EDINBURGH Reivers have demonstrated their confidence in Alan Tait, their newest recruit, by naming him as captain for tonight's match against Richmond at Gala's Netherdale (7 pm).
''He probably has more all-round experience than any other member of our squad,'' coach Ian Rankin observed, despite the fact that tonight's team also contains Scotland's most-capped player, Scott Hastings.
Tait's influence has been enormous since his return to rugby union from rugby league saw him achieve the rare feat of becoming a British Lion in both codes, to the extent that Rankin described him as a ''pied piper'' for the Reivers' younger players.
Tait's experience also includes having faced tonight's opponents home and away during last season's winning campaign with Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership. Consequently, in the wake of Richmond's impressive 32-24 win over Glasgow Caledonians on Tuesday, he is under no illusions about the task they are facing.
''Preparation for the English first division is their main priority, so this is a chance for us to get off to a good start,'' he said.''
Though Richmond have made it clear that these matches are merely training exercises during their pre-season camp, to the extent of declining conversion chances until late in the game at Hughenden on Tuesday, they looked exceptionally sharp when they did exert themselves.
Even against a powerful home pack which included British Lion Tom Smith and Scotland caps Kevin McKenzie, Stewart Campbell and Gordon Simpson, they looked physically very impressive, while their greater cohesion was down to the fact that this was an established side working together, as opposed to a new team being formed.
Tonight they will have that same advantage against what is a much less experienced Edinburgh pack and with the added benefit of having that match under their belts.
q JED-FOREST yesterday unveiled the mystery player they hope will help propel them towards the Tennents Premiership title - a champion wrestler from Snake River, Idaho.
Prop Glen Amador - who has grappled for America - flew into Edinburgh determined to prove that he can compete at the top.
The Riverside Park club reckon he could be a ready-made replacement for Neil McIlroy, who has signed for French side Nice.
Jed president Jim Thomson candidly admitted: ''We don't know all that much about him - but we are certainly looking forward to finding out at first hand.
''The connection was made through a former club member, George Rae, who has links with the University of Idaho.
''We checked him out with his club coach at Snake River, who also trains the American Eagles Sevens squad, and he confirmed that Glen was a useful performer.
''He may be lacking when it comes to scrummaging, but his positive attitude indicates that he will learn quickly.''
Eighteen-stone Amador, 29, has won Greco-Roman style wrestling caps for the US against Germany, Russia, Poland and Canada.
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