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Edinburgh boss Mike Blair reveals tough selection decisions

By PA
Mike Blair (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Mike Blair explained how Edinburgh’s blistering form this season has made team selection such a difficult task.

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The head coach feels spoiled for choice because of the way his players have been performing in a campaign in which they are currently top of the United Rugby Championship.

Blair admits he had plenty to ponder before picking his XV for Saturday’s European Challenge Cup clash away to London Irish.

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He told Edinburgh’s website: “Selection has been one of the hardest parts of the job so far because players are training well and putting their hands up but guys are performing on the pitch as well.

“We’ve spent a lot of time selecting this side and we believe we’ve got a team that can go out there and challenge London Irish.”

Blair has made four changes to the side that started the bonus-point victory over Cardiff last weekend, with Matt Currie, Adam McBurney, Boan Venter and Nick Haining replacing Mark Bennett, Stuart McInally, Pierre Schoeman and Hamish Watson.

The head coach is hoping they can maintain their fine form at the Brentford Community Stadium. He said: “We were really pleased with the performance against Cardiff.

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“We left a couple of opportunities out there but we really enjoyed the intent and the physicality. Both are important parts of our game and we’ve been building on them in training to bring into this weekend’s game.

“I love the way London Irish play. They move the ball around a lot and are really innovative with what they’re trying to do, with their set plays and scrum play. I think it’ll be an excellent game.”

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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