joe soap wrote:gunneria wrote:That's a good point. Over the years I've often thought we've been lumbered with players working their way back to fitness or form to the detriment of our results. Some 'star' players have probably never played for their prem team.
over the years its been part of the soft culture at Edinburgh. And part of being at Murrayfield. All too cosy. Pretty sure Cockerill knows and has said as much since he arrived - players knowing they will be picked for Scotland however they play, and so have to get picked for Edinburgh to ensure game time.
Well Cockers by now knows the pressure from Murrayfield but at least its looking from Townsend's squad that players have to convince Townsend they are playing well to get picked, reputations don't count (see Denton, Strauss, SHC, Visser).
There's still players in there on reputation and Nel is a good example - J Gray too.
I agree Nel should've gone back to the BT Prem for a few games and build confidence by absolutely dismantling some semi pros.