Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors face a tough challenge trying to get over the line in this season's Magners League. Pic: ©SNS Group
There is a real feeling of optimism in Scottish rugby as the new season starts - and justifiably so. During the summer, the Scottish team had an excellent tour to Argentina, winning the Series 2-0. As a result, Andy Robinson and his management team can now start to plan for the World Cup 2011 in New Zealand knowing that we should have a psychological advantage when we play the Pumas in Christchurch.
In pro rugby last season, Glasgow Warriors emerged as the most competitive set up in Scotland, reaching the play-offs and developing a number of players with a real cutting edge to their game. Al Kellock, Moray Lowe, John Beattie, John Barclay and Kelly Brown improved dramatically and Dan Parks re-invented himself to emerge as the most influential player in the Magners League.
The squad has a huge challenge to reach the levels they achieved last year. With Dan Parks and Kelly Brown gone to pastures new, Thom Evans retired and Al Kellock and Chris Cusiter injured, the early season form of young half backs Ruaridh Jackson and Henry Pyrgos will be crucial.
Even with so many players not available, I still see Glasgow emerging as the top Scottish pro team and should be challenging for top honours again. Their opponents on Friday night, Leinster, still look on the Magners League as of secondary importance and hopefully Glasgow punish them for fielding a much weakened side.
Edinburgh have tried to toughen up their forward pack with new signings Jack Gilding, Netani Talei and the Argentine lock Esteban Lozada. Beng a Fijiian, Talei loves to run with the ball and hopefully he can have the same influence off the back of the scrum as Xavier Rush has for Cardiff. Jim Hamilton never really fitted into the Edinburgh set up, so Lozada has a golden chance to become a local favourite.
What struck me about Edinburgh's performance against London Irish on Friday night was the schizophrenic nature of their play. Most things appeared to be "off the cuff" -witness the Chris Paterson try from a quick free kick - and there seemed to be more shape when David Blair and Greg Laidlaw replaced Phil Godman and Mike Blair at half back.
They also appeared to lose out on the "physicality stakes" at centre and full back, where Delon Armitage, Elvis Seveali'i and Seilala Mapusua looked colossal. On the plus side, young Lee Jones looked impressive and thoroughly deserves his chance to start against Cardiff Blues.
I see the Blues as a major player in all competitions this season and, with Dan Parks controlling the game at number 10, it is probably fortuitous that Edinburgh play them so early. I expect the capital side to struggle in this game.
I'm not convinced that the introduction of the Italian teams will enhance the League as a competition and certainly neither team will add to the size of the crowds. Unlike the French, the Italians do not show much flair either at club of international level and I believe it will take them years before any of the sides make any impact on the league.
