Hooker

[Cameo]

Only just focused on how light we are at hooker.

Assuming Turner is unavailable (I know he could be released but presume he has gone there on basis he win't be playing internationals), I think we realistically have:

Cherry
Ashman
Matthews
Stewart
Richardson
Hiddlestone
Harrison
Fraser

The above is in rough order of experience, but there is not much of it there and I think Cherry might be out of the picture.

It seems to me that Hiddlestone and Harrison have the most potential but I don't think they are ready for a big international yet. Harrison in particular needs more gametime to get confident with his throwing against strong defensive lineouts.

For the big autumn tests, is Ashman in pole position? Not great if so as his form is average at best. He has shown glimpses but he still runs funny.

I've not seen much of Richardson, is he a realistic contender?

Not ignoring Matthews, he might be the answer in the short term, but think we want more going forward.

[Mikey Brown]

I have the feeling we're banking on Richardson to join Ashman in the 23. He doesn't seem to be a guaranteed starter for the Sharks, or even guaranteed to be playing hooker, but he is the only option that rivals Turner's physicality and general abrasive work around the field.

Cherry has blown it and surely Matthews would have been given a chance by now if he were ever going to get it?

It's definitely a concern. I'd like to have seen Matthews get a shot. Ashman and Richardson certaily have a lot to offer, but I don't know if any of these options would be considered reliable in the lineout. That's only going to be amplified with Richie Gray (presumably) on the way out.

[septic 9]

Cherry is out unless there is a huge U turn by management.

Turner could still be available if we push for it and he wants it

Mathews apparently had ankle reconstruction over the summer which no-one knew about until this week and which may explain why he didn't tour. He is in the frame.
Richardson came on at HT for Stormers v Edinburgh and was very lively, about the only Stormer to show up. Can see him in the squad named soon.
Ashman needs a kick up the arse. If Edinburgh are not willing to do that properly then Toonie should. That means dropping him and showing that he isn't a shoe in, anywhere anytime (the age old Edinburgh problem).
The future is Hiddlestone. I would like to see him in the squad and featuring at least v Portugal

[francoisfou]

Whatever happened to former Leicester hooker Jake Kerr who’s name was in the frame a few years ago?

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Maybe Gregor will pick a bolter for the Autumn series though I suspect it's going to be Ashman, Matthews, Richardson and Harrison .

[septic 9]

Whatever happened to former Leicester hooker Jake Kerr who’s name was in the frame a few years ago?

think he was released after a short term deal at Bristol, now running his own business

And too busy watching his brother win 1500m races

[Mikey Brown]

Whatever happened to former Leicester hooker Jake Kerr who’s name was in the frame a few years ago?

think he was released after a short term deal at Bristol, now running his own business

And too busy watching his brother win 1500m races

I didn't have old Gavin pinned as a long distance runner.

[septic 9]

Whatever happened to former Leicester hooker Jake Kerr who’s name was in the frame a few years ago?

think he was released after a short term deal at Bristol, now running his own business

And too busy watching his brother win 1500m races

I didn't have old Gavin pinned as a long distance runner.

very good!

Gav is old enough to be father to both Jake and Josh

[switchskier]

The other alternative is Robbie Smith who wouldn't let anyone down but is firmly second choice at Northampton. He's behind Langdon who was broadly equivalent with Ashman when both were at Sale.

Haven't seen him recently but last year Hiddlestone looked like the future. But if he can't displace Matthews and Stewart then he shouldn't be considered. I'm hoping after the weekend that Harrison does just that with Ashman.

But Ashman still has huge potential. He will be in camp and I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Scotland coaches can't get more out of him.

[BaldiePete]

Richardson came on at HT for Stormers v Edinburgh and was very lively, about the only Stormer to show up. Can see him in the squad named soon.

Richardson plays for the Sharks. He came on in the 2nd half in a 38-10 loss to Benetton at the weekend. However, I agree he will likely be in the squad. I thought he played well on the summer tour.

[septic 9]

Richardson came on at HT for Stormers v Edinburgh and was very lively, about the only Stormer to show up. Can see him in the squad named soon.

Richardson plays for the Sharks. He came on in the 2nd half in a 38-10 loss to Benetton at the weekend. However, I agree he will likely be in the squad. I thought he played well on the summer tour.

you are of course correct to correct me. Got my SA teams getting humped mixed up. Ricardson was about the only positive in the Sharks performance, final score (38-10) flattered them IMHO