Good Godman. Or good God man!
- 7 Feb 07, 12:00 PM
London - I'm not going to write much since I'm deep in the middle of preparing for the Scotland v Wales game on Saturday and about to listen to the Wales team announcement which I'm sure will be given plenty of discussion.
So , eh?
More or less the changes expected I suppose and when Frank Hadden prefers Phil Godman to Dan Parks, you know he wants to play a slightly more open game of rugby. But is he Scotland's best option at ?
Rob Dewey coming in? Few could argue with that for a bit of pace and finishing power. Is Marcus Di Rollo's passing ability enough to merit a recall?
Simon Webster and Nikki Walker - how many would like to see their very different running abilities feature on the wing at some stage?
Plenty to discuss so with that I'll return to finding out how many Jones' I have to confuse on Saturday and throw it open to the floor........
Wales 27-18 England
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Di Rollo must be the luckiest man in Scotland. Still, good to see Dewey start. A bit of pace in the wings would have been nice. And a specialist No 7....
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So Godman in for Parks. A positive move but not one that will make a major difference. How about shifting Paterson to 10 and Southwell to 11, bringing in the attacking options of Calum MacRae at full back? Now that might pose a few problems for the Welsh back line!
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Dewey is a good decision. Strong, quick and lights up the centres. Godman adds a bit more creativity to the scottish back line. How about switching Lamont outside centre where he did so well in last years six nations and bring in Nikki Walker for Di Rollo on the wing. Scotland may start to upset some teams and pose a threat in the future.....
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No no no no no no no!
Paterson should have stared at 10, this would free up the wing for Nikki Walker to make a start. MDR must be untouchable, otherwise he would be out, with Simon Webster at OC.
Its going to be a long day on Saturday!!
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No no no no no no no!
Paterson should have stared at 10, this would free up the wing for Nikki Walker to make a start. MDR must be untouchable, otherwise he would be out, with Simon Webster at OC.
Its going to be a long day on Saturday!!
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Di Rollo - more like die and rollover. Just because he sounds like an Italian footballer does not mean he is any good. Get rid!
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don't know about the Godman/Paterson debate, but definitely one to keep an eye out for is David Blair - Mike Blair's younger brother. A pretty decent stand off and no mistake.
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Godman needs blooded now. Potentially he could be an option for the RWC. Paterson will switch to stand off at some point during the game, no question. As for MDR, last chance I think. If he plays badly, I cannot see him starting for a while. Webster and Walker bound to come on too.
As for the back row, I can see Hogg coming on as openside, Taylor switching to 8 and Brown moving to blind side. Oh, and Hines and Ford will also come on to replace Hamilton and Hall.
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has anybody investigated whether jonny wilkinson is really a scot!!!
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Here's a thought for you: Sean Lamont (6ft 2, 15st 10lb) on one wing, Nikki Walker on the other (6ft 4, 16st 3lb), Dewey (6ft 3, 17st 8lb) and Rory Lamont (6ft 2, 15st 10lb) in the centres and Hugo Southwell (6ft 1, 15st 1lb)at FB. Pick the most creative fly half in the land (Paterson?) and unleash the muscle. At least Scotland would have some scary firepower (for once) to get over the gain line and provide a target for the back row. Not much finesse, I admit, but who would you rather face - this backline or the one that played last weekend?
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Totally agree with crouchandhold, however, I would swop Rory Lamont and Hugo Southwell as I've said before in previous blogs Rory is the in form full back. But that being said, our forward performance last saturday if carried on this weekend would not allow the fearsome back formation to unleash its power.
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Very dissapointing selection. After last weeks performance I'd hoped Mr Hadden would have opened up and decided to have a go! Walker is in form, Webster score two on his return and they are getting splinters on the bench. I ,like most, am not the expert Hadden is but I can't believe I'm so out of touch that I can't see any reason why MDR is still in the squad let alone starting. Can anyone enlighten me as to his international pedigree/skill levels?
Back line should be Cusiter, Paterson, Dewey and Webster. On the wings Walker and Lamont. Lamont has not performed since France 2006 but give him one more chance. Southwell at full back.
If Ally Hogg is fit enough to be on the bench is he not good enough to start?
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Twickenham lessons not learned
We were comprehensively beaten last Saturday despite Frank Hadden's moaning.
Front row stuffed - but we have no better players so will always be a weak spot
Back Row- essentially played three No8s, big slow and very ineffective at breakdown. Could not slow their ball,nor secure our ball quickly, and let Harry Ellis run riot around fringes.
So against a very fast Welsh back row we again select a back row which will not compete - Does not make sense to me
As for Godman, can't kick and can't tackle so seems we will run what ball we get, but where is the strike force?
Webster, Walker are on bench- What is wrong with Paterson at 10 and Walker and Webster on the wings
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Lessons from Twickenham not learned-
We were well beaten despite Frank Hadden's complaining.
Front Row- completed dominated by England, but we have no better
Back Row- three No8s playing, slow, did not secure our ball quickly nor slow English ball- let Harry Ellis run riot- Wales back row are quick and sharp, so even more damage will be done this Saturday- we need a genuine openside-
Godman - can't kick or tackle so we will run everything, but where is stike force? It is on bench which does not make sense
Paterson at 10, Webster and Walker on Wings would be more of a threat
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wat is wrong with are forwards! theyre are playing pathetically at the moment, they cant takle, they cant do a proper succesful lineout and their mauling is pitiful.
also can hadden not see wat potential players lik walker and webster have, put paterson at fly half, lamont in centre instead of MDR and put walker and webster on the wings! now that would be more interestin
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Di Rollover shouldn't be near the starting team, that's my main beef with mr hadden. Ali Hogg would help us to win fast ball and unleash some of the backs we have. with Dewey in the opposition backs need to check themselves and it makes a bit more space for the outside backs to exploit.
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hmmm im not sure if some of you have actually seen some of the players mentioned ever play rugby! Webster at centre? surely you need to be able to tackle to even think about playing there..Lamont is and always will be aa fine winger, Paterson is still the best bet at full back and although i would have liked to see mowgli at 10. Di rollo was average playing for watsonians and i dont remember him tackling too much when we played them. I think Hadden is right though and we should only be playing players in their club positions as if they arent good enough to play there for their club why should they be good enough for scotland?
Whatever happened to danielli? he looked for a time to be our only genuine class back
Still think kelly brown is ok but surely Hogg should be back if fit however it is nice to have options for once.
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Sorry, Godman can't tackle???
Having watched him play at Edinburgh for the past few years I can state that the guy tackles everything in sight, he's fearless in the tackle.
Kicking may be a bit suspect, but I'm sick of seeing a one dimensional fly half playing for Scotland.
He'll pose far more problems in defense and attack than Parks.
Di Rollo must be Frank's love child... Expect Webster on for Di Rollo before 60 mins (hopefully). Not his normal position, but he'll be far more of a threat than MDR.
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I think most of Scotland would like to see Paterson at stand off! i saw the boy Godman play for Edinburgh in a win against Leinster at Murrayfield but he was def the weak link and had to be replaced by veteran Dunc Hodge which is certainly not inspiring me with great confidence! Webster and Walker should play from the start on each wing and Hogg should be there as well! As always `Mon Scotland! but i fear for them on Saturday with this team!!
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Nobody mentions Ben "Mad Pup" MacDougall here?
He's always one of the borders best. Hmmm -its dissapointing - no openside and walker not given a chance.
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We have a specialist open side in Donny MacFadyen who I think like many is on his way back from injury but for 60mins could do a better job of getting to the breakdown first than either Brown or Callam, Ally Hogg at 8 and Si Taylor at 6.
As for the backs, I agree with Robin and would have Cusiter, Paterson, Walker, Dewey, Webster, Lamont and Southwell. We might then look slightly potent with a mix of power and pace to upset the opposition. Fair enough maybe not upset them but not roll over and let the oppo have it all their own way as MDR and Skeletor (Andy Henderson) curretly do.
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The line up for saturday is all wrong. Firstly, Phil Godman should never start for Scotland, he has no pace and a little more creativity will not make up for his poor defence. Hadden should have put Gordon Ross in and had Parks in reserve. Secondly, Andy Henderson should replace Marcus Di Rollo but play inside with Dewey outside him. Playing Paterson at Full back would allow him to run at pace, and enable him to come into the line when and where he likes, therefore making him far more effective, this would also allow Webster to make an appearance on the wing. In the forwards, Hines should come off the bench and into the second row alongside Scott Murray.
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The line up for saturday is all wrong. Firstly, Phil Godman should never start for Scotland, he has no pace and a little more creativity will not make up for his poor defence. Hadden should have put Gordon Ross in and had Parks in reserve. Secondly, Andy Henderson should replace Marcus Di Rollo but play inside with Dewey outside him. Playing Paterson at Full back would allow him to run at pace, and enable him to come into the line when and where he likes, therefore making him far more effective, this would also allow Webster to make an appearance on the wing. In the forwards, Hines should come off the bench and into the second row alongside Scott Murray.
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Let's join in the Di Rollo slating.
He's had maybe one half decent game that I've seen and that was for Edinburgh at the end of the season about 3 years ago when the opposition were going through the motions. He's an average club player - why is he first pick at outside centre? Hadden says he's got no competition, but in this day and age the centres should be easily interchangeable. Henderson and Dewey is a far better option than any you can think of containing Di Rollo.
Think Godman deserves a run, but we need to face facts - we have no stand off. Paterson is class, but he needs to play regulalrly at that position. You get less time at international level, so how can he settle in when he doesn't even play at club level?
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Webster has played a few times at centre for Scotland (scored a try against the All Blacks), if you had seen him play for Edinburgh and Scotland (Scot abroad) you would have seen that he, like Godman tackles everything. Lamont, played well against France last year, done nothing with club or country since - he should make way for Walker who is in form.
Despite all that, good luck Scotland, I think the 2nd half changes will win us the game
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Why do people keep insisting on Webster at 13? He is a winger and a decent one at that but he is no O/C. As we seem to be struggling at O/C why not throw Ben Cairns in until Morrison is fit?
As for the Forward, Kerr and Hall should have been replaced and Hines and Hogg should have been in. We do however need a 7. Hopefully Donnie Mac will be back to full fitness before the WC.
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Okay I have a list: Why was Andy Henderson dropped? Marcus Di Rollo was the one who kept dropping the ball? Why is David Callum still playing? Surely John Beattie would be better? And why is Jim Hamilton still there? Nathan HInes should be stating with Al Kellock on the bench? And where is Rory Lamont and Dan Parks? Frank Hadden has made a mess of this one. Thank goodness Euan Murray is still playing and Chris Cusiter is at scrum half!
Another thing that gets to me is that if Blair was fit and the minute he is it will be goodbye cusiter! And I still going get why Thom Evans is not playing. The man has speed and can attack and defend. We will lose this weekend and after last year its really not fair on the guys.Frank might have been Edinburgh manager once but he is not now and he has to wake up and see that there are 3 pro teams in Scotland or not just one.Yeah I am a cusiter fan but I have nothing agaisnt Mike Blair. They play different styles of rugby! I think I should just take over. Would make a much better job of it!
15-Rory Lamont
14-Sean Lamont
13-Graeme Morrison
12-Andy Henderson
11-Thom Evans
10-Chris Paterson
9-Chris Cusiter (we need defence for Wales)
1-Allan Jacobsen
2-Dougie Hall
3-Euan Murray
4-Nathan Hines
5-Scott Murray
6-Simon Taylor
7-Kelly Brown
8-Johnnie Beattie
16-Ross Ford
17-Gavin Kerr
18-Al Kellock
19-Ally Hogg
20-Rory Lawson
21-Simon Webster
22-Nikki Walker (heard good things)
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Seriously how is Di Rollo still in the team. He is put in for his passing ability and he cant pass. Put Henderson and Dewey at centers.
Also get Hines and Hogg in like last year.
Dave Blair should be up for contention for No. 10 shirt, when he gets back from injury.
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Godman is a very good player, he is better than Dan Parks. I am certain that Godman is a better #10 than Chris Paterson. Godman has player there since he was at school, whereas most of Paterson's pro career he has played #14 or #15 for Scotland. I played against Godman at school, even back then he still was a cut above the rest in terms of stand-off.
As for the centres, Di Rollo should go! He is not good enough to play for Scotland. He is like Gregor Townsend with Ian McGeechan, the preferred player but not that good, just a favourite. I am glad to see that Frank Hadden mentioned Graeme Morrison, he is a very good strong player, a better #13 than the current "monkey". We can wait for him to recover from his groin injury.
Simon Webster and Sean Lamont as the 2 wingers? Chris Paterson at full-back? But Hugo Southwell has played out of his skin at #15 for the past year, in my opinion the best backline player we have at the moment. Maybe Webster as an impact player on the bench until half-time? Maybe Nikki Walker on the bench too?
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Southwell good in defense and good kicker but what about showing some attcking qualities and putting in R Lamont. He has been in superb form for Glasgow recently. I would have him at FB then S Lamont and Walker as wingers. Outside centre is a problem but MDR should definately not be in the squad, he has been useless. Any thoughts on Paterson here?? Dewey a must for inside and Paterson at 10 if not 13. Also has anyone mentioned Thom Evans for wing??, some amazing performance for Glasgow this year.
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I agree with crouchandhold, need Paterson at 10, then opening up powerful running backs, but with that in mind i can't understand why u would play rory lamont at 12, and southwell at 15. Rory is playing well and is a real attacking option at full-back, whilst Andy Henderson is a rock at 12. Henderson may not continually make a clean break like dewey, but he does always make hard yards and his defence is magnificent. He was one of the stand-out defensive players in last season's 6 nations, and i say this as an Ireland fan!
Play 10) Paterson 11) Sean Lamont 12) Andy Henderson 13) Rob Dewey 14) Nicky Walker 15) Rory Lamont.
Now that backline could do some serious damage.
Oh yeah, but don't unleash till we've been and left Murrayfield please! Best of luck for Saturday.
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Have to agree with Colin there. I remember a few years ago seeing Scotland against Australia, and MacFadyen was world class even against George Smith.
Also Iain Beattie's comments about the front row - he may have no experience, but given that Murray Low is reputed to be a good scrummager, I'd throw him in anyway...
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Scot Abroad #17. Webster started out as a centre and played for Yorkshire Scools and Scottish Exiles at 12 and 13. With his pace and strength I'd see him as an excellent bet at 13, which would get rid of Di rollo and allow Walker on the wing. MDR was very good a couple of years ago but seems not to have recovered his best form since his injury.
I just wish FH would pick FORM players and not on reputation. And the front row problem would be eased if the SRU accepted that the best prop in the Premiership was capable of playing international rugby again (Barry Stewart of course).
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I agree with Mark, I think that would be a great backline. Very dissapointed to see Henderson out as he is a rock. Di Rollo is just terrible, brings only weaknesses to the team. Hadden just seems to love him though. Don't know why! I'd like to see from that bench Webster on at ouside centre and Walker on the wing asap!
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Given that Southwell's tackling is up to scratch - I heard the try saver on tindall from the top of the south stand last weekend - why don't they play him outside Dewey and let Paterson move into fullback as he's no use on the wing. Then you can bring in Nikki Walker, which will give the Welsh something to worry about. If they're winning or losing and it's not tight bring paterson into 10 and rory lamont into fullback
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Why not bring paterson in at 10, leave southwell at 15, pick and choose between Webster, Walker and the Lamonts on the wing and have Dewey and McRae in the centres. McRae is a positive runner and is a kicking option if paterson gets tied up. Bottom line - get Di Rollo of the pitch - liability!
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Dave Callum is a very strong forward and shows great potential. Godman is a tremendous wee player. Mike Blair and David Blair should be in there. MacFadyen and hopefully one day the return of Tom Philips. This is the dream scots team.
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Tom Phillips, what a shame as he had so much potential. When he came on the scene he looked awsome!
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I agree with Martin. Calum MacRae can play centre as he is a strong runner and a good tackler. He will offer something in both attack and defence; not to mention another quality kicking option. He has played most of his recent rugby at fullback but prior to that was always a centre or even stand off at one stage.
My back line would be:
Cusiter at 9,
Paterson at 10,
MacRae and Dewey in the centres,
Lamont and Webster on the wings,
Southwell at 15.
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Most of the talk is about the back line but no backline can get momentum if the platform upfront is static.Scotland must have the poorest frontrow in world rugby
we have 1 hooker who can throw-in
1 who can scrum and 1 good in the loose and none is the same player.
Hamilton will have to play in all the 6 nations game to get him up to speed for the RWC,as he appeared to be laboured last week against England,possibly along side Hines to assist the frontrow.Most people are also going for Cusiter at scrum- half,great player behind a losing pack,but Lawson has a quicker and better service needed to get any of the the previously mentioned backlines working
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Can't blame backs for Scotland's loss as the fwds didn't give them much of a platform. We need specialists in the back row to slow opposition ball & get quick ball to our backs. As another blogger said, we played 3 number eights on Sat against England & Ellis had a field day. The Welsh will have seen this & Peel will certainly take advantage.
How MDR can remain in the side is a question only FH can answer because I believe most people think Di Rollover is well out of his depth. I'll wait for him to prove me wrong but his time's running out. I agree that Scotland should play some of their bigger, faster attcking players eg. Walker, R & S Lamont, Dewey & possibly even Danielli. Danielli can pose problems for teams & his defence is solid. However, only Mr. Haddock can make the changes required. Let's hope he does before the wooden spoon looms.
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Di Rollo is a chronic selection....I felt physically repulsed when I saw he was back in. Another six nations Saturday ruined before it's begun i'm afraid.
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Bring back Mike Rudduck as the Welsh Coach???
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Its a win but without any tries from our new wider style of play which invariably offers the prosepct of being turned over everytime we shift the ball from side to side it comes down to the selection. Dewey should always start, as should Nikki Walker.
The main negative from the game is that Di Rollo will prob stay in the side. Get rid!
We are devoid of any creativity, did we even call any moves that change the angles/ask questions, apart from Deweys incisive angled cut of course which if it works keep it going, then you've got them where you want them.
Edinburgh are doing well but the old strucutre of inter district/ B team/ A team seemed to provide more competition and quality players.
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