5 areas where the 1872 Cup will be won and lost

Duncan Smith looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors prior to the derby double-header
By DUNCAN SMITH
Published 22nd Dec 2015, 19:10 BST
Edinburgh won the trophy last year. Picture: SNSEdinburgh won the trophy last year. Picture: SNS
Edinburgh won the trophy last year. Picture: SNS

RED PACK v BLUE BACKS

1. It is perhaps a bit of an oversimplification but is certainly true that Edinburgh’s main strength is up front, while Glasgow have more flair out wide. The home side will need their Test front row of Al Dickinson, Ross Ford and WP Nel to provide a strong platform.

GENERATION GAME

2. One of the most intriguing personal battles will be at scrum-half, where 22-year-old Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is expected to be up against his childhood idol, the 34-year-old former Scotland and Edinburgh skipper Mike Blair.

TACKLING TAQELE

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3. Glasgow wing Taqele Naiyaravoro’s size and speed brings an X-factor that Edinburgh will have to stop.

ROUNDHEAD v CAVALIER

4. The stand-off showdown will see Phil Burleigh’s conservative, intelligent kicking game against Finn Russell’s more freewheeling style.

BATTLE OF WITS

5. Alan Solomons outfoxed his younger counterpart last season and Gregor Townsend will be keen to put that right this time.

Related topics:EdinburghGlasgow WarriorsGlasgow