Match Thread: Scotland v Ireland, Murrayfield, Sat 2.30pm **See Mod Warning Post #1**

CatFromHue

The teams:
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Dougie Fife, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c), 8 David Denton, 7 Blair Cowan, 6 Adam Ashe, 5 Jonny Gray, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Rob Harley, 21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Greig Tonks, 23 Tim Visser

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones

Scotland hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Ireland, though current previous results are pretty good.

Previous 6N Murrayfield results
2013: Scotland won 12-8 at Murrayfield
2011: Ireland won 21-18 at Murrayfield
2009: Ireland won 22-15 at Murrayfield

Scotland's recent home form:
Their only home wins over the last 2 seasons have been against Japan, Tonga, and Argentina but their losses have usually only been by a score or so.

Out of South Africa, Australia, England, Italy, Wales, New Zealand, and France though (who all beat Scotland in Scotland) only England and South Africa have managed to beat them by more than 9 points (Eng 20 points 2014 6N and SA by 28 in Nov 2013) in the last 2 seasons. So winning big in Scotland isn't an easy thing to do especially this season with Vern Cotter on board. Their biggest home loss all season is to NZ by only 8 points! Even Paddy Power has Ireland at -8 for the game

Goal Kicking:
Scotland haven't missed a kick at goal this comp with Laidlaw 13/13 and Russel 1/1 compared to Sexton's 14/16 and Madigan is 2/2 (Keatley is 5/5)

Lineout:
The lineout will be a big area as Ireland crumbled at key times last week but overall are quite good, Scotland are equally good and also very capable of disrupting our lineouts.
Scotland 38 won/6 lost, on their throw in, and caused opposition to lose 8 of their throws
Ireland 43 won/8 lost, on our throw in, and caused opposition to lose 9 of their throws

The 6N Table:
England +37pd, 11 tries
Ireland +33pd, 4 tries
Wales +12pd, 5 tries

If two or more teams finish the Championship with the same number points, the winner is decided on match-points difference (subtracting match-points 'against' from match-points 'for' in all Championship matches). If there is still no winner, then it is awarded to the team who scored the most tries during the Championship.

Man of the Match: Jarred Payne :pac:


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total former

Well done CFH.

I don't know what way to feel about this. I'm confident of a win and 4 from 5 is a good return for any 6N but I think missing out on the championship on points difference will really suck the satisfaction out of it.

BoardsMember

I'm not too bothered if we lose the Championship on points difference, what I'd like to see is a good game of rugby with see some decent inventive back play, and some good leadership on the pitch.

Swiwi.

Whatever about winning the championship, the first thing is to win! Keeping with today's theme, it would be a definite case of feline among the pullastrines if Scotland were to win.

CatFromHue

total former wrote: »

Well done CFH.

I don't know what way to feel about this. I'm confident of a win and 4 from 5 is a good return for any 6N but I think missing out on the championship on points difference will really suck the satisfaction out of it.

We could even end up missing out, if we win that is, by the number of tries scored!

efb

Docked in Scotland train to Edinburgh- Can't wait!
We will do this!

stephen_n

Funny I think the lineout is somewhere we may get a good return, Scotland's maul defense was atrocious against Italy, something I'm sureEasterby will have noted. Of course, we have to hit our jumpers for this to happen, Wales read our calls brilliantly last week, hopefully Scotland won't. I don't care where the tries come from, backs or forwards, just hope they come!

mg1982

I can see us needing to win by 15 to 20 points. Can we do it? yes, will we? probably not.

Losty Dublin

Good man for the late write up, Catser.

I would make Ireland the ever so slight favourites based on the softer last game compared to Wales, it's time of day and the fact that England have to face France at 5PM. Lets face it; we are not going to win yet score 4 less when doing so than England will tomorrow.

Either way, it will be one hell of a Saturday.

Bridge93

Losty Dublin wrote: »

Good man for the late write up, Catser.

I would make Ireland the ever so slight favourites based on the softer last game compared to Wales, it's time of day and the fact that England have to face France at 5PM. Lets face it; we are not going to win yet score 4 less when doing so than England will tomorrow.

Either way, it will be one hell of a Saturday.

We could very easily win but do so by less than 4 more than England. Actually that's what the bookies say is the most likely event

.ak

I've just resigned to hoping we play well and win. I can't handle the whole how can we build a point advantage and what will happen in Rome and London. My nerves are shot. Think I'll just have to be happy if we play to our best and go for the win, then let faith take its course...

It's either that or I won't sleep tonight.

ktulu123

Nervous as balls for this, heading down from Dundee in the morning on the train. Thank feck they have a supporters village set up so we can watch the other games. Anyone else going? Hoping for something special from Ireland tomorrow.

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE to score a hat-trick of trys :P

Neil3030

Ireland. A billion, nil.

Bridge93

ktulu123 wrote: »

Nervous as balls for this, heading down from Dundee in the morning on the train. Thank feck they have a supporters village set up so we can watch the other games. Anyone else going? Hoping for something special from Ireland tomorrow.

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE to score a hat-trick of trys :P

In the process more than doubling his irish tally and giving the finger to the haters.

Celly Smunt

I'm optimistic for tomorrow.

Cant see England beating France by any great margin. Its the Welsh we have to watch out for more than the English Imo.

God imagine losing the championship to gatland after being on a grand slam run, the horror.

Wang King

We should win, we will win, but it we aren't going to put enough points on them to win the championship.

Flipper22

Neil3030 wrote: »

Ireland. A billion, nil.

Don't be unrealistic.

It's a long time since scotland drew a blank in Murrayfield.

Neil3030

Flipper22 wrote: »

Don't be unrealistic.

It's a long time since scotland drew a blank in Murrayfield.

Have a good feeling about tomorrow! :pac:

Flipper22

Wang King wrote: »

We should win, we will win, but it we aren't going to put enough points on them to win the championship.

I'd say it's very finely balanced and wouldn't be surprised at any of the three winning it. If the games were simultaneous I'd have Ireland and England as slight favourites. As things stand, I think England have to be favourites.

mg1982

Neil3030 wrote: »

Ireland. A billion, nil.

Now thats what i call optimism.:D

.ak

Flipper22 wrote: »

I'd say it's very finely balanced and wouldn't be surprised at any of the three winning it. If the games were simultaneous I'd have Ireland and England as slight favourites. As things stand, I think England have to be favourites.

If tv wasn't such a driving force behind the game the last 3 games should be played together.

Neil3030

mg1982 wrote: »

Now thats what i call optimism.:D

You'd think my rant before the Wales match would have put manners on me!

#thankseveryonefornotmentioningthatafterthegame

bilston

I think we may cut loose a bit tomorrow in terms of our play (not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard though), whatever about his try scoring ability which admittedly isn't good, Fitzgerald has the skills to break the opposition line and that is something our backline has missed up until now. He could ve a jey man tomorrow.

What we need though is a platform and we need our big carriers to get over that gainline and for quick ball to be generated. For that reason I'd have been tempted to start Cronin and Henderson. Still if Healy, O'Brien and Heaslip get us front foot ball then we may be in business. As ever it's the forwards that will win us the game. It was ever thus.

We need at least a 15 point win, but one note of optimism is that as poor as France have been they haven't bee poor in defence and England may have to rely on the hitherto unreliable, but otherwise excellent, George Ford to kick his goals. It's key France stay within striking distance though as it could get to a point where 3 points is no use to them even if it is to us.

As for Wales I expext them to win by between 20 and 30. As long as it isn't much more than that I can live with it.

Tomorrow will be some day!

Flipper22

.ak wrote: »

If tv wasn't such a driving force behind the game the last 3 games should be played together.

No doubt about that. But then from a personal point of view I love the last Saturday rugby marathon!

managerman

Flipper22 wrote: »

Don't be unrealistic.

It's a long time since scotland drew a blank in Murrayfield.

last year no? lost to england to nil?

twinytwo

I think joe got the team wrong for tomorrow..... realisticly we need to score tries if we want any chance of winning this and a lot of them.

we should have gone with fitz and earls on the wings, reddan at 9 sob at 8 tod at 7 and henderson at 4... put bowe and murray on the bench

should be throwing the kitchen sink at scotland

homecouldbhere

All my nervousness has dissipated compared to 7 days ago. I'm looking forward to a good game of rugby from us and the scots, and I think the England France game could be a belter.

Biggest heart-sinking moment for me in the last 48 hours was when I realised the bookies fancy us as only 8 points better than Scotland. These boffins are rarely too far off. History of their home record would also suggest that any victory margin around the 15 point mark is a big ask in Murrayfield.

Could be an 8 point victory for us. (After Wales winning by 30 in Rome).

Then to a man and woman we're all roaring at the French defence to work their arses off with 5 minutes to go against England, with England leading by 3!

mg1982

2moro will be a great day of sport on the box. Whatever happens will miss the six nations when its over. Maybe its not the highest quality of rugby compared to the southern hemisphere but still makes compelling viewing.

mfceiling

Very interested listening to BOD tonight on Newstalk.

Says that Zebo (I know, I know) has a weakness when he's tackled. Not great at ball presentation - the last game he was taken out by Warburton, was blown off another one and the biggest cardinal sin of all - he ended up on his back (a big no no under Joe). BOD reckons he doesn't fight hard enough when he's tackled to present easy, quick ball.

Interesting for me as having not played in years, it's good to get an experts view on something that you mightn't give as much attention to.

Mahatma Geansai

Did BOD offer any insight/analysis about any players bar He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? If you nitpick, you will always find some minor mistakes. It'd be interesting if BOD commented on any of the major mistakes made by other players.

Stheno

mfceiling wrote: »

Very interested listening to BOD tonight on Newstalk.

Says that Zebo (I know, I know) has a weakness when he's tackled. Not great at ball presentation - the last game he was taken out by Warburton, was blown off another one and the biggest cardinal sin of all - he ended up on his back (a big no no under Joe). BOD reckons he doesn't fight hard enough when he's tackled to present easy, quick ball.

Interesting for me as having not played in years, it's good to get an experts view on something that you mightn't give as much attention to.

Why is ending up on your back after a tackle such a big no no?

mfceiling

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Did BOD offer any insight/analysis about any players bar He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? If you nitpick, you will always find some minor mistakes. It'd be interesting if BOD commented on any of the major mistakes made by other players.

No. He was asked why he thought Zebo was swapped for Luke and did he think Zebo did much wrong. I would assume he could find a fault with most of the players if he was asked.

Funny enough one of the things he did mention was the "chirping" in Wayne Barnes' ear - one of the worst culprits he said was SOB and the fact that he has a high pitched voice which could be annoying!!

PTH2009

Working at 7pm tomorrow so no drink for me. Hopefully we do it but I think Wales will do it

mfceiling

Stheno wrote: »

Why is ending up on your back after a tackle such a big no no?

I would think it leaves you badly positioned to provide clean, quick ball. Joe likes you on your front where you can drive forward and fight the defender.

connemara man

Stheno wrote: »

Why is ending up on your back after a tackle such a big no no?

easier to get the ball ripped from you.

Swiwi.

mfceiling wrote: »

Very interested listening to BOD tonight on Newstalk.

Says that Zebo (I know, I know) has a weakness when he's tackled. Not great at ball presentation - the last game he was taken out by Warburton, was blown off another one and the biggest cardinal sin of all - he ended up on his back (a big no no under Joe). BOD reckons he doesn't fight hard enough when he's tackled to present easy, quick ball.

Interesting for me as having not played in years, it's good to get an experts view on something that you mightn't give as much attention to.

I dunno, in general I'm not that keen on very recently retired players commenting on other players faults, especially with all the provincial rivalry in Ireland. Would BOD go publicly on record and make the same comments about Luke Fitzerald if it turns out he has the same issue??

I didn't listen to the interview, but it seems the typical kind of headline grabbing comment that the media seek out in Ireland.

I fully understand the rational behind Zebo being left out for this weekend, but there were a host of other players who played relatively poorly last weekend too. I wish people would just give the guy a break, he'll be gutted enough about missing out on the side this weekend, without the media hauling out BOD for his comments too.

Now, I'm not in any way suggesting any malice on the part of BOD, he was no doubt just responding to the Q he was asked, but I do sort of feel it's a bit like asking the recently bereaved wife how she plans to spend the life insurance money.

total former

Please please please no.

twinytwo

mfceiling wrote: »

Very interested listening to BOD tonight on Newstalk.

Says that Zebo (I know, I know) has a weakness when he's tackled. Not great at ball presentation - the last game he was taken out by Warburton, was blown off another one and the biggest cardinal sin of all - he ended up on his back (a big no no under Joe). BOD reckons he doesn't fight hard enough when he's tackled to present easy, quick ball.

Interesting for me as having not played in years, it's good to get an experts view on something that you mightn't give as much attention to.

going on last weeks performance the first person to be dropped would have been sexton.... so the disussion is kind of pointless

twinytwo

PTH2009 wrote: »

Working at 7pm tomorrow so no drink for me. Hopefully we do it but I think Wales will do it

i think you giving wales too much credit

vienne86

Nerves jangling ahead of tomorrow. I'm hopeful rather than optimistic that we'll put a score on the Scots. I'm really nervous about what Wales will do to Italy.

mfceiling

twinytwo wrote: »

going on last weeks performance the first person to be dropped would have been sexton.... so the disussion is kind of pointless

I think it's more of a discussion because one player has been replaced by another. Added to the fact that BOD was asked why he thought Joe might have made this switch.

The_Kew_Tour

I honestly think France are going to give England a run for their money tomorrow. I can see Ireland winning by 15-20 points too. Maybe I'm being blind, but never know.

Be honest I be more worried about Wales but I think its going be close

Pudsy33

In Edinburgh now for my first Ireland away game. There are some amount of Irish fans here the three sisters bar in cowgate seems to be the place to be. Not feeling particularly confident of a championship tomorrow but there are definitely some twists and turns left. Can't wait!

Pudsy33

Pudsy33 wrote: »

There are some amount of Irish fans here

I'm kind of there. I mean, I'm at home, but I'm sitting here drinking Glenmorangie and reading your post so it's kind of the same as being there.

Goldstein

Lot of negativity about Ireland's title chances in contrast to the perceived overconfidence last weekend. Scotland have lost every game. I'd rather be playing the strongest Scottish team than the weakest French team any day. I hope Ireland go out there like men posessed to atone for last week, show us the clinical attacking performance they've been threatening to deliver and beat them by 20+ points.

France have conceded 36 points, the same as Ireland. Really can't see England putting more daylight between them and France than we should put between us and Scotland. The biggest danger for us is Italian capitulation and defensive brain farts with Wales going try mad especially without Parisse playing. An agressive and uncompromising Welsh mindset to score tries is dangerous for us. Can't wait for tomorrow! It'll be a fascinating day of rugby.

duckysauce

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

I honestly think France are going to give England a run for their money tomorrow. I can see Ireland winning by 15-20 points too. Maybe I'm being blind, but never know.

Be honest I be more worried about Wales but I think its going be close

Bound to be one surprise and think France might be the ones too

Berticus

Ireland to play a conservative game and kick a load of penalties giving us a nice points difference! 5 penalties is +15, not to be sniffed at! I reckon half time score will be something like 9-6 to Ireland!

Final scores...
Ireland 24-12 Scotland +12
Wales 41-Italy 10 +31
England 20 France 15. +5

Ireland champions!!

Can't wait to look at my predictions TM night!!

whatawaster

Could our best chance of winning the tournament be the following:

Wales absolutely thump Italy.
Ireland now have no choice but to absolutely go for it against Scotland.
This high risk strategy works.
Leaving England too much to do.

clsmooth

twinytwo wrote: »

I think joe got the team wrong for tomorrow..... realisticly we need to score tries if we want any chance of winning this and a lot of them.

we should have gone with fitz and earls on the wings, reddan at 9 sob at 8 tod at 7 and henderson at 4... put bowe and murray on the bench

should be throwing the kitchen sink at scotland

Changing 1/3rd of a team for a must win game would be lunacy. You can't expect them to gel within a week. Couple of changes to freshen things up is grand. Think we'll win but probably between 7-10 after a hard close game. Probably not enough to win the championship but that would still be a very good result, its Murrayfield after all. Scotland rarely lose by much there.

Berticus

Berticus wrote: »

Ireland to play a conservative game and kick a load of penalties giving us a nice points difference! 5 penalties is +15, not to be sniffed at! I reckon half time score will be something like 9-6 to Ireland!

Final scores...
Ireland 24-12 Scotland +12
Wales 41-Italy 10 +31
England 20 France 15. +5

Ireland champions!!

Can't wait to look at my predictions TM night!!

Yeah this is the way I think and hope it will go.

I don't think we will have any great lead for a good while and I doubt we will "throw caution to the wind". I'd reckon Schmidt is drilling into the lads to focus on winning first and taking all the 3 points they can get. Worry about the championship if the last 20 allows it and I think it will.

Celly Smunt

I'm hoping Bowe has been playing a big joke over the last few games and will whip out the game of the century tomorrow in a "gotcha! I'm not nearing the end it was all an act" type fashion.