Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons has backed Hamish Watson as an international forward in waiting after watching the flanker's outstanding performance in the capital side's 15-13 European Challenge Cup victory over Bordeaux-Begles in France on Friday evening.
Watson has been a peripheral figure at Edinburgh for the past few years, but he has turned in a series of impressive displays this season. His contribution in the Stade Andre Moga, against a Bordeaux-Begles side who have hammered both Clermont Auvergne and Castres in recent weeks, has now put him in the running for a place in the Scotland squad for the November Tests which national coach Vern Cotter will name tomorrow.
"Hamish had an outstanding game, a really, really good game," said Solomons. "It is for Vern to select what he thinks is the best side. For me, I just think Hamish is doing really well and he is starting to back up games now, which is a big positive. He is producing the goods week in and week out. He certainly has the ability to play international rugby, but the decision about when that happens is up to Vern."
Edinburgh built their win on the platform of a 45th-minute try by Tim Visser and a late penalty try. Tom Heathcote contributed a penalty and a conversion.
The victory was all the more remarkable as the players had endured an epic journey just to get to Bordeaux. Starting at Murray-field at 5am, they had flown to Southampton, caught a connection to Bergerac and then had a long bus journey that got them to the ground just a few hours before kick-off. In light of all that, Solomons praised the spirit of his team for digging deep to secure the win.
"The character and composure shown by the side was exceptional," he said. "This is the third game in a few weeks they have shown this kind of character because they did it against the Scarlets and the Dragons. That augurs really well for the team. Our morale has always been strong, our spirit has been good, but when you take one or two knocks it is bound to have an effect on you. So I think this kind of win can do wonders for the confidence of the team. At times we have had to battle a bit, but those times make you strong."
Solomons confirmed Dave Denton will make his return against Lyon at Murrayfield on Friday, possibly even in the starting line-up as Mike Coman's ankle injury has reduced the squad's back-row options.
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