The first leg of the 1872 Cup was heightened by pre-match pyrotechnics at Hampden Park, but there was no apparent lack of fireworks when Glasgow and Edinburgh finally got to business.
The Warriors won the match with a 33-0 lead in a contest that was barely deserving of the title last year.
Although the scoreboard was generally close, this was never going to be as one-sided as it was. Glasgow remained in control throughout and never appeared to be seriously in danger of losing.
You can never defend your victory against a team as talented as Glasgow, but Edinburgh showed heart, especially in defense, as they held Warriors to three on the try-line.
It was a “massive victory,” the author declared.
In all honesty, the occasion came off as a bit of a comeback following Glasgow’s heartfelt Champions Cup victory over Toulouse last weekend.
However, with a bonus-point win and a 12-point aggregate lead in the tie, it was a job done for Glasgow.
Franco Smith, the Warriors’ head coach, described it as “a massive, hard-fought victory.”
“We anticipated Edinburgh to be up for the challenge given how obviously they have already prepared in the pre-season to get it right this time,” he said. They demonstrated it.
They did a fantastic job of playing. And specifically from a defensive standpoint, we couldn’t convert because there were so many entries in their 22. And they ultimately increased our scoring potential.
“I believe there is a lot to work on,” he said. We played against Toulouse last week with the mindset that we had nothing to lose. We now have nothing to lose.
- 16 hours ago
If the Warriors want to wrestle the cup back from Glasgow, averaging 12 points is a lot to make up for on aggregate, and Seb Stephen’s late try at Hampden might prove to be the difference.
Sean Everitt, head coach for Edinburgh, told BBC Scotland, “I’m proud of the boys, but we need to do more when we have ball.”
“I don’t believe it will be difficult to motivate the boys,” he said. The guys have a habit of returning for the second game at home. When you consider derbies, there is a significant deficit to make up. That’s why our last attempt was a little hurt.
But we’ll be inspired to win the 1872 Cup and maintain our composure.
After suffering a second-leg defeat, the Warriors have had the odd luck of winning the trophy at Murrayfield for the past two seasons.
Now that they have won, it’s time to celebrate and finish 2025 in style.
It is enormous, they say. Although it’s the 1872, the derby, bragging rights, and everything else, Glasgow back-row Rory Darge said to BBC Scotland, “it’s the league points.”
Over the past few years, we’ve learned that when you’re finished with a game, you can look back and regret the ones you’ve won.
related subjects
- Glasgow Warriors
- Edinburgh
- Scottish Rugby
- Rugby Union










