The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hamilton: Imports take clubs towards next level
Quality imports have bolstered Glasgow and Edinburgh into “phenomenal seasons” believes player-turnedpundit Jim Hamilton.
The recruits by the two pro teams have proved to be difference-makers for the clubs heading into the festive 1872 Cup derbies, with Edinburgh at Scotstoun to start on Monday.
“Without getting too carried away, Scottish rugby and both pro teams are in a phenomenal place right now,” said the former international lock, now an analyst with broadcasters Premier Sports, who will exclusively show both games.
“The two wins in Europe, beating two of the biggest teams recently, underlines where the two teams are.
“We thought Mike Blair may change the profile of Edinburgh but how quickly and well they have adapted to his ways.
“With Glasgow you wondered if they were going to come good. There was a question mark under Danny Wilson, of course there was, because of last year, the turnover of players they have had.
“What we are seeing is that both teams are able to field their best teams. They don’t seem to have many injuries across the board and the quality of rugby is excellent.”
Hamilton picked out new Puma back Emiliano Boffelli for Edinburgh and former Wallaby No 8 Jack Dempsey for Glasgow as impact players.
“Boffelli plays (for Argentina) against Ireland, rocks up to Edinburgh to play against Dragons, freezing cold, how interested was he going to be, and his first touch is a score,” he pointed out.
“Edinburgh have an international player in his prime and he has the skill set to play across the back three.
“I’ve been impressed with Boan Venter for Edinburgh as well; (Pierre) Schoeman gets all the attention but Venter has been exceptional.
“Dempsey has been fantastic for Glasgow. What a signing, and Josh Mckay as well. They are players that have slotted in naturally.
“Mckay I thought was Scottish qualified, found out he was English qualified but hopefully he stays around. He has unbelievable credentials.
“Dempsey and Rory Darge, the make up of the Glasgow back row looks brilliant. Six, sevens, eights that can carry the ball time and time again with that
kind of physicality are important. In Jack Dempsey it seems they have a real talent that offers that balance across the back row.”
Hamilton agrees “the shackles are off Edinburgh” under Mike Blair, and believes Glasgow now have the pack to match with any in Europe.
“Glasgow have gone back and forth a bit haven’t they, the way they want to play – the physicality or do they play wide-wide?” he said.
“The win against Exeter, that’s a big step up. You look at the profile of some of their players now; George Turner, the physicality he brings, Zander Fagerson is a huge bloke, Oli Kebble is a huge bloke.
“Scott Cummings is fit again and Richie Gray is back. We’re reeling off big men who can play a bit as well, and we’ve already mentioned the back row.”
With no fans at either leg because of the new Covid restrictions, Edinburgh confirmed yesterday that their home game on January 2 will now be at the DAM Health Stadium rather than BT Murrayfield.
Edinburgh are unbeaten at DAM Health Stadium so far this season, recording three victories and a draw in four United Rugby Championship fixtures.
Meanwhile Scotland international Nick Grigg is leaving Glasgow at the end of the calendar year after agreeing an early release from his contract to join Japanese side NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
The 29-year-old centre moved to Scotstoun in 2016 and has made 95 appearances for the Warriors.
Grigg, born in New Zealand, will link up with his new side in January as they prepare for the inaugural Japan Rugby League One season.
He told Glasgow’s website: “Playing for Glasgow Warriors has completely changed my life for the better and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It was such a scary thing to do to leave your home country and to move to the other side of the world, but the prospect of playing at Glasgow Warriors and playing professional rugby was too good to turn down.
“It’s been so good being a Glasgow Warrior. Everyone who comes into the club comments on how good the environment here is – the players, the people and the culture – and I’ve got to experience that for six years.
“It’s what makes this club so special and it’s going to be sad to leave, but I’m looking forward to my next adventure.
“I’ll be closer to home and my family and I get to experience a new culture. Again, it’s quite scary but when I made that move here it completely changed my life.
“I’m going to miss Glasgow, the fans and the boys, but it’s going to be another amazing experience to move over to Japan and play rugby.”
Head coach Danny Wilson paid tribute to Grigg, saying: “Nick is someone who always gave his all for the club and who was never afraid to front up to the challenge in front of him.”