Andy Nicol has insisted English and French rugby chiefs are right to demand a revamp for Europe’s top tournaments.
The former Scotland skipper, however, believes they will not be brave enough to launch their own competition to rival the Heineken Cup.
Nicol issued his verdict as fears rose among Warriors and Edinburgh fans that their teams could lose the right to automatically earn a ticket for the event.
He also claimed a switch to entry based on Pro12 placings or a Champions League-style qualification system would be justified and would add excitement to the season although he added a proviso that every one of the Six Nations should be represented by at least one team.
Nicol added: “I think a meritocracy is the right way forward.
“We’ve been here before with France and England they are the two biggest boys in the playground and they flex their muscles every so often but I think they have a point in certain aspects of the European game.
“I think it does need to be looked at because I don’t agree with the qualification standings as they currently are. What they are doing is a bit of brinkmanship.
“I don’t think they are saying we are definitely not doing the Heineken Cup as we know it next season; they are saying ‘let’s move things along a bit quicker.’
“I believe there were something like 40 differences between the various parties and that’s down to about 10 now. They are getting close and this is just a push.”
Nicol stressed: “A change would up everyone’s game. It would make the tournament more credible and would make end-of-season Pro12 games more competitive for the top teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
“In the last few years, Glasgow would have qualified by merit and Edinburgh wouldn’t, so they would be in the Amlin Cup.
“I think that might be OK because we should reward success.
“As long as every country is represented. If neither of the Scottish sides were in the top six say, then I think the best-placed team should still get in.”