Has Andy Robinson been reading the comments sections across the internet? Nick De Luca is no longer playing at 12, and Sean Lamont is no longer on the bench, but surely no-one realistically saw this team coming.
Although I have my doubts about Sean Lamont as an inside centre – he passes the ball even less than Morrison – it seems that the “loonies” have had their say, as a new-look team was announced today. As discussed on twitter and elsewhere, Robinson has indeed gone with Jackson at 10 and Mossy at 15 to take the kicking duties which is a much more sensible decision. It may have been forced by injury, but at least it gives the boy a chance to lay down a marker ahead of the World Cup.
Elsewhere, Johnnie Beattie comes back into the pack along with Richie Gray and Moray Low (the match being on a Sunday), and Mike Blair takes the place of Rory Lawson. If the likes of Beattie, Lamont and Gray can get the team moving forward as happened in Paris then hopefully this will be a much more rewarding spectacle than two weekends ago. The team caught me a little by surprise and I think it could be a bit of a gamble, but I think I like it.
Scotland: Chris Paterson (Edinburgh); Nikki Walker (Ospreys), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors); Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Mike Blair (Edinburgh); Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors), John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors).
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Geoff Cross, Nathan Hines, Richie Vernon, Rory Lawson, Dan Parks, Simon Danielli
6 responses
Well, its stick or bust with this midfield isn’t it?
Lamont has hands like feet so I imagine that Barclay will be sat on his shoulder throughout the game to hoover up the ball when Lamont takes it into contact. De Luca with a bit more midfield space could be a revelation (if he gets the ball) Liking the changes in the pack but not convinced that Vernon should be anywhere near the squad after the no-show against Wales. Surely Rob Harley is the better bet against what will be an even more aggressive Oirish backrow. Shame Jack Cuthbert isn’t playing but I am a big fan of Mossy at fullback, he is still quick across the ground and, although he is a bit of a ponce in the tackle, he cant play any worse that Southwell???
It all depends on which set of forwards turns up……….
Interesting. Sean Lamont at inside centre may not be as dumb as you think. Lamont may not be expected to pass the ball out wide but to draw in the Irish to create space out wide. Jackson and Blair should be on hand to distribute. If it works, it’ll open up space for Nikki Walker, Max Evans and even NDL. NDL might suit 13 more than 12. Paterson comes in to provide extra attacking options, beyond muscle, and the stability his boot provides. Nice to have Beattie and Gray back.
BTW: I wonder if Parks was dropped for his 1-D approach to the Wales match and failure to adapt, even as the temple was falling around his ears….That would suggest the management had a plan B but it wasn’t implemented on the pitch (which would also explain some of the other post match comments from the Scotland camp).
I have always thought NDL would be a better 13 than 12 but (as is usual) no-one agreed with me. Be interesting to see the effect of having Lamont and Barclay on his shoulder if Jackson can get past the first up defence and make a few offloads. Still, the Irish backline will more than likely look to shake him up early on.
EUAN MURRAY – YOU ARE ONE BRAINLESS RELIGIOUS IDIOT FOR YOUR CONTINUED REFUSAL TO PLAY ON A SUNDAY – THE MOST BORING OF THE WEEK & WE AS A NATION HAVE TO PUT UP WITH RELIGIOUS PRATS LIKE YOU.
Gav, are we really going to miss him though given his current form?