Let’s Talk Rugby: Wallabies v Scotland

Brett Don't agree with your take on the suspensions. You seem to have two bob each way When so many players are involved, including blokes like AAC who was in fact singled out, there has to be grave doubt that McKenzie made the position clear enough to follow up with such a punishment. Why not keep it to behind close doors punishment? Also, you completely ignore the fact that they played so well and with such enthusiasm. What sane leader uses public shaming after their best performance yet So many Roarers seem to be confusing this event with the 'three amigos' ill discipline I think a lot of Link's behaviour, especially early, has been flaky. I also think QC is running the backline now and is responsible for the plays, not Link. I'm surprised and impressed by his growing stature

Agree with you on Israel Folau -- I don't know if it's his Aussie Rules training, but he has no problem jumping for high kicks and catching them. Oppositions have continued to send the high ball to him, and paid the price in strong counter attacking, or just surrendering possession. I'm hopeful that Scotland will humiliate the Aussies again, but it's a hope built on slim foundations.

CFS vs. Lilo at 13: it's a gamble either way. CFS's defense is suspect - and 13 is the hardest position to defend, so he could be exposed. Lilo is a solid defender - but has not played 13 at anything close to this level. You gotta give Link some credit that he has been assessing various options in this regard, and this represents his best judgment. Given the choices at hand, this is hardly a "left-field" selection. Leaving Folau at 15 is an absolute no-brainer after last weeks performance. I'm surprised Scott suggested otherwise. This completely nullifies one of the few potential weapons Scotland may have had.

Excellent chat, guys. Cheers. Want to see the Wobs keep on building in this game.

I think we'll do well against the Scots. If you recall Tomane tore the Argies a new one recently and CL is a quality player no matter where he plays. The pack is gaining its hunger and Quadie seems to be gaining confidence. This game I am not concerned about. Thats what concerns me.......

he was a dean's fan boy and every article is against link. the guy is a few months in, give him time,

Talking rugby, is anybody else reading Brett Harris' articles over at The Oz? Is it just me or are they just a tad too vitriolic of MacKenzie and the Wallabies?

If you lose to Scotland then there is something seriously wrong. Scotland are a diabolical side despite what they try to say up there. Just keep the discipline and Scotland will score 0 points. It's really that simple as they have nothing else to offer. Having said that, come on the Scots.

Folks, One thing i've always loved about Scottish Rugby is the voice of rugby the late, and great Bill McLaren. I found this little tribute to him. Hope you enjoy it. Might lightnen up your day ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqIaXLBk5tQ

the fact that most of the backs are suspended?

hoqni, Agreed EM does seem to think laterally. Not everything is set in stone

hoqni, Agreed EM does seem to think laterally. Not everything is set in stone

+ 1 I would think Harris will defend at 12, but align attack outside CFS. CL will pocket like Toomua in attack. So CL will defend at 13. Chance for CFS to shine

Just a thought,where is it written that just because they are named in those positions are they going to be playing in those positions.

Agree with all of that.

It seems very short sighted not to go with CFS at 13. I don't think CLL will ever play there again, and CFS should. I would have gone with Foley on the wing and kept the not match ready Betham on the bench. Foley could be a le Roux type player for the Cheetahs

Good point. Harris has run some nice lines off QC for the Reds, so I'd be expecting that against the Scots for sure.....

No, he wouldn't have.. ;)

I think CLL is a good defender in his own right - but that has been at 10 or 12. I have seen Harris get turns tiled a few times whilst playing for the Reds at 10/12. It will be an area of concern. I would have played CLL at 12 CFS at 13 and risked Betham.

I think we will see the blind winger used a lot this week. Neither centre is what I would consider penetrating, though Harris can run a reasonable line at 12. I think we will see similar plays to what we saw v ARG and a bit more kicking as Murrayfield is a disgrace at the moment. If I were Scotland I would be running everything at CL's channel, inside and outside shoulder. He hasnt defended there before, has no combination with Harris, it could be ugly there if they are half smart. As a former 10/15 I played once or twice at 13 and was turned inside out with multiple runners and just defending differently than I was used to. I hope CL plays alright but it will be a difficult night if they send traffic his way.