Glasgow aim to defend title as Edinburgh tries harder

Both teams have expanded their squads for the new season, but a number of players have also left both clubs.

Adam Hastings has returned to Glasgow, while Scottish mainstay Rory Sutherland has also signed, while players such as George Turner, Ross Thompson – who has moved to Edinburgh – and Oli Kebble leave Scotstoun.

“The great asset to Glasgow is Hastings,” said Brown.

“When he left three years ago, Adam was playing brilliant rugby. He’s had a really tough three years with injuries at Gloucester, so it would be really nice to see him settled and fit now.

“Rory Sutherland will add a huge amount of quality and experience to that front row. A lot of quality has gone out the door but that base of 30 is still very, very strong.”

Edinburgh’s struggle to score has often been partly attributed to a lack of creativity in midfield, as well as a constantly changing defensive line plagued by injuries.

The arrivals of Mosese Tuipulotu – brother of Glasgow and Scottish groom Sione – and Matt Scott should provide a greater attacking threat, while Scotland number eight Magnus Bradbury has returned to the capital to replace Bill Mata.

The return of Scottish winger Darcy Graham, who was out injured for eight months, will also be a boost.

“Darcy is a world star,” Paterson said. “He’s an absolute diamond, so you want to see him play as much as possible.

“There is quality in those last three. Duhan van de Merwe, Emiliano Boffelli didn’t play much last year, Harry Patterson came in and took his chance with the national team; Wes Gooson also had a brilliant season last year.

“I think Edinburgh are well suited to playing a counter-attacking style where teams are forced to shoot and then bring these three defenders into the game.”