Seems about time to start a new season thread, predictions for coming year, england to dominate and win GS again. It pains me to say that.
Wales to tread water, Ospreys best region but won't set the world alight.
Kiwis to win 7's in the Olympics, don't even know who is playing for GB
That Fijian bloke Hughes in England training squad.
Owen Watkin was rested for U20 world cup and now has torn his acl in preason big blow for him and Ospreys.
This lad has some pace!
That Fijian bloke Hughes in England training squad.
Well that didn't take long!
Looking forward to seeing Bris finally in the prem with a bit of trepidation. Nice to see that they have retained a lot of the players who earned us promotion, and very happy that Holley has gone.
Ospreys best region
But have you seen the Scarlets backline... or the mighty O's play last season 😆 In all fairness they can't be as bad as last season
Dan they will hump the dregs 😆
Thanks @Pigface
For me 2016 Autumn and 6N is all about Lions and squad selection. I have a good feeling England will take another step forward, whether than means another Grand Slam I am not sure but would imagine so, not least as opposition still going backwards too I think.
Bath to toughen up and be a threat again, I think new Kiwi head coach will deliver
European group stage has Saracens and Toulon in the same pool. Ouch.
French Top 14 starts on August 20th always seems incredibly early.
As for Lions anyone know when coach and tour dates will be announced ?
Why the hell isn't Henry Mallinder in the elite squad?!?!
Should the Hurricanes v Lions final go in the old thread? Going to be some match on Saturday, can't wait.
wrecker - no idea, he's looked the business when I've seen him play!
Will Evans could be a great #7 though, defiantly worth having. Nathen Hughes could also be imense. No doubt at all that he's English
Like the look of what Eddie is doing with the squad, certainly looks like he's got a bit of a plan.
Wrecker how do you see Bristle going this year?
Blackadder for Bath has to be better that Ford if only for the comedy value of his name.
Jones doesnt like Burrell or Ashton by the looks of it.
Ref Mallinder, saw a comment somewhere that apparently Jones has said he needs to settle on a position before he will be selected.
Disagree with Jambalaya, I don't think Bath will be anywhere this season, lost a number of good players and Blackadder is arriving too late.
Think the top 4 will be the same as last season, Sarries, Chiefs, Wasps & Tigers. Although possibly not in that order.
Like the look of what Eddie is doing with the squad, certainly looks like he's got a bit of a plan.
Which is?
I'm also going to have to disagree with Jamba re. Bath. Sure I read somewhere that they only have something like 13/14 backs in the squad. That's nowhere near enough when injuries and international call ups are taken into account, and its not as though they've loads of time to recruit quality new players. Interested to see what Blackadder can do with them but I can't see them being up to too much this year.
Glad Sale have managed to keep hold of the likes of Beaumont, Haley etc. so they can hopefully press on from last season.
If Wasps can get consistent front foot ball their backline should be scoring for fun. They don't look up to much defensively so it's almost like they're saying "We're going to score 30, its up to you to keep up".
Sarries are Sarries and will still be the team to beat. Tigers could well be on the rise again. And Exeter will continue to impress.
In my mind its still Sarries' to lose but behind them there will be a hell of a battle.
Wrecker how do you see Bristle going this year?
I we can win 6 games, it's likely that we'll stay up. We have some class in the squad too, a few internationals. It'll be close, but I fancy our chances over Newcastle and Worcester. Don't tell stoner that though, he'll shit a brick!
Henson back in the top flight, what could possibly go wrong!
I think he'll be used sparingly. We have Pisi and the young Sheedy as tens (who kept Gav out of the team for the finals) and Will Hurrell, who is likely to play a big role at 12. Hopefully we can do Ok until Jan so we can make some signings.
who kept Gav out of the team for the finals
I though he was broke? I expect he might not play too much though. Wonder if Ian Evans will step up he would still be a massive asset to Wales if fit seeing as how he is a good middle lineout jumper.
Jones doesn't like Burrell or Ashton by the looks of it.
I think Ashton burnt his bridges somewhat by throwing his toys out of the pram when he was selected for the Saxons. He also hasn't worked on his failings really. I think his time is done.
Burrell didn't do well in his 30 mins in Australia so it's not a surprise. Case of good prem player not so good international (maybe).
It's good to see some of the of U20's getting called up although not calling Mallinder up is interesting because he did look a cut above the rest when I went to what the U20's final. He looks more like a 12 than a 10 but it's probably right that he selects a position first. If he has another good season with the Saints he'll be hard to ignore.
I expect they want Mallinder to fill out a bit first too. You either need to be quick or powerful at international level to go with the soft skills he has.
Yes, at 6'5" and 17st he's nothing like big enough yet!
Suspect it's more to do with who else is currently in the positions he's currently getting picked for, that he's not a starter in one position yet and not experienced enough to cover several.
Give him 6months.
No rush with Malinder, as said he needs to find his best position, the england backs seemed to work well in Australia.
Suspect it's more to do with who else is currently in the positions he's currently getting picked for, that he's not a starter in one position yet and not experienced enough to cover several.
Give him 6months
^That
Mallinder is only 20 and has plenty of time to develop, a few matches in the Saxons won't hurt. If he does settle on either 10 or 12 he's then got to displace Ford or Farrell and neither are particulary shabby players.
RE: Ashton and the teddy throwing. Can understand his frustration, but as others have mentioned he's not fixed his failings. He still becomes a ghost when on defence
Yes, at 6'5" and 17st he's nothing like big enough yet!
For modern internationals thats still beanpole territory. He would seriously need to address his body position going into contact to play 12 for England. Cant see him at 10, no matter how good a player he is, and he looks very talented, he is going to struggle to get kicks away fast enough with such long arms and legs. by the way wikipedia suggest Jamie Roberts is 6'4" and 17.5st, dont think Mallinder is anywhere near as solidly built (quicker and more skillful though).
Gav was fit for the final, according to the man himself, he couldn't get into the team.
Mallinder is plenty big enough, he's built like a bloody outhouse. He only played 10 in the JRWC due to an injury, most of his games have been at 15 for saints, not 12.
For modern internationals thats still beanpole territory. He would seriously need to address his body position going into contact to play 12 for England. Cant see him at 10, no matter how good a player he is, and he looks very talented, he is going to struggle to get kicks away fast enough with such long arms and legs. by the way wikipedia suggest Jamie Roberts is 6'4" and 17.5st, dont think Mallinder is anywhere near as solidly built (quicker and more skillful though).
I think some of the club websites are slightly generous with the player stats.
I don't think he'll settle at 10; he looks more like a 12 to me too. Another season in the Saxons won't do him any harm. Too often a player is heralded at the next great white hope, has a bad game or two or has 'second season syndrome' and is discarded. Farrell isn't the long term answer but it's going to take some shifting him if he keeps playing well.
Well for Scottish rugby its looking like another year of hopeless optimism followed by doom and gloom.
Glasgow - in the main event in Europe but with a pool of death so euro glory is likely to be short lived. Should be there or thereabout for the league but not as strong as last year. They seem to have recruited well with a couple of wildcard signings.
Edinburgh in the minnows euro cup- realistic aims of making top six in the league next season. Maybe even top 4. the finally have a couple of fly halves having not had one most of last season including Duncan "Meatball" Weir
National side?
Last season was very much a mixed bag. Next year the team will be older and wiser. We have yet to see the best of this team but its time to start achieving something. Lookout for Peter Horne
I don't expect or want many scots to go on the lions tour. I guess it will be based mainly around the english team who I expect to win the 6N Unless of course Gatland is coach again
*pulls pin and retreats*
Also of course look out for "Ickle" Jonny Gray. Superb athlete. Did not miss a single tackle all year - and only two last season. Regularly tops the tackle count as well
look out for "Ickle" Jonny Gray. Superb athlete.
Love watching him play (except against England). Quality player
Eddie Jones would be a good lions coach. Very much doubt there'd be nepotism in his team selections.
Regardless of who's in charge of the lions, what's the odds on Haskell and Robshaw getting a nod this time if they can match their physicality of the 6N GS and Oz tests?
Eddie wouldnt be released by england, Gatland has a release clause. Its Gatlands to lose.
Rob Baxter would be my call. Toonie as his assistant
Pro12 to be disbanded.
http://theeastterrace.typepad.com
The late cancellation of the main domestic league in Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy will likely have a very minor impact on at least 10,023 fans who were “kind of” looking forward for something to do in the winter months if there was nothing else on. The impact on the wider rugby watching community - denied the chance to watch Treviso play the Newport Gwent Dragons twice a year - is also expected to be limited.
"Honest, We thought it had been cancelled..."
Seem to recall this excuse getting trotted out annually when the Welsh teams don't turn up...
Its not that the welsh teams dont turn up its just that the other teams are better, well apart from the Italians.
Pro12 to be disbanded.
S4C would lose their only programs with any viewers too 🙂
Come on Dan I know you are huge fan of Rasus 😆
Met my Bath RFC insider yesterday, squad just got back from Portugal and nobody has met Blackadder, from all accounts the club is much happier than this time last year.
TJagain! Can it be?
I'm not convinced, he didnt predict a Scottish Grand Slam!!
Thank God for helmets! Lifesavers. ( that should smoke him out)
Shhhusshhhhh I'm in deep cover
😆
Blackadder had a rep up here of getting players to fulfil their potential,just what Bath need.
Aye - he was well liked and respected. I was disappointed we could not entice him back to Scotland
Underhill has done his shoulder in training, joins Owen Watkin as another young promising Osprey in going under the knife. Out for 4 months.
When and what channel are the Olympic 7's?
I had presumed it was all on beeb. Not that fussed about 7's though I find itca bit dull.
You surprise me AA I love a bit of 7's I like that it needs a bit of thought, though most teams just get it to the speedster and let him get on with it.
Not a good injury for Underhill at such a young age.
As per the Olympic thread I'm not interested in 7's - Rugby shouldn't be part of the games
Wrecker, now we don't have Dean "cheerful" Ryan holding us back we'll fly!
And brizz will bounce straight out unless they can massively up the game they played against Doncaster the other day! 😉
And brizz will bounce straight out unless they can massively up the game they played against Doncaster the other day!
To be fair, wuss beat us by one point in the PO's, didn't look great and they have managed to stay up so I'm quietly confident.
We now have a (very good) defensive coach, some decent centres and no more of Holleys hair brained ideas of how to play.
Willie La Roux to Wasps.
Thoroughly shit news this morning. Hope he can make a full recovery.
Too right A_A. Hoping for full recovery.
SR final -
Lions had me a bit worried over the past few weeks, looking fast, powerful... but the Hurricanes were amazing. Didn't give em a sniff. Gonna miss that tournament til next season.
Yes, shit news, wishing him a full recovery.
£95 for a Engerland match day strip! I take it the captain will be delegating somebody to fold them the right way out before they get dropped off at the launderette?
Well that is the end of the Sevens at the Olympics and I really enjoyed it, I guess Team GB is going to be our only effort at putting a Lions like 7 squad together.
I think it has enhanced the sport of Rugby around the world.
Townsend to take over from end of season, that was always going to happen eventually.
I knew Townsend was going to end up going somewhere soon so Scotland is about the best I could have hoped for. I was worried he was going to end up at Bath.
Now someone just has to find Pat Lam's number for a chat about the Glasgow job.
Best of luck to Townsend, I really rated him as a player.
At least the rabbits will be safe. Odd timing though going before a world cup.
Seems a bit bizarre to me. MY guess is Townsend told the SRU that unless he got the Scotland job he would be off to a rich club. I have my doubts about the wisdom of this move. I wanted Big Vern to stay longer with Scotland.
MY guess is Townsend told the SRU that unless he got the Scotland job he would be off to a rich club.
Should have told him to piss off then. Why lose a coach doing a good job for an untried one?
With Blackadder going to Bath looks like they've recruited Robbie Freuan at centre too. He's had some injury blighted years but could be handy.
Dave Rennie to take over at Glasgow after Townshend. That's a coup...
The Chiefs have played some fabulous rugby under Rennie. I guess he's widening his CV with the long term aim of coaching the ABs.
Chiefs to Glasgow. That is an interesting switch. I hope Exeter can maintain last years form and maybe kick on a bit, they where great to watch.
Sale Sharks 33-Edinburgh 28 good game from both teams. Had a chat with Edinburgh's lock Fraser McKenzie after the game, bugger is huge! Lovely chap though.
I don't watch much Pro12 rugby, so can anyone tell me how Edinburgh's pack is rated? Sale were destroying them tonight.
Muddy - lst year Edinburgh had the pack to beat in the pro 12. Pushed everyone around without cheating best front row, OK second row, average back row)
I'll go check who the team was.
Edinburgh put 4 past Sale tonight, looked very good tonight especially in the loose. Scrum was getting humped though.
Very much a second team from Edinburgh especially in the forwards. NOne of the first choice test players played that I can see. So a very much weaker pack than the first choice.
The edinburgh first choice front row is the scotland one - Nel, Dickinson, Ford. NOne of them played. McInally in the second choice scotland hooker and he ws in the squad. I can only find squad details for the match not who the actual team was. Good to hear the backs were good. Was Meatball ( Duncan Weir) starting 10?
Yes, Weir was playing - nice soft hands from what I could see!
Weird to be wandering around the pitchside with so many big name players and their families mingling around, Edinburgh lads very happy to chat with us lowly mortals.
Edinburgh do have the rather oddly named Will Helu in the backs. I cannot read his name without thinking of Leslie Phillips
😆
The rugby community on STW has missed you, TJ! 🙂
Will Helu - big PI centre? Made some very hard yards tonight if its thr chap I'm thinking of.
Thats him. Good player.
Ta CFH.
This year Edinburgh should be able to mount a serious challenge in the pro 12. We how have not one but two decent 10s. Last year we played the whole season without one. I hope Sam Hidalgo-Clyne can rediscover his form at 9. Weir has moved from Glasgow where he was 2nd choice behind Russell and has hardly had any gametime. another one who needs to rediscover form. 3 years ago he looked great, injured then too much sitting on the bench has meant he has not progressed as he should. Couple of good young uns to watch. Kinghorn at fullback ( 19 yr old), Jamie Ritchie a 99 kilo back row who is only 20 and Hamish Watson who I hope really kicks on this year - a fearless and fast back row but a bit lightweight.
Solomans needs to rotate a bit more tho - he worked the front row into the ground and didn't give the youngsters much gametime
Best bit about tonight?
Queuing at the bar with an Edinburgh fan & his young son, wee chap yelling 'daddy juice' every time a pint was pulled - I love rugby!
Great opening try from NZ vs Aus.
The virtues of fixing the man and giving the pass.....
The try that was disallowed for offside was another fantastic example of 1-15 drawing a man and giving a pass, simple stuff done well, amazing. Combined with Barretts pass injections from 10 the are wonderful to watch.
Aus 3 NZ what is it 32 now at half time.
Some nasty injuries though which I dont like to see.
My god, are the Wallabies really as bad as the ABs are making them look?
Some of the selections for the Australian team are beyond my comprehension. Clearly they needed a shake-up after the England tour, and yet the only difference seems to be Genia back in at scrum half?? And he is bottling tackles!
Scarily good NZ team anyway.
32-3 at HT!
Masterclass from the ABs notwithstanding the Aussies losing three inside centres. Beauden Barrett certainly worth his starting place.
Looks like whatever the Wallabies learned from bugging the AB's meeting hasn't helped them much.
