RugbyRebels

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:

Big D wrote:NdL retiring at the end of the year and moving into a DoR role at a boarding school whilst teaching economics

Good luck to him. What a weird career though. Was he just promoted too far above his abilities because of our complete lack of options at centre?

I would write off what has happened since leaving Edinburgh. He moved to France for a pension.

He was never the most talented of his generation, if injuries hadn't gubbed Cairns and even Philip before him he'd have never had as many caps. But in saying that, he was capable of some really good rugby but struggled with old fashioned inconsistency and mind numbing brain farts (a binning for Scotland in Italy stands out).

Put in some good shifts for both Borders and Edinburgh, even the odd good game in the dark blue. Ultimately IMO a decent club player who didn't quite cut it at international level.

Big D wrote:

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:

Big D wrote:NdL retiring at the end of the year and moving into a DoR role at a boarding school whilst teaching economics

Good luck to him. What a weird career though. Was he just promoted too far above his abilities because of our complete lack of options at centre?

I would write off what has happened since leaving Edinburgh. He moved to France for a pension.

He was never the most talented of his generation, if injuries hadn't gubbed Cairns and even Philip before him he'd have never had as many caps. But in saying that, he was capable of some really good rugby but struggled with old fashioned inconsistency and mind numbing brain farts (a binning for Scotland in Italy stands out).

Put in some good shifts for both Borders and Edinburgh, even the odd good game in the dark blue. Ultimately IMO a decent club player who didn't quite cut it at international level.

I actually think that he was one of the more talented. Did a few silly things but he is one of a few backs from that generation who I think could have had much better international careers in better attacking teams. As it was, he turned himself into a very good defender

I always felt he was a scapegoat for a lot of people.

Cameo wrote:

Big D wrote:

hugh_woatmeigh wrote:
Good luck to him. What a weird career though. Was he just promoted too far above his abilities because of our complete lack of options at centre?

I would write off what has happened since leaving Edinburgh. He moved to France for a pension.

He was never the most talented of his generation, if injuries hadn't gubbed Cairns and even Philip before him he'd have never had as many caps. But in saying that, he was capable of some really good rugby but struggled with old fashioned inconsistency and mind numbing brain farts (a binning for Scotland in Italy stands out).

Put in some good shifts for both Borders and Edinburgh, even the odd good game in the dark blue. Ultimately IMO a decent club player who didn't quite cut it at international level.

I actually think that he was one of the more talented. Did a few silly things but he is one of a few backs from that generation who I think could have had much better international careers in better attacking teams. As it was, he turned himself into a very good defender

I think that's fair, but was never as talented as the like of Cairns or Philip imo. More talented than some though.

OptimisticJock wrote:I always felt he was a scapegoat for a lot of people.

Me too, he often bought the best out in Visser and before Cairns was injured they were a very handy duo. Everyone has brain farts, maybe not as many as him, but I still think he was pretty handy to have.

I remember when NDL broke through and he had that great sidestep but was flaky in defence. He eventually became a solid defender but lost that sparkle that made him so much fun. Can't help but feel that he was a player who concentrated on his weaknesses rather than his strengths.

Yeah. Probably suffered a lot in that team too. I don't think he's as good as the current crop but if he was just coming through now I think he'd have become a much better player than he did.

Suffered a lot not having a 10 or 12 that could do anything except ship shit ball or run into defenders.

From 2006 I think Mike Blair is the only back who would get in the current team.

Forwards Jason white, Simon Taylor prob only 2 definites.

whatisthejava wrote:From 2006 I think Mike Blair is the only back who would get in the current team.

Forwards Jason white, Simon Taylor prob only 2 definites.

It's painful knowing that can't happen. Imagine how much those 3 changes would improve the side.

Deleted

whatisthejava wrote:From 2006 I think Mike Blair is the only back who would get in the current team.

Forwards Jason white, Simon Taylor prob only 2 definites.

I wonder if we'd still put Mossy on the opposite wing to Seymour just to bang them over from anywhere in the oppo half when needed?

Maybe we need another thread for this... we could make up some dream teams..

Lamont might have a little shout

whatisthejava wrote:From 2006 I think Mike Blair is the only back who would get in the current team.

Forwards Jason white, Simon Taylor prob only 2 definites.

Why 2006 national team? If we are talking NdL he didn't start with scotland until 2008/09ish?

From the 06 team, both scrum halves would be ahead of Laidlaw. Lawson, who was underrated, too but may have been too early for him.

Lamont if it was pre knee injury would be ahead of Maitland and it wouldn't be close for me. Lamont was really good before the knee fairy. Failing that mossy on the wing to kick, not ideal but acceptable for the massive upgrade at 9.

In the forwards I don't think Murray was at a high level yet in 06 but Hines, White, Taylor and Hogg would have all been in with a chance of being in the match day squad.

Hard to say as the pro game is only 20 years old and 06 was half that ago.

If, and a big if, Taylor had managed to avoid the knee fairy he'd have went down as a great. Shame really.

Taylor was still very, very, good despite the fairy taking his turbo to the scrappy..

Aye. I'd take White, Taylor, Cusiter/Blair and a blonde-vintage Lamont in an instant. It's odd to think of not having Paterson in the side. I'd certainly have him on the bench over Weir covering 10/15/wing.

Vellacott (ex u-20 scrum half) signs a senior contract with Gloucs.

Eadie to saints apparently.

Eadies replacement is Steven Luatua providing Brizzle stay up.

I see I have work to do trying to find them all again.

Big D wrote:Eadies replacement is Steven Luatua providing Brizzle stay up.

I really don't like Bristol.

Gavlet now confirmed Bath => Glasgow

He's young, but showed enough to think he'll have a good career - IMO a more skillful player than Heathcote when he left us; but much less experienced (and younger). Has shown both ability, and inexperienced when he's taken the pitch for Bath.
He's not got World Class talent, but if he develops properly, he should end up good enough to see if he can hack it at international level.

hp18 wrote:

Big D wrote:Eadies replacement is Steven Luatua providing Brizzle stay up.

I really don't like Bristol.

You'll be pleased to hear there are reports they are after Crotty and Perenara too.

Denton playing 7 for Bath this weekend v Bristol.

Hutchinson signs a new deal with the Saints.