Edinburgh’s memories of their first visit to Hampden last season are ones they would rather forget. They were obliterated by Glasgow, falling 33-0 down before grabbing a couple of late consolation tries to take a slight edge off the embarrassing scoreline.
Sean Everitt’s side are specialists at bouncing back from bad defeats, mainly because they have had so much practice at it. Edinburgh fans would love if, for once, their team were not made to suffer before producing a reaction, but rather came out at Hampden on the front foot.
One of the capital side’s breakout stars this season, back-row Liam McConnell, believes that in Glasgow his team face not only their local rivals, but one of the best sides around. It is among the reasons he is relishing the tussle between the sides.
“I’ve never played in one,” said the 21-year-old. “I’ve been at the club for the last couple of seasons now and been around it when it’s the 1872 Cup weeks. It’s always special.
“The guys in the matchday squad have a different intensity around them, so to be part of it is pretty cool. Everyone’s real focused for Saturday, you can tell.
“It’ll be good. Glasgow are in good form right now, probably one of the best club teams in the world, you could say.
“It’s not only 1872, we’re playing one of the best club teams in the world at the moment, so that’s a challenge in itself. I’m really excited.”
All the feelgood factor and momentum generated from that famous win over Toulon was dynamited by Edinburgh fielding a weakened team and going down meekly to Castres.
It’s a familiar narrative heading into the derby – Glasgow being showered with praise, Edinburgh being bombarded with questions and criticism.
The best way to change that would be to give Warriors a bloody nose in front of their own people on Saturday.
“There’s no-one better to beat, is there?” said Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman.
“We know they’re a quality team and those are the games you want to play. Glasgow are a good side and that was a good win [against Toulouse].
“We’ve done similar a couple of weeks ago against Toulon, so we know the feeling. They’ll be riding super high and they’ll be coming in with confidence.
“It’s the exact kind of challenge we’re looking to take head-on. We need to show that fighting spirit.”
