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Eating a Big Mac after beating England

  • John Beattie - ±«Óătv Scotland Sport commentator
  • 24 Jan 07, 12:59 PM

John Beattiesco_badge.gifGlasgow - Today is one of those days. Busy. Still no word from Charlotte, maybe I should speak to . Can one speak to Gavin Henson?

Is it possible to pick up a phone, call the Ospreys, and say: “Can I speak to Gavin Henson please?”

Anyway, I was just along the corridor at the high tech bit of the ±«Óătv here in Scotland where they edit fancy bits and pieces together.

Pete, Chris, Katie ( all three locked away in a high static hotbed of multi million pound technology) and I got into a conversation about the size of rugby players as Pete had been at the filming the “portraits” of the players.

You know, the bit you’ll see on the day of the match when the commentator says: “And in the second row…” and up will pop two head shots.

Pete was saying he thinks the players are huge. Right enough, when you see blokes at six feet seven, six feet eight/six feet 10, and 20 stones or so, they are pretty big.

I told him I don’t think of them as big, in fact I think of Scottish rugby players as small and the time I feel really small is when I have to interview Australian or South African players in the tunnel after the game. Now, that is big. Must be the and barbies.

Which takes me way back to 1983. In 1983, when Scotland last won at Twickenham, the game was amateur, the largest player in the Scottish team was a bloke called – the chap with the beard in the photo in my first first blog – who was six feet seven, and the rest of us were six feet four and under.

England were beaten because of a lack of mobility. It was a time before technology, a time before the massive increase in bulk and height that has hit rugby, and a time when I could have phoned Henson’s equivalent "problem", as we say up here.

My heart quickens as I look forward to the game as it will be another massive battle between what will be an English team having massive size as an advantage, and a Scottish team wanting to play a quick, expansive game. I think there will be some surprises in the Scottish team, with possibly a starting place for big in the second row to combat that size, but who knows.

Oh, and my main memory of beating England way back then? It was my first taste of a McDonalds the day after. Charlotte, we can even arrange food for you. A busy day, and I wonder if Pete, Chris and Katie think I am small?


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 02:26 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Martin wrote:

It's spelt Braai. And no one in Zimababwe nor South Africa would say 'sink a few tinnies' that's an Australian saying.

  • 2.
  • At 02:31 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Martin wrote:

John,

I expect that day in '83 must have been really special. Immagine, ` splashing out on such an extravagant celebratory meal.

The hope is that your memory of that first big Mac has longevity, as I have a sneaking fealing you'll not be replicating your celebration of '83 on February 3rd

  • 3.
  • At 02:33 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Martin wrote:

John,

I expect that day in '83 must have been really special. Immagine, ` splashing out on such an extravagant celebratory meal.

The hope is that your memory of that first big Mac has longevity, as I have a sneaking fealing you'll not be replicating your celebration of '83 on February 3rd

  • 4.
  • At 02:41 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • w0zzee wrote:

Are you suggesting England will use a massive pack to win again, when clearly that wasn't enough to win for most of Andy Robinson's time as coach?

  • 5.
  • At 03:04 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • phill wrote:

Why is it always the case that England has to portrayed negatively even when talking about an advantage (such as size) whereas, to your mind, Scotland will want "to play a quick, expansive game" as though that's somehow a Scottish trait and couldn't possibly be associated with England?

The difference between a good team and a bad one is that good teams use their advantages and use them at the right time - the Irish won't just through the ball around with no purpose. Sadly the Welsh and Scottish teams have made a habit of this recently under the guise of playing an expansive game - there is a real difference. Please keep playing this amazing game of which you speak, and keep losing.

I know this sounds, like, *really* silly, but...is there actually anyone blogging for England on this blog.

Just asking..y'know..on the off chance..

  • 7.
  • At 03:21 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • fraser wrote:

i think scotland will win by a record margin at twickenham this year. the engish are in disarray and are looking like they are going to be on the wrong side of a total hiding. big macs all round.

  • 8.
  • At 04:17 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Johnny Red wrote:

Now Phill, saying to Scotland and Wales to keep losing? I presume you're an England fan and are obviously making these comments on the back of your country's tremendous form over the last couple of seasons! Personally think it'll be a close one in Twickers with England just edging it sadly. Looking forward to the tournament as a whole and more entertaining blogs/banter, hopefully devoid from the negative chat of the likes of Phill!

  • 9.
  • At 04:44 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • John Beattie wrote:

Hi

I don't think you are picking up what I mean. The English are a bigger team than Scotland, and was always were. So , having played in a blue jersey, I know that when you look at your opposite man you think "now, where's my advantage, if any?" And the answer has to be to try to make the game a more aerobically challenging game, and a game with more twists and turns, because size has advantages in what Bill McLaren used to call "the close quarter exchanges."

I ain't slagging off England, I am saying that the Scots will try to play a really fluid game. There is no point letting bigger men, who are also talented and extremely capable and can really hurt you in mauls and scrums and contact, get a rest.

Happy rucking everyone

JB

  • 10.
  • At 04:45 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • stu wrote:

Prestwick - there are English taking part, you only have to read Phil's comments. He is celebrating the boring, forward orientated game of England over the open and running rugby of not only Wales and Scotland, but NZ, Aus and France. In the autumn we all saw the English throwing the ball around with no purpose and then not even having the pack for a plan B. So where does that leave them for the 6Ns? Being consistent and maintaining that losing habit? Phil -you talk about teams using their advantages; be honest and admit that with very few exceptions England have relied (and will continue to do so)on the size of their pack to win games. When other teams say they will play running rugby, be understanding and just accept that is their strength. When England are in such a state it's not advisable to belittle the tactics of other teams (what was the score last year at Murrayfield?)

  • 11.
  • At 05:18 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Steve wrote:

hi,

If Scotland are going to win at Twickers there can't be a better time. However despite the disarray in the English squad they still have a good team. As for the expansive game I would say it's been a long time since I've seen England play a purely forwards game and Scotland are beginning to find form. If it's a day for the kickers, Scotland should win but in any case it's going to be close.

Cheers
Steve

  • 12.
  • At 05:45 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • wrote:

I think today Scotland depends on brains as well as light feet and a bit of brawn (lets face it, guys like Jason White are being a wee bit too modest if they say they're tiny, especially when they steamrollered the French pack last year).

While Wales do love to throw the ball around and love even more to fail to make the gain line, Scotland do prefer from what I've seen to just at least make sure that they have possession and then think about what to do with the ball from there. Notice that last time Scotland faced the All Blacks, they had much more possession and a grip over a certain Mr MacCaw than say England or Ireland in late 2005.

Their main problem is - and I think this is part of the fiasco of a legacy that Matt Williams left behind when he finished wrecking the Scottish team - that because up until now there has been a lack of talent in key positions such as fly half, they've had to fall back on quite frankly sub-standard players like Dan Parks who just dosen't have the intelligence or the temperament to marshall a game of high octane international Rugby. Dan's answer to EVERYTHING is a dodgy hoof of the ball into Row Z somewhere in the stands. Every time.

You have to agree JB Scotland want to cement the talent of their backs and the power of their forwards, they need to develop a half decent fly half of their own who has the intelligence and the guts to press and dominate the game.

That is why Godman needs to get his chance. ASAP.

  • 13.
  • At 07:11 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • wrote:

Stu - I was merely comenting on how there arn't any 'official' ±«Óătv guys posting articles about England yet. You are talking about people posting replies. I'm talking about Rob Hodgetts! Where the hell are his thoughts about England?! I'm just saying England are feeling a little left out :(

And I would be very careful about what you say Stu. Scotland beat France because their pack was heavy and smart. It was because of Scotland's forward orientated play that created the conditions for their victory. Scotland's wins were of pure grit and workmanlike action, not of glitzy expansive rugby.

England have won in the past because they play the game. Complain all you will but England have had a dominating pack which has given their backs the space to run free. There are plenty of England tries between 1995 and 2003 (where they abruptly stop sadly) which are just as good as anything the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. A couple of the best are the ones by Jason Robinson during Matt William's awful reign as Scotland coach.

New Zealand may have some expansive rugby, but look at them. They have a massive pack to dominate and create possession and opportunities for their fast players to exploit.

Every successful team has a balanced flavour. They balance stregnth with mobility. If a team bases everything on mobility and flair, they will find themselves out muscled. Similarly, if they base everything on brawn then they will be outfoxed.

Teams like Wales and England have failed recently because they put too much emphasis on one thing. Mike Ruddock made sure his Wales had some grunt in the team as well as some amazing runners. Sir Clive made sure he had some decent runners like Greenwood and Robinson as well as tanks like Vickery.

  • 14.
  • At 07:23 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Arm wrote:

Have you been watching Godman play for Edinburgh this season, Prestwick?

The usual mix of nice touches, but he has not shown any consistent ability to control a game. Hodge has been the one that has ususally turned the tight games in Edinburgh's favour.

Parks is a predictable and easy target, but is probably the most complete option at FH right now. Yes he has his limitations, but IMO the alternatives aren't any better.

  • 15.
  • At 07:41 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • wrote:

Arm - All Parks has done is hoof the ball. He just kicks. Nothing else. If he was better than Godman then Glasgow would be challenging for a decent spot in the Magners League.

Dosen't anyone remember Scotland vs Italy in 2004? Do you know how many kicks the game of aerial ping pong lasted? I would say about 10 to 15 straight kicks to touch between Parks and his opposite number on the Itallian team. There was almos a Riot at the Stadio Flamino!

Parks is the last reminant of negative style of rugby that Matt Williams imposed on Scotland. He needs to be rooted out and replaced with someone young and with talent. Godman is that kind of guy, at least he dosen't have an obsessive tendency to kick possession into row Z.

  • 16.
  • At 07:50 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Andy wrote:

Well as an England fan I can honestly say good luck Scotland, since we're still in the lull that every world cup winning side has faced, you should cruise through us.

Still, despite apparently being 'at the top of your game', you'll get utterly humped by Ireland, Wales, and France, and we'll probably end up beating you regardless of our internal turmoil, arm-length injury list, etc.

Just as an aside - delaying kick-off for half an hour with the pipes, drums, fireworks, cheerleaders, dancing bears, cross dressers et al will not improve your chances of winning, it just annoys the punditry team. Stop it.

  • 17.
  • At 01:47 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Stompie wrote:

Andy, the same old England jibes get a bit boring mate, just get ovet what we do before a match, I personally enjoy it. Oh and the cross dressing jibe, at last we dont wear hankies, ribbons and dance round poles. Oh sorry, am I stereotyping!!

Anyway, personally think it will be tight, injuries will make it difficult for us this year, but World cup is priority. as for England, good luck, you looked pretty ordinary recently but were not daft enough to know that you can come back at anytime.

Enjoy, and get those hankies ready!!

  • 18.
  • At 05:37 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Andrew wrote:

Who would have thought that a game between Sco and Eng would be enough to get the supporters from both sides so riled? ;)

I think it should be a good game personally, although I don't believe that Scotland holds much (if any) of an advantage in the speed of their players. I think England will suffer from a lack of cohesion, as I can see Farrell playing (who hasn't played with England before), and having Tait playing out of position (why does England insist on having awesome players play outside of their optimum position?).

I predict England will win comfortably in the end, but Scotland will play well, and will scare the English at times.

  • 19.
  • At 08:40 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • The Hookie Monster wrote:

I think its a bit disingenuous to make terse comparisons purely based on size. Id say Jason White is probably the strongest number 6 in the Northern Hemisphere (Neil Best and Richard Hill included). The Lamont brothers are massive aswel. And Rob Henderson is a big enough guy. Sure Webster, Cusiter and a couple of others are small, but every team has the odd small man (apart from NZ).

Anyway looking forward to the 6N.

Hoping for an opening win against Wales and then I will be amongst the 82,300 cheering Ireland on at the French game. And no I will definitely not talk up Irelands chances!!

Cheers

  • 20.
  • At 09:13 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Jocko wrote:

I have been going to Twickenham to support Scotland since 1979. 1 win, 1 draw, the rest defeats. This year has to be Scotland's best chance of success in many years. England are in disarray and reorganising with a new coach. The first game for a new coach can go either way, the team could be brilliant or appalling. Players will always be trying their hardest for to impress a new coach so this will work in England's favour. If Scotland had not lost a number of their first choice players I would be more confident but they will approach the game with a lot of confidence. Scotland were not too far away from winning in 2005, so maybe this year ......

  • 21.
  • At 09:13 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Roarz wrote:

I think if Andy Robinson had still been in charge of England then this would have been the best chance of Scotland winning at Twickers since 1983. However we will have to wait and see if Ashton has managed to turn around the team and improve their performances.
If you cast your mind back to last year When (Scotland) beat England at Murrayfield it was not done by fast flowing expansive rugby but rather by guile and determination, and we did not score any tries all points coming from the boot. The team that played that day for England will not be much different from the one that takes the park on the 3rd I suspect. England has very good players in all positions and the only reason that can be given for their lack of cohesion was Mr Robinson, I wish he was still in charge. To say that England will play a forward orientated game and Scotland wont is ot entirely fair, Scotland's Back row had a massive tackle count and quite a fair bit of ball carrying last year, each team plays to their strengths. No-one seemed to be negative about Munster winning the Heineken Cup last year and we all know that they are a forward oreintated side.

On the subject of who should be at No.10 for Scotland, I would suggest Gordon Ross, saw him play against Wasps for Castre earlier this season and he was imense, he ran the game from start to finish and controlled the tempo of the game and the pundits were giving him rave reviews.
Parks I believe has been brilliant for Glasgow but has not delivered for Scotland apart from the odd flashes of briliiance. Godman.... My word he is poor, I watch him play regularly as and Edniburgh (Gunners) Rugby season ticket holder and trust me when I say he is not good enough to play in the Magners celtic League and definitely not good enough to wear the Dark Blue of Scotland. He was caught like a rabbit in the headlights too many times on Friday against Agen, who's deence had a field day against him, i have never seen a player take so many big hits as he did. He struggles in the contact area and is the weakest link in the Edinburgh/Scotalnd back line. On friday night against Agen the biggest cheer was when Godman was Hooked and Hodge was brought on, straight away Edinburgh started breaking the gain line and looked more dangerous in attack.

Scotland No.10 G. Ross or D.Hodge.
Hodge may be older but he has a good rugby head on him and can dictate the pace of the game and can still do a job...Mike Catt is older than him!!!

  • 22.
  • At 12:33 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Andrew wrote:

The ±«Óătv are hilarious. With their failure to run an England blog, also check out the video clips of each home nation's 'classic' 6 nations moments. All except England's focus on Wales/Scotland/Ireland's classic tries. The England one? The grand slam defeats against Wales/Scotland/Ireland are shown with a begrudging try from the 2003 win over Ireland. Bigotry???

  • 23.
  • At 12:57 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

Andrew (22) - now you know how it feels to be Scottish - the ±«Óătv have had us in that position for as long as I can remember. This is why we whinge.

Not so nice, is it?

  • 24.
  • At 01:27 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • CraigN wrote:

First thing we did after seeing Scotland's triumphant victory last February - had a Big Mac :o)

  • 25.
  • At 01:54 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

I hardly think the ±«Óătv - the last bastian of mightly English patriotism - can be accused of bigotry or negative treatment of the England team.
AS to the game, it should be a great contest and, provided Scotland can overcome the Twickenham factor, they should be able to outsmart England when they have the ball and frustrate England at the breakdown. It will probably be close, but SCotland could very well edge it. Anyway, silencing the flatcap-and-wellies brigade in the stands shouldn't be much of a challenge, eh?

  • 26.
  • At 04:56 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Andrew wrote:

±«Óătv defend England? Are you having a laugh?

And Stuart - I had no idea that the ±«Óătv did the same to you, or that you whinge about it.

I am 100% surehad this happened to another 6 Nations team, they'd say the same thing.

  • 27.
  • At 06:06 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • claire stocks, assistant editor wrote:

For the record, of the 12 ±«Óătv writers who have contributed to this blog so far, seven of them are based in London although not all seven are English (one is Scottish and one Welsh).
On that basis, I think accusations of anti-English bias are a bit far-fetched, especially as it has only been a few days since we launched!
Though it has to be said, that my colleagues "north of Hadrian's Wall" -as JB (Scottish, based in Glasgow) - put it, are clearly winning the 'number of posts so far' competition. Tomorrow, we shall see what we can rustle up south of the wall - you can expect a post from Cardiff, one from one of our referees and one from London - though on current form best to assume there will be another one from Scotland.

  • 28.
  • At 06:26 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Thankfully I have tickets for the game and won't have to listen to the dreadful Eddie Butler/Brian Moore combo. They're that bad it almost makes you pine for Stuart Barnes...

  • 29.
  • At 11:06 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Matt wrote:

Phil superb posting up there.

As you say, and as the blog story so stupidly implies, as usual even an advantage that England have (size) is used against them by other nations because supposedly Scotland will want to play "exciting, fast, expansive running rugby" - as though England can't hope to throw the ball around.

England by 20 points.

  • 30.
  • At 02:25 AM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Chris wrote:

I'm quite worried about the game against England, the English team might respond to Brian Ashton like the Scots did to Frank Hadden and produce an immense performance. I think if Parks can keep the ball in their half and our lineout works then we might have a chance. If not I think it could be a long night for us. With Marcus Di Rollo in your team the idea of playing expansive rugby flys out the window!

  • 31.
  • At 09:09 AM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • John Beattie wrote:

Aw, crikey, misunderstood. I am not, not, not saying that England are boring. All I am saying is that England will be bigger and more powerful and Scotland will try to combat that.

I have met, like and admire Brian Ashton and agree with Chris that the English team will be lifted by his arrival and there were hints during the game against Argentina - notably when Paul Sackey scored - that a wider English game is on the cards.

Sorry, but last season England were very predictable, and I think you will find that Frank Hadden is on record as saying that he went into the Murrayfield changing room at half time and told them to believe in themselves and the game plan because they could double tackle every English runner as they knew where one would appear next.

  • 32.
  • At 10:04 AM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Rhona wrote:

Hi JB
Got an idea for a female singer for you - recently retired women's internationalist... I'll get in trouble from her for putting her forward though so email me...

  • 33.
  • At 12:57 PM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • MArk wrote:

Ha ha ha. the English winging of lack of coverage makes me laugh..welcome to the world of a scotland/wales/ireland supportger. Just try listening to Five lives Rugby Special show if you dont believe me. Supposedly a brithish show, in a hour we get 45 minute talking about england, and the odd minute given to the rest of the home nations. It is an absolute disgrace. to be fair, english performances of late don`t deserve the column space they've been getting so far, so what are you complaining about? It's the samne with all sports in britain..hours and hours about england, even tho their teams rarely achieve much more than scottish, welsh irish teams etc.

  • 34.
  • At 01:12 PM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Oliver wrote:

How typical, a blog about Scotland and England, and you still can't resist the cheap shots at Henson. What is it with you people?

  • 35.
  • At 10:39 AM on 27 Jan 2007,
  • Julie wrote:

I can see nothing wrong with a Big Mac as celebration food. Especially, as it was a 'morning after' meal. Fingers crossed for just such a lardy start to next Sunday...

  • 36.
  • At 09:55 AM on 30 Jan 2007,
  • John wrote:

Don't be fooled - England may have been poor lately (by their own standards - imagine how elated we would have been if we'd won one lost one against the Boks?), but they still have good players. Wilkinson, Farrell and Robinson will give them a lift.
I think if Scotland had all their front line players available AND on form - White, Hines, Blair et al., then they can live with teams like Enland, but we don't - we've had loads of injuries.
As for Parks - he's a neat, skillful player who could be much better than he is currently rated. The thing he lacks which true top class FHs have is compsure and confidence.
It probably doesn't help that he gets slagged by everyone, of course....

  • 37.
  • At 01:02 PM on 30 Jan 2007,
  • marko wrote:

Hi I'm an England supporter living in France ... all I'm hoping is that we get a good game. I sadly attended last years Stade de France thrashing... and sincerely think England as a nation were rock bottom and have continued to be until now. I hated watching that game at Stade de France but loved watching the Ireland game at Twickenham (even though we lost it).
Of course I hope England will win this week end ... I also hope the game won't be one sided either one way or the other there's nothing more boring than a thrashing wether on the winners or on the losers side. I sincerely feel rugby is one of the games that should keep a sporting spirit amongst supporters. I'm not seing this in this blog.

  • 38.
  • At 01:14 PM on 30 Jan 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

Can Scotland beat England on the 3rd February 2007? My heart says "Yes", but my brain says "No".

England are a side in transition but that doesn't mean that they will roll over for the Scots. Playing at Twickenham, England will be focused and determined to put on a winning display. Even though this is a new look England team, they are still seasoned professionals at the top of their game with a desire to win.

So, what must Scotland do to win?

Scotland over the years have been a side that work hard and never give up. The "Expansive Game", that John talks about works great against teams like Romania, Pacific Islanders and Japan however against the top sides, the Sots will be left exposed and pressured into schoolboy mistakes.

Scotland must play to their strengths i.e through their forwards and kick for territory. The Scottish line out is one of the best in the World and combined with traditional agressive rucking could give us an edge in attack. Hopefully our defence will be at a high level and help us to get those precious turnovers.

As for players needing to be bigger in order to play rugby, I think that is complete nonsense. Mass does not equal strength and power. When I came home last Friday I saw some of the Scottish players training on Blue Peter. I saw Ali Hogg doing 10 repetitions on the leg press with 300 kgs (something he seemed to be proud of). I bet he couldn't even do 1 proper repetition in the squat with 200 kgs. As a competitive powerlifter I have seen men half his size (amateur athletes) outperform him (a professional athlete).

A few years ago the SRU had the chance to hire Alwyn Cosgrove as a fitness coach. I hope in the future they will look his way again, since I firmly believe he is the person who can produce the caliber of athlete that will take Scottish rugby to the next level.

On Saturday I hope to see a Scotland side play with passion, aggression and a win at all cost attitude (that includes cheating and breaking the rules). Winning is everything. Victories against England don't come around so often for us and not only will it boost the morale of the team but also of our small Nation.

  • 39.
  • At 04:19 PM on 30 Jan 2007,
  • Doug wrote:

At least get the link correct. The Tom Smith shown was a good player but did not play on that great day at the cabbage patch.

  • 40.
  • At 08:02 PM on 31 Jan 2007,
  • Tom Morrice wrote:

When are the "experts" on the game going to appreciate that England have more rugby players in places like Yorkshire than the SRU have in the whole of the small country of Scotland, even allowing for the import of "Tartan exiles."

There can be no doubt that England MUST have the BEST team in the championship, if only they had the expertise to pick them, on form rather than historic performances.

  • 41.
  • At 09:46 PM on 31 Jan 2007,
  • John Beattie wrote:

Rhona, rhona, who are you?

JB

  • 42.
  • At 11:39 PM on 31 Jan 2007,
  • DK wrote:

"The Scottish line out is one of the best in the World"

I'm sorry... what?? Ha ha...

Not sure who's worse between Hall and Lawson at hitting their jumpers.

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