Alan Solomons was seeking to cool Edinburgh confidence of a first win in Glasgow in 12 years on Saturday as they seek to repeat last week’s domination of their Scottish rivals in the 1872 Cup first leg.
The veteran coach is giving the second leg at Scotstoun the old “another day, another game” verdict despite many people believing that his pack have the Warriors’ number and the setpiece and maul advantage will carry them to their first 1872 double win since season 2002-03, also the last time they won in the West.
The Warriors are still favourites, he believes, as he named a team with just two changes from the side that won 23-11 at BT Murrayfield on Sunday.
“That record exists for a reason,” said Solomons of Edinburgh’s away record in the fixture. “They have done exceptionally well at Scotstoun, they are at home, and they are the PRO12 champions. It would be a big achievement for us to go there and get a win.
“Sunday’s game has gone, we had the better on them on that day, but this will be another day. What happened then is of no consequence.”
More of the same, however effective it was on Sunday, will not take Edinburgh to victory again, he added.
“There are things we want to improve upon, our kick execution was not good enough and we can improve our defence and attack,” he continued.
“This is like playing back-to-back tests. You have a massive physical game and six days later you have to repeat it.
“Both sides want to win as league points are at stake, but the cup is of equal importance, no question about it.
“This is a great derby. I have been involved in some great ones and this is right up there.”
Solomons has one enforced change, with Tom Brown’s shoulder injury meaning he can’t repeat his last-gasp heroics against Taqele Naiyaravoro and Damien Hoyland coming in.
And after his twin brother Alex has manfully filled in during his absence, Ben Toolis returns to the starting lineup following his successful re-introduction for the final quarter on Sunday after an elbow injury.
Alasdair Dickinson is again absent with his calf, but could be back for the next round of European games in the New Year, and Solomons is content that Rory Sutherland is an able replacement.
“Suzz has come on leaps and bounds and he’s a very effective scrummager,” said the coach. “Ben is pretty fresh and did well for his 20 minutes.
“There are some players who have played a lot in our side, like Cornell (du Preez) but we were able to get a break for WP Nel, Ross Ford and John Hardie, also Matt Scott, Anton Bresler and Sammy Hidalgo Clyne all got a break
“There are pros and cons. Having fresh guys does help, but you get rhythm by playing.”
Solomons is happy to hear Glasgow’s statements that they want a more up-tempo game than Murrayfield, as they perceive Edinburgh would like it slower.
“Thet’ve said that in the media and that’s fine, but Gregor has obviously beefed up his pack and put in heavier guys in the pack,” he pointed out.
“Josh Strauss is an excellent player. Duncan Weir is the number two in Scotland and I thought Ali Price did really well when he came on. He has rested Tommy Seymour, but Sean Lamont is a big physical man, so he has not lost anything there.”
Edinburgh team: Jack Cuthbert; Dougie Fife, Michael Allan, Matt Scott, Damien Hoyland; Phil Burleigh, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne; Rory Sutherland, Ross Ford, WP Nel; Anton Bresler, Ben Toolis; Mike Coman (capt), John Hardie, Cornell du Preez.
Replacements; Neil Cochrane, Alan Dell, John Andress, Alex Toolis, Jamie Ritchie, Sean Kennedy, Greig Tonks, Andries Strauss.