Comments for Scottish Rugby Blog

Comment on Scotland vs USA: McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps by 1.8T

1.8T — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:27:54 +0000

Only watched the highlights but thing that stuck out for me was the composure, USA were poor but a lot of the tries were made, or made a lot easier, from quick hands and smart decisions. When breaks were made the guys kept their heads up and looked for the pass, the inside ball rather than head down and run for the line, sometimes that is the correct option of course but often giving the pass is the better one and scoring under the posts rather than in the corner can make all the difference in tight games against better teams. Against better teams you have less time and being able to think smartly and quickly is critical so that was a positive for me.

Comment on Scotland vs USA: McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps by spindrift

spindrift — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:19:47 +0000

When it comes to preparedness..this is a miss-match…[i only have prime]

Comment on Scotland vs USA: McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps by JMc

JMc — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 18:09:07 +0000

As is often the case, the ABs were deadly in capitalising on Ireland mistakes yesterday. In the final 15 minutes or so they were the fitter side. As is also often the case in Test match rugby, it’s the forward battle that determines the outcome, and maybe we can field a pack (certainly a back row) to match them next Saturday.
I’ve been in Murrayfield watching two consecutive narrow defeats in recent years. Still baffled by being 23-14 up with something like 15 minutes to go and somehow losing last time we played them.
Hoping for a win for the first time ever against them. We are the only Tier 1 side never to have beaten the All Blacks. Here’s hoping!

Comment on Scotland vs USA: McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps by Bass Rock

Bass Rock — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:18:32 +0000

For me the most encouraging thing was that with the exception of the 3rd Quarter, they never dropped off or lost their discipline to play as a team. I always rate a good side on how it handles the poor ones. Go it alone glory hunters come to light and there was little evidence of that. In a good place I would say.

Comment on Scotland vs USA: McDowall to captain as Van der Merwe hits 50 caps by Saint4805

Saint4805 — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 08:10:57 +0000

Very good performance and result although USA were very poor and Scotland can only beat what was in front of them. I was encouraged by the lack of handling and other silly errors although better teams would likely have forced more errors. Defence looked good and so encouraging signs for the new defence coach Lee Radford.
Good debut for Liam McConnell who could be our Pollock. Dobie was outstanding and has to be in the 23 next week. Gilchrist has been a great servant but it’s time to pair Max Williamson with Cummings in the second row.

Comment on Townsend names 45-man Scotland squad for autumn series by Ronald

Ronald — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 09:26:17 +0000

I see Ollie Kebble, the former Glasgow Warrior, is playing for the Barbarians against the All Blacks, there’s a name from the past. Currently playing with Oyonnax.

Comment on Townsend names 45-man Scotland squad for autumn series by Bass Rock

Bass Rock — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 08:06:00 +0000

In reply to Lambo. My recollection of Cameron Redpath is positive. On the days where he was used as impact from the bench, it worked. We have an abundance of high quality scottish qualified players around the globe ATM. Players who stand out at club level. We now need to continue to win the game , on the pitch to re-enforce confidence in our ability to compete.

Comment on Townsend names 45-man Scotland squad for autumn series by Bass Rock

Bass Rock — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:13:25 +0000

In reply to Iain. The gaffer has a thing about utility players , it has been his way for years. Works at Glasgow , will it be sustainable and a trend !

Comment on Townsend names 45-man Scotland squad for autumn series by Bass Rock

Bass Rock — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:09:30 +0000

In reply to Neil. I feel very positive that we can have a great autumn, in fact , for once , I am looking forward to the All Blacks, I would be happier if Huw Jones was available. We have strength, we have depth.

Comment on Townsend names 45-man Scotland squad for autumn series by Bass Rock

Bass Rock — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:55:11 +0000

I am not sure what Matthews needs to do to get selected. I can understand Toony wanting to try others and see how they cope , so , can we assume Matthews is already experienced enough to be in the 6N squad.

I will cringe if, in future years I hear the words ” he is just lacking some international exposure”.