Edinburgh boss Mike Blair reveals tough selection decisions

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

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.

RugbyPass Offload | Episode 16

RugbyPass Offload | Episode 16

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.

“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.”