Fans set to return for second leg
and no matter how promising players may have looked in training, delivering during a match is another matter.
What is more, despite the lack of an actual game, both teams have substantial injury lists. Glasgow must also do without Leone Nakarawa, who is still on extended paternity leave back home in Fiji, while Edinburgh are without their twin back-row bludgeons, Jamie Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury. Wilson’s combination in his own back row of Rob Harley, Matt Fagerson and Ryan Wilson is a formidable one, and although Hamish Watson is the best breakdown player in the country, Edinburgh will probably try to steer things away from that department as much as they can.
If Cockerill’s team succeed in keeping it a tight contest, they should prevail. But the looser the game gets, the more it will play into Glasgow’s hands.
MURRAYFIELD has been given permission by the Scottish Government to host fans at next Friday night’s inter-city derby match between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors. It will be the first professional rugby match in the UK, and the first professional sporting event of any kind in Scotland, to welcome spectators since the Covid-19 lockdown in March.
It is understood that around 700 spectators is likely, with a further 300 players coaches, support and security staff taking up the total number of people at the venue to around 1,000.
The fixture is designated as an Edinburgh Rugby home match and ticketing information will be issued by the club early next week.
“We are pleased our work with the Scottish Government will ensure that players, support staff and fans will be covered by a comprehensive event plan for everyone’s safety including physical distancing requirements,” said Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer, Dominic McKay.
“We hope that our experience and learnings from a live spectator event next Friday can help all of Scottish sport, and the wider events industry restart.”
Benetton 13 Zebre 17
Scarlets v Cardiff Blues (3pm) Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors (5.15pm)
Leinster v Munster (7.35pm)
Ospreys v Dragons (2.15pm) Connacht v Ulster (4.30pm)
Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh (7.35pm)
Dragons v Scarlets (5.15pm) Ulster v Leinster (7.35pm)
Munster v Connacht (3pm) Cardiff Blues v Ospreys (5pm) Zebre v Benetton (7pm)