Problem-solving!

[Impega]

Aside from the inevitable Champions Cup glory coming our way, this season has been an anti-climax to say the least.

What would you like to see done to remedy things and set us up for a successful 23/24 campaign?

Let's keep the suggestions realistic... I doubt, for example, Scott Robertson will renege on the recently-awarded contract for his dream job to come and make the DAM Health a fortress. My wishes would be:

- A new defence coach to pick up where Calum MacRae left off. Calum MacRae himself would be just terrific.

- A new scrum-half. I personally feel that either Dobie or Horne ought to come across for the sake of their career.

- Healy viewed as the first-choice 10, with Kinghorn to return to the back-three where he belongs.

- A quality tight-head. Sebastian seems a good signing but the other options (Nel aside) remain sub-standard, in my opinion.

- In terms of Mike Blair's replacement... whether or not Diamond is the answer remains to be seen, but we need somebody who can re-instill the resilience, togetherness and backbone that Cockerill brought.

[The Feral Goat]

It is hugely frustrating still think it is a good squad we have but it just is not working, were we not top 5 end November after starting season well enough but downhill since.

Defence is clearly an issue, but feels like pack is not getting the platform we need, perhaps opposition worked out our early season attack shape and is easily defended now.

Way forward - dunno the SRU have enough overpaid seniors that Blair should never have got to the walk away point.

Given finances elsewhere we are in a relatively strong position at present so next head coach appointment is crucial, Franco Smith has worked well at Glasgow a similar experienced figure I believe is required. Preferably someone who may be around for a few seasons.

I do worry the Healey signing and possible messing about with Kinghorn again sees him move on, i think he is a better 15 now for his time at 10

[liveinhope]

Given Hogg's retiral post RWC the way forward for Kinghorn is at full back (though with strong competition from Ollie Smith).So he will need games at 15.How do we work this if Boffelli is fit -and rather than just put him on the wing where again if all fit he'd miss out to Graham and VDM?
I suspect though that ,as always,injuries and rest periods will probably mean things work themselves out.Its what I used to call at work a "good" problem to have.
(and ,of course,he may still be the stand off cover rather than have another 10 on the bench so he'll need the odd game there to keep his hand in!)

[Trophyhunter]

So much focus on Kinghorn overlooking how poor our centres have played of late . Performance of Lang and Bennett on Saturday reminded me of their innocuous performance v Glasgow at Murrayfield at New Year. They are both quality players but currently not on form with inconsistent performances of late. Muncaster and Boyle were also completely at sea in Galway . Let’s hope it was a case of ring rust through lack of game time . They are peers of Rory Darge and need to step up in like fashion .

[liveinhope]

I agree on our centres.Last year Bennett was in terrific form (wasn't he bench option for Scotland most of the 22 6N?) and Lang was pushing hard for a place in the squad.They started this season ok but have totally fallen away.Add to that Currie injured most of the time though Dean on occasion looks good.Yes,no point having a world class back three if centres underperforming.

[joe soap]

I agree on our centres.Last year Bennett was in terrific form (wasn't he bench option for Scotland most of the 22 6N?) and Lang was pushing hard for a place in the squad.They started this season ok but have totally fallen away.Add to that Currie injured most of the time though Dean on occasion looks good.Yes,no point having a world class back three if centres underperforming.

and no point in having great centres if what comes from 9 and 10 is jamesmatthew. Which it is. Centres hugely restricted by the ball they get

[joe soap]

- A new scrum-half. I personally feel that either Dobie or Horne ought to come across for the sake of their career.

if they get to choose, for the sake of their career they will stay where they are .
Edinburgh needs a scrum half though, no doubt about that. HP was a good signing not used well, now looks past it. Vellacott is what he is, head down and run but no scrum half management whatsoever, and not a great pass. Shiel is the odd one. Always looks as if he is about to kick on, then gets dropped again. Coaches seeing things I don't, and its getting too late now as at 25 he is hardly a new young promising talent

[Frank]

- A new scrum-half. I personally feel that either Dobie or Horne ought to come across for the sake of their career.

if they get to choose, for the sake of their career they will stay where they are .
Edinburgh needs a scrum half though, no doubt about that. HP was a good signing not used well, now looks past it. Vellacott is what he is, head down and run but no scrum half management whatsoever, and not a great pass. Shiel is the odd one. Always looks as if he is about to kick on, then gets dropped again. Coaches seeing things I don't, and its getting too late now as at 25 he is hardly a new young promising talent

Horne is a regular Scotland squad member and will likely be one of our WC Scrum Halfs. Dobie showed a different side to his game on the wing and didn't look out of place there. Obviously, that was a needs/must selection with so many wingers unavailable, but he did himself no harm. Not even 22 yet and a full Scotland cap, he will be much in demand regardless of whether he stays at Glasgow or moves on. I don't see Edinburgh being on his radar as he would be battling with Shiel and Vellacott with no more guarantee of a start.