Scott Who? Glasgow Excels

Good News

Glasgow beat the Dragons, in what is often referred to as “one for the purists”—a fairly unexciting match played in appalling weather. Still, Dan Parks kicked his goals and marshalled Glasgow to a decent away win against a Dragons side who had talked themselves up a bit in the preseason.

Mark McMillan had a shocking start to his second stint at Glasgow with a couple of dodgy passes, but felt his way into the game and was reassuringly solid by the end. Fa’atau and Stortoni looked sharp in attack and there was some solid defending all round in the Glasgow 22.

Not really a day for the (Scottish) Evans boys; although both had a few decent moments, it was a bit too wet underfoot for any of their twinkly dancing feet.

Bad News

Edinburgh were outmuscled by Heineken Cup champs Munster. Didn’t catch much of the game save on the radio, but it sounded like they were hindered by poor set-piece and not actually playing until the last few minutes.

Ordinarily, it would be no bad thing, but we’re starting to expect more from Edinburgh, especially in front of record number of season-ticket holders who will be hoping their newfound faith is to be rewarded. After De Luca had a try knocked off, they got a bonus point out of it due to Mossy’s boot. I’m hoping he will not be relied upon too much as the season goes on.

Other News

Former Border Reiver (and single Scotland cap) Scott Gray put in a storming performance for Premiership returnees Northampton Saints on Sunday, in a game that also saw Sean Lamont’s return to rugby after almost 10 months out.

Lamont made a few good runs, looked good under the high ball, but in fairness didn’t get much to do in a slightly disjionted game—seems to be the pattern created by the ELVs where an unbalanced lineout becomes a bit of a risk unless you are Munster/Leicester.

Northampton is also turning into a bit of a Scot-prop factory with oldest man in the Premiership, Tom Smith, still toiling ably away, followed by proteges Euan Murray and the oft-overlooked Barry Stewart.

Back to Gray, though, who put himself about in true Stroker/White style, hammering anything that moved and contributing to a few nice wee moves as required. Hopefully his season will continue in this vein and we’ll be looking at another potential Scotland back-row champ.

Speaking of which, I’ve a funny feeling I spotted (scrumcap-less) Simon Taylor playing in the second row for Stade’s win against Perpignan (Hines and Cusiter both on from the start). Anyone catch the game on Eurosport able to confirm? I turned over to watch Andy Murray!