Mackinnon ready for do or die tie

Don Mackinnon will use the European Cup match against Leinster in the intimidating atmosphere of Donnybrook, Dublin, to underline his credentials for a place in Scotland's Six Nations team.

Speaking ahead of Edinburgh's crunch tie - which they must win to retain their flickering hopes in the tournament and set up an intriguing game against Mackinnon's former club, Northampton, at Netherdale next week - the Reivers' captain said the build-up throughout the week had been remarkable.