I have a confession. During the St Etienne debacle in October last year, I may have offered up a silent prayer to the gods (Roman gods, naturally) that if they’d let Scotland win that one so our World Cup tour stayed on track, then the Italians could have the next Six Nations win in return. So if Bortolussi’s missed kick was indeed caused by a giant invisible digit playing Subbuteo Rugby, my fellow Scotland fans you will only have me to blame if Scotland should lose by a similar twist of fate on Saturday. The Italians may be due a break. However I suppose you could claim that so were we up until last weekend, so it would be nice to see the winning ways continue for Scotland. And let’s not forget that regardless of the Ireland vs England result, this will be the Wooden Spoon decider.
With that in mind, here’s the mostly unchanged team to face the Italians in Rome next weekend, with Danielli the only new starter. It would have been nice to see (another player with an Italian name) Nick De Luca given another chance on the bench, but his time will come.
Backs: Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Simon Webster (Edinburgh), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Nikki Walker (Ospreys), Chris Paterson (Gloucester), Mike Blair (Edinburgh, capt)
Forwards: Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hines (Perpignan), Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh), Simon Taylor (Stade Francais)
Bench: Scott Lawson (Sale Sharks), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Craig Smith (Edinburgh), Jason White (Sale Sharks), Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
Word is also going round that Andy Robinson’s wife allegedly told Brian Moore to “f**k off” on Saturday, which is something that no doubt many of us have wanted to do from time to time (The Scotsman comments section is rife with “here’s to you, Mrs Robinson” jokes, so I won’t bother). What with Austin Healey having footballs blasted at his, well, balls on the Rugby Club last week, it seems there is a lot of wish fulfilment going around.
4 responses so far
1 caramac kid said...
Oh well that settles it. Nothing like a red rag to the bull of an italian pack…
picture the scenario 20 mins in Scotland leading 7-0 having cut through the blitz defense
high ball up on Danielli.
Bit of tap dancing..
Danielli off injured,
Parks unzips romper suit
Paterson shifted ,
Parks on and kiss goodbye to any potential of running rugby, penetration and inevitably the game
Even BA has eventually managed to get rid of the JW?
Why does Haddock persist with a no 10 who displays some of the most obvious telegraphing to the opposition in his (limited) decision making. Shurley some mistake??
Mar 11, 2008 at 7:17 pm
2 Rory said...
It’s a worrying gamble to be sure. And the fact that we’ve already seen that scenario happen makes you wonder if World Class Phil isn’t worth a shot on the bench to redeem himself for the last game he played against Italy. He is, after all, in some of the form of his life for Edinburgh…Better still would be at least one young utility back (like Cairns or De Luca) in a more balanced bench.
Mar 12, 2008 at 11:51 am
3 Jonny said...
What I’m more worried about was the fact that Hadden acknowledged Godman’s form prior to the 6N yet, as of these 6 matches, has not picked him, despite being in the form of his life.
Either Frank is a dirty liar or insane. Inexcusable. The man is a fraud one way or another. Worse than Williams in some ways.
Mar 12, 2008 at 6:12 pm
4 Disillusioned said...
This defeat was due to dreadful selection, appalling uninspired coaching, unbelievable substitutions and the worst performance by a Scottish stand-off it has been my misfortune to witness. The many able players and unbelievably loyal fans have been let down by the coach throughout the whole Six Nations campaign. If he does not resign he should be sacked.
Mar 15, 2008 at 5:12 pm
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