THe phrase “noisy neighbours” has been added to the sporting vernacular in recent times, a sound bite that wonderfully sums up local rivalries, usually when one has a little more to say than previously. That certainly applies this term to Edinburgh.
However, their chatter could be silenced rather quickly come Saturday when they do battle with Glasgow with the 1872 Cup at stake. Oh, and the side issue of some league points, something that hasn’t been lost on Tim Swinson.
The Warriors and Scotland lock admits pocketing some silverware would be nice, but says there is a bigger picture.
“Winning a trophy is always good, especially over a three-game series, and it would be good winning such a game.
“Edinburgh have been a good side this year. And they are high in the table which is fantastic for Scottish rugby. It will be a tough game, and like everyone, we’ll have to take it seriously.
“But at the same time you can’t lose sight that it is another game for league points and a step on the way to what we want to achieve and where we want to be this year.
“For us, it’s always about taking a game at a time. But this is a big match. Most of the guys know each other and have played in the national squad with each other, or, know each other having played through the age group. So, there is always that little bit of enjoyment when you are playing against the guys you know, and, a bit of rivalry. But above all, it’s important to be continuing our good form right to the end of the league season.”
Swinson played himself back in to contention at international level during the Six Nations, coming off the bench against England and Ireland before starting in Rome to help Gregor Townsend’s side to finish third overall in the standings.
However, while being away with the national team is great, it does give those left back at home a chance to shine. While Swinson says that can only mean good things for Glasgow, it also means he may need to step up his game as well.
“The most important thing this season is the depth of squad we’ve developed,” says the 36-times capped lock. “We’ve had all the second rows injured as some point, I was out myself for four months with a hand injury. For me that’s the thing that has been really impressive; we’ve had young guys coming in and stepping up for Glasgow, playing their first game, and playing well. There are others who have been there or thereabouts for a few years who have stepped up even more to fill those voids. And they have emerged now as justifiable first-team players.
“At the same time, we’ve all responded and reacted to playing a new style of rugby under a new coach, and players have played their best rugby during that time as well. Which is all good for the future at Glasgow.”
At 31, Swinson is hardly over the hill. But, do these young guns then add a bit of pressure to the more experienced players?
“That’s one of the issues when you get slightly older. While it’s great for the club, you start looking over your shoulder at who is coming through. But I think the more senior players have also been given a boost this term, just because of the environment around the club.”
The old straight-laced, single division PRO12 grew up a bit last year when the Cheetahs and Southern Kings were added to the mix for the PRO14, with its conferences and play-offs. A move welcomed and enjoyed by Swinson.
“For Glasgow, the new system has worked out quite well, but, like any tournament, you want to still be in it when you reach the sharp end of things. To that end, it is all about winning the key games and beating your closest rivals
“We are still playing all of the teams at some point during the season, but, the South African teams have been an interesting addition. The Cheetahs have played some very good rugby and travelling to South Africa for matches, as a team, was a different experience at club level and a bit of an adventure. Overall, I think it’s been good to expand this brand of rugby, as a whole.”
However, Swinson concludes: “But it’s like any league where you have play-offs. You’ve put in a lot of hard work to get this far. But, now all the focus is on the last few weeks of the regular season and eyeing up those play-offs. Because where you really want to be is on your game –and that isn’t always easy after a long hard season.”
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