As a former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland captain who has quickly established himself as a key figure in Edinburgh’s revival since his move along the M8 in the summer, Henry Pyrgos should be better placed than most to offer insight into Scotland’s prospects in Cardiff next month as they assembled for this week’s training camp in St Andrews.

The scrum-half was not involved in the national team's thrashing in the Welsh capital earlier this year.

He has, however, spent considerable time working with the squad – entirely home-based due to the match falling outside the international window – that will challenge their Celtic cousins this time around.

It might seem as though the odds are stacked heavily against the Scots, with coach Gregor Townsend unable to call upon their exiles. And their opposition is certain to be stronger than the injury-ravaged squad that was written off ahead of the Six Nations Championship.

However, with both Edinburgh and Glasgow showing improved results, Pyrgos believes there is cause for optimism.

“We reviewed that game and we didn’t play well against Wales away," he said. "Wales put us under a lot of pressure and we didn’t play well.

"We know we are going to have to play really well to beat Wales but we have a lot of quality in the squad and play well and we can cause them a lot of problems and get the win.”

Pyrgos himself was very much on the periphery at that stage, with then clubmate Ali Price starting, a longer established Scotland captain in Greig Laidlaw on the bench and, back at Glasgow, young George Horne seizing his chance.

Now, however, Pyrgos has benefited hugely from his move to Edinburgh, to the point that there were even some suggestions yesterday he could once again lead the team out in Cardiff.

The way in which he has contributed to Edinburgh’s improvement and offered a disciplined lead, particularly when routing three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon on Saturday.

With the capital team having built upon a structured gameplan, might Scotland have to change tack slightly if he was to start the game?

“I dunno. I think it went pretty well at Glasgow in the eight years I was there,” Pyrgos pointed out.

“It’s slightly different. We obviously kick the ball when we exit and I think it’s a strong part of our game. I feel my kicking is a strong part of my game.

"I know I have been able to help the team a little bit. I have said it before, rugby is rugby. There are a few things that are different. Going forward you always try to adapt and improve and get better as you go through the season.”

It is a fair point, given his long working relationship with Townsend.

“I was fortunate to be at Glasgow and be coached by Gregor,” Pyrgos noted.

“He is always trying to push us and develop us, there are new things every time in camp, things we are asked to do and get better, but rugby is rugby to be honest.

"When you get to international rugby I suppose it's quicker, it's faster ... that’s the main thing. You have to get up to speed and really execute because there are not many opportunities to score points.

"Things are different but it's not a massive change.”

With Laidlaw unavailable next week due to the timing of the match, Pyrgos now finds himself involved in a familiar contest with Price and Horne for selection to team and squad but, whatever the management decides, he is sufficiently experienced to take it in his stride.

“The national coaches keep in contact with you all the time. They’re telling you what you have to work on and what you are doing well,” he said.

“When I found out I was involved it was really great but it's the same going forward now.

"Catch up with the coaches and they tell you you’re doing this really well but you have to improve in these areas and its much the same as a player.

"You are always trying to get better and you can’t stand still because there is lots of competition.”