Kenny Logan, writing for The Scotsman, believes that Scotland's Heineken Cup cause would be helped by allowing only one side in to the competition.
“Scottish teams don't have a good track record in the Heineken Cup, but it should be exciting for Scottish rugby fans as they prepare for the kick-off this weekend. Why? Because this is where you prove yourself and both Edinburgh and Glasgow have the talent to do something this year.
“Being honest, the wider world doesn't care how the Scottish teams do in the Magners League. Most of our players are used to performing on the international stage now and they know that clubs prove themselves in the Heineken Cup. And when that pressure has come we've failed miserably so far.
“The major thing holding us back is consistency. You only have to look at Glasgow's result in Toulouse last year to see how well they can play, but you can't then go to the Dragons and lose. Glasgow face the Dragons again this year and if they can't beat them, they can forget about a first appearance in the quarter-finals.
“You have to admit there are differences in strength in depth between the Scottish teams and the top 20 sides in Europe, who have academies, better facilities and finance to buy in top-quality players. We are also very much 'Scottish' teams, whereas the majority who step into the European cauldron next week will be a virtual 'League of Nations' roll-call. The competition is also tougher now – it's harder to reach the last eight than when Edinburgh did so in 2004 – but the Scottish teams are also much better now.”
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