Scotland stick with Robinson
The Scottish Rugby Union have retained Andy Robinson as coach of the national side after talks with SRU chief executive Mark Dodson.
Planet Rugby | Rugby Union News
Italy avoid the Wooden Spoon with win over Scotland
The battle for fifth place in this year’s Six Nations was a fairly dire affair, but Italy triumphed as they avoided the Wooden Spoon and beat Scotland 13-6 in the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. Below is the solitary try from the game.
Despite having a group of new players that have shown a lot of promise and flair in this year’s tournament, Andy Robinson’s Scotland lost five from five, relagating them to bottom of the table after another less than convincing performance.
A new chapter in Scottish rugby needs to begin, and whether Robinson will be a part of it or not remains to be seen. Speculation is now rife that the dejected coach, who has led Scotland to seven straight defeats, will face the axe. It’s now 12 of the last 15 matches under Robinson in the Six Nations, which makes for poor reading.
“Everything is pretty emotional at the moment. I need to go away and think through what is right with a plan, and thatâs what Iâll be doing,” he said after the game.
Italy’s Sergio Parisse on the other hand was pleased with the win, saying that they did it for new coach Jacques Brunel, who took over from Nick Mallett.
“That feels good. We’ve had enough good matches in this tournament, we only just lost against England here at the Olympico for example. Today we had possession of the ball, I think we deserved the win. We were a little bit afraid at half-time because they came into our half for 30 seconds and scored three points.
“But we won. It’s good for Jacques, who’s just arrived,” Parisse added.
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Ireland beat Scotland in eventful Six Nations clash in Dublin
Ireland scored four tries as they put Scotland away with a 32-14 Six Nations victory in Dublin on Saturday. The match will be remembered for a few stand out moments, including a horrific head knock to Scotland back Lee Jones.
Jones, who collided with Andrew Trimble as the Irish winger came in to make the tackle, was knocked out cold instantly. He was stretchered off and spent the night in hospital, but appears to be stable after a ‘severe concussion’, and will travel home on Monday.
Tries were scored for Ireland by captain on the day Rory Best, Eoin Reddan, Andrew Trimble and Fergus McFadden, while Scotland’s only try came from the brilliant second rower Richie Gray.
Gray, at 6ft10, galloped through a tackle before throwing a perfectly timed dummy on the way to the tryline. Scotland winger Max Evans was later yellow carded for a tug on Keith Earls that perhaps prevented a try being scored, and star winger Tommy Bowe was penalised over the tryline for a double movement in the second half.
“You can look at the TMO one, you have to release the player in the tackle, but we will take the four tries and move on,” said coach Declan Kidney.
“I think our decision-making is getting better all the time, when to move it, when to play position. We are asking more questions of the opposition. When we’ve lost matches we didn’t get overly despondent; just because we’ve won one, we’re not going to get overly excited.
“We will enjoy tonight but will not get carried away because we know we have to be in Twickenham on St Patrick’s Day,” he added.
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De Luca returns to Scotland team
Centre Nick De Luca is restored to the starting line-up in Scotland’s only change for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
France leave Murrayfield victorious after Scotland scare
Scotland scored two tries as they looked to upset World Cup finalists France at Murrayfield, but couldn’t hang on for a win as the visitors came away 23-17 victors, keeping their hopes of a Grand Slam alive.Â
Scotland produced one of their better performances in recent times but the stats say that this was their fifth straight defeat, and third in a row in the Six Nations. They can however take a lot of positives from a game in which they scored two tries.
Had it not been for injuries to Rory Lamont, Greig Laidlaw, and Mike Blair, the Scots could well have sprung a surprise win over the French, who admitted later that they were caught off guard.
“We were taken aback by by the rhythm and dynamism of the Scots in the opening 15 minutes,” said captain Thiery Dusautoir. “We got back into it little by little and found our own rhythm and gradually asserted ourselves on the match against a really good Scottish side.”
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre echoed the sentiment, saying that it won’t be long before Scotland come good on all their promise.
“The difference between winning and losing is in small details. When you look at Scotland’s last four games, in the World Cup they lost in the last minute to Argentina and the try by England (in New Zealand) was in the 77th minute,” explained Saint-Andre.
“Against England again in the Six Nations, Scotland created four or five opportunities but one turnover and England won the game. And against Wales they had control of the first half and then they had a yellow card and Wales scored two tries.
“We just said ‘we’re worried, we hope it wouldn’t be us’. I’m sure Scotland will very soon beat a fantastic team because they have some fantastic players,” he added.
France will need to win their next two games if they hope to have a Grand Slam finale showdown with Wales in Cardiff. It’s a an uphill battle though with Ireland, England, and then Wales the three sides they face over the next three weekends.
Do you think France, with their classy backs and experienced pack, can go all the way?Â
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Scotland 17-23 France
France prevail 23-17 at Murrayfield as Scotland slump to a third straight defeat in this year’s Six Nations.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Wales looking strong after solid win over Scotland
Scotland picked up two yellow cards as they lost 27-13 to Wales in their Six Nations meeting on Sunday. It was another game of missed chances for the Scots, and the Welsh are now in a strong position as they head into their next game, against England.
In two week’s time Wales will head to Twickenham to take on the old enemy in a game that may well set them on the path for the Grand Slam. The’ve had a good run of form and have scored six tries in their two games so far, building up the hype at home.
“Iâm sure the nation is going to get revved up again and weâll be the only sane ones left here. Itâs hard to escape sometimes when youâre walking around Tesco but youâve just got to keep your feet on the ground,” prop Adam Jones told Wales Online.
“Weâve got something to play for now and going to Twickenham to try and win a Triple Crown is an exciting prospect. Obviously they can still win one as well so itâs going to be an exciting game.”
As for Scotland, at 27-6 down they had a try disallowed from the impressive young Stuart Hogg after it was ruled to have been knocked on. A few minutes later they did score, and built some nice phases in the last twenty minutes of the game.
Recently retired Dan Parks says that there is plenty to build on, particularly at flyhalf.
“Jacko (Ruaridh Jackson) is an excellent open-field runner and he has great skills and his kicking game has come on leaps and bounds. Greig (Laidlaw) brings something slightly different. Judging on his showing against Wales, he can be very crafty. He can score points which is vital.
“And Duncan (Weir) is similar to myself. He has a great kicking game and also accumulates points. The future for Scotland 10s is very bright and the future for Scotland is bright,” he said.
You can view highlights of the game below
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Scotland fail to capitalise on chances as England take Calcutta Cup
Eight points from debutant Owen Farrell and a Charlie Hodgson try proved to be the difference as England saw off a sloppy Scotland side 13-6 at Murrayfield this weekend. England were under the pump in the second half but escaped with the win.
In what was Englandâs first win in the Scottish capital since 2004, the visitors managed to keep an aggressive Scottish attack at bay, although were massively assisted by the abundance of errors from the home side.
The Scottish dominated the territory and possession stats but aimless kicking, repeat infringements and too many basic errors meant they were unable to convert their chances into points; as typified by clear blown scoring chances from Ross Rennie and Greig Laidlaw.
Meanwhile England captain Chris Robshaw led from the front for âthe auld enemyâ, putting his body on the line as Scotland threw everything but the kitchen sink at the red rose defence.
But the men in blue were unable to convert their chances into points and gifted England the perfect start to their 2012 Six Nations campaign.
Interim England coach Stuart Lancaster was pleased with his sideâs strong defence and strict discipline: “[Murrayfield] is a tough place to come and win, so that was a great result,” he said.
“We got a lot of things right, especially in defence where we showed great spirit and willingness to work. We always had an inner confidence in those new players and we’re delighted to get off the mark but it’s only step one.”
Meanwhile, Scotland coach Andy Robinson stated that his sideâs failure to convert chances into points cost them the win: “We created enough chances, but weâre not taking them,” Robinson said.
“It’s important that we stay together. Everybody is very frustrated by the loss.”
With so much possesion in the second half but failing to score, what are Scotland doing wrong?
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Wales 27-13 Scotland
Leigh Halfpenny scores two tries in a 22-point haul as Wales beat Scotland 27-13 to go top of the Six Nations table.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Parks stands down from Scotland
Scotland stand-off Dan Parks announces his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Scotland 6-13 England
Charlie Hodgson scores the only try as England beat Scotland 13-6 to earn their first Six Nations win at Murrayfield since 2004.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Ford awarded Scotland captaincy
Ross Ford is named Scotland captain for the Six Nations campaign as Kelly Brown is ruled out of the whole tournament.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Shingler ineligible for Scotland
The International Rugby Board advise that London Irish fly-half Steven Shingler is ineligible to play for Scotland.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Paterson ends Scotland career
Scotland’s Chris Paterson says a desire to quit while playing at the top level of rugby is his reason for retiring from international career.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Lamont keen for Scotland recall
Rory Lamont hopes his move to Glasgow Warriors will lead to an international return.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Solly Tyibilika scores on Springbok debut vs Scotland in 2004
It’s been a tragic weekend for South African rugby as former Springbok flanker Solly Tyibilika was gunned down in a township in Cape Town on Sunday. He died aged 32. Here is a look at the try he scored on his Test debut, against Scotland in 2004.
As reported on Twitter and Facebook yesterday, former Sharks, Lions, and Springbok flanker Tyibilika was shot dead while having a drink with friends in a shebeen. The hunt for his killers is on, with varying rumours and unconfirmed reports suggesting that it was a deliberate hit.
It’s a tragic occurence and one that has sent shockwaves around the rugby fraternity globally. Tyibilika, who most recently played club rugby and coached at Hamiltons in Cape Town, had risen through the ranks since first playing for Griquas almost ten years ago. He went on to play for the Sharks and Lions, where his tremendous work ethic and strong ball carrying didn’t go unnoticed.
He made the step up to international rugby in 2004, making his debut against Scotland at Murrayfield, and went on to play eight test matches in total, scoring three tries. His last game was against the All Blacks in 2006, where he also scored. Another highlight for Tyibilika will have been playing for the Southern Kings against the British & Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa.
Tributes have poured in. Former agent Mike Makaab said that he always brought a smile to the faces of everyone around him. “I think a senseless crime like this just highlights the fact that unless we stop this sort of thing, our beautiful country is always going to be tarnished by the sort of people who behave in such a manner. My condolences go out to his family, and his friends – and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins said that Tyibilika led the way for black african rugby players. “I remember a very talented player and an immensely likeable young man who rose far and fast to become a Springbok early in his career. His emergence was a demonstration of what can be achieved when talent is combined with opportunity in what is always a very competitive position in Springbok rugby.
“The casual disregard for life in our society is shocking,” added Hoskins, while players and former teammates expressed their shock and sympathies via Twitter.
Victor Matfield said: “How sad is it about Solly Tyibilika. Thinking of his family. Weâve got such a great country, if we can only sort out these terrible acts.”
Sharks lock Ross Skeate said: “Terrible news about an amazing guy Solly Tyibilika leaving us. Iâll never forget spending three weeks in Romania with the man. RIP brother.”
Former Golden Lions player Todd Clever said: “Heartbreaking news about Solly Tyibilika… My Brother, My friend and Teammate was killed today… R.I.P. #willneverforgetourtimes”
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Tyibilika’s rugby journey took him around the country, and ultimately ended in Cape Town, where he now called home. He is survived by two young children, a boy and a girl, aged just two and nine months respectively.
Below is a look at the try he scored on his excellent Bok debut, where he became the first ever black African to score a Test try for the Springboks. May he Rest in Peace.
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RUGBY: SIX-NATIONS 2011 – Wales vs Scotland
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RUGBY: SIX-NATIONS 2011 – Wales vs Scotland ruggachick.com RUGBY: SIX-NATIONS 2011 – Wales vs Scotland twitter.com My Match Report: Wales clinched their 1st victory and Scotland couldn't even manage to cross the try-line. All-though wales picked up more than one yellow card, their defensive line was rock solid and they made life really hard for the Scots. Too many mistakes, led to too many penalties and too many points given away from the Scots for the Welsh side to take advantage and win the game!
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State of the Nation: Scotland
As we do after every major tournament, we take a look at the state of affairs in each of rugby’s leading nations. Next up, Scotland.
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Kellock set to return for Scotland
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Scotland pining for pieces of eight
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Scotland ring the changes
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Argentina win hits Scotland hopes
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BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Preview: Argentina v Scotland
Sunday’s crunch RWC clash between Argentina and Scotland is a must-win for both sides if they hope to advance out of Pool B.
Planet Rugby | Rugby Union
Kenny Logan on Scotland and their upcoming game with Argentina
Kenny Logan discusses Scotland’s upcoming match against Argentina, calls for coach Andy Robinson to make some changes to the back division, and calls for Sean Lamont to be brought back into the centre from the wing.
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Scotland v Romania
Scotland face Romania at Rugby Park Stadium in the Rugby World Cup fixture.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Scotland set for Aussie lift off
Scotland depart for Australia’s Gold Coast on Saturday to begin final preparations for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
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