After two barren years in the 1872 Cup, back row Rob Harley admits that everyone at Glasgow Warriors is desperate to end their derby drought against Edinburgh on Boxing Day at BT Murrayfield.

Though Gregor Townsend’s side have been the dominant force in Scottish rugby in recent years, winning a historic first Pro12 title in 2015, their counterparts in the capital have nicked the bragging rights in two consecutive editions of the derby cup.

In both of the previous two seasons, Glasgow were only able to take one win from four, with the overall honours going east to Edinburgh and that is something 18-cap back row Harley is desperate to change – first on Boxing Day and then on May 6 at Scotstoun.

What’s more, Warriors have slipped outside the Pro12 play-off places following three consecutive league losses – and though their Champions Cup form is of consolation – they know that beating Duncan Hodge’s side and pushing towards a play-off place is a must in Townsend’s final year.

“When I was younger I watched 1872 games at BT Murrayfield and it’s the one you dream of playing in if you’re growing up in Glasgow and watching rugby," he said.

“Both teams give 100 per cent commitment – when it is the biggest game it means more to the players and the fans and form goes out of the window.

“They have got good, dangerous players throughout the team and we know a lot of them quite well from Scotland stuff, but I think Duncan Weir is one we will be looking out for.

“We know what he does with the boot and the ball in hand and how dangerous he is, he is definitely someone we will be respecting and we know what an impact he can have.

“It is great to play at BT Murrayfield, it is a big expansive pitch that hopefully will suit our game, though in recent years we have not had the results we wanted.

“There is an impetus to go there and change that. Part of the challenge is that if we circle two games in the calendar, it would be winning against Edinburgh.

“You know a lot of the guys, you’re friendly with them but for 80 minutes when you cross the white line, they are the biggest enemies you have.

“When we look back on the season, we want something to show for Gregor’s last year, something we can be proud of and we want to achieve something before he goes and moves on.

“It’s going to be a colossal match but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Harley will come up against Test rivals Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury and Cornell du Preez, while there are Scotland caps in almost every position.

One area of particularly fierce competition is the second-row, where current incumbent Jonny Gray and 25-cap Tim Swinson will likely meet former Scotland captain Grant Gilchrist.

And with the Six Nations just over two months away, Harley believes 26-year-old Gilchrist will have a point to prove after overcoming a rotten recent run of injuries.

“It is tough when you are injured for a long time, but Grant put in the hard work to get back,” he added. “I think as well as he is playing, he will probably be expecting to keep improving and push on again and drive on better than before.

“Across the players in the second-row, they are probably all putting their hands up for selection every time they play. There is so much talent in that position, so much depth and Scotland now has the depth to pick from several players.  

“I played with Grant at age group and playing against him in the 1872 Cup know how effective he is as a lineout forward, a very dangerous ball-carrier and comfortable with the ball in his hands.

“It is tough as a player when there is lots of competition, but it is great for Scotland to have that depth. They have the Gray brothers, Swinson and Grant as well in the second row.”

Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer - sponsor of the 1872 Cup - is also backing grassroots rugby via its Rugby Rewards scheme. Amateur and community clubs can sign up for free at www.crabbiesrugby.co.uk and start collecting points towards vital equipment such as balls, bibs, tackle pads and much more.