Glasgow 'really excited' by Hampden tie - Sutherland

Rory Sutherland says Glasgow Warriors must ensure the Hampden factor works to their benefit when they face Edinburgh in the 1872 Cup on Sunday.

Warriors have switched the first leg of the festive double-header from their Scotstoun home to the national football stadium to boost crowd numbers. Around 24,000 tickets have been sold, more than three times the Scotstoun capacity.

Some Glasgow fans are concerned, however, that Franco Smith's side are giving up the advantage of playing on their home pitch, where they have built a formidable record.

"It's something that we've talked about this week," prop Sutherland told BBC Scotland.

"We need to make sure that it's not a negative factor for us not being at home in Scotstoun. It's something we're really excited about.

"It'll be really good for the fans as well. We'll be able to get a few more thousand people in to come and watch the derby."

Sutherland has experienced the Scottish derby from both sides having spent seven seasons at Edinburgh.

"Obviously, you're playing against your mates that you've been with in the Scotland set-up and for me, obviously guys that I've played with at Edinburgh before," he said.

"It's about taking that emotional side out of it and just treating it like any other game. But I'm looking forward to playing against those guys."