Italophile
Bill Watson (15)
Ref was Cardona, responsible for some eccentric reffing when I've seen him. Brunel has called up Mauro Bergamasco as cover for Sergio.
Take away the injuries, Healy's brain-fart, etc, there was always Deccie's Patented Inconsistency to factor in. They're my Home Nations team but the term favouritism always gives me the heebie-jeebies.
I hope Henderson comes straight in for McCarthy and DOC stays on the bench myself. I would have the TOD on the bench as a like for like with Henry. Hope Madigan is not a token and is in the squad but think pigs will fly before that happens.Madigan added to the Ireland squad overnight, I’d assume it’s a token gesture but you never know. Chris Henry out as well, probably means Ian Henderson onto the bench and Ireland looking seriously heavy on blindsides.
With regard to starting or bench? I think I would start Court and have Killer come off the bench with 25 left. Murray won't be playing on sunday so Court who is a very destructive scrummager could make hay leaving the more dynamic Kilcoyne to come on to exploit tired legs.
Court was trying to play tight head in Twickers last year but he is a loose head and a very destructive one at that who will be playing loose head on Sunday. Worth bearing in mind that Euan Murray will not be at three because of his religious beliefs so Court could absolutely splinter the Scottish scrum. It is very tight between Court and Killer but I think DK has made the right call going for the Ulsterman's greater experience.Court should start but Kilcoyne will and will probably play 80 minutes. After Twickers last year I think Deccie in his mind is blaming Court and will only pick him in an emergency.
Would love Henderson to get a run I think he is an awesome player, and has the makings of a 100 cap international. I think if we had a fully fit deck of locks DOC wouldn't make the bench, I'd have Tuohy as he is someone who can lift the tempo straight away with his ball carrying however given our injuries DOC is the only one you can pick.
EDIT: Rumours on Irish boards which have been right in the past that Court, Jackson and Marshall all start, Toner and ROG on the bench
Court was trying to play tight head in Twickers last year but he is a loose head and a very destructive one at that who will be playing loose head on Sunday. Worth bearing in mind that Euan Murray will not be at three because of his religious beliefs so Court could absolutely splinter the Scottish scrum. It is very tight between Court and Killer but I think DK has made the right call going for the Ulsterman's greater experience.
Cross starting for us, he has had a shocking year for Edinburgh but then who hasnt!
I dare say he is playing for his international future this weekend and last game vs Ireland was MOM, I think we might dominate in the front row. Back row will be the battle in my opinion, that and yellow cards.
I reckon a few tries from both teams, but as I said yellow cards will be the big factor.
Scotland to win by 8 both teams to score over 30 points - either that or we will get flogged as per usual!