This has been a tough old time for Glasgow Warriors fans. After a first loss to Dragons in years at home and a demoralising defeat to Exeter Chiefs in Devon, it was revealed by Jamie Lyall that first-choice stand-off Adam Hastings is set to head south, after signing a contract with Gloucester, (later confirmed by Glasgow Warriors) just days after Edinburgh and Scotland “jock-bok” Duhan Van de Merwe was linked with a lucrative deal to Worcester Warriors.
*cliché about switching off lights on the way out*
On March 5, 2016, I wrote an article names ‘The Scottish Exodus- Good or Bad’. At the time, a raft of big names of the Scottish game were heading for the exit at Scottish Rugby, including but not limited to: Greig Tonks, Sean Maitland, Matt Scott, David Denton, Tim Visser, DTH Van de Merwe, Leone Nakarawa and Taquele Naiyarovoro.
At the time I argued that this was both good and bad; good as the new leagues bring new challenges and bad as it left a void in Scottish club rugby. Despite this, the overall outlook was positive. The likes of Hoggy and Gray were staying in Scotland despite foreign interest. I also highlighted some ‘quality young players’ such as Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Blair Kinghorn, Scott Cummings and Jamie Ritchie who could fill that void. Not a bad prediction when I reflect on it.
Fast forward to 2020, and my outlook is different. It is first of all worth mentioning that we don’t have such a long list yet, but with so many out of contract this summer, you’d think more will follow suit.
This time it seems far graver. Hogg and Gray are gone, Meatball is at Worcester and all of them are thriving . Meanwhile Glasgow are struggling with strength in depth, and Edinburgh will struggle to keep a hold of their bigger names, as we see with the Duhan rumours.
The problem this time is that the Glasgow are weaker than before and whilst Edinburgh had an impressive few seasons of improvement, they have not yet won any silverware and players are already out the door. To top it all off, they will now be hit with the budgetary cut backs provoked by COVID-19.
Now, as if looking for a golden needle in a haystack of sh*t, in the long term, this could be good for the Scotland Team. Team Scotland is the money maker. If more players take their opportunities abroad and can translate that into success for the national side, they will inspire kids in Scotland into the sport and fill the coffers at the SRU.
If this is successfully invested in academies and the Pro sides, we could in the long term see many stars return in their later years and the clubs rebuild. If you consider the impact guys like Jamie Roberts have had at Dragons, it is easy to imagine.
However, all of this is contingent on a long series of things going very well. In Scottish rugby? Unlikely. You cannot guarantee that guys will come back- you definitely can’t guarantee success for the National side.
The bottom line right now is a stark one; the outlook for Scottish club rugby is bleak, and it does not look like getting better anytime soon with 4 Super Rugby sides on the horizon in the all but confirmed expanded Guinness PRO16, another player exodus and a COVID stricken budget. Danny Wilson and Richard Cockerill are both good coaches, but they face un uphill struggle from here. As for the national side, with a World Cup pool with South Africa and Ireland coming up, the road ahead is anything but an easy one for Scottish Rugby.
As we come up to the first leg of the new format of 1872 cup, it’s interesting to see what the Cup and the rivalry really means to the Scottish public. When you think of the biggest PRO14, and potentially the biggest club rugby rivalries in the world, not many seem bigger than the old Leinster vs Munster rivalry over the Irish sea. But what of the 1872 cup? Is it really a ‘rivalry’ in the sense of bitter old foes locking horns, or is it just all that Scottish rugby has to offer?
I took to Twitter and posted four possible options, although many felt that it was a combination of the lot: Grudge Match, Scottish Rugby Exhibition, Bit of Both, Christmas Trip out.
Results of the 1872 Cup Poll
A Grudge Match?
Having consulted some fans through message too, the message seems just as mixed. It is a grudge match to an extent, especially for the players. When you have the likes of Jonny Gray pitted against Grant Gilchrist, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne vs Ali Price and following an impressive autumn series Stuart McInally vs the returning Fraser Brown. All of these players will have a point to prove and Gregor Townsend to impress. With the added weight of silverware on the line, have no doubts this is a grudge derby for the players.
As for the fans, the story is somewhat different. Glasgow vs Edinburgh has always been a rivalry, forgetting the rugby context. New head coach Richard Cockerill has certainly picked up on this, stating that Cumnock born Mark Bennett could have added that rough edge that the posh boys from Edinburgh sometimes lack. There are stereotypes, there are differences, there’s a level of rivalry.
However, club rugby in Scotland is still relatively small, with Glasgow posting the higher attendances of the two, but only hitting crowds of around 7000 (albeit limited by Scotstoun capacity). Down the M9, Edinburgh don’t enjoy such crowds; the capital based side have done little to inspire fans over recent years, leading to a poorer following. The result is that whilst Glasgow have a deepening fan base, lots of Edinburgh fans are just occasionals and not entirely invested in the team. That’s why Cockerill talks so much about building the culture, on and off the pitch. The end result is that between fans, there’s not too much tension because those interested in club rugby, are interested in the National side too.
An Exhibition of Scottish Rugby?
The National side, is a huge draw for this game too. As aforementioned, the game has rivalries across the field, a large proportion of the finest rugby talents that Scotland has to offer will be on display at these fixtures. On that level, it’s an appealing fixture for any rugby union fan nearby; you get to see the current generation and some of the next, competing for places in their national side, enough to get many rugby fans out of bed on a cold wintery Edinburgh Saturday.
A Day Out at Christmas?
The final aspect are the event goers, the Christmas jollies. Whilst many bemoan these fans who only turn up once a year, drink too much and forget about it for another year, I say allow them. It’s the same that happens at international games across the globe, it pumps more money into the Scottish club game and hopefully it will in some fans, inspire them to get down to Myreside or Scotstoun more often, as the club game continues to grow in Scotland.
Will it ever become a ‘grudge’ rivalry?
In short, I think the answer is no. For the foreseeable future, Scotland has just the two professional sides. Whilst we may take our sides and support our teams, many support Scottish rugby on the whole. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see Edinburgh and Glasgow fans cheering on one another’s side as they do battle in separate European competitions for example. The only way that I can see this game ever being a grudge match off the field is if Scotland were to have their own professional league with multiple sides, but alas I fear that maybe somewhat a pipeline dream.
At very least, lets hope the resurgence of the National side inspires a few more to the game this year, to show them where it all comes from.
In the end, Graham Love probably summed up the 1872 Cup best with this tweet.
Nerve wracking 160 minutes spent wishing for no major injuries this close to the 6N
Edinburgh: Kinghorn; Fife, Johnstone, Burleigh, Van der Merwe; Van der Walt, Hidalgo-Clyne; Sutherland, McInally (capt), Berghan, Toolis, Gilchrist, Mata, Watson, Du Preez.
I want to start by congratulating England- with their full strength side out yesterday, they finally showed what great rugby they can play and are deserving Six Nations champions.
Many had Scotland down to make history and beat England at Twickenham- I think that could have happened if both teams performed as they have in previous weeks. Sadly, Scotland took a good few steps back whilst England really turned up the heat. I couldn’t imagine many teams winning that one today..
The Positives…
Three tries- the most England have conceded in a game this Six Nations. Not bad for a make-shift Scotland team. The last time England conceded three tries was November 2016 and it was to Fiji.
It also showed Scotland that despite the obvious improvement, the team has a long way to go yet.
Moving forward, it was a good wake up call
For a while we have been talking of an improved Scotland, the best in a generation. We didn’t see that yesterday. Forget the torrid injuries, there were still 21 missed tackles and 44 errors. John Barclay was spot on in his post-match interview- Scotland were useless. That said, the front line players have shown what they’re capable of- we just need more back up.
An opportunity for young guns?
I don’t think it’ll happen, but Vern could help Gregor a lot here by blooding a few more players- Scotland statistically can’t come last in Six Nations and they can’t win it. With wins over Ireland and Wales, why not cut their loses and blood some new guys? It has already been a successful campaign on the whole – Scotland have shown they have a good team, just perhaps not the depth. It’s unlikely, but I’d be happy to see some new faces for the good of the team going forward- guys like Damien Hoyland and maybe Blair Kinghorn. Give them a taste for the level they need to be at to get selected.
The SRU are doing good things- but we need more
There is often so much criticism for the governing body, but in fairness, Dodson and Co are doing a job with Scottish rugby. Glasgow Warriors have been going well in the Pro12 in recent years and are now having an impact in Europe (although I fear what injuries will have done to their silverware hopes) and ambition has been shown with a new ground and head coach for Edinburgh. However, to keep up it’s clear- Scotland need more players, more teams.
The bench were always going to make a difference in Twickenham. Look at Wales in a similar situation against England in RWC2015- England may have been a different beast back then, but Wales were down their first-choice scrum half and centres, had a scrum half on the wing and still beat England. The difference in how the sides fronted up in those circumstances is stark.
With another professional club team, or ideally, two, Scotland could hope to develop the kind of depth we see in the Welsh and Irish squads. The big risk of course is that it dilutes the talent pool and club rugby falls on the way side. A balance needs to be struck to ensure a strong Scotland team and strong club teams to support the development of Scottish rugby on the whole.
Scotland need more players at the top level. The loss of Stuart Hogg this weekend was glaring.
The 2017 Championship and beyond
Sadly, Glasgow Warriors’ season could well be killed off by this and Italy could be a real challenge for Scotland, too. Already down a first-choice front row, number eight, scrum-half and kicker, Scotland have now lost their back-line cover too as Mark Bennett is ruled out, with Stuart Hogg, Ryan Wilson and Tommy Seymour undergoing concussion protocols. Then you have Huw Jones and Finn Russell potentially out with knee injuries and Richie Gray with a hamstring issue. Options are looking very light on the ground for Vern Cotter.
Final Thought
Scotland are getting more quality players emerging year on year, who are making an impact for their teams. They’re a relatively young and inexperienced squad. Fraser Brown’s yellow card at Twickenham epitomised where they’re at in that sense.
Imagine when they can convert that adrenaline into positive energy.
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It’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Scottish Rugby recently. The announcement that Glasgow’s 1872 cup leg was to be played at the home of Edinburgh Rugby, certainly hit a wrong note. Whether it was the correct decision or not, the way the announcement was made, did little to endear Scottish Rugby fans. On the other hand, what an excellent achievement to pack over 23,000 supporters into Murrayfield the week prior to that, a record Scottish club attendance.
FRONT ROW
I have to profess, I’m no expert on the front-row. However, following the World Cup and their from for Edinburgh, its hard to see past the front row of Dickinson, Ford and Nel. Both Dickinson and Ford bring a huge amount of experience to the front row, invaluable when playing against sides such as those in the Six Nations, all of whom have formidable scrummages. Additionally, in recent games I’ve been impressed by Zander Fagerson. Fagerson is young, but has started to get more regular selection by Gregor Townsend and it seems inevitable that he will soon add to his age grade international honours. It’s a shame to have seen Stuart McInally injured at RWC because he bought something new to the fold at hooker and could make a good future replacement for Ford.
SECOND ROW
In the second row, Jonny Gray has to be one of the first players on Vern Cotter’s team sheet. At the World Cup he put in 67 tackles, giving him one of the best tackling stats at England 2015. He continued this in his MOTM performance against Edinburgh in the second-leg of the 1872 cup. Brother, Richie, wasn’t far behind, putting in a staggering 55 tackles. This high work rate, combined with strong line outs, puts these two in the second row (we’ll forget about the last line out against Australia, where we threw to the back during torrential downpours). Grant Gilchrist could easily have been here if it wasn’t for his persistent injuries and Tim Swinson isn’t all that far off either.
BACK ROW
John Hardie. Say what you will, but this man is a rock at 7, some seriously good scouting from Cotter and his team. He’s an out and out 7, always going for the turnover, with a good lineout, and a killer instinct with crunching tackles that will put the chills up any number 10’s spine. Factor in his impressive offloading stats, coming in within the top 20 at Rugby World Cup 2015 and it’s hard to look past him. I’ve always been a fan of Kelly Brown and Chris Fusaro has looked good for Glasgow, but it’s hard to see Hardie shifting aside anytime soon. It also seems fitting to mention the retirement of Roddy Grant. A shame to never see him with a thistle on his chest, but a great servant of Edinburgh Rugby none the less.
At 8, following a tremendous World Cup, David Denton has seen himself become one of the highest paid professional Scottish rugby players. At present he seems to be holding the shirt for both Scotland and Bath. However, with a back row which as of next season will include Taulupe Faletau, Japan 8 Amanaki Mafi alongside the likes of Francois Louw and Leroy Houston, he will have a challenge. Denton is a reactive player and hopefully this will only strengthen his game further. However, he’s not guaranteed a spot at Scotland if Josh Strauss can find form once more.
To fill the Six shirt I would have Ryan Wilson. An astute tackler, with great strength who does all of the nitty gritty work expected of a six. On the bench I would probably still keep Blair Cowan, although he hasn’t made the same impact with London Irish this season as in years gone by. Another impressive season means Edinburgh’s Cornell Du Preez could be considered, but do we need another foreign import?
SCRUM HALF
Another position, that for me, is a no brainer. I am of course referring to Greig Laidlaw, nominee for World Player of the year 2015. His move to Gloucester seems to have reignited his love for the game and added more to his playbook. We’ve seen more innovation, such as those sniping runs he made which helped to penetrate the Argentinian defence in the autumn internationals last year. His kicking has been as sound as ever and in key moments against the likes of Japan, he made the right decisions to keep us in the game and ultimately, to win it.
Second choice for me is Pyrgos. Hidalgo-Clyne looks to be promising for the future and certainly deserves some game time. However, at times he doesn’t quite show the cool head nor consistency needed for top flight rugby. Rest assured though, I see him as a key part of the Scotland team in the near future. Pyrgos brings experience and consistency to the shirt, which is pivotal as this Scotland team works around having a sturdy 9.
STAND-OFF
This part is refreshing. In my eyes, we now have class options in this position. Finn Russell has been the clear shirt holder for the last year or so, but I have recently been reminded of a certain Ruaridh Jackson. Having recovered from an ACL injury, Jackson was very unlucky not to make Scotland’s RWC squad. However, he appeared comfortable in the 15 shirt against Ireland in the warm ups and was key to the unstitching of an eye-wateringly brilliant Toulon line up. At present, he’s being kept out of a starting berth at Wasp’s by Jimmy Gopperth. The story is the same at Glasgow for Russell, who is currently seeing a lot less game time as a result of Duncan Weir’s development. Although not quite the live spark of Russell or Jackson, he has started to show a new side, with darting runs and dummies, both for Glasgow and most notably, for Scotland against South Africa, where he set up an excellent length of the pitch try. I personally would try the old combination of Jackson with Weir on the bench for the England test. Russell would respond to exclusion, potentially helping Scotland massively in the following games.
INSIDE CENTRE
Matt Scott has long looked to have this position nailed down, until Alex Dunbar came along. Unfortunately Dunbar’s year has been defined by his on-going spell on the sidelines as he suffers injury after injury. In this time, Scott has re discovered his form from a few years back and looks solid on the ball, bringing both physicality and an illusive step, enough to deserve the starting 12 berth at present.
OUTSIDE CENTRE
Another easy choice with World Rugby break through player of the year nominee Mark Bennett. His elusive running and excellent lines have earned him a number of fans, as well as THAT intercept against Australia in the Semi-Finals. His form has continued as he pierced the finest defence in the PRO12 at present (Edinburgh) 2 times in as many weeks. That said, Duncan Taylor has been in form for Saracens, so don’t be surprised to see him pushing for a spot in the team.
WINGERS
A controversial selection as a result of his defence, Tim Visser. Unfortunately it looks like he will miss the start of the Six Nations, but with 5 tries in as many games for Harlequins he’s looking back to his devastating best, showing a rounded skill set.
The other berth goes to Sean Lamont. Aged 34, he is still the fastest player in the Glasgow squad and possess a mammoth amount of power. He has linked well with the young Scottish team in his recent tests. With Tommy Seymour looking off-colour, he takes the shirt for me. You may be thinking of Maitland, but now that he is playing regularly at fullback with Irish, I see him as best starting on the bench.
FULLBACK
Stuart Hogg. Was there ever any doubt? Since his rise to the fore in 2013, Hogg was never quite been so explosive. He has however, added an awful lot to his game. He now has a cooler head for big games and has been linking tremendously with Taquele Naiyarovoro at Glasgow, particularly in setting up one of the wingers 3 tries against Scarlets at Scotstoun. If he can carry this into the Six Nations and work well with Visser and Lamont, it could prove to be a very exciting back 3. There is also the option of Maitland or Jackson as previously mentioned to come on as cover.
Alasdair Dickinson
Ross Ford
WP Nel
Jonny Gray
Richie Gray
Ryan Wilson
John Hardie
David Denton
Greig Laidlaw
Ruaridh Jackson
Tim Visser
Matt Scott
Mark Bennett
Sean Lamont
Stuart Hogg
So there you have it, my form XV for Scotland. This is my first ever attempt at an article and I’m looking to write more and more as I find the time. Any comments, positive or constructive are very much appreciated.
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