RugbyRebels

its always tough picking these squads.
This time the balance between needing to win ranking points (because yet again WR insists on seedings being decided 2 years out) without many top players (Lions and injuries) while wanting to blood younger players is a really awkward one

Some players can, will and should feel disappointed. Some will be missing for reasons we don't know - eg the rumour that Rae is to have an op over the summer. Many a player has minor stuff done in the break. Or there may be personal circumstances.

Ans no, I don't think there is any substance behind an story that Hiddlestone is a poor scrummager. He is one I do think very unfortunate. His debut last season v Exeter away was the most complete performance from a Scottish hooker for many a year. But I do like Harrison, Turner back an obvious pick, but Ashman is the enigma. Back to carrying well, but throwing in he still couldn't hit a phone box if he was standing inside it. Bit of a luxury or handicap in big close games

Interesting interview with Townsend on the BBC Scottish rugby podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0lhghjd.

Mainly about the summer tour:
- Bradbury not in for personal reasons rather than form (I took that to mean personal issues from Bradbury rather than an issue between them)
- sounds like first week v Maori will involve a bitnof experimentation, but 'not too much change between the two tests'
- expecting it to be quite tough, especially in Fiji.

A bit of development:
- fairly diplomatic - foreign players important, including as role models, but balance is key
- aim is to get one or two more coming through each year (obvious point in a way, but it is all a question of probability, just making it a little bit more likely that any particular player will make it).

His future:
- didn't really say anything, but seemed confident Tandy would stay.

@Cameo, I listened to that pod last midweek and was actually impressed but missed Tom English and his thoughts on the omissions such as Magnus Bradbury etc. The pod isn't the same if it's just Burkey interviewing someone for 30+ minutes but maybe that's me being picky .

Anyway, in the Scotsman GT seems to think talks on his future could come as early as after the summer or as late as after the autumn series!!

I still think it's going to be interesting to see what happens regarding that because I do think he's been in post far too long but if he has a successful summer/autumn and 6Ns then it would be harsh to sack him .

NZ Maori have announced their squad. Playing a Japan XV this weekend then Scotland next. A bit of a mix and match in terms of experience, but definitely can pick a very strong team from it. Former Glasgow winger/fullback Cole Forbes in in their too.

Māori All Blacks: Benet Kumeroa, Jared Proffit*, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kershawl Sykes-Martin*, Mason Tupaea*, Jacob Devery*, Kurt Eklund (capt), Zach Gallagher*, Laghlan McWhannell, Antonio Shalfoon*, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Nikora Broughton, Jahrome Brown*, Cullen Grace, Caleb Delany, Te Kamaka Howden, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara*, Sam Nock, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask, Corey Evans, Bailyn Sullivan, Daniel Rona, Xavi Taele*, Gideon Wrampling*, Cole Forbes, Jonah Lowe, Zarn Sullivan.

Matt Currie has dropped out with a hamstring injury. Hutchison called up.

A shame for Currie, but Hutchinson has been playing well for quite a while now.

Shame his turns at 12 and 13 didn’t ever line up with what Scotland needed at the time. It doesn’t feel like Townsend really trusts him, presumably his defence, but he’s a very handy utility player who can comfortably step in at 10 on phase play.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Jun 25, 2025 9:19 am A shame for Currie, but Hutchinson has been playing well for quite a while now.

Shame his turns at 12 and 13 didn’t ever line up with what Scotland needed at the time. It doesn’t feel like Townsend really trusts him, presumably his defence, but he’s a very handy utility player who can comfortably step in at 10 on phase play.

Hutchinson is and always has been a very talented player. But just as he struggled to get into a Scotland squad he didn't always ma,e the Saints team. I think for the same reasons. His defence wasn't the best and there were alternatives. I think k he has got a lot better and hence pretty much in all Saints teams - but Scotland have better alternatives then ever. Really tough for him
Tbh the Idea of him facing a Bundee Aki at 12 was not a pleasant proposition a few years back; is it better now? I think so but he is now 29 and down the pecking order barring injuries and some superlative displays this summer, if he gets the chance

NZ Maori had a good win last night against a Japan XV. 53-20 after a tight first half.

Certainly no easy beats. If I was Townsend I would go pretty strong for this one.

Cameo wrote: ↑Sun Jun 29, 2025 1:19 am NZ Maori had a good win last night against a Japan XV. 53-20 after a tight first half.

Certainly no easy beats. If I was Townsend I would go pretty strong for this one.

yes hut no but. It should be a good test right enough, but its not Test match with ranking points. If we want to blood someone (eg Masiba), or get someone back into test rugby (eg Christie or Hutchieson) or try a tweak to tactics, this is the game to do it

Ben White called up for the Lions. I hope Townsend bites the bullet and picks Dobie to start at least two of the games. I like Horne but we need to see if there is someone who could challenge White for the startinf spot and I don't think that is Horne.

Dunno if they need to call someone elae up as cover. A bit pointless, but if we get an injury we would regret not doing it.

Gus Warr called up to replace White.

I agree about Dobie, I’d like to see him get a chance as the starting 9.

Team is out. This is a non-cap match so no ranking points to worry about and Townsend looks like he’s giving some fringe players are a run out. I’m not up to speed on the Glasgow props but it looks like the pack is underpowered, although I do like the look of the backrow.

O Smith; H Paterson, R Hutchinson, S McDowall, A Reed; A Hastings, G Horne; N McBeth, P Harrison, F Richardson, M Sykes, C Henderson, J Bayliss, A Onyeama-Christie, B Muncaster.
Subs: G Turner, A Hepburn, W Hurd, M Williamson, G Brown, A Masibaka, F Burke, J Dobie.

Speculating on the test team for Fiji.

Rowe (maybe Smith with Rowe on bench)
Graham
McDowall
Redpath
Steyn
Jordan
Horne or Dobie
Sutherland
Ashman (I’d much rather have Turner)
Millar-Mills or Hurd
Gilchrist
Williamson ?
Ritchie
Darge
Fagerson

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:56 am Speculating on the test team for Fiji.

Rowe (maybe Smith with Rowe on bench)
Graham
McDowall
Redpath
Steyn
Jordan
Horne or Dobie
Sutherland
Ashman (I’d much rather have Turner)
Millar-Mills or Hurd
Gilchrist
Williamson ?
Ritchie
Darge
Fagerson

Sounds about right. Would obviously love a new prop or lock to really put their name forward. Based on the 6 nations Brown is the starter alongside Gilchrist?

Feels harsh on Horne after such a good season but I’m still not sold on his decision making (this view may be out of date though, hopefully) but doesn’t feel like Dobie getting a 20 minute runout on the wing is likely to get him ahead.

Great to see AOC back. I’m trying to temper my expectations that he’ll look like the player who was tearing it up against Ireland a year or so back.

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:19 am Team is out. This is a non-cap match so no ranking points to worry about and Townsend looks like he’s giving some fringe players are a run out. I’m not up to speed on the Glasgow props but it looks like the pack is underpowered, although I do like the look of the backrow.

O Smith; H Paterson, R Hutchinson, S McDowall, A Reed; A Hastings, G Horne; N McBeth, P Harrison, F Richardson, M Sykes, C Henderson, J Bayliss, A Onyeama-Christie, B Muncaster.
Subs: G Turner, A Hepburn, W Hurd, M Williamson, G Brown, A Masibaka, F Burke, J Dobie.

Don't love a 6-2 bench but an end of season game where you're trying to avoid injuries is probably as good a place for it as any. Sykes-Henderson is a hefty combination but maybe a bit lumbering?

I’d say Henderson is more on the lean/mobile side. Very much unproven but potentially a nice balance.

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:19 am Team is out. This is a non-cap match so no ranking points to worry about and Townsend looks like he’s giving some fringe players are a run out. I’m not up to speed on the Glasgow props but it looks like the pack is underpowered, although I do like the look of the backrow.

O Smith; H Paterson, R Hutchinson, S McDowall, A Reed; A Hastings, G Horne; N McBeth, P Harrison, F Richardson, M Sykes, C Henderson, J Bayliss, A Onyeama-Christie, B Muncaster.
Subs: G Turner, A Hepburn, W Hurd, M Williamson, G Brown, A Masibaka, F Burke, J Dobie.

Richardson has been mixed in the set piece but his loose play is almost Zanderesque at times. he could make very good option if he keeps developing. McBeth ain't underpowered, big lad and best LH at Glasgow this season IMHO
Scrum will as ever no doubt depend on the whims of some SH ref

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 10:16 am

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Thu Jul 03, 2025 9:56 am Speculating on the test team for Fiji.

Rowe (maybe Smith with Rowe on bench)
Graham
McDowall
Redpath
Steyn
Jordan
Horne or Dobie
Sutherland
Ashman (I’d much rather have Turner)
Millar-Mills or Hurd
Gilchrist
Williamson ?
Ritchie
Darge
Fagerson

Sounds about right. Would obviously love a new prop or lock to really put their name forward. Based on the 6 nations Brown is the starter alongside Gilchrist?

Turner should start
At lock it should be Williamson and AN Other. In the absence of Dempsey and Matt F think need to see Brown in the back row mix

1. Jared Proffit, Ngāti Porou
2. Kurt Eklund, Ngāti Kahu (C)
3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Ngāti Porou
4. Antonio Shalfoon*, Whakatōhea
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ngāti Porou
6. Te Kamaka Howden, Tūhoe
7. Jahrome Brown, Ngāti Porou
8. Cullen Grace, Ngāti Whakaue
9. Sam Nock, Ngāpuhi
10. Rivez Reihana, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
11. Daniel Rona, Te Ātiawa
12. Gideon Wrampling, Ngāpuhi
13. Bailyn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu
14. Cole Forbes, Ngāti Awa
15. Zarn Sullivan, Ngāti Kahungunu

Impact
16. Jacob Devery, Te Aitanga a Mahaki
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ngāpuhi
18. Benet Kumeroa, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi
19. Laghlan McWhannell, Ngāti Kahungunu
20. Caleb Delany, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
21. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou
22. Kaleb Trask, Ngāpuhi
23. Corey Evans, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu

Maori team is out. The backline in particular looks strong. Reihana and Sullivan probably with the biggest futures, though Rona has been very good in the centres this year. The props and 6 are less experienced at Super Rugby level but the hooker, locks, 7 and 8 are good players with plenty of experience.

Not sure who are favourites in this one, probably not us. I think it would be a very good achievement for a callow Scotland team playing together for the first time to beat this lot.

In case anyone is interested, here is the 2000 game.

https://www.allblacks.com/videos/last-t ... 2000-clash

Fiji came within minutes of beating Australia. Only seem some of it, but looked dangerous as usual. Playing in the daytime in Fiji a big part of it will be coping with the conditions, but also need to be able to keep to structures while expecting to be hit hard and often. Scramble defence is also key.

A lot has been said about this tour and the rankings. The relevant ones from a 7 July update seem to be:

6. Argentina - 82.98
7. Scotland - 82.36
8. Australia - 82.08
9. Fiji - 79.52

All those other teams have more games between now and the cutoff, but a win vs Fiji would give Scotland a nice buffer, and may even push us into 6th if Argentina lose again.

Will admit, though, that I'm an not quite sure how the scoring works.

Cameo wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:25 am A lot has been said about this tour and the rankings. The relevant ones from a 7 July update seem to be:

6. Argentina - 82.98
7. Scotland - 82.36
8. Australia - 82.08
9. Fiji - 79.52

All those other teams have more games between now and the cutoff, but a win vs Fiji would give Scotland a nice buffer, and may even push us into 6th if Argentina lose again.

Will admit, though, that I'm an not quite sure how the scoring works.

This site has a calculator for working out rankings for any result. The interface is a mess but you have to find your fixture then put in a score. Scroll down and you can see the effect on the rankings (select “Calculated”). Unfortunately the Fiji v Scotland fixture isn’t there but the last row of data entries allows you to enter it. Hit return after entering the scores.

https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/

BaldiePete wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:32 am

Cameo wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:25 am A lot has been said about this tour and the rankings. The relevant ones from a 7 July update seem to be:

6. Argentina - 82.98
7. Scotland - 82.36
8. Australia - 82.08
9. Fiji - 79.52

All those other teams have more games between now and the cutoff, but a win vs Fiji would give Scotland a nice buffer, and may even push us into 6th if Argentina lose again.

Will admit, though, that I'm an not quite sure how the scoring works.

This site has a calculator for working out rankings for any result. The interface is a mess but you have to find your fixture then put in a score. Scroll down and you can see the effect on the rankings (select “Calculated”). Unfortunately the Fiji v Scotland fixture isn’t there but the last row of data entries allows you to enter it. Hit return after entering the scores.

https://rawling.github.io/wr-calc/

That's a cool tool.

Suggests any win for us combined with any loss for Argentina would put us 6th. If we can stay there, we might be a top seed in a pool.

Cameo wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 4:25 am A lot has been said about this tour and the rankings. The relevant ones from a 7 July update seem to be:

6. Argentina - 82.98
7. Scotland - 82.36
8. Australia - 82.08
9. Fiji - 79.52

All those other teams have more games between now and the cutoff, but a win vs Fiji would give Scotland a nice buffer, and may even push us into 6th if Argentina lose again.

Will admit, though, that I'm an not quite sure how the scoring works.

issue for me is that Scotland are playing matches with half their preferred starting XV with the Lions. Argentina, Fiji, Ital are not having to do; and Australia v Lions does not count. Having the draw this year instead of next really potentially penalises us unfairly (same is true for Ireland and England). WR again totally clueless