Do Scotland lack Killer Instinct? | Stuart Hogg & Bernard Jackman

[@johndcoffee632]

When Scotland are losing they play to win, when they're winning they play not to lose, it's like watching two completely different teams

[@AlphaNevada123]

It seems a psychological issue. They did the same thing Ireland did in game 1 and largely neutralised France’s kicking game (albeit turning into a snore fest). The difference is that Ireland were then able to smash their way to victory whilst Scotland looked like they were having a throw about down the park

[@darren1989]

Great comment absolutely spot on

[@stevenleigh9873]

Moved to Scotland 14 months ago from New Zealand, so happy to be here, great podcast. I'm off to my first ever game at Murrryfield I'm so excited, can't wait to hear flowers of Scotland. 4 more sleeps.

[@paulwilson2651]

It was worth the wait. Great Scotland win. England Scotland owns you!

[@liammelia6843]

As an Irish fan, Scotland remind me of Ireland about 15-20 years ago when we had BOD, ROG, POC, etc. Back then, we had some world class players but we couldn't consistently put it up to top sides. We had plently of nearly moments, plenty of games against top sides, like France, Australia, NZ that we could have won with another bounce of the ball, etc. Then some blow out performances where we just got properly hammered despite fancying ourselves. It would be great for the game to see Scotland work through this and really become consistently a top side. They definitely have some excellent players, perhaps not the same depth as Ireland or England but their first XV is a serious outfit. As much as I hope we beat Scotland, I'd love to see them cement themselves into a more consistent and formidable team.

[@RedRunner-zf9qm]

That team won triple crowns,six nations, grand slams. This "Scottish" team have won 2 in a row once in the six nations

[@liammelia6843]

I know, I was thinking more the early 2000s before they started to deliver serious results

[@cstewart3838]

Hoggie doesn’t lack a killer instinct on the pull 😂

[@QwentyJ]

😂👀

[@davidpeters3857]

Great PR team as well 😉

[@nedrag6]

Cotter brought a mentality to Scotland that raised the level of the leaders and the overall belief in the team - in rugby terms, they became men. Ask John Barclay or Greig Laidlaw. Townsend has had a better, indeed fantastic, squad but his school teacher approach has held back the evolution of key players - Hogg being a case in point. Nobody has evolved to be a world-class leader in this squad because Townsend himself hadn't / hasn't matured enough as a coach to manage his own ego and had the range of experience with leading coaches to understand how to achieve this. This all leads back to mismanagement from the SRU. In contrast, Ireland have had the benefit of the "Cotter-effect" from Schmidt and now Farrell - note how Farrell's own coaching evolution was not rushed. It's been a lost era for Scotland and it was all foreseeable.

[@Zomo1553]

Bang on. As great a tactician townend may be, I don't thi k he's a good man manager or motivator, compared to every other 6n coach

[@harrythomas3363]

Scotland have been the biggest underachievers in rugby for the past 5 years. Over the last couple seasons they have had great opening game wins and then fallen short the next week which kills their momentum. And then in the word cup they didn’t land a single punch on either Ireland or South Africa in the group stage. Gregor Townsend has not come under enough scrutiny in my opinion for not doing enough with the most talented Scotland squad in years.

[@morris9337]

The problem is other teams are peaking at the same time..best Irish and French team for years

[@johnpollock7952]

The problem is a mix of two things. 1) Scotland might have improved, but there's no automatic right to win anything 2) Scotland are, however anyone likes to dress it up, treated like a Tier 2 team by officials. In the past 5 years despite around 10 red cards worthy head collisions, teams playing Scotland haven't had anyone red carded for inflicting head injuries. Never mind winning games. That is just unacceptable, full stop. Now add on the more trivial decisions like easy tries.

[@jayaychare7318]

even the game down at Twickenham in 2019 at 38-38. big comeback but then couldn't see it out and let ford in at the end scotland need some major mind coaches in the camp

[@johnpollock7952]

how about the other few years they've won?

[@craigus1991]

After the massacre of the first half a draw was as good as a win.

[@handcrafted30]

As a Scotsman this is bang on. The national psyche is key to the lack of Scottish success for years.

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@deeperanddown as an actual Scotsman, and not a fake account that even needs to say that, I'd say they do have a different mentality, but trying to suggest Scotland weren't the victim of the most ridiculous decision in rugby for years is absolute nonsense.

[@richard_1111]

If Scotland got Joe Schmidt, you'd have won a 6n

[@davidkelly790]

Not so sure about that. I think that we would have competed seriously for them. France and Ireland are better than us. We can beat France on our game though, but Ireland have our number. Townsend does seem to be an issue though, his record really isn't great considering the talent available.

[@Zomo1553]

@@davidkelly790 has Townsend really improved scotland much more than when we axed Vern Cotter. Vern got us to a WC QF...

[@davidkelly790]

@@Zomo1553 To be fair to him he has us playing a good style of rugby, well entertaining at least. But results wise it's not been good enough.

[@heyhey5712]

😂😂😂😂

[@AD-zcvnt]

When Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile, runners were knocking on that door for years & should have done it but 'couldn't' do it. Once it was done once it was broken by many within a year. You have to keep knocking on the door & you'll find that when it does happen it won't just open, you'll smash it to pieces.

[@jmo8934]

It was actually broken again and faster 46 days after Bannister did it.

[@timwannell6477]

Seek and ye shall find

[@liamd3345]

Quality as always fellas thanks for work you all put in to produce these episodes. Great listening.

[@iteamy]

I'm a Scot who lives in Portugal so have ended up going to all the home games over the last few years and while it's sort of comparing apples to oranges in terms of quality of opponents, Portugal play a similar style to Scotland yet absolutely go for every single point, and don't stop even when they are safely in the lead. Hoping to see something more like that from Scotland.

[@iteamy]

This aged well

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Great point - Scots do lack a killer instinct. The Pacific Island teams have the same problem and France seem to have this issue at the RWC except when playing NZL. I wonder if it’s an emotion thing.

[@joedennehy386]

It's belief

[@sevensevenalways7995]

•"We're making progress" •"You're fired" 😂😂😂

[@johnpollock7952]

Only media trolls are saying this, not Scottish people

[@desmondmccabe8321]

ireland used to be the same and it took a long time to overcome those anxieties (we might get them back!)

[@celticlofts]

No we'll never go back to those days. They system that Ireland employs now is so well structured and professional in its dealings that going back to the bad old days of winning a game or winning a game there is not something they would ever entertain.

[@johannblignaut1966]

Please no arrogance from any player or side.Rather self believe and do-or-die attitude.Scotland were an inch or less away from beating France.They have players to beat any side on a given day.Good advice from Hoggie and Bernard.Sure Scotts will be mentally prepared for England.Thanks for good program as usually Jim.

[@DM-rp9ik]

Thry turned down a chance to go two scores up before half time against one of the most dangerous sides in the world. I don't know why that is but it's all kinds of wrong

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@DM-rp9ik it was the right call, France got a get out of jail free card rather than a yellow card. Their loose head prop went down and Nic Berry played another blinder to end a half. Even on the scrum before, the scrum half was that cynical at playing White before the ball came out, he could have justified a yellow there.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@johnpollock7952 If you want to lose its the right call the inability of the Scottish leadership group to understand game management. They are 30 and still lose games like 20 years old heads on their shoulders.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@johnpollock7952 Made the same mistake against Wales in 2021at home

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@DM-rp9ikit's the same call any other Tier 1 team would have made. They wouldn't get treated like a Tier 2 team though. That yellow card would have won the game right there. Nic Berry didn't give it. And btw, 3 points wouldn't have won the game anyway.

[@bevanjeffery1256]

Sep 2018 SA vs NZ wellington, boks won by 2 points, coming off a disaster 2017 season getting that close win against NZ in NZ started igniting the belief in the Boks that they can win close games. Fast forward to RWC 2023, three one point wins amd we RWC champs. Like Hoggy said, Scotland need to start winning these close games, then they will unlock their full potential and get that killer instinct. Got to build belief by winning, close loses doesn't build belief

[@Anthony-mt7qr]

IIRC the ABs had numerous chances to kick points and just didn't. They went through a patch of just trying to score tries and lost a few games over it.

[@samueldouglas6476]

New coaches are needed which might make our players realise that they can win games. What I mean is we need new coaches that are rough and tough which might put the gears into motion. Cos this is probably our golden generation of players no offence to the younger players in U20s etc.

[@johnpollock7952]

They did win the game

[@colinchisholm300]

Squad dynamics are important. Treating other members of the Scotland squad with respect is important. Treating other members of the squad with loyalty and respect is important, isn't it Hoggy?

[@nicholaskeenan211]

It's an attitude thing...like a previous comment said...Scotland are Ireland about 15 yrs ago...they lack belief. Also, they have players that believe they're better than the team....Hoggy was one of them, and Finn is another....the team ethos needs to be the focus...with players who think they're too big for the team, it will me that they will play on their own (take VdM for the try that wasn't against Wales - he shouldn't have gone on his own, he could've passed). Until you change the belief mindset (giving the 'lesser' players belief, and reducing the 'big fish' attitude of others, then you'll win!)

[@michaelmccarthy9411]

There's a huge difference between arrogance and confidence!

[@AdAstraStakePool]

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

[@jmo8934]

Scotland need everything to right in order to win a championship and for others to have problems. They can get big wins but never consistently. The forwards are good but not really good enough. It’s a tough place to be.

[@JimboPrague]

Abandoned his wife and four kids.

[@malcolmreid2977]

Sad we lost against France (it was a try).I was at Cardiff and felt frustrated.Yes we won but found it hard to celebrate.I have gone back to my old default position.If we beat the English then it’s been a good 6 nations

[@ahighlander7278]

Poor coaching. Most naturally talented backs ever, forwards headless chickens. Coaching, coaching, coaching.

[@ritchiebirnie6124]

A new coach is the only thing that will change it

[@johnpollock7952]

Says trolls on the internet, but not Scottish Rugby fans

[@elizehauptfleisch8233]

Mentality. I don't know if they are really such a good team as what people are saying.

[@Valhalla88888]

England has not beaten Scotland ONLY once in the past 6 years!!!

[@davidkelly790]

That's part of our (Scotlands) problem. We regard beating England as a successful 6 nations. Players win that game and go out on the bevvy mid tournament, it's so small time. We don't follow up beating England with winning the tournament, or even seriously competing for it. I said before the tournament that given that France will have a world cup hangover and are missing key players, finishing outside the top two in this 6 nations is a failure. If we lose to England we could finish 4th or 5th.

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@davidkelly790 You can see how much they wanted to win against France by their faces at the end. They know they have been robbed again for another year. Nic Berry plays a fair game, and Ben O'Keefe plays a fair game. We are talking Scotland with 9 points from 2 games.

[@davidkelly790]

@@johnpollock7952 I don't disagree that we were robbed, it was a terrible call. What do you mean by "robbed again" though? At 27-0 up against Wales and three tries to the good we not only didn't get a bonus point, we also managed to give Wales one. Then against France we didn't score a single point when they were down to 14 men and also lost a try from a restart, basics that the top teams get right. We aren't miles off, but there seems to be a stumbling block stopping us from being one of those serious top teams.

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@davidkelly790 because every year there is a close game where a horrendous call from an official means we lose a crucial game Scotland are treated like a Tier 2 team by officials. In the past 5 years there's have been around 10 red card head contacts on Scotland players, and none of them have resulted in a red card. Never mind winning games. Scotland players' health is not a consideration for the officials compared to the other Tier 1 teams. We are fodder.

[@simontaylor2525]

Couple of faces for radio right there

[@SpartanHighKing14]

Most Northern Hemisphere teams don't have the toughness to be successful at the highest level. I agree with Courtney Lawes on his recent assessment of the state of NH rugby.....I'm also of the opinion that rugby isn't a game for everyone as the Northern Hemisphere seems to advertise. Its not a game for the faint-hearted, and so players should embrace the inherent risks. Too often NH crowds will boo when a massive clean-out, massive tackle or scuffle occurs. They seem to confuse the difference between sheer physicality and the need to physically dominate your opponent with foul play. 'Hitmen" like Courtney Lawes, Schalk Burger, Etzebeth, Bismark Duplessis, Bakkies Botha, Jerry Collins, the Tuilangi's etc were always out to hurt opposition players. When they made huge tackles they'd let the unfortunate victim know whose bitch they were. On social media many NH supporters will say things like "poor sportsmanship" or "dirty player". NFL and UFC players are unapologetic, so why should rugby players be? Here in SA we embrace the physicality, we embrace the hardness. We don't go around inviting everyone to play rugby. Here in our country if you play, then expect to get hurt. We enjoy the massive hits, the brutality and the need to physically dominate our opponents. It's something that can't be coached.....its inherent to a team's DNA. A huge part of Ireland's success is that they embrace their brutal nature, and they're unapologetic about it. They're confrontational and enjoy a good 'ol scuffle. I always get the feeling that Scotland, England and Wales are afraid to embrace this element of the game; its like they're afraid it'll set a bad example to younger players, or that it'll scare them away from the game. The killer instinct that Jim Hamilton speaks about is linked to embracing this brutality and mental toughness.

[@liammelia6843]

I really don't think that this is true at all. England won a WC 20 years ago by dominating everyone. During England's subsequent decline, they never lacked toughness; they lacked guile and skill.

[@mygoogle1482]

You need to be able to be confident but jim calls it arrogance. It is not, it’s the confidence required to believe in yourself. Keep thinking of it as arrogance and it’ll never catch on.

[@iansinclair7581]

Yes!

[@clyde-x5r3v]

You don't have to have the killer instinct just be competitive mixed with OOMPH

[@HibeeMcbee]

Kind of fed up hearing from Hogg. The guy acts like he wasn’t part of this team less than a year ago, now he suddenly has all the answers? Add to that the fact he is a national disgrace. Why didn’t the SRU give our record try scorer, 3 time lion and former captain any kind of send off at Murrayfield? Because they know what he got up to! The guy tarnished his legacy and should stop talking about Scotland for a few years at least.

[@tonwhelan]

What did he get up to? Genuinely curious, I'm an Irish fan so not up to speed on behind the scenes at Scotland

[@hdg0pc70]

I don't believe the Scotland players have the mental skills to handle the pressure in key moments. The All Blacks were a much better team than Scotland in 04 and 07, but didn't know how to deal with the pressure in the final stages of the World Cup. After investing in mental skills coaching, they won back to back World Cups.

[@DM-rp9ik]

Scotland don't lack arrogance they lack basic game management skill s and that comes from arrogance. Like take the dam points before half time. Thats what Ireland would do in fact thats what Ireland did do in 2023 against French to go 6 points up before half time. Its amazing theyre take away is they're not arrogant enough how blind do you have to be.

[@scottvalentine86]

Ireland probably would've done the same before HT, they would’ve won the penalty at the scrum though. Scrum was steady, you've controlled most of the half (unlike IRE in 2023), you've accumulated penalties in the 22, they've just had their prop sent off and you get a scrum right in the centre of the pitch. Literally the perfect attacking opportunity, most teams go for a Scrum there

[@Mojo-IRE]

@@scottvalentine86 " you've controlled most of the half (unlike IRE in 2023)" Ireland absolutely dominated France in the 1st half last year. Far more than Scotland a fortnight ago. Ireland had two tries held up, another one stopped by miracle defence from Dupont and 3 tries scored. France scored a crazy try in broken play but other than that they were run ragged and out on their feet by halftime.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@scottvalentine86 No you take the fucking points it doesn't matter how much you think you're on top it can flip in a second. Ireland, where hammering them before half time but took the points to go 6 up. That's test match rugby and something Scotland for whatever reason, be it naivety or arrogance just refuse to accept. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2q7hoSHr6qlg7Msi=HkRhVCC9o7e7OJ-L

[@DM-rp9ik]

@Mojo-IRE They turned down a chance to go two scores up in test rugby against one of the best sides in the world, and they think they're not arrogant enough. It's absolutely baffling. What's even more baffling is the solution Jim gives. He thinks they need to be more arrogant and points to sides like Wales and England, who have a 30% win ratio over the last few years and lose to teams like Fiji and Georgia.

[@johnpollock7952]

Now this game you could maybe say Scotland threw away with mistakes, however Nic Berry made sure they didnt win this one either. Is it really mentality that means you never get yellows when the other team consistently infringes, or reds when team gove you concussions??? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWi0q5mNr7ymfZYsi=IPeJLMs4myV9Fl15

[@williamwallace6508]

Wrong analysis. Every other nation in the 6n has at least double or more the number of professional players and double or more clubs. Some 10 times. If scotland had say the same number as everyone else they would be even more over achieving then they are now. Look at the URC table, both clubs in top 5. That better then any other nation. Give us 4 clubs then we will win the 6n, and probably regularly

[@alexherbert9404]

Get an outside guy, or a woman? Woke muscle memory kicking in there it seems.

[@22grena]

Jackman says at 4:29 it might be easier for an outside guy to manage Scotland and then adds or a woman. Absurd. This woke BS has to end. Including woman refereeing men. Its too absurd for words.

[@Zomo1553]

Grow up, if they're good enough what does it matter? Hollie Davidson is a far better ref than Mike Adamson

[@HibeeMcbee]

@@Zomo1553they aren’t good enough, that’s the point. 😂

[@Zomo1553]

@HibeeMcbee I'll agree to an extent, that being rugby refereeing in general is not good enough. I really do think Davidson is very good, as good as any male refs, and really does get more respect from the players too, much less bac chat

[@HibeeMcbee]

@@Zomo1553 I was referred by Davidson several years ago, she was awful. I suppose she might have improved but she didn’t impress me.

[@Zomo1553]

@HibeeMcbee in what way? Genuinely curious. She is far better than Adamson (other scottish guy) who couldn't keep control of an u16 game and I'm pretty sure he's done six nations games. Just think to say women arnt good enough when the men are currently not good enough is a tough statement. Saying that Davidspn is the only female ref I've seen in the URC who's acceptable at least

[@johnpollock7952]

Sorry, drop this party line of Scotland threw it away. Scotland suffered the worst case of one sided refereeing I've ever seen in a half of rugby against Wales, as soon as the 3rd try was scored. Someone didnt want us getting a bonus point. Then they suffered the most bamboozling refereeing decision at the end of the France game... maybe ever. It was a clear try that the officials invented a way out of giving. Stop this deflection and misdirection.

[@joedennehy386]

Against New Zealand they were going well till the last 20. Took the foot off and lost. Nothing to do with referees

[@johnpollock7952]

​@@joedennehy386 I'm talking about right now. Not a game in 2022 against a team Scotland have never beaten.

[@stevespell9634]

Ffs sober up and get a review show recorded. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@cameronbruce4459]

Big fan Jim, but I thought it at the time and it's only more concrete now, you need to stop giving this guy the attention he doesn't deserve. Maybe one day he'll redeem himself, but right now he's off the rails. Even before todays headlines.

[@HibeeMcbee]

LOL Jim comparing the utter dross he played part of with today. Give me a break mate. You played during the worst period in Scottish history. Scotland showed the mentality to score a try in the final play, after having to regather the ball twice. What’s that if it isn’t mentality? What a load of shit.

[@joanlarkin7808]

I think the opposite is true Scotland always talk a good game , which puts them under pressure. Take the game against Wales the trys they gave away in the first half were bad defense. When Wales came at them and they couldn't handle it. They need to stop talking and work on their all around game. Take Ireland they have a grounded team who never get ahead of themselves one game at a time, coupled with a great all around game. Scotland have not they rely on a few talented players. Compare an interview after a win Scotland compliment themselves and Ireland says need to do better.!!

[@daireharlin181]

Finn russell is not a game managing 10. Hes all about being flash. Has he won anything at club level? If scotland had a johnny sexton it would be different

[@HibeeMcbee]

Yes he has won at club level. How can you give such an opinion when you clearly know nothing? If Russell played with Ireland he would be a grand slam winner. If Sexton was Scottish, he would have won nothing.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

You obviously don't watch him at club level...

[@seanquigley8041]

Scotland just are not good enough wrong captain

[@handcrafted30]

Bollocks

[@iansinclair7581]

Which one?

[@ahairyhaggis1449]

A bit rough to say they are not good enough.

[@damienmead8691]

Developing the ‘Will to Win’ has to come from the top. Gregor is a fine coach but isn’t that sort of leader. You also need that mindset within the players and this group doesn’t have it.

[@joedennehy386]

I remember the last time the Abs played Scotland, they were right in the game until the last twenty, then just took the foot off. Nz won by 2 scores and Scottish fans thought they'd done well. Plucky losers i call them. Ireland was the same until a decade or so ago, now they believe

[@williamwallace6508]

ire;and were crap for decades dont get too cocky

[@johnpollock7952]

Yeah New Zealand needed Scotland to take the foot off to win the game.

[@PaddleWithPaddy]

Scotland are not humble. They think they are a lot better than they are, the Netflix show further reaffirming this. They're an embarassment with very average players.😂

[@EolasColas]

Get rid of Finn. Simple. He’s great but his mentality of “ah sure fuck it” runs through the team especially as a captain. Play someone like Healy who can manage a game and has a huge boot. Scotland need game management

[@morris9337]

Awful take

[@rhymeocerous]

Scotland not arrogant? For years they've been cocky about turning other 6N teams over, more often than not failing

[@aaronforde9608]

Scottish humble???? What? That's a laugh