November 08, 2005

Frank Hadden puts his faith in Dan

Posted by Editor on November 8, 2005 12:21 PM | 7 comments | Print | E-mail author

Dan Parks starts for Scotland against Argentina
New Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has explained his selection of Dan Parks ahead of the first Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test against Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Dan started the year as Scotland's first-choice fly-half but lost his place to Gordon Ross.

The Glasgow Warriors player came back into the side against Romania in the summer when the Leeds Tykes player was injured.

Ross was not included in Hadden's squad for the visit of the Pumas and, despite Dan's recent goalkicking woes in the Heineken Cup tie against Leinster, a week after a man-of-the-match performance against Bourgoin, the Australian-born player warded off the challenge of Edinburgh's Phil Godman, who forced his way into the squad after his impressive performance against Wasps two weeks ago.

Hadden waxed lyrical about the Glasgow player, saying: "Credit to Dan because there's no doubt that Gordon Ross was my number one in May but Dan has improved a lot.

"I've watched a lot of stand-offs this year and only Dan Carter is head and shoulders above the rest.

"We expect a stand-off to be Superman and to do everything brilliantly but I've watched Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson and they have had mixed performances.

"Dan (Parks) has had a number of outstanding games in terms of his decision-making, accuracy of his work, defensive duties and kicking.

"So in terms of the all-round package, Dan has produced a level that I hadn't expected from him this season.

"Getting that level every single week is not easy. There was a much documented incident last weekend but Dan doesn't have to do all the kicking.

"His level of communication has gone up a notch and it is significantly better than that of Gordon or Phil."

After acting as interim boss for the games against the Barbarians and Romania in the summer, Hadden is taking the Scots into his first match since being appointed permanent head coach.

The former Edinburgh Gunners chief is initially looking to rejuvenate the spirits of the Scotland players.

He said: "If you don't enjoy turning up for your work then you won't perform well.

"It's not a happy-go-lucky holiday camp type of enjoyment but it's guys looking forward to training who feel good about themselves, who look forward to playing for Scotland and particularly winning for Scotland."

Comments
Posted by andy on November 8, 2005 04:36 PM | Reply to this comment

Nevermind Parks kicking woes, what about his tackling or lack of it. Pumas by 10-15 points.

Posted by Gordon on November 8, 2005 04:43 PM | Reply to this comment

That's the way Andy, get right behind the team. Must be good for the guys to know they have your kind of backing.

Posted by ballinj on November 9, 2005 11:24 AM | Reply to this comment

Have to say Dan's tackling this year has been vastly improved, outstanding against Munster and Bourgoin in particular. The only game his tackling let him down was against Cardiff and that was mostly because the number 7 was awol at the rucks.

GUt feeling Pumas to win as not sure Scotland will see the ball enough to threaten. If they do get enough possession could be an interesting game.

Posted by shakeyone on November 9, 2005 11:00 PM | Reply to this comment

I think there will be a few surpised people after the WIN against the Argies (i hope). I have a gut feel that the boys will win this game. I have faith in this squad - (even more when Euan is back)
Scotland by 9 ! C'mon boys !!!!!

Posted by The Pirate on November 10, 2005 07:12 AM | Reply to this comment

Andy I know this is a place to put your comments but you should be knocked back from ever commenting again. To put your view forward is one thing but to put a player down that has improved his defence so much this year shows just how much you actually watch or follow the game in Scotland and Glasgow. Scotland by 13 points. I will expect an apology next week champ!!!!!

Posted by grumpy on November 10, 2005 08:38 AM | Reply to this comment

A slightly Stalinist approach there Pirate , this is meant to be for people who are passionate about the team , whether that involves praise or criticism.

Posted by The Pirate on November 13, 2005 09:03 AM | Reply to this comment

Come on grumpy if your passionate about the team then you support the players that have been selected and not put them down. Well done last night parksy you did everyone proud so just build on it and continue to improve the confidence that the coaching staff is showing in you just shows how good you are.

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