......................... strange selection.
I'm not sure about Johnson's selection most of the time, and this time the back row is as perplexing as ever it was.
I was hoping to see the Killer Bs (Brown Barclay and Beattie) back in harness, but that's not to be - maybe the D-Bs instead.
It looks like 6. Beattie, 7. Brown and 8. Denton.
To me, it looks like the out and out No. 8 is posted to the blind-side, the rampaging, does loads in the open No. 8 is the only one played in his normal position and the head first, clean it up, close quarters blindside is yet again left to look like a fish out of water on the open side.
I hope I'm reading it wrong, but I really want to see them run out on Saturday as 6. Brown, 7. Denton and 8. Beattie.
These Aussies are there for the taking, but not if too many players are out of position.
Scott Johnson.........................
posted on 22/11/13
and to add to that. The BBC are reporting lies. They assert that the RFU were disappointed not to be part of the talks which resulted in english clubs being left out. However the truth is the the RFU did not turn up! Their seat at the table was empty because they choose to snub the meeting. Even in the face of destroying the european game the BS pride can't be overcome. Well the results are clear. ANd i personally really feel bad for the English club rugby fans. This is a sellout by their own.
posted on 22/11/13
Ding
I think the game as a whole has to sort out just how much it has to be in hock to Mammon and how much it really wants improve to get the NH to really compete with the SH. At the moment money rules and because the clubs pay the money, the clubs rule and the bigger the club, they more they rule.
If the RFU wanted to control things they would issue central contracts, but they probably can't afford to compete with the clubs on that. There's no way any other union could even contemplate it, though to be fair, you Irish have managed to keep your best at home, unlike Scotland and particularly Wales.
PS. Were you having a few drops of the Liffey Water at 1.00 a.m.?
posted on 22/11/13
hahaha no mate. but i had just read about the results of that meeting and it vexed me something proper. On the central contracting thing. The FFR had a meeting last week where they resolved to begin offering central contracts. Something to do with protecting grass roots rugby and continuing to develop home grown talent. Because of all this business there looks to be a shift coming in france for the money men. wage caps etc etc
posted on 22/11/13
I hope you're right Ding, I hope you're right.
It worries me just how far apart the game at the top is from the game that those of us who choose to do so, watch at a rain soaked, muddy pitched local club all winter.
If all this leads to a little bit of redress f that disconnect, then all the angst might be worthwhile.
posted on 22/11/13
amen to that
posted on 22/11/13
If it is dry then Scotland are in big trouble, I keep saying it but this Aussie side is good. SA and NZ have just been outstanding this year.
posted on 22/11/13
Aristo
You could well be right, but then again ..........................
Or is that you trying to big England up for beating them.
posted on 22/11/13
Haha nah we always beat them anyway , I am a big fan of the Aussie backline though. Folau is awesome, Genia/Cooper is a great halfback pair and in Kuridrani (harshly banned imo) they have a very good wrecking ball OC.
They will go back above us in the rankings if they win and I think that is fully justified by recent performance.
posted on 23/11/13
Hey gents. Show. wales just embarrassed themselves by almost losing to the Tongans. Wales 17 Tonga 7. (again)
Anyway. My point is simple. We put 40 points on them and basically hammered them and we played diabolical rugby in the process but because they nearly beat Wales, does that mean wales are worse than Ireland?
Ye i wish. Wales are still top dog in Europe at the moment. They are just rubbish at autumn internationals. Always have been.
So i suppose my point is. Go for it lads.. Surprise the Ozzies. they can't be expecting a hammering from the plucky scots. I will certainly be cheering youlot on!!!
posted on 23/11/13
Aristo
Sure, I know it's always going to take a superhuman effort, 1-15, for a Scottish side to beat the Aussies. The original point was when you have 2 no. 8s and a blindside in the back row, is in not better to only play one of them out of position, not 2.
To me Denton is the obvious 1 of the 3 to play openside with Brown and Beattie in their normal positions.. Brown is never a 7, he is an out and out 6, and a damned good one IMHO, Beattie is never a 6, but he is a pretty decent 8. Mind you Denton has got hands like feet and it's only really his rampaging across the park the makes me think he'd work at 7.