Rugby: We have 19 reasons not to fear men from Meggetland

But Cairns also admits there are major obstacles to be overcome, not least a hi-tech internet coaching programme (www.coach-logic.com) being used by both clubs and which he has developed along with ’Muir fitness coach Andy Muir.

“To be honest, Boroughmuir are probably a bit further down the road using because Andy has input as a coach whereas I am still playing. But we are convinced that support received from Scottish Enterprise will pay dividends across a range of sports when we roll out next month.

“Basically the system we have devised uses online methods to provide individual club players with clips of their performances so that they arrive for training fully up-to-speed. Other corners being cut include gym programming, goal-setting and injury management, and we have had inquiries from several other sports, including hockey, basketball and netball.”

Cairns adds: “What I said to the Currie team at half-time can’t possibly be repeated publicly. Last week’s match was possibly unique as the most points Currie have conceded at home.

“What I know is that Boroughmuir coaches Fergus Pringle, Dave Officer and Andy Muir, as well as stand off Ally Warnock, are all ex-Currie, so their inside knowledge is something else to overcome. That said, Boroughmuir versus Currie is an authentic derby and everybody on our side finds a bit extra in those circumstances.

“Above all, we have to continue giving our backs space to work in which was key to last week’s comeback.”

Both clubs have significant input from the Edinburgh and Glasgow professional teams. At Currie, they are able to include stand off Gregor Hunter, full back Dougie Fife and second row Steve Turnbull while welcoming back Ross Weston from injury and Jamie Forbes from working abroad. In  addition, John Cox and  Mike Entwhistle are reinstated to the starting line-up. For Boroughmuir, there is professional input in the form of winger Sep Visser and prop Robin Hislop in the starting line-up with Harry Leonard, also from Edinburgh, on the bench.

Boroughmuir lost 10-31 at Dundee High last time after leading 10-0 at the interval but coach Fergus Pringle insisted: “The scoreline last week does not reflect the effort the guys put in.”

An away win at Melrose, meanwhile, has put Heriot’s in good heart for a home clash with Dundee. Promoted to the front five are JP Ward and Russell Nimmo with Edinburgh prospect Sam Hidalgo Clyne on the bench.

Heriot’s coach Phil Smith maintains: “We are aware of the strengths of Dundee and will go in as underdogs.”

Dundee coach Ian Rankin has sights set on relieving Heriot’s of the Bill McLaren Shield they captured from Melrose.

“Our target is consistency throughout the entire game,” said Rankin. “Our games against Heriot’s are always high scoring and with 39 tries being scored in the Premiership last week, the scoreboard could well be busy.

“To come away from the Greenyards with not only their first win of the season under new coach Phil Smith, but also the Bill McLaren Shield, which they must defend, will have boosted the confidence.”

Edinburgh Accies await Melrose still seeking their opening win, but coach Simon Cross is upbeat, saying: “Our first win isn’t far away and if we play with a little bit more composure in both attack and defence, there is no reason why it can’t happen on Saturday.”

With Lewis Niven unavailable, Duncan Morrison comes in at prop and Kenny Blyth benches. Simon Webster has picked up an injury which creates an opportunity for Josh Pecqueur, while Niall Godsmark replaces Iain Berthinussen who is unavailable.

Melrose make two forward changes after a loss summed up by president Mike Dalgetty when he said: “By full time, Heriot’s deserved the win.”

In the national league, Watsonians await Hawick with winger Jamie Niven and scrum half Brian Walls recalled along with South African prop Riaan Basson. Stewart’s Melville visit Biggar.

Unbeaten Championship B leaders Musselburgh are at Kirkcaldy, while Lasswade  visit Hawick YM. Murrayfield Wanderers entertain  Haddington.