READ ROB ROBERTSON ON SCOTS’ BIG TWO

We should all just sit back and enjoy the feel-good factor in Scottish rugby while it lasts. even the most glass-half-empty type of rugby fan has to agree that things can’t get much better when it comes to the Heineken Champions Cup from a Scotland perspective.

Having edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors go into the final round of group fixtures both in with a shout of qualification has never happened up until now.

In all the 23 years of european competition, edinburgh have made it through to the knockout stage just twice, 2004 and 2012. Glasgow’s only appearance was in 2016, when they lost to Saracens in the quarter-finals. Never have they done it together.

To have both qualify would be hugely significant and a milestone in the development of Scottish rugby.

The strong showing of edinburgh and Glasgow is making the whole of europe sit up and take notice.

There is a respect from rugby fans in both england and France that was missing in the past, especially after the way that the capital side so impressively brushed aside Toulon, both home and away.

There are players, such as edinburgh No8 Viliame Mata, who can claim to be the best in their position this season. Who will ever forget his off-load to set up a try for James Johnstone against the French on Saturday?

At Glasgow Warriors, the likes of centre Sam Johnson, who looks set to be included in Scotland’s Six Nations squad, is one of the rising stars of the northern hemisphere.

Just imagine how good Glasgow can be when full-back Stuart Hogg, who has been strangely out of sorts in europe, hits top form?

As for the coaches. Well, Richard Cockerill at edinburgh and Dave Rennie at Glasgow deserve all the praise coming their way. Both have instilled a strength of character in their squads that was missing in previous seasons.

Cockerill, in particular, has made a big difference. Players such as Blair Kinghorn, Jamie Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury have improved immeasurably on his watch.

He may not have the superstars — apart from Mata — that Glasgow have but the sum of their parts make them a great team.

Rennie has brought on the likes of Matt Fagerson and Nick Grigg and also deserves credit for the way he has managed his squad in europe this season.

Neither edinburgh nor Glasgow Warriors have secured their places yet, but both could qualify even if they lose their final group game.

If they both get through, it would be a huge boost to Scottish confidence going into the Six Nations.