Scots search for balance
14 Jun 2006
Scotland coach Frank Hadden will make several changes to the team thrashed by 20 points for the second Test against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth.
Hadden believes Scotland need to do everything faster if they hope to get close to competing with the Boks in the series decider on Saturday.
The squad ran with various combinations, halfbacks and props inter-changing regularly, indicating Hadden’s desire for change, The Scotsman newspaper said.
Up front Alastair Kellock – a second half replacement in Durban – could get the nod, while Craig Smith may also get his chance. Jon Petrie was put through his paces in training at No 8 in what would be a third change to the pack decimated by the Boks in the first encounter.
In the midfield, Ben MacDougall replaced Marcus Di Rollo at outside centre for much of yesterday’s training session. “I think we got the balance wrong,” Hadden told The Scotsman, “and there were one or two things which we thought might be effective that weren’t effective because there were things about the Springboks’ defence that surprised us.”
“But one area above all we have to improve is the contact area. We have to be far more aggressive in contact, whether that’s the scrum, driving maul, tackle, clearing.”
“We have to be more assertive and abrasive. But that’s one of the biggest improvements in our game over the last 12 months so it was a bit of a surprise to have to go in at half-time and read the riot act. I don’t expect that to ever happen again.
“But, I have never been downhearted here. I honestly feel that the players do see this game as a genuine opportunity. They are fully aware they can’t afford to be tentative this week round and there is still an opportunity for them to do something very special indeed this weekend.”
15 Comments
14 Jun 2006, 08:35 am
Do the talking on the field!
14 Jun 2006, 08:37 am
1.Can’t wait
14 Jun 2006, 08:37 am
oops
14 Jun 2006, 08:42 am
They can forget about winning this weekend in PE. The hard fields of the Eastern Cape is not for girls.
14 Jun 2006, 08:42 am
I thought the coach learn’t his lesson last week not to talk so soon?
14 Jun 2006, 08:46 am
Thats all the Scots have been doing, talking a big game! Now its time to deliver!
14 Jun 2006, 08:50 am
How did their pack manage compete against the likes of the French? These guys looked like they would bend for the stormers’tight 5.
14 Jun 2006, 08:59 am
Handbagslasher,
With you there! PE will give the Boks 20 more points. Habana to score a hatrick!
14 Jun 2006, 09:07 am
The first Scot that gets tackled on the tar road that they call Boet Erasmus Park or whatever it is named today, will get up and walk off the park, phone his mom and ask her why she let him play rugby if he enjoyed chess more.
No really that must be one of the hardest fields I’ve played on in my life together with the Griquas turf.
14 Jun 2006, 10:19 am
If the Scots win this weekend they will create a trophy and put it on permanent display to commemorate the achievement.
If SA lose, you guys should build a pyramid and bury the culprits for eternity.
14 Jun 2006, 10:20 am
Ben MacDougall, brother of Ozzie rugby league international Adam, only started playing union last season, and was pulled off at half time during his first cap for Scotland during the 6 Nations. If he plays no-one needs to worry who plays 13 for SA. I’m not saying he is a bad player, just inexperienced.
14 Jun 2006, 10:53 am
think the scots might be a different prospect this weekend.
14 Jun 2006, 10:53 am
Scots to get another hiding.
14 Jun 2006, 11:06 am
Where is Mel Gibson when the Scots realy need him?
14 Jun 2006, 11:50 am
come the scots….bring those lambs to the slaughtering..
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