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Laidlaw a massive loss for Scotland - Webb

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw

Rhys Webb says the absence of Greig Laidlaw is a “massive loss” to Scotland but the scrum-half knows Wales will have plenty of other attacking threats to contend with at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Scotland captain Laidlaw was ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations after sustaining an ankle injury in the first half of the defeat against France in Paris last time out.

The Gloucester pivot was outstanding in the victory over Ireland on the opening weekend and Webb believes his opposite number will be sorely missed by Scotland.

But the Wales playmaker has seen enough of Scotland to know they are not short of players who are capable of causing problems for Rob Howley’s men.

“Them losing Greig is a massive loss – as a leader and as a kicker as well,” said Webb.

“His accuracy off the tee is pretty impressive, so whoever replaces him will be putting in a lot of practice this week.”

Ali Price came off the bench to replace Laidlaw at Stade de France and Webb thinks the 23-year-old is a more than able replacement for Laidlaw.

“He has been playing in the Glasgow team which has been full of confidence last season and this season.” said Webb.

“He has a good understanding with Finn Russell at nine and 10, so he is likely to start.

“They have got lots of attacking threats, so they will want to play some rugby as well, especially with Finn Russell at 10. He has been pulling the strings for Glasgow, and Stuart Hogg has been carving it up for the last two games.”

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B
BeamMeUp 1 hour ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

A few comments. Firstly, I am a Bok fan and it's been a golden period for us. I hope my fellow Bok fans appreciate this time and know that it cannot last forever, so soak it all in!


The other thing to mention (and this is targeted at Welsh, English and even Aussie supporters who might be feeling somewhat dejected) is that it's easy to forget that just before Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, the Boks were ranked 7th in the world and I had given up hope we'd ever be world beaters again.


Sport is a fickle thing and Rassie and his team have managed to get right whatever little things it takes to make a mediocre team great. I initially worried his methods might be short-lived (how many times can you raise a person's commitment by talking about his family and his love of his country as a motivator), but he seems to have found a way. After winning in 2019 on what was a very simple game plan, he has taken things up ever year - amazing work which has to be applauded! (Dankie Rassie! Ons wardeer wat jy vir die ondersteuners en die land doen!) (Google translate if you don't understand Afrikaans! 😁)


I don't think people outside South Africa fully comprehend the enormity of the impact seeing black and white, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and all the other hues playing together does for the country's sense of unity. It's pure joy and happiness.


This autumn tour has been a bit frustrating in that the Boks have won, but never all that convincingly. On the one hand, I'd like to have seen more decisive victories, BUT what Rassie has done is expose a huge number of players to test rugby, whilst also diversifying the way the Boks play (Tony Brown's influence).


This change of both style and personnel has resulted in a lack of cohesion at times and we've lost some of the control, whereas had we been playing our more traditional style, that wouldn't happen. This is partially attributable to the fact that you cannot play Tony Brown's expansive game whilst also having 3 players available at every contact point to clear the defence off the ball. I have enjoyed seeing the Boks play a more exciting, less attritional game, which is a boring, albeit effective spectacle. So, I am happy to be patient, because the end justifies the means (and I trust Rassie!). Hopefully all these players we are blooding will give us incredible options for substitutions come next year's Rugby Championship and of course, the big prize in 2027.


Last point! The game of rugby has never been as exciting as it is now. Any of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Scotland, England & Australia can beat one another. South Africa may be ranked #1, but I wouldn't bet my house in them beating France or New Zealand, and we saw Argentina beating both South Africa and New Zealand this year! That's wonderful for the game and makes the victories we do get all the sweeter. Each win is 100% earned. Long may it last!


Sorry for the long post! 🏉🌍

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