Hogg and Kellock highlight 1872 cup rivalry

Edinburgh first faced Glasgow in an intercity match on 23 November 1872 and it is a rivalry older than football's Old Firm.

The contest has now been resurrected for the forthcoming Magners League meeting between the two teams at the home of Scottish Rugby with Glasgow having to win on aggregate points over the two games in order to reclaim the trophy from holders Edinburgh.
The two captains set to lead the sides out on the night are Hogg and Kellock, both Scotland internationals and boyhood friends.

But even though Edinburgh back rower Hogg confesses that he enjoys exchanging banter with Kellock off the pitch, the 24-year-old insists that once the game starts he will completely tuned into the serious business of winning.

Hogg said: "I think there will be a laugh and a joke perhaps at the coin toss, but once you're out on the pitch it is totally different; you just want to perform to your best and win.

"Ali and I played for Stirling together and then when we played for Edinburgh together we used to share lifts to and from training and matches.

"So I know him really well and he is a good friend. I've only ever played against him once before and it is always good fun to play against your mates because it adds an edge to the game."

With Glasgow sitting one point ahead of Edinburgh in the Magners League standings, the victorious team will finish 2007 as the country's top team and Hogg admits that is a huge incentive.

He added: "We were all very proud of beating Leinster in the Heineken Cup on Saturday and it was also good to see Glasgow defeat Biarritz not long ago.

"But we are determined to finish above them and there is a real excitement in the squad about the game."

Meanwhile, Glasgow captain Kellock admits he does not regret the time he spent on the playing staff at Edinburgh, but stresses his he feels at home representing his native west of Scotland.

Kellock said: "It was strange to have played for Edinburgh because I had played all my age group rugby at Glasgow, but it just so happened that when I turned professional there was a contract for me at Edinburgh.

"But I wouldn't change the way it has gone at all; the time at Edinburgh was great for me. I got to play with Nathan Hines, Scott Murray and Todd Blackadder; all international second rows.

"I am pleased to be back in Glasgow though and I cannot wait to lead out my side for the game."

The derby games are not uncharted territory for Kellock and the 6' 8" lock admits he enjoys the rivalry between the two cities.

He added: "I've played in the intercity games against Edinburgh when I was playing for Glasgow Under-16s and there were always good games to play in.

"There is rivalry between the two teams because of the history of the fixture, but there is also a rivalry between the cities on the whole as far as any sport is concerned."

Kellock revealed he can't wait to get stuck into a battle against his opposing skipper, Hogg and says the fact they know each other so well will make it an even more exciting challenge.

He said: "I've known Hoggy for about eight years and we are good friends. It is a great coincidence that he is now captain of Edinburgh and I'm captain of Glasgow and it adds a wee bit to the game."