Solomons: New-boy Blake's rugby will do the talking

The 22-year-old's inclusion in the Scotland national squad last month was a surprise one, having not played a senior game for Edinburgh following his switch from Dunedin-based side Otago.

But Solomons is confident that finally turning out in the GUINNESS PRO12 will provide a chance for the young-gun to put his hand up for an extended run in the Edinburgh side.

"Hugh has been working with the national squad and this game gives him an opportunity to play," he said.

"You can see that he has come through a good school of football in the broader sense. He played New Zealand Schools', New Zealand under-20s and he's been involved with the squad at the Highlanders, so he's been exposed to very, very good systems.

"He's a skilled footballer. He's obviously very motivated and very keen, and this presents him with an opportunity.

"Now that he is playing, the attention is part of what he needs to manage and I need to assist him in managing it, but I don't see it as a problem.

"He is looking forward to the game and that's where his focus is. The only thing he can control is his performance on the field.

Blake will line up in the back-row alongside Edinburgh skipper Mike Coman, who also gave the Kiwi-born player a vote of confidence ahead of the clash with high-flying Ospreys at Myreside.

He said: "He looks really good over the ball, he looks fit. He has some good ability and it is just a matter of buying into our structures.

"He is keen to impress and you want to go in and back your ability and instincts. A lot of focus is going to be on what we have been doing."

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