Haining replaces Fagerson for Scotland
25/03/2021
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sport
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rugbyunion
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Scotland are forced to replace number eight Matt Fagerson with Nick Haining on the eve of Friday's Six Nations finale against France.
1
Ellemerob
24/03/2021 14:30:03
7
23
bbc
Hard luck Scotland.
Ask your dad if you can stay up to watch it!? ??
Good luck Scotland.... lions places at stake. Amazed Jones is only on the bench. I hope it doesn’t dash his chances of a seat on the plane.
If there are any Scottish players hoping to go on a Lions tour can you let them know Longleat opens on April 12th
Least you’ve got your Triple Frown dear boy!
They can join the England players. Though I doubt there are many spare seats on England's coach trip.
Unfortunately guys it should have been us playing against a France for the Grand Slam..
We blew it against both Wales and Ireland..
C.,est la Vie...
We blew it against both Wales and Ireland..
C.,est la Vie...
Scotland will be in a good position with all their fans and also welsh fans supporting them.
Well said David...least we didn’t win the Triple Frown!? ????
It's even more annoying when you remember last season's two defining moments which cost us a possible slam, Hogg fumbling the ball against England and Ireland......
Really think you "blew it" against Ireland? Well beaten over the 80, although you did very well to draw level before the final penalty.
For me it was a management failure. We showed up well against England but how much of that was down to their abject performance? Even then were didn't beat them by much. Then we lose in typical fashion to Wales and Ireland, committing the same basic errors we've always done so that hasn't been addressed. A win over kicking boys Italy means nothing. 2 wins against zero level opponents on the day
If Jones had started from the very beginning, we probably would have been. What a waste.
You didn't just blow it, that sounds a bit flattering. You just weren't good enough. Accept it and get over it! Move on.
What a pathetic and unsporting comment, Jeez, how 40+ people can agree with that whine I can't fathom. Seriously, churlish sour grapes like this make my blood boil; other team wins, then congratulate them, otherwise you sound like a sad fanboy.
Were you planning on changing the order of the matches as well then?
David I understand your upset about Scotland. Unfortunately they were not good enough to close the game out against wales and they gave Ireland a good lead in the first half. It's those things Scotland need to put right if they are to win the 6N in the future. Scotland are good for 60 mins but they switch off. They will do well v france but I still think they will lose by 12 points.
Oh so true unfortunately
Ha,ha, you were lucky to come 4th
Move on M8. Its a game no b*gger died.
Come on Scotland the rest of the rugby World wants you to win this one!!!! (Just responding to all the comments wanting France to beat wales) :^)
the depth of feeling on the BBC about wanting France to bear Wales was easy to understand. In England, its easier to accept France as being a mighty team in resurgence than to admit Wales are STILL the most successful 6 nations team in this century. Simple innit.
Get intae them big style Scotland, leave absolutely nothing out there and make us proud! ?????????????????????????????????????????? COYS......
HUW JONES
Must play a lot better than he trains.
Time and time again he has proved he is the man to step up. Should have been at the World Cup too.
Must play a lot better than he trains.
Time and time again he has proved he is the man to step up. Should have been at the World Cup too.
I think it's more a decision based on his defence against Vakatawa coming through on him. Harris is a better defender, but Jones a better attacker.
This could be a really fun game, France have no option other than all-out attack and we could be on for a high scoring game.
Why is Huw Jones not starting? What does he have to do to keep his place in the Scotland side? Clearly playing much better than Harris is not important.
Harris is better in defence. He will keep Vakatawa under wraps for the first 55-60 minutes and then we will release a fresh Huw on the (hopefully) tiring French.
Huw Jones? Gotta be Welsh, what's that? English, no, grew up in SA, no, never been to Scotland until he joined up with the squad, you're kidding me.
I'd prefer Jones as well but picking Price who will box kick possession away we'll have France running at us for the 60 mins he's on.
C’mon Scotland. Time to settle with Wales for 1999!
Come on Scotland, a lot to play for. You lost two other games by a total of 4 points to Wales and Ireland. Best ever finish and imagine how upset Ireland and England will be as make-weights in this tournament. Even with the win v England there is only 9 points difference in all your games put together.
Wales/Scotland 1/2. The media will be sick and of course the 6N written off as a poor one ;)
Wales/Scotland 1/2. The media will be sick and of course the 6N written off as a poor one ;)
And there you have a perfectly balanced Scot. Chips on both shoulders.
England are the most successful, more Grand Slams and Triple Crowns, don't state BS.
England have seven 6N titles whereas Wales have five. Someone can't count...
So we are "allowed" to play 5 English based players, despite France breaking the Covid rules, which should have lead to a 28-0 win for us. Can anyone understand why we might be a little chippy when we cant play the team of our choosing?
Ditto that Chris absolutely shocking treatment for us
You do NOT get to choose who you play, the opposition selects its OWN team!!!!
So you want a given score of 28 nil with no game, How sad is that?
Welsh fan here. Much as I love how this French team is playing, there should have been sanctions in place for any team which broke Covid rules. Josh Adams was rightly side lined for breaking the rules & not allowed back into the team bubble.
I wish you guys all the best for Friday's match & will be willing the boys on! Hope my nails survive this one!!
I wish you guys all the best for Friday's match & will be willing the boys on! Hope my nails survive this one!!
It's very sad when people want to get a result by trying to get a team sanctioned rather than based on a match between teams.
Shocking, let’s go for a pizza, should have been a Scotland win, although I have not agreed with the 28 nil rule for the premiership or Europe, 4 polnts was a reasonable punisement
Let’s be honest about the situation .... it is only Sean Maitland that is affected by this that would have been a starter.
Bhatti maybe for the bench - but that is it
Bhatti maybe for the bench - but that is it
No. If you want to select the tea of your choosing then you can always employ them all directly. You should be grateful that English money is subsidising your national team. And hurting England's btw.
Above all, can the SRU really do without the revenue from the game on Friday? Think about it
France clearly breached rules. It should just be a forfeit. NO way Scotland should field a team not of their choice due to French stupidity & incompetence.
Would be a case of we have more money and influence, world rugby is let's face it inept at best corrupt at worst. Its disciplinary and citing is a joke.
I can. France probably should have forfeited the game. I also question why Maitland is not playing, Saracens are not a Premiership team. As a neutral (English) I still hope that as the game is on that it’s a cracker. Would like to see Watson at 7 make the Lions.
Les bleus fan here !
Come on dear scot friends !
Are you so afraid not to take pleasure watching a good Rugby match ?
Come on dear scot friends !
Are you so afraid not to take pleasure watching a good Rugby match ?
If the Welsh could have won it on their own accord they couldn’t give a monkeys about Scotland, so because they couldn’t they will be supporting Scotland...
Oh I see now...
Oh I see now...
I don't get that as there will be no fans there!
Let it go, let it go
Can't win the slam anymore
Let it go, let it go
You know that slam's out the door
I don't care who they're going to play
Let the game go on
Defeat never bothered me anyway
Can't win the slam anymore
Let it go, let it go
You know that slam's out the door
I don't care who they're going to play
Let the game go on
Defeat never bothered me anyway
Some you win some you lose. Going through life moaning about what coupd have been is a waste of time.
So we are "allowed" to play 5 English based players, despite France breaking the Covid rules, which should have lead to a 28-0 win for us. Can anyone understand why we might be a little chippy when we cant play the team of our choosing?
Perhaps you could try to sue them like at the World Cup ? Sums up the Scots as a nation.
Removed
It’s all part of the anti- Scottish conspiracy that has existed in the world of rugby for years. I blame Gatland. There, does that make you feel better?
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Yup!
Correct on all points. Merde upon merde from France and the Six Nations authority. And additionally, did SRU contribute to RFU Prem Clubs compen£action? Merde!!!
No need for the Anglophobia, particularly in these troubled times.
yes your correct and they have there own rules for selecting player only from the Prem - so no shite it would of been different, but lets be offended
I'm glad they were released, but it was farcical. The French should have been made to pay release fees to English/French clubs for these players that otherwise would have been available for the fixture back in February.
The COVID outbreak wasn't some freak occurrence, it was the result of players and coaches with their bubble breaking rules they wanted implemented pre-tournament for safety.
The COVID outbreak wasn't some freak occurrence, it was the result of players and coaches with their bubble breaking rules they wanted implemented pre-tournament for safety.
Given how hamstrung England were by the covid bubble agreed with the clubs, it is quite frankly bizarre to suggest that premiership rugby would change the rules to help the national team.
Even pre-covid the England team has to deal with rules imposed by the clubs
Even pre-covid the England team has to deal with rules imposed by the clubs
but scotland have also benefitted by gaining players back from injury/bans. so should these have been excluded as they werent available for the original fixture.
No sympathy whatsoever. Nobody forced Scottish qualified players to join English clubs. The SRU should keep them in Scotland by saying if you want to play for Scotland you stay in Scotland, bit like the RFU does with English players. What’s more important - playing for your country or more money. Obviously the latter in case of Hogg, Gray etc etc
Agree, they would
Who else would you have picked from the Premiership,and let’s be fair they didn’t have to release anybody and France didn’t have to release Russell it’s called goodwill.
Come on , you beat us fair and square. You played well in all the other games & werent the only ones to have someone sent off against.....hmm oh yes it was Wales. Having seen some of the refereeing England received (some not all) you Guys really shouldnt be going all victim on us. Good luck for Friday - think you will need it
What has this got to do with England?
Shades of Scotland management's embarrassing position at RWC? Basically, they're only NOT changing the rules because we're Scotland.
The rules ARE wrong and teams with such a sloppy attitude towards the tournament and their opponents should be sanctioned.
But the rules were all agreed before the tournament.
Scotland have every right to be miffed...but don't drag England into this.
The rules ARE wrong and teams with such a sloppy attitude towards the tournament and their opponents should be sanctioned.
But the rules were all agreed before the tournament.
Scotland have every right to be miffed...but don't drag England into this.
Why should Premiership clubs release key players outside of the international window with big games this weekend? Lucky to have five.
But Mons Laporte is the V/P of World Rugby, how dare you talk like that. Galthie only broke the rules a little bit, but he's the head coach and does what he likes. Laporte will run for President next time, hopefully his actions to date will go against him. Few in France support him. Thank god its not a French referee. There's hope!!!!!
Please don't try and blame the English for everything. Most fans in England have sympathy for Scotland on this Covid impact.
You're obviously not in touch with your feelings.
Get intae them big style Scotland, leave absolutely nothing out there and make us proud! ?????????????????????????????????????????? COYS......
What a strange French team. Only one winger with one on the bench. Only one second row with one on the bench. Cameron Woki not in the squad (is he injured?) Jelonch from Castres is parachuted in at 6. Very strange selections, unless there are a few injuries we don't know about.
Agreed. Teddy Thomas on the bench in spite of playing well this 6 Nations and scoring 2 tries v Scotland in 2018, then Penaud has swapped wings to accommodate Fickou on the other wing in a move from centre, where he has been playing well...
Think the selectors might have hit the Burgundy a little too hard at the pre match meeting.
Think the selectors might have hit the Burgundy a little too hard at the pre match meeting.
the depth of feeling on the BBC about wanting France to bear Wales was easy to understand. In England, its easier to accept France as being a mighty team in resurgence than to admit Wales are STILL the most successful 6 nations team in this century. Simple innit.
Triple Frowners dear boy, biggest playing base in the whole rugby world, biggest underachievers end of
England 2 slams this century, Wales 4.
Ali Price made two mistakes against Ireland effectively losing Scotland the match. Huw Jones has scored tries and an ability to beat his man which Harris really can’t match. Very poor from Townsend but typical of him.
Price always seems to do something stupid in every match, I guess they just have to hope they get away with it and it doesn't cost too many points when it does happen. Horne injured I take it? Too early for dobie? SH doesn't seem a strong area for Scots just now.
Ali Price also has the longest wind up of a box kick of any NH international scrum half. You just know he'll get charged down at least once, probably more...
If you are right l guess the welsh, Scottish and Irish will have to provide the lions centres without him which is a shame.
@harrydash, you're one of these clowns who think that if team A beat team B 7-0, and team B beat team C 14-7, then team A will beat team C 21-7.
The Jones/Harris situation is about selecting for the circumstance in order to get the correct result, nothing else.
Plus as previous Lions tours have proved, there are plenty of irregular internationalists who make great tourists
The Jones/Harris situation is about selecting for the circumstance in order to get the correct result, nothing else.
Plus as previous Lions tours have proved, there are plenty of irregular internationalists who make great tourists
"Only five England-based players could be selected following an agreement with the Premiership, with Saracens winger Maitland among those left out."
What have Saracens got to do with the Premiership? ;)
What have Saracens got to do with the Premiership? ;)
They're just having a holiday from it....
Saracens are still share holders of the Prem / Also the % agreement was between all parties - who's not to say that the SRU was offered more at the cost of X
Totally agree, ps if results go in the English Championship Saracens will be still there at least for another season
Removed
If that is true then it is a despicable agreement to the detriment of Rubgy's shop window of what should be a classic match. It was not the fault of the tournament or Sco. Did the Eng based Sco players have to go back to the clubs after the Fra game was cancelled? The World Rugby International window should be extended.
And given the choice I'd sooner have him than Hastings or maybe even Harris in the squad
A mystery why a Championship player should be excluded because of an arrangement with the Premiership. I' m sure somewhere some jobsworth will be able to justify it. I hope it motivates Scotland.
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
No it wasn’t. The rule is English clubs only need to release players in set international periods. After France’s Covid breaches and postponement, deal was struck to release max 5 players and compensation will be paid as date is outside the international window.
The agreement was put in place on Saturday evening. The arrangement regarding selection of players on dates outside of recognised international windows has been in place for some time. What I don't understand here is that the agreement is with English Premiership clubs, who've agreed to the release of 5 players only. Maitland plays for Saracens, who I believe are in the championship.
According to my newspaper, "agreement" only made LAST Saturday for which 6N paid compensation to Premiership. (Not that I believe everything I read.) What's your source please?
But not for these circumstances.
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Friday's match has the potential to be the 6N climax extraordinaire - depends on which France and Scotland turn up. Agree with comment below re Huw Jones omission from starting 15. Also confused by D'arcy Graham's continued selection. He's been one of Scotland's weakest backs this 6N, and against France's pack we require size and power - he has (shown) neither, unlike Sam Johnson and Huw Jones
If Maitland had been available I think he would have started in place of Graham to put kick-chase pressure on Dulin, who looked shaky under a high ball.
Wales best back in last 20 yrs = tiny S Williams. Heck of a difficult to tackle. Borders nouse. Pops up all over the place. Fabulous sidestep.
Very high scoring record. France will know how to deal with Duhan who seldom offloads. Agree however on Huw Jones
Very high scoring record. France will know how to deal with Duhan who seldom offloads. Agree however on Huw Jones
I really like Darcy, but I would have sacrificed him for Maitland.
this could be just the type of very open game to see him at his best
Disagree that Graham lacks power - he'll tackle anyone that comes at him and does so effectively.
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
It should be a corker - Scotland have a decent home record against France but not away (what a surprise...). Now is the time for all that to change and if Scotland can play the disciplined game we know they're capable of then France will have to work hard to break them down (but France are the team to do that!). With French and Scottish attacking flair on display, it will be defence that wins it.
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
If there are any Scottish players hoping to go on a Lions tour can you let them know Longleat opens on April 12th
The only time Scotland are involved in a big match with the rugby world watching yet it means nothing to them but to France and a side who are not even playing!
Sums up the Scots in a nutshell!
Sums up the Scots in a nutshell!
My money is on Scotland to win, as there are half a dozen players wanting lions consideration if not places and will be cheered on by Scots and Welsh supporters too.
Yes but will they hear them?
Half a dozen? Deluded.
Jamie Ritchie, yes, all day long.
Hoggwash? Probably.
And that’s it!
And don’t suggest Hamish McBeth, no way will Gatland go for him when there are much better in the other nations.
Tipuric destroyed him and so will Ollivon.
The Boks would smash him back home to Kelso.
Jamie Ritchie, yes, all day long.
Hoggwash? Probably.
And that’s it!
And don’t suggest Hamish McBeth, no way will Gatland go for him when there are much better in the other nations.
Tipuric destroyed him and so will Ollivon.
The Boks would smash him back home to Kelso.
Be prepared to LOSE your money, then! I hope you haven't staked your house on it!!!
Celtic pride will steer the jocks to the promised land lol
the depth of feeling on the BBC about wanting France to bear Wales was easy to understand. In England, its easier to accept France as being a mighty team in resurgence than to admit Wales are STILL the most successful 6 nations team in this century. Simple innit.
"Only five England-based players could be selected"
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
Hold on, so France are the beneficiaries by their own Covid infringements?
Scotland (and effectively Wales) are penalised.
I have a feeling that if England were in line to win the 6N the rules might be different
"No need for the Anglophobia"
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
thought that was SA?
Personally, I preferred Triple Clowns for losing to Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
Maitland has been left out by Townsend, citing only 5 English based players can be selected , a rule enforced by the Premiership . but Maitland plays for Saracens who are currently the English Championship, so who is saying what & why?
Saracens follow the same rules as the Premier League clubs so included in the 5 player limit.
I suspect that Maitland has just been dropped, considering he was the worst of the 3 wingers on show last week, though obviously being played out of position.
I don't think Townsend has cited that reason for dropping Maitland, its just the BBC who have included it in their article. Dare I suggest that the BBC isn't always that stringent in its rugby reporting?
I don't think Townsend has cited that reason for dropping Maitland, its just the BBC who have included it in their article. Dare I suggest that the BBC isn't always that stringent in its rugby reporting?
Who said it was a rule enforced by the prem, The agreement was with the Prem,6N and SRU - so all parties happy- I'm sure them prem would of tabled more player release give us some more £££££ if it was requested.
I get Harris for his defense duties and all but this will just be another dent on How Jones's confidence he's back in form and had a great game last week but gets dropped
Looking forward to this one from Wales. I have a bet Wales to win the 6N from start at decent odds, question is do i cash out or not?
How confident are Scotland of winning or more important not to lose by 21.
How confident are Scotland of winning or more important not to lose by 21.
I wouldn't. I'd back France to win, but not by enough.
Losing to all three other Home Nations is a bad year for sure: but Scotland, Wales and Ireland all outplayed England and deserved to win. No excuses, well done all three. But at least we didn’t lose all five, including our first ever loss to Italy.
Yes, England played badly - and mostly dull rugby, granted - but it could have been worse.
Yes, England played badly - and mostly dull rugby, granted - but it could have been worse.
Scotland didn't deserve to lose to Wales. It would have been a travesty if they had won the Grand Slam. A full strength Scotland would beat France. So, in the end, being runners up is fitting for Scotland... and Wales have been decent.
That's the thing with sports, you don't get to press the reset button when Wales things dont go the intended way.
Who is missing for Scotland apart from Maitland? I hear Grey has shoulder injury and would be out anyway.
Who is missing for Scotland apart from Maitland? I hear Grey has shoulder injury and would be out anyway.
A full strength Scotland would beat France. That is one of the funniest things I've ever read on here. I assume as it comes from Sage, it's ironic. France are 7/1 on to win, must be some unbelievable Scots missing the game.
Have the Boks allowed release of players for Scotland outside the international window???
We have one South African starting....
France would've started with Willemse, Ireland start with Van Der Flier, and Stander, Japan have a lot yet neither of these teams receive the smug comments, stop being bitter
France would've started with Willemse, Ireland start with Van Der Flier, and Stander, Japan have a lot yet neither of these teams receive the smug comments, stop being bitter
Scotland will need to keep the intensity up all game therefore a good bench is required. Huw Jones coming off the bench later on to have a crack at a tiring French backline is a good call.
Correct, its always a downward spiral when you put faith in a drink
Scotch is a drink...............people from Scotland are Scottish
No need for the Anglophobia, particularly in these troubled times.
"No need for the Anglophobia"
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
Well said John!
It was just one match. England were always going to win that title after France blew it against Scotland. No way were they going to beat Ireland by 28 points.
"No need for the Anglophobia"
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
but here's another whinge why ????????
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
but here's another whinge why ????????
What the team should have been:
1. Sutherland
2. Cherry
3. Fagerson
4. Skinner
5. R Gray
6. Ritchie
7. Watson
8. Miller
9. Dobie
10. Russell
11. DvDM
12. G Taylor
13. Jones
14. Graham
15. Hogg
Bench: Turner, Kebble, Berghan, Craig, Fagerson, Steele, Hastings, McLean
1. Sutherland
2. Cherry
3. Fagerson
4. Skinner
5. R Gray
6. Ritchie
7. Watson
8. Miller
9. Dobie
10. Russell
11. DvDM
12. G Taylor
13. Jones
14. Graham
15. Hogg
Bench: Turner, Kebble, Berghan, Craig, Fagerson, Steele, Hastings, McLean
The young lads like Miller, Dobie, Taylor, and McLean etc will all get a chance in the autumn can't just throw the young lads in away to France. I doubt it'd sit well with the team either considering the main stays are fighting for a lions spot. Wouldn't do Townsend any favours with his players imo best to slowly introduce them not all at once last time we did that we lost to the USA
Removed
184 to 3
France by 25+
And yes I have put a few £££ on it with the spread betters.
And yes I have put a few £££ on it with the spread betters.
Maitland has been left out by Townsend, citing only 5 English based players can be selected , a rule enforced by the Premiership . but Maitland plays for Saracens who are currently the English Championship, so who is saying what & why?
Looking forward to this game. I'm Welsh so hoping for a strong Scottish performance. However, as a hugely passionate rugby fan I think it will be a cracking spectacle with two free flowing attacking teams. The Scots will have to play better than they did v's England to win this one but I think it will be close (and hopefully closer than 20 points difference).
Maitland has been left out by Townsend, citing only 5 English based players can be selected , a rule enforced by the Premiership . but Maitland plays for Saracens who are currently the English Championship, so who is saying what & why?
I suspect that Maitland has just been dropped, considering he was the worst of the 3 wingers on show last week, though obviously being played out of position.
I don't think Townsend has cited that reason for dropping Maitland, its just the BBC who have included it in their article. Dare I suggest that the BBC isn't always that stringent in its rugby reporting?
I don't think Townsend has cited that reason for dropping Maitland, its just the BBC who have included it in their article. Dare I suggest that the BBC isn't always that stringent in its rugby reporting?
"No need for the Anglophobia"
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
France need four tries and a winning margin of 21 points - I think they will do that against this weakened Scottish side.
The Premiership helping to ensure Wales do not win the Championship. France ought to have forfeited this game.
The Premiership helping to ensure Wales do not win the Championship. France ought to have forfeited this game.
Hurt? I think the whole of England want France to win. Allez Les Bleu.
Oh dear. Nice excuse for blowing a 10 point lead in 4 minutes last weekend. We all know what the reaction on here would be if England had done that
How have the Premiership helped to ensure Wales don't win? Hogg, Skinner etc have been released by the clubs and even Russell has been released by Racing to play.
Not a substantially weakened side. Maitland is the only one missing out because of this arrangement. Though tbf Toony could have had him if he didn't have Harris blinkers on the whole time.
Umm ok!!!! Just stating facts in answer to an incorrect comment by RFU03 and umm oh yes you! But if it makes you feel better ok England are the most successful 6n side!!!! Better snowflake even tho Wales have more 6n grand slams lol even AWJ has more 6n grand slams than england
Jones on the bench again !! Not sure what he has to do to get a starting place.
Might it just be wanting him to come on against tired players giving him an even better chance of making decisive breaks? After Harris has had to soak up a lot of physical work against them.
100% agree. His threat surely outways his lack of defence. Plus it gives finn a great option to look for. Look how good he operates with Vakatawa at Racing.
If Hamish Watson plays like last week and we can get good ball, disrupt theirs we should win this. Hastings to come on to a muscle flick under the posts like. I think Sam Johnson is due another important score. As long as Watson and the pack have a good day.
The real rugby aficionados like Gatland know that Hamish McBeth only looks good to the non-rugby fan.
He’s busy without ever doing much and his skill set is rubbish.
Bet you he doesn’t play for the Lions this summer.
Ollivon is the class player so too Jamie Ritchie.
He’s busy without ever doing much and his skill set is rubbish.
Bet you he doesn’t play for the Lions this summer.
Ollivon is the class player so too Jamie Ritchie.
The young lads like Miller, Dobie, Taylor, and McLean etc will all get a chance in the autumn can't just throw the young lads in away to France. I doubt it'd sit well with the team either considering the main stays are fighting for a lions spot. Wouldn't do Townsend any favours with his players imo best to slowly introduce them not all at once last time we did that we lost to the USA
Maitland has been left out by Townsend, citing only 5 English based players can be selected , a rule enforced by the Premiership . but Maitland plays for Saracens who are currently the English Championship, so who is saying what & why?
France by 25+
And yes I have put a few £££ on it with the spread betters.
And yes I have put a few £££ on it with the spread betters.
"No need for the Anglophobia"
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.
I am not an Anglophobe by any means
However this is completely unfair, France are benefiting from their own transgressions.
Would it have been different for England?
Let's look at the last 6 Nations...England played all their home matches in front of a crowd, France couldn't. The championship should have been scrubbed (as in 1972) or shared as they used to.