BLAIN DRAIN
Dave: Stop giving derby showdowns to homegrown refs
DAVE RENNIE has begged Pro14 bosses to keep Scots whistlers away from the 1872 Cup derbies – after landing two in eight days.
The Glasgow head coach and Edinburgh counterpart Richard Cockerill joined forces last weekend to slam rookie ref Ben Blain’s showing at Scotstoun.
And Rennie reckons the Warriors could be in line for a raw deal today from Scotland’s No.1 man in the middle Mike Adamson – despite the fact he is a former Glasgow player.
Having won the first clash 20-16, Rennie’s troops can clinch silverware with a derby to spare should they win at Murrayfield this afternoon.
But the Kiwi said: “The authorities seem determined to use Scottish refs when the two pro teams play each other.
“We have Mike in charge this time round and to be honest that could actually work against us.
“It is not easy for a referee if there is an affiliation there. That is why I would prefer neutrals from outside Scotland.”
Blain brandished five yellow cards last weekend as rival skippers Ryan Wilson and Stuart McInally went on to declare the tally did not reflect the conduct of the players.
Rennie said: “Last week was only Ben’s fifth match in the league and he could have been given more help from his touchline assistants.”
Glasgow’s boss has recalled prop Oli Kebble along with wingers Ratu Tagive and Dan van der Merwe after failing to win in the capital since 2016.
On today’s tussle, Rennie added: “Mentally, the Christmas break has been good for the boys. It was a good chance for them to spend time with their family. They’ve trained well since coming back in and are in good shape.
“Oli has probably been our No.1 choice at loose head so this is his chance to make a statement.
“Ratu played superbly earlier in the season before his injury and he deserves his chance.
“DTH has missed out in the last couple of weeks due to our depth in the wide channels and we’re looking for the pair of them to go well.
“Hopefully half the crowd will be in our colours in what will be a special atmosphere.
“We know what to expect from Edinburgh. We just need to do what we did last week and be patient with ball in hand.”
Jamie Ritchie and WP Nel will return to the pack for the Gunners, while Nic Groom gets the nod at scrum-half in place of Henry Pyrgos.
Fit-again centre Matt Scott is poised to return to the action from the bench.
Cockerill said: “We’ve had a good review of the Scotstoun defeat and the players have been able to get a bit of down time. We’ll have no problems with desire because it is such an important match for us.
“We’ve got to understand it’s not just a game of rugby.
“We’re representing our city. We’re representing the people we play for, our families and all the supporters.
“We’re going to go full-on and I’m sure Glasgow will come full-on. We want the points, we want the bragging rights and we want to keep the 1872 Cup.
“It’s important for everybody we represent our city properly.”