1872 Cup Preview: Views from the Edinburgh and Glasgow camps

Edinburgh’s Netani Talei: ‘Let’s win this for the fans’

“I didn’t think I was going to be involved this week again and I was a bit frustrated last week, but that’s how the game goes and I’m happy now to be preparing to go out there and play some rugby.

“I have played in this cup for the last two seasons and it’s a big testing ground for the boys. Although I am Fijian, I have got to know the Edinburgh boys now, and their lifestyle and culture is part of my lifestyle and culture. I have not spent Christmas in Fiji for eight years now I think, and I miss my children of course at this time, but the traditions here are similar to back home, and if I was there I would probably be sitting very fat right now after lots and lots of eating. So it’s better I am here!

“But there is also a similar pride in our countries in rugby and where we’re from. The Glasgow and Edinburgh rivalry is big, and I am proud to be part of the Edinburgh set-up.

“This game puts a smile on the boys’ faces. Last week we didn’t do well and were down, but we’re past that now and everyone is looking forward to the weekend and putting a smile back on everyone’s face.

“We have talented players, more talented players than Glasgow do, but Glasgow play to their system whereas we tend to go off the rails sometimes and the realise that it’s not working and then come back to a system which works for us.

“If we stick to that from the first whistle, keep working as a team and push our way through the system and play our phases, then it will come off for us.

“I do not mean to disrespect Glasgow. You can see how good they are as a team because they are in the top four, and we’d love to be in that position, but it’s a New Year and we’re looking forward to putting a statement out that we can play well in the league and the Heineken cup.

“There will be a lot of talent out there at Murrayfield this weekend, and I have a lot of respect for the people I play against, and with, and on the day it comes down to who wants it the most.

“I just enjoy playing and hopefully on this day I will perform, do what the coaches want of me and put the pride back in the 
Edinburgh shirt that we wear, for the fans as well who have been coming out in numbers for the love of the game. It’s about time we gave them back something.”

Glasgow’s Ryan Wilson: ‘We aim to put on a big show’

“I caught a wee nip in last week’s game so have been sporting a shiner in the photos this week, but I’m fine. It was just at the bottom of the ruck. I caught someone’s boot, and unfortunately there was a stud on the end of it. There’s no leftovers for this game though – I got him back later in the game at Scotstoun!

“But these are brilliant games to play in. Derby matches are always the best. Last Friday night was fantastic. The passion in the dressing room, especially from a leader like Al Kellock – you can’t get any more passionate than his speeches before the game – shows what it means to him and the whole team.

“I don’t sound it but I’m becoming more of a Glaswegian now, and I love the club and everything about the place. We are working to hard to build Scotstoun into the fortress we had at Firhill, but it’s exactly the same focus going to Murrayfield. We want to disrupt their party and put on a big show over there.

“They have a strong back row. Netani [Talei] is a typical Islander, who carries ball hard and they love the big hits. He’ll be wanting to get into us, but he doesn’t have that Scottish side to him so maybe this game means less to him.

“This season, we have a goal of making the top two in the RaboDirect, so retaining the 1872 Cup has a big impact on how we do in the league. But it means a lot in its own right as well. It is such a prestigious cup so the boys are looking to win it again, but eyes are also on another four or five league points that can set us up for the second half of the season.

“I feel like I’ve learned more and more this year and am playing as well as I have. I didn’t start both games last season so to get them this time is a fantastic opportunity, especially with Scotland selectors watching. I have to focus on the job here and make sure I play my part for the team, but it’s nice to get a run of games, and I like the way we’re playing. Counter-attack rugby suits my game as a lightweight forward, and getting back with the back three and carrying ball is something I love to do.

“The strength and depth throughout our squad is fantastic and having [Josh] Straussy back this week is brilliant. I’ve told Josh I’m not going to like him until he gets the beard back because he’s not the same person, but I’m sure all the boys and supporters will be happy if he helps us retain the cup this weekend.”