Ayr will again be a dominant force — Ross Curle and Frazier Climo will continue to be hugely influential.
Stirling County and Watsonians have not taken long to gel after recruiting extensively during the summer — Sean Crombie is going to be a big player for Watsonians.
Melrose have a big pack — and eight tries on Saturday is an encouraging step towards the expansive game Robert Chrystie is advocating.
Hawick have a potentially fatal physicality problem.
With three outstanding youngsters in half-backs Josh Henderson and George Horne and flanker Matt Fagerson, Hawks could be the season’s dark horses.
Currie have some work to do — fortunately they have Ross Weston and Richard Snedden to lead the way.
Lewis Carmichael had an outstanding game for Melrose against Boroughmuir — pro player release will again be a critical factor this season.
Yellow cards can hurt — as Heriots’ flanker Dylan Mason found to his team’s cost at Myreside on Saturday.
Gala’s struggle for survival has been dealt a grievous body blow by the loss of four key players to Watsonians.
Peter Wright has not mellowed with age or change of club.
David has worked as a freelance rugby journalist since 2004 covering every level of the game in Scotland for publications including he Herald/Sunday Herald, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Scotsman/Scotland on Sunday/Evening News, The Daily Record, The Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday and The Sun.
