Hadden never makes changes…ever!
Well, except this time.
Scotland have made 5 changes to the starting XV for this Saturday’s game against the French in Paris. In come both Max and Thom Evans to the starting line-up, joined by Simon Danielli, Alasdair Strokosch and Alasdair Dickinson. The full team for the game is:
First XV:
1. Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3. Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)
4. Jason White (Sale)
5. Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
6. Alasdair Strokosh (Gloucester)
7. John Barclay (Glagow)
8. Simon Taylor (Stade Francais)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh)
10. Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
11. Thom Evans (Glasgow)
12. Graeme Morrison (Glasgow)
13. Max Evans (Glasgow)
14. Simon Danielli (Ulster)
15. Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh)
Replacements:
Dougie Hall (Glasgow); Moray Low (Glasgow); Kelly Brown (Glasgow); Scott Gray (Northampton); Chris Cusiter (Perpignan); Chris Paterson (Edinburgh); Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)
Having only had a few minutes to digest I’ve a couple of thoughts.
Firstly this looks like a side set up to attack, the backs are quick and have natural finishers. The choice of Danielli is interesting, didn’t see that one coming but fits with the policy of one big and one not so big (there is no small in international rugby!) winger. Obviously no Paterson again and, considering his decent performance against the Welsh, that is slightly surprising. He does however allow you to put more depth on the bench as he can cover a number of positions. The additions of both Evans boys is encouraging and if they can get decent ball they have the skills and sheer pace to frighten the French.
Happy to see Strokosch in the starting line-up, he’ll certainly add a bit of bite and God help a Frenchman on the wrong side of a ruck! He’ll feel he has a point to prove after missing out against the Welsh and we can only hope he channels his aggression and passion in a more productive manner than Geoff Cross. Disappointed to see that White has kept is starting slot. Nothing against him, he is a cracking player, but this is not his strongest position and he looks like he is lacking match fitness. Surely a fit and ready Ally Kellock would have better? Moray Low doesn’t quite make the starting XV but at least he is on the bench and edges towards the elusive first cap.
Overall I’m pretty happy – this is a team that should have been selected last week. If we had Murray and Hines I’d be very optimistic about going to France. As it is the main worry for me is the pack’s ability to secure good quick ball and put pressure on the French forwards. If, and I think it is a pretty huge if, the pack can perform at the top level we have a back unit that can trouble any side in the competition. If I was French I’d look at that side and look at that back unit and be fairly apprehensive as the way the French play the game leaves them open to attack by speed. This Scotland line-up is quick. There are points in this side but so much comes down to ensuring protection for Blair and Godman.
Much happier this week, and whilst not optimistic of a Scottish victory this squad at least makes me think it’s going to be a damn good game. One thing is for sure, come Saturday evening we’ll know for sure whether Scotland are moving in the right direction and whether Frank Hadden has a future in his post as national coach.
