead of Skinner, Richie or Gilchrist anyway. It's a shame though as he;s one of those players that really seem to lift the pack as a whole when he's really on form.

[Mikey Brown]

“Pete has done a great job in the contact area with Glasgow. It was one area where we felt the backs had to improve from the autumn. That will be Pete’s specific focus as well as working with the players on skills and adding to our group.

“Brad is coming in for the whole Championship in a consultancy role. Brad will have more of a general focus – the bigger picture of attack with the backs and with counter-attack. We are banking on his experience and knowledge to add to our group.”

[Cameo]

Everyone praising Finn and his attitude this week.

https://www.theoffsideline.com/gregor-t ... n-russell/

I just want it all to work out but can see why people think it doesn't sound genuine given what has happened before.

[Mikey Brown]

I’m not sure these are really new statements though are they? The press will make every PC about Russell whether he’s in the squad or not. Actually felt a bit of exasperation from Ritchie as he answered that question, like “yeah of course he’s good, he’s always been good and he’s always worked super hard on the on-field stuff”.

I don’t think Townsend ever questioned Finn’s talent, but of course has to mention his form having improved in order to be brought back to the squad. We all know it was meant to be a kick up the arse attitude wise and not about form, but it’s reasonable to say it’s worked, even if GT went about it in a stupid way?

[switchskier]

Jonny Gray out and Hodgson in.

Not really sure if his form warranted being ahead of Skinner, Richie or Gilchrist anyway. It's a shame though as he;s one of those players that really seem to lift the pack as a whole when he's really on form.

Starting for Exeter this weekend. So a choice rather than an injury?

[septic 9]

Jonny Gray out and Hodgson in.

Not really sure if his form warranted being ahead of Skinner, Richie or Gilchrist anyway. It's a shame though as he;s one of those players that really seem to lift the pack as a whole when he's really on form.

Starting for Exeter this weekend. So a choice rather than an injury?

Gray stayed with Exeter to deal with an ongoing injury. No way was Hodgson preferred. Or do you mean Gray's choice? If he chose to stay and opt out of Scotland (for one game or indefinitely) then I'd be very surprised; and he can fuck off

Its more likely that the injury has improved, and Baxter has decided improved enough to play

Not a good look either way

[septic 9]

Price and Dempsey start for Glasgow away to Dragons tomorrow, which may or may not be indicative of next week's team to face England. Demsey definitely does not need game time, but Price might, everyone else from the Scottish teams in the running to start seems to have been retained in the Scotland camp

[Mikey Brown]

Strange with Gray but yes I imagine it’s Baxter just deciding he’s fit, while Scotland don’t think he is. Baxter doesn’t seem big on resting players so wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s playing half-fit.

[BaldiePete]

Watson starts for Edinburgh against the Sharks. Even if he plays the full game it’s too early to throw him back into the Scotland team. Give Crosbie his chance in the Calcutta Cup.