GRAFT AND CRAFT
Hogg expects toughest test yet from Edinburgh in crunch 1872 Cup finale
STUART HOGG admits new-look Edinburgh’s full throttle approach will provide his side with their toughest 1872 Cup test yet this weekend.
The Glasgow ace and his teammates head to Murrayfield for a clash that will also determine their rivals’ fate, with Richard Cockerill’s men hoping to join the Warriors in the Guinness PRO14 play-offs.
That Edinburgh are even in contention at this stage of the season for a top-three spot in Conference B represents how far they have come after several years in the bottom half of the table and Hogg thinks this could be the strongest Gunners side they have faced for a while.
He said: “We’re used to Edinburgh just punting the ball and defending but they are playing some expansive rugby and an exciting brand and all credit to them they have worked hard on that.
“They have some cracking players who have been causing problems such as winger Duhan van der Merwe, he’s been on fire lately, so that’s one person we will have to shut down.”
Edinburgh go into their last game of the regular season needing just a point to confirm a play-off spot and Champions Cup rugby for next season, while Glasgow are already assured of top spot in the other half of the league having started the season in stunning form.
A run of three defeats in their last five matches has halted their progress but the 1872 Cup finale – a three-game series between the pair that’s decided by the sides’ aggregate scorelines – on Saturday means they will not be rolling over to let their rivals qualify.
And Hogg is targeting a first trophy of the season as they look to defend their title in the Scottish derby with the series level at one apiece.
He said: “We wanted to win three trophies at the start of the season and we have a good opportunity at the weekend to pick up the first one.
“It’s the bragging rights for the year and getting one over on your pals.
“We’re not just going to sit down and let them run over the top of us.
“We will face them head on and bring a huge amount of physicality to the game and exploit them with our attacking play.
“It will be a decent encounter and one the boys are looking forward to.”