The coaches have named their teams for the opening leg of the 1872 Scottish Cup, at BT Murrayfield on Sunday 27 December (kick-off 15:05 UK time; 17:05 SA Time). As reigning cup holders, Alan Solomons has made 2 changes to the Edinburgh starting XV that beat London Irish last weekend in the European Challenge Cup, while Gregor Townsend has called up former Edinburgh scrumhalf Grayson Hart replacing Mike Blair in the No 9 shirt as the Warriors return to Guinness PRO12 action following their back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cup wins over the Scarlets.
In total there are 20 Scotland capped players in the starting XVs (8 for Edinburgh, 12 for Glasgow) with a further 4 on the bench (1 for Edinburgh, 3 for Glasgow). With the RBS 6 Nations Championship only 6 short weeks away, the players will want to impress head coach Vern Cotter as well as win their team valuable Guinness PRO12 league points.
Edinburgh won the 1872 Scottish Cup at BT Murrayfield on 2 January this year, after a 5-year sabbatical in the Glasgow trophy cabinet, in a nail-biter before a then-record crowd of 15 810. This year’s attendance has already broken that figure, with sales increasing daily, making the match the must-see fixture of the festive period in Scotland.
Head coach Alan Solomons said: “We’re all delighted that we’ll have such a big crowd adding to the atmosphere of what is always a hard-fought fixture. With both clubs winning their European fixtures last weekend, the teams will be looking for the momentum to carry through to a winning performance on Sunday. We know how keen Glasgow are to win back the trophy – and how intent we are on retaining it – so I’ve no doubt it will be a highly physical encounter.”
Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “It’s great to hear that our supporters are travelling through to Edinburgh in large numbers to get behind the team, and their vocal support will once again give us a boost this weekend. The 1872 Scottish Cup matches are always highly anticipated encounters and we’re really looking forward to Sunday’s game. We must remain focused for the full eighty-minutes if we’re to come away with a positive result and crucial Guinness PRO12 points.
Teams:
@ Just For Kicks: and Morris revenges Piedt
THAT was a big one. Now we just need to wrap up the tail. 😎
Lovely bowling by Morris – surprised he hasn’t come into the reckoning earlier! A very important wicket, as Root looked very settled.
Hello all good to see some chat here. GO PROTEAS!
The 2 debutants (Rabada on home soil) have been the stand out players for SA today
West Ham have just done the business against Liverpool, winning 2/0. Big rugby in the Premiership coming up soon Saracens v Leicester Tigers
@ Bullscot:Happy New Year
@ Just For Kicks:
Thanks mate Happy New Year to you and all family too. Seen there was nice fireworks display your side did you see them at the bells?
Will be an interesting decision as to whether to take the new ball. On a surface that isn’t doing a lot, just a gentle nudge at the new ball will send it to the boundary, where as the old ball certainly seems to be enticing the edge of the bat
158 @ Bullscot:Have been down in Dorset (my Folks) – got home yesterday, so missed all the fun, unfortunately
so……this is turning out to be an intriguing day one of a Test. SA’s fighting spirit appears to have returned. There is more of an urgency in the field. The bowling is working as a unit. England, on a top class batting surface, is being kept in check. Just when we thought England would run away with it, someone steps up. Fact. Its been a quality day’s cricket on a famous ground, hosting the raucous and entertaining Barmy Army, on a magnificent Cape day and everyone enjoying the cricket. What more could one ask for?
Tassies wrote:
Indeed
Been a good day to watch
@ Tassies:
Got 2 of my 3 wickets so far this session.
One more!
@ Just For Kicks:
That’s nice would have been good for you all to have spent the time together in Dorset. Been quite wild up here although yesterday was calm and dry at least
@ Bullscot: Hullo BS. Happy New Year to you and your family too. Yup. We are following your good example and trying to support the site.
Seems I’m the only one(here) enjoying the sunshine. You guys have been absorbing some atrocious weather recently. We’re sorry to read that. The cricket’s been absorbing(all day long). I’ll go and light my braai shortly.
@ IAAS: Absolutely. You obviously know your stuff. 🙂
@ Just For Kicks: did you once live in these parts JFK? And when?
Finally Stokes gets V Syl away – he’s had enough chances!
man, these two are playing some magnificent strokes. Top drawer stuff.
Morne is getting some great shape on the old ball. Bending his back certainly.
Tassies wrote:
In Elgin – I have a share in a wine farm – Highlands Road Estate up there. Lived in Franshhoek/Elgin for nearly 20 years, before moving back here in 2012.
Spent many a happy day at both Newlands Grounds
would you guys say this Test is pulling in a decent audience in the UK. We(down here) have no idea how closely followed this series is being followed. Seems to me the English ‘paper’ online focus more attention on the Big Bash than this series. Am I wrong?
173 @ Tassies: No, it is big over here too, a lot in the local press – especially as they see England on the up in the series. Both on tv and in the papers
….and, for a change, they haven’t been slagging off the players, as is their want to do normally
How did that miss?
would you guys say this Test is pulling in a decent audience in the UK. We(down here) have no idea how closely followed this series is being followed. Seems to me the English ‘paper’ online focus more attention on the Big Bash than this series. Am I wrong?
Coincidently, dependent on weather etc, we might head out to Elgin early tomorrow to MTB Oak Valley. Spent many happy times in Elgin and surrounds. Big adjustment from Elgin/Franschoek to living in the UK I’d imagine.
@ Tassies: Used to do a lot of cycling with the kids at Oak Valley – stunning rides.
Yes, big change, but getting used to it now, and apart from the lack of warm weather, starting to really enjoy it. Kids have adjusted too and seem very happy.
@ Just For Kicks: I have just pulled the cork on a bottle of Vrede en Lust Chardonnay. You would have driven past this estate many time enroute to Franshoek. Have to say, its not too shabby while watching the cricket.
de Kok missed an opportunity there
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