Scotland v Wales

[LittleGuy]

I don't want to signal out one player as 15 players make the team but for the critical like between the forwards and backs and the one palyer that can control the game Parks is not that person. Everyone was shouting his praises after the South Africa game but all he really done was to kick 5 penetlys if Patterson was on the pitch he would have been kicking and Parks would never have got a mention. Other than his place kicking the only other good thing he done the whole 80 mins was to get one penetly from Scotlands half to reach touch inside the SA 22.

As for his performance against Wales I've seen school kids better than him, Scotland need someone to stand closer to the scrum/ruck and get the backs moving quicker also being able to offer a reasonable pass would be helpful then Ansbro would look like an arse trying to catch balls that are either behind him, above or too far infront. Yes there were lots of other faults on Sat but Parks has never showen he is an international fly half all you have to do is compair him to the others around, the difference is wider than the pitch. Start Jackson against Ireland with Patterson at full back, the only way he is going to get expereriance is to play international rugby and 15 mins at the end of a game is not enough and we need someone other than Parks.

He has had a lousy 2011 but did you fall asleep for all of 2010? I'm not the only one who thought he had a great year last year, multiple man of the match awards. A club that eagerly sought his services in the off season, and the confidence of Robinson. To say he has never been capable for the international games is revisionist history. That being said I agree Jackson should definately get a start or two(or at least significant replacement time) during the rest of the tournament.

Patterson is an option for kicking but he dosen't have a great range, would need someone else to handle the longer penalties. I'm also not sure why the panic button has been pressed so fast amongst followers of Scottish rugby, the performance against France showed promise and one terrible game against Wales can be overcome.

 

[kavin]

Both teams are playing safe but Ireland have the upper edge to achieve it.