Tag Archive: Pro Teams


Leinster 19-15 Glasgow

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May 13, 2012

Glasgow came away from Dublin at the end of their RaboDirect PRO12 season with probably a similar feeling to Edinburgh at the end of their Heineken Cup run. There was unfinished business – and points – left out on the field in this game, and this game did not perhaps reflect all the progress they have made this season.

To a certain extent those feelings would be justified – two missed penalties and a conversion would have been very handy indeed on the scoreboard – but Sean Lineen and the team should be incredibly proud of how they have bounced back from last year’s poor season. For a while there the West coast men were actually doing what Edinburgh failed to do – campaigning on two fronts. And while their Heineken Cup run ended at the pool stage and they narrowly missed out on an Amlin place, their league form continued.

Perhaps though there has been an over emphasis on defence this season and you imagine incoming coach Townsend might want to work more on unleashing the undoubted attacking talents that will be at his disposal, men such as Alex Dunbar, Stuart Hogg and DTH Van Der Merwe. Neither Weir or Jackson outshone the other yesterday although Weir has the edge over the course of the season. Cusiter was outstanding though, and again we were scratching our heads as to why line breaks or quick ball are not a problem in the dark blue of Glasgow but seem to vanish when he gets into the dark blue of Scotland.

Their defence has been in the top two of the league – Leinster is the other – and they are very hard to break down. This was illustrated starkly on Saturday when Dunbar was binned on behalf of the team for repeated ruck infringements, and yet Leinster only managed an extra 3 points during that spell when you might expected that have been their move for the throat of the match.

Not only that but in that spell just before half time they were camped on Glasgow’s line for nearly all of it, pushing for penalties, tries and penalty tries. Glasgow clung on, but there is a determination to their play that is not as manic as Edinburgh’s scramble defence. After withstanding the scrum storm, they turned the ball over and cleared. The RDS was a little shell shocked. At half time Leinster were only 9-3 up, and this was markedly different to the pool fixture in Europe, by which stage they were out of sight. What happened to the bonus point by 35 minutes lark?

Glasgow came out expecting a strong response but they were more than up to weathering a Leinster team beginning to tire and make errors at the end of what has been an intensive season. They also earned penalty chances, but Weir was unable to capitalise. Sexton on the other hand was more effective from the tee and Leinster’s lead kept creeping away. You never doubted Edinburgh’s ability to score late tries when they needed to, but Glasgow build their game on keeping the scorelines close and taking that one vital chance.

Ica Nacewa though proved that he was the arch-exponent of taking his chances though, cutting through the defence and sending Kearney (Dave) over for the score that was to prove decisive. Suddenly the kicks all added up and Glasgow needed at least 3 scores to get a win.

Al Kellock’s men don’t quit though and they did indeed score two tries in the last ten minutes including a Dougie Hall run-in at the corner and a skillful wee grubber from Jackson that Hogg pounced on. Glasgow believed they might still have a chance, but even both of the conversions (Jackson got one) wouldn’t have earned them a win.

Sadly the clock thought otherwise; they were already in the red. Game, and season over.

Nearly men, again. All this with a referee in George Clancy who at times seemed blind to Leinster’s indiscretions but keenly aware of many of Glasgow’s. However, the debate about both Clancy’s quality and the use of non-neutral (in terms of home union) referees is one for another time, as well as the one about whether teams that are perceived to be inferior (whether Italian, Irish, Scottish, Samoan etc) are refereed as such. I will say this: the referee could have done more to police Leinster – Cullen in particular made a thorough nuisance of himself when he came on – but he did not lose Glasgow the game.



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Glasgow Team To Face Leinster

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May 11, 2012

Glasgow Warriors have today named the side aiming for a place in the RaboDirect PRO12 Final when they face Leinster at the RDS on Saturday night (kick-off 7.35pm, live on BBC ALBA).

Ahead of the semi-final against the reigning European champions, the Warriors coaching team have made five changes to the XV that claimed a 24-3 win over Connacht in the club’s last ever match at Firhill six days ago.

There is one switch in the backline, where Chris Cusiter replaces Henry Pyrgos at scrum-half. Everyone else retains their places with DTHVDM seemingly having lost none of his scoring instincts during a lengthy lay-off, and Stuart Hogg looking to go up against one of the form 15s in the world in Rob Kearney.

The other changes come in the front five, Ryan Grant, Pat MacArthur, and Mike Cusack forming an all-new front row and captain Al Kellock restored to the boiler house. This also means Glasgow have a very handy replacement front row sitting on an already strong bench.

Head coach Sean Lineen told www.glasgowwarriors.org: “We’ve picked 23 men who we firmly believe have it in them to achieve a special result for Glasgow Warriors.

“We’re expecting the intensity and pace of the game to be Test level, and that’s where the combined efforts of the starting XV and a strong bench can really come into their own.

“It’s especially the case for the six front row guys that they’ll all have a significant role to play, and we’re in the fortunate position of having half a dozen lads who are performing to a high level, never mind the likes of Gordon Reid, Finlay Gillies and Ed Kalman who have also shown up well.

“The players have trained really well all week – there’s an obvious hunger and determination there which stands us in good stead. We’re all well aware of just how tough a match this is going to be, but we’re focussing on ourselves and what we have to do to win.

“We’ve shown character, ability and tenacity to get ourselves into the semi-finals. The challenge now is to bring out those qualities in even bigger quantities to beat the best team in Europe.”

Glasgow Warriors are running a Fan Zone in Dublin for supporters attending Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final against Leinster at the RDS. The Fan Zone will be located at the Ballsbridge Hotel on Pembroke Road, around a 10 minute walk from the stadium (www.ballsbridgehotel.com).

For those unable to make the trip, there is a special screening of BBC ALBA’s live coverage at Waxy O’Connor’s on West George Street. Three big screens in the city centre bar will be showing the game, snacks will be available at half-time, and Warriors players will be in attendance to take in the action with you (Under-18s can attend the screening provided they are accompanied by an over-18).

It could be Glasgow’s last game of the season, but they have been cussedly difficult to beat all year and will hoping to cause a potentially cocky Leinster side problems again.

Glasgow Warriors Team: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Federico Aramburu, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Chris Cusiter; 1 Ryan Grant, 2 Pat MacArthur, 3 Mike Cusack, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Al Kellock (capt), 6 Rob Harley, 7 Chris Fusaro, 8 John Barclay
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Jon Welsh, 18 Moray Low, 19 Tom Ryder, 20 Henry Pyrgos, 21 Johnnie Beattie, 22 Ruaridh Jackson, 23 Peter Murchie

Saturday 12th May (k.o 7.35pm, Live TV Coverage on BBC Alba)



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Deja Vu As Edinburgh Go House-Hunting

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May 10, 2012

Edinburgh followers have been here before, but the reporting of tentative discussions between the SRU and Edinburgh City Council on the occupation of a restored Meadowbank can only be greeted with anticipation.

Finding a suitable home for Edinburgh has been long overdue. Before settling at Murrayfield, Edinburgh’s peripatetic approach had seen games played throughout the capital, at Easter Road, Myreside, and Meadowbank, with moves to Sighthill, or an expanded Tynecastle also mooted at times. Such a track record is suggestive of a leadership unable to grasp the need to put down roots. A stadium is part of the brand, and an appropriate move for the team would be a statement of intent and an opportunity to build bridges with sports fans in the East.

That a new home is needed is plain. Murrayfield is far too big, and playing at the National Stadium undermines the individual identity of Edinburgh Rugby. Recent European games demonstrate that there has always been a serviceable appetite for pro rugby in the city, with supporters laying down a marker when Toulouse came to town, however it is also likely that many people turned up then because they knew they were guaranteed a good atmosphere. To grow as quickly as they should, Edinburgh need a smaller, more intimate venue that will allow an pulsating atmosphere to be regularly reproduced, and expected, at every home game.

Where that would be is now the question. All stadiums already mentioned are unsuitable in their current condition; Easter road and Tynecastle are arguably too big, with congested fixture lists, Myreside is too small. Meadowbank is dilapidated; however, this allows a rare opportunity to tailor any redesign to Edinburgh’s requirements.

With only one stand and a running track separating the stand from the pitch (and a general 1970s vibe) Meadowbank is not satisfactorily prepared. Potential is there, however, being not too far from pubs in Abbeyhill and adjacent to main roads. For Meadowbank to become suitable, it would need investment in hospitality and parking, a couple of new stands, and an overall capacity of around 10,000, reflecting current potential Demand for professional rugby. This should not be out of the question.

That the ground is central is also a plus point. Welsh clubs and Cardiff in particular have experienced declining crowd numbers, coinciding with a move from their traditional homes to impressively built out-of-town locations. It seems notable that the Dragons are opting to redevelop their existing ground at Rodney Parade. The three powerhouse Irish provinces have also committed to city centre locations, recognising that if the ground is relatively inaccessible, the club is too.

It is also important to get the funding right, something that Scottish Rugby has not always done – that central funds were not applied for during the redevelopment of Murrayfield in the mid-1990s is often highlighted as a big mistake. The most impressive venues in France have large council input, whilst the Department of Sport in Northern Ireland has recently invested £14.7 million in a new Ravenhill. This is enlightened, and recognises the role that rugby plays in the community and also the positive Economic benefits that an attractive, well-funded team may generate. Any new stadium should come with council backing.

That a well-known supermarket may be involved in the talks is not necessarily a bad thing, though. Most fans would prioritise above all a club that invests in the future. As long as there is a clear and credible stadium-plan that fits into the growth strategy of the club as a whole, it is unlikely that anyone will get too precious about naming rights, or land deals with private investors.

Other teams have made their moves a great success, moves which mostly came about due to perceived increased demand; Leinster’s crowd has grown from 3900 during the first Celtic League season to 12,500 season ticket holders alone today. This advancement was built around team success, retention of internationalists, good youth programmes, but also a stable structure. In 2007 Leinster signed a 20 year lease at the RDS, signalling commitment.

Many are tempted to dismiss stadium plans by saying that anything that happens will only occur two to three years down the line, but thinking from a long term point of view is essential for building success on the pitch. If Edinburgh Rugby is to be a serious proposition, then a move to something the fans can build into an intimidating fortress is needed. Everyone knows that Murrayfield is only a contingency venue – but could be a handy backup for big European games – and that the team and the fans need to occupy somewhere else they can call home.

Only once a decision is made can Edinburgh continue to maximise the momentum off the pitch that the team are building on it.

Article by Andrew Armstrong



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Lest We Get Carried Away…

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May 7, 2012

With the regular season over there is a brief pause for contemplation before Glasgow tip themselves into the Playoffs. This in itself signifies a magnificent achievement and the team fully deserve to get there by the grace of their own valorous defence.

Edinburgh, too, must face praise for their ability to meliorate. Time and time again they overturned their league form and the expectations of the rugby community to provide their fans with salving results. More so than this, though, they played some of the most enticing run-or-be-damned rugby.

However, as the social networking sites become thick with flattery and the pedestal gets dusted off once more you must remember, to a fan, that this is one step along a long path of horridly uneven ground.

Indeed as I hear the words ‘hero’, ‘legend’ and ‘new beginning’ I cannot help but conjure up images in my head of a stilted, neo-biblical scene…

Stood atop a jutting rock, cloth billowing in the air, Andrew Robinson surveys his crowd.

Meagre at first, their numbers have grown as word of shocking feats has danced along that same wind. Jilted before and weary of false dawns the crowd have set their resolve more stolid and ventured out to see where they may be led. They yearn for a time of peace and plenty.

They recognise this character before them, as they had perhaps cursed his minions in the past, but he looks different. The light dances off his scalp and that look in his eye that had previously been believed to be frustration is now believed to be calculation.

This leader has disappointed them before, with failed raids and campaigns that crashed upon the rocks, taking wildly fanciful expectations to the dust with them. Defeat had been tasted and faith had waned. Under such auspices this leader sunk into the shadows, basking in the brief obscurity.

New leaders pushed out into the light, representing fiefdoms and marching under the banner of more localised interests. They battled hard and secured treasures. As if by miracle these regions saw their wealth grow and they looked to build stockades. New idols were pushed forward by the hoards. Young soldiers. Supporters rallied and these teams marched to battle with a din at their backs and a stockpile at their lair. No one asked questions, many more believed.

Now, though, it becomes clear that the leader in the shadows has played a part in all of this. The miracle gold has been sent out at his behest. The new soldiers sent for from far, foreign lands have been decided upon by a council headed by the leader. Other leaders have been summoned. Elders have been banished in private.

Now, as one good harvest has been gathered by the fiefs the leader comes out again. It is time to rally. Robinson turns atop his rock, squinting to the south. The masses see this and they feel gladness in their hearts…

Now I may be over exaggerating, but as this is my fantasy it is my prerogative. Nonetheless, I feel fear as I see the faith grow, and as fantastic as growing support is, Scotland has been hurt too many times before believing glory is close at hand.

This has been a good club season, but fans must not get carried away. There is still a vast, ugly desert to cross before it is time to gorge on milk and honey.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have shown that they did not have the required depth to take on longer campaigns so they have let many players go. New ones are coming in. There are to be swathes of change in both clubs’ coaching structures, as well as the Scotland coaching structure. Alongside this there is more of a streamlined look as management shake-ups come in.

Things appear to be moving in the right direction after almost two years of Graham Lowe and Andy Robinson getting in league.

However, what remains to be seen is if Scotland can start to produce more talented youngsters to supplement the few shining for the pro sides just now, like RabDirect Young Player of the Year Stuart Hogg. Depth must be achieved, but the money –wherever it has been won or borrowed from –is not limitless, and there cannot be a continual sending for players whose international allegiances are not even known.

By the same token, questions must be asked about how the SRU is being restructured with the likes of Henry Edwards parting ways with the SRU. What shape will the new-look management take? Who is coming in? Who else is going? How are we going to make the development of kids our most important priority?

Edinburgh and Glasgow have had good seasons, and Glasgow’s may turn out to be great if they play fantastically against Leinster. However, in the last two seasons one of either team has finished second bottom of the league. Stability must be achieved before anyone can talk of fighting on two fronts, which must be the target.

As well as this the SRU must be concerned by the fact that they enjoy a transient crowd. Numbers swell, in their way, when the teams are doing well. Yet when Edinburgh went to Dublin for their Heineken semi-final only a fraction of the 37,000-odd who saw their quarter travelled. Also, we are talking about numbers like the 5,374 who saw Glasgow secure a playoff place. Again, this is improvement, but we must be aiming for higher. Strugglers Newcastle and Wasps secured a crowd of 13,475 on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership, while 13,047 saw Scarlets defeat Cardiff. Everyone knows that those transient fans need to be tied down.

So things are going good, but not great. We need to be shown that there are plans to make it all great. I’m all for a bit of faith, but we should never, ever, ever get carried away in this country. Especially when the national team still have so much to prove.



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Lest We Get Carried Away…

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May 7, 2012

With the regular season over there is a brief pause for contemplation before Glasgow tip themselves into the Playoffs. This in itself signifies a magnificent achievement and the team fully deserve to get there by the grace of their own valorous defence.

Edinburgh, too, must face praise for their ability to meliorate. Time and time again they overturned their league form and the expectations of the rugby community to provide their fans with salving results. More so than this, though, they played some of the most enticing run-or-be-damned rugby.

However, as the social networking sites become thick with flattery and the pedestal gets dusted off once more you must remember, to a fan, that this is one step along a long path of horridly uneven ground.

Indeed as I hear the words ‘hero’, ‘legend’ and ‘new beginning’ I cannot help but conjure up images in my head of a stilted, neo-biblical scene…

Stood atop a jutting rock, cloth billowing in the air, Andrew Robinson surveys his crowd.

Meagre at first, their numbers have grown as word of shocking feats has danced along that same wind. Jilted before and weary of false dawns the crowd have set their resolve more stolid and ventured out to see where they may be led. They yearn for a time of peace and plenty.

They recognise this character before them, as they had perhaps cursed his minions in the past, but he looks different. The light dances off his scalp and that look in his eye that had previously been believed to be frustration is now believed to be calculation.

This leader has disappointed them before, with failed raids and campaigns that crashed upon the rocks, taking wildly fanciful expectations to the dust with them. Defeat had been tasted and faith had waned. Under such auspices this leader sunk into the shadows, basking in the brief obscurity.

New leaders pushed out into the light, representing fiefdoms and marching under the banner of more localised interests. They battled hard and secured treasures. As if by miracle these regions saw their wealth grow and they looked to build stockades. New idols were pushed forward by the hoards. Young soldiers. Supporters rallied and these teams marched to battle with a din at their backs and a stockpile at their lair. No one asked questions, many more believed.

Now, though, it becomes clear that the leader in the shadows has played a part in all of this. The miracle gold has been sent out at his behest. The new soldiers sent for from far, foreign lands have been decided upon by a council headed by the leader. Other leaders have been summoned. Elders have been banished in private.

Now, as one good harvest has been gathered by the fiefs the leader comes out again. It is time to rally. Robinson turns atop his rock, squinting to the south. The masses see this and they feel gladness in their hearts…

Now I may be over exaggerating, but as this is my fantasy it is my prerogative. Nonetheless, I feel fear as I see the faith grow, and as fantastic as growing support is, Scotland has been hurt too many times before believing glory is close at hand.

This has been a good club season, but fans must not get carried away. There is still a vast, ugly desert to cross before it is time to gorge on milk and honey.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have shown that they did not have the required depth to take on longer campaigns so they have let many players go. New ones are coming in. There are to be swathes of change in both clubs’ coaching structures, as well as the Scotland coaching structure. Alongside this there is more of a streamlined look as management shake-ups come in.

Things appear to be moving in the right direction after almost two years of Graham Lowe and Andy Robinson getting in league.

However, what remains to be seen is if Scotland can start to produce more talented youngsters to supplement the few shining for the pro sides just now, like RabDirect Young Player of the Year Stuart Hogg. Depth must be achieved, but the money –wherever it has been won or borrowed from –is not limitless, and there cannot be a continual sending for players whose international allegiances are not even known.

By the same token, questions must be asked about how the SRU is being restructured with the likes of Henry Edwards parting ways with the SRU. What shape will the new-look management take? Who is coming in? Who else is going? How are we going to make the development of kids our most important priority?

Edinburgh and Glasgow have had good seasons, and Glasgow’s may turn out to be great if they play fantastically against Leinster. However, in the last two seasons one of either team has finished second bottom of the league. Stability must be achieved before anyone can talk of fighting on two fronts, which must be the target.

As well as this the SRU must be concerned by the fact that they enjoy a transient crowd. Numbers swell, in their way, when the teams are doing well. Yet when Edinburgh went to Dublin for their Heineken semi-final only a fraction of the 37,000-odd who saw their quarter travelled. Also, we are talking about numbers like the 5,374 who saw Glasgow secure a playoff place. Again, this is improvement, but we must be aiming for higher. Strugglers Newcastle and Wasps secured a crowd of 13,475 on Saturday in the Aviva Premiership, while 13,047 saw Scarlets defeat Cardiff. Everyone knows that those transient fans need to be tied down.

So things are going good, but not great. We need to be shown that there are plans to make it all great. I’m all for a bit of faith, but we should never, ever, ever get carried away in this country. Especially when the national team still have so much to prove.



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Final Weekend Teams

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May 4, 2012

Edinburgh will definitely end their season this weekend against Treviso at Murrayfield, and with nothing much under threat save Tim Visser’s chance to be top try-scorer in the league (and even that is fairly safe), they have taken it as a chance to bid farewell to some of the players who are leaving by giving a few of them a run from the bench.

Chris Paterson is one of six players named in the squad who will play their last game for the club, making sure the evening will double as an emotional farewell for a number of players.

Paterson has been picked to start against Italian side Benetton Treviso with supporters handed the chance to acknowledge the contributions of the nation’s record male cap holder and points’ scorer before he hangs up his boots.

The remaining five start the match on the bench and include the replacement front-row of Andrew Kelly, Kyle Traynor and Jack Gilding; back-row Alan MacDonald and stand-off Phil Godman, while the departing Mike Blair and Jim Thompson will miss the send-off due to injury (shoulder) and Scotland 7s duty respectively.

Season tickets holders can bring a friend to the Edinburgh Rugby match for free (using voucher C) while all fans can complete a great weekend of rugby with half-price party stand tickets for day two (Sunday) of the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s using a code from the club’s website edinburghrugby.org.

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Treviso at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 5 May (kick-off 7.30pm): Chris Paterson, Tom Brown, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Greig Laidlaw (capt), Chris Leck; Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, Geoff Cross, Grant Gilchrist, Sean Cox, David Denton, Ross Rennie, Roddy Grant
Replacements: Andrew Kelly, Kyle Traynor, Jack Gilding, Steven Turnbull, Alan MacDonald, Alex Black, Harry Leonard, Phil Godman

Speaking of matters Glaswegian, they too have farewells to bid, but also still have unfinished business with a play-off spot to be claimed. A bonus point win against Connacht would give them a marginally easier match against the Ospreys as opposed to Leinster, but neither side will be anything less than a stern test for Lineen’s men should they get to the knockout stages.

With that in mind, sentiment has been for the most part set aside, although it is nice to see Aramburu given the captaincy for his last pro game before retirement. Lineen has picked a strong team to run out, but has experience and heft on the bench too in case the Warriors find themselves in a position to go for a bonus point victory. RaboDirectPRO12 Dream Team selections Duncan Weir and Tom Ryder start ahead of Ruaridh Jackson and Al Kellock, respectively.

Everyone wishes them luck for this match; hopefully Lineen’s tenure in charge of Glasgow is not over just yet.

Glasgow Warriors team to play Connacht at Firhill on Saturday 5 May (kick-off 7.30pm): Stuart Hogg, Federico Aramburu (capt), Alex Dunbar, Graeme Morrison, DTH van der Merwe, Duncan Weir, Henry Pyrgos; Jon Welsh, Dougie Hall, Moray Low, Tom Ryder, Richie Gray, Rob Harley, Chris Fusaro, John Barclay
Replacements: Pat MacArthur, Mike Cusack, Ryan Grant, Al Kellock, Calum Forrester, Chris Cusiter, Ruaridh Jackson, Colin Shaw



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Edinburgh Announce Departures And Boost Pack

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May 2, 2012

Edinburgh today announced a pair of new locks to boost their pack; yesterday they announced a raft of departures at the end of the season. With the Heineken Cup now over for them, this weekend’s game against Treviso is that end. For some of the players who have been deemed surplus to Michael Bradley’s requirements, it will be a quick and possibly unforeseen departure.

One thing that has been clear from Edinburgh this season is that some of their backup players are not always good enough to compete against the top teams they will face in European or RaboDirect competition. Bradley has, wherever he can, clearly picked a “First XV” but his choices when they are being rested have been less settled. Many of these dirt-trackers are the ones that find themselves out of favour.

Out: Mike Blair, Phil Godman, Kyle Traynor, Andrew Kelly, Ulises Gamboa, Esteban Lozada, Jim Thompson, Alan MacDonald, Jack Gilding, Chris Paterson (ret)

In: Robert McAlpine, Perry-John Parker

While you wouldn’t be surprised that Ulises Gamboa or Esteban Lozada were moving on, you might have thought that Kyle Traynor or Jim Thompson might have had a future at the club.

Traynor has been capable if not outstanding and has picked up 3 caps. Thompson may yet find a home on the full-time sevens circuit, but his versatility and commitment have been very valuable to Edinburgh in times of injury and off the bench. Traynor and Thompson, like Alan MacDonald, would make very handy signings for somebody.

Jim will be disappointed not to have secured the starting fullback shirt that became for all purposes vacant as soon as Mossy stepped back from international rugby and injury began to take it’s toll. The great man himself, Chris Paterson, will also be heading for retirement from playing, but he will be kept around at Edinburgh in a non-playing role. You would imagine some sort of kicking or skills coaching position, but it could be ambassadorial. The SRU will need to be careful though, not to make the same sort of mistakes made elsewhere in giving unqualified coaches cushy positions due to their popularity or potential.

With the constant accusations of jobs for the boys and reshuffling so that no-one ever gets fired (cf Gregor Townsend), the letting go of players who have failed to cut it (in most but not all cases) is to some degree refreshing. They also tie up with the announcements that redundancies are to be made in the managerial structure. I should add that while it is never pleasant to see anyone lose their job in these tough times, I think it shows that SRU head honcho Mark Dodson is trying to clear up the bureaucracy and make a streamlined and more accountable governing body (which, given most of the good common sense thinking that has happened since he came in, makes Shufflegate look very odd), as well as I suppose a streamlined and accountable player base.

We wish all the players well with whatever they do next.

Out with the old(ish) and in with the new(ish). And so to the new.

Having inherited the Edinburgh squad this season, Bradley has rapidly begun to look for ways to mould it into his own team; into something harder and stronger to face a campaign on two fronts next season. He’s building a team of scrappers like his previous Connacht team, but one with a big dollop of attack stuck on top.

Glasgow can happily rotate their team to rest the top internationals and still field a bench boasting the likes of Welsh, Low, Kellock, Barclay or Jackson. Their heights this season may not have been as high as Edinburgh, but their level of consistency has been so much greater. Edinburgh have struggled with depth in all areas save perhaps scrum-half and back row, and there seems to be a much clearer difference in level across the spectrum of the squad.

With the news that Traynor, Kelly and Gilding are out the door, and John Yapp and WP Nel inbound there may still be room for a prop or two in the Edinburgh pack – especially at loosehead and perhaps a hooker too. Whoever does come in will need to be religiously drilled on scrummaging; the set-piece remains Edinburgh’s biggest issue.

Speaking of set piece, we’ve been banging on a bit about Edinburgh’s need for at least one quality lock, and today they signed two, although Rob McAlpine has been on loan from Glasgow for a big chunk of the season and has already played for Edinburgh a few times. He was also very impressive a few years back for the U20s and has been one to watch for some time. Hopefully this season he gets a chance to step up alongside Grant Gilchrist and show it’s not all about the big guy from Glasgow/Sale. Although the Warriors may now have another lock spot open too…

From what we’ve have heard from a few sources, Perry-John Parker is a big, big man with the ability to run from post to post. However, some have also suggested that he does so as someone not gifted with a great ability to read the game. He also comes in after a season with rock-bottom Championship side, Esher, who have struggled (while on some days this season you’d fancy Esher to beat Edinburgh, that’s not the level we aspire to).

Even if his game awareness is not great, PJ Parker (as he shall henceforth be known) could well be the kind of player Edinburgh need. They have some big young men, but they need a brute to hit rucks and tear down drives for 80 minutes. They need someone to allow Denton and Talei to skip off without worrying so much about tidying up. At 24, Parker can still be moulded. Not to the extent that Richie Gray was moulded from his teens, but at 6ft 8, he’s a big lump for Bradley to instil some fire in and turn him loose on teams. Sean Cox, but bigger, if you like. We will find out if he can cope with Heineken rugby, but with his size and reported engine it is a decent starting position. On whether or not he is Scots qualified, Parker said on Twitter “We are looking into this. Let’s hope so.”

Many will bemoan the lack of marquee signings, but Edinburgh now have five interchangeable locks, with Gilchrist slightly edging the position on potential. Depth over weight of name, it would seem.

Perry-John Parker (24), second-row
Date of birth: 25 June 1987 in Crawley
Height: 203cm (6’8”)
Weight: 118kg (18st 8lb)
Former clubs:
2011-12: Esher
2009-11 Haywards Heath, N3 (captain, 2010/11)
1999-2009: Worthing Raiders (Senior rugby, N2, aged 17 2004)
Honours
2009-11 – Sussex (captain 2010/2011)

Robert McAlpine (21), second-row
Date of birth: 26 March 1991 in Dundee
Height: 2.01m (6’7”)
Weight: 110kg (17st 3lb)
Former clubs/schools: Glasgow Academy, West of Scotland, Stirling County
Honours: Scotland U17, U18, U19, U20

Additional reporting: Alan Dymock



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Edinburgh Must Seek Knock-On Effect

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April 30, 2012

Ulster 22 – 19 Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh’s at times glorious Heineken Cup campaign came to a close at the weekend with a narrow defeat to Ulster in front of an Aviva Stadium in Dublin heavily favouring the Irish province.

I have to admit it could have been a lot worse, given some of Ulster’s performances against the capital men in the RaboDirect PRO12. Luckily for the hearts and souls of the ever growing Black and Red army, the right Edinburgh turned up and put in a spirited performance, if not a great one.

It surely had the potential to be a great one, with Edinburgh able to subdue and probe Ulster for long periods of the game and the backs and forwards both breaking over the gain line more often than Ulster’s usual defence would allow. Their discipline was pretty good too; no silly yellow cards this time. In the end though there were a couple of factors hard to ignore that did for Edinburgh: the error count and the scrum.

Edinburgh were in disarray while Ulster were a power at scrum-time, forcing points to appear almost by magic  just when they needed them to kill Edinburgh’s momentum. In turn Edinburgh tended to force the issue and dropped the ball as if by magic just when they needed points, also killing their momentum. For every great offload and line-break (there were plenty of each), there was a pass thrown behind or dropped with an overlap there to use. For every try-line turnover where a wee number 10 snatched the ball off a giant South African Number 8 rumbling for the line, there was a woefully squint throw to the scrum-half at the lineout when a straight one to the pack would have done just fine.

These good moments can turn the direction of matches if used correctly, but as it turned out there was an awful lot of going round in circles.

Sure, Poite could have – should have – called the ball out of the scrum for Wannenburg’s try, and he should have carded Ferris for slapping the ball out of Blair’s hands – you can bet if it had been De Luca he would have been punished. But Edinburgh should have executed their basic skills throughout and scored the tries they always looked like they could score. Then all of that wouldn’t have mattered.

There were far too many passes dropped or thrown poorly for this Edinburgh team to have progressed against an Ulster team led throughout by the peerless Pienaar. Although Laidlaw was just as effective with the boot from tee, and led his team brilliantly by example as he has done all year, in the end the South African’s class was just a little more decisive with boot and ball. I imagine the gulf in pay cheques is much larger.

That they so nearly did win and the deficit was only a couple of points (Ulster put a total of 80 past Edinburgh in the league) is a great credit to what Michael Bradley and his young squad have achieved this year, and could achieve with just a little more concentration, a little more clinical play.

It is also heartening that barring Mike Blair, who is off to pastures unknown (the Perpignan move is apparently off), this same team could be fielded again next year. What about a backline of Laidlaw, Scott, Visser, King, De Luca, Jones, Brown for next season? That’s before you figure in the new signings such as Richie Rees, Greig Tonks or Ben Atiga. It’s a similar story in the pack, where the new signings will help add a little more depth off the bench than Edinburgh currently possess anywhere apart from the back row, but where the first string looks settled and powerful.

This Edinburgh team still has plenty of attack left in them, and the lessons they have learned this season in the Heineken Cup are probably more valuable than any these players may have had in an international jersey. The one about never giving up and fighting to the last gasp was on display again here with Thompson’s late try, and has been a hallmark of their season in Europe.

Long may it continue.



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Edinburgh Must Seek Knock-On Effect

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April 30, 2012

Ulster 22 – 19 Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh’s at times glorious Heineken Cup campaign came to a close at the weekend with a narrow defeat to Ulster in front of an Aviva Stadium in Dublin heavily favouring the Irish province.

I have to admit it could have been a lot worse, given some of Ulster’s performances against the capital men in the RaboDirect PRO12. Luckily for the hearts and souls of the ever growing Black and Red army, the right Edinburgh turned up and put in a spirited performance, if not a great one.

It surely had the potential to be a great one, with Edinburgh able to subdue and probe Ulster for long periods of the game and the backs and forwards both breaking over the gain line more often than Ulster’s usual defence would allow. Their discipline was pretty good too; no silly yellow cards this time. In the end though there were a couple of factors hard to ignore that did for Edinburgh: the error count and the scrum.

Edinburgh were in disarray while Ulster were a power at scrum-time, forcing points to appear almost by magic  just when they needed them to kill Edinburgh’s momentum. In turn Edinburgh tended to force the issue and dropped the ball as if by magic just when they needed points, also killing their momentum. For every great offload and line-break (there were plenty of each), there was a pass thrown behind or dropped with an overlap there to use. For every try-line turnover where a wee number 10 snatched the ball off a giant South African Number 8 rumbling for the line, there was a woefully squint throw to the scrum-half at the lineout when a straight one to the pack would have done just fine.

These good moments can turn the direction of matches if used correctly, but as it turned out there was an awful lot of going round in circles.

Sure, Poite could have – should have – called the ball out of the scrum for Wannenburg’s try, and he should have carded Ferris for slapping the ball out of Blair’s hands – you can bet if it had been De Luca he would have been punished. But Edinburgh should have executed their basic skills throughout and scored the tries they always looked like they could score. Then all of that wouldn’t have mattered.

There were far too many passes dropped or thrown poorly for this Edinburgh team to have progressed against an Ulster team led throughout by the peerless Pienaar. Although Laidlaw was just as effective with the boot from tee, and led his team brilliantly by example as he has done all year, in the end the South African’s class was just a little more decisive with boot and ball. I imagine the gulf in pay cheques is much larger.

That they so nearly did win and the deficit was only a couple of points (Ulster put a total of 80 past Edinburgh in the league) is a great credit to what Michael Bradley and his young squad have achieved this year, and could achieve with just a little more concentration, a little more clinical play.

It is also heartening that barring Mike Blair, who is off to pastures unknown (the Perpignan move is apparently off), this same team could be fielded again next year. What about a backline of Laidlaw, Scott, Visser, King, De Luca, Jones, Brown for next season? That’s before you figure in the new signings such as Richie Rees, Greig Tonks or Ben Atiga. It’s a similar story in the pack, where the new signings will help add a little more depth off the bench than Edinburgh currently possess anywhere apart from the back row, but where the first string looks settled and powerful.

This Edinburgh team still has plenty of attack left in them, and the lessons they have learned this season in the Heineken Cup are probably more valuable than any these players may have had in an international jersey. The one about never giving up and fighting to the last gasp was on display again here with Thompson’s late try, and has been a hallmark of their season in Europe.

Long may it continue.



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Ulster vs Edinburgh: The Teams

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April 27, 2012

Michael Bradley shuffled his bench following an injury to Stuart McInally, but otherwise there were no surprises in the Edinburgh team announced today to take on Ulster in the Heineken Cup semi final.

On paper, Edinburgh go into the game nothing less than massive underdogs, but the capital men will be quietly confident about their own ability to cause yet another upset in this European campaign that has been full of them. Their league form is abysmal but if this cup run has shown us anything it is that this Edinburgh team are a different proposition in Europe. They tighten up their defence, sharpen up their tactics and play with massively increased passion and commitment. Ulster have also lost their last two league games (against Leinster and Connacht) since knocking out Munster.

Make no mistake, the “league Edinburgh” still bubbles close below the surface – there are still a few soft tries conceded, there are still yellow cards, still wild passes thrown rather than go into touch. In this semi-final there is no margin for error; Ulster will never be as forgiving of a 2 man advantage as Toulouse were.

The way Edinburgh came out and played Toulouse was something of a surprise but it was pitch perfect. If Bradley has a similar plan for Ulster, he is keeping it close to his chest. He will have to use every ounce of his tactical acumen preparing a plan for his players to beat Ulster. And the players themselves, as with Scotland, will have to play at the top of their game just to be competitive.

They will also have to do it without the massive support they earned at Murrayfield. The Aviva is expected to be packed out with Ulstermen or Irishmen of some description, so it will be a tough job silencing the crowd. But they managed it in Paris. And Edinburgh taking more away fans than their usual average home attendance is in itself something of a miracle…

Ulster have had to make a few changes themselves with Fitzpatrick in for the injured John Afoa, and Willie Faloon in for Chris Henry. Irish U20 standoff Paddy Jackson will retain his starting place at the expense of Iain Humphreys in a backline that looks to be as settled as Edinburgh’s.

Injury worries Ferris, Marshall and Wannenburg have all made the team, and if there is one worry over Ulster it could be the fitness of a few key players. Edinburgh have been lucky in that regard so far this season and will need to call on every ounce of strength to turn over what will be a supremely committed and well supported Ulster team.

For Edinburgh, there is no more style, there is no more flair. There are no more losing bonus points; there must now be only victory.

Edinburgh Team: T Brown, T Visser, N De Luca, M Scott, L Jones, G Laidlaw, M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, S Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.
Replacements: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson,

Ulster Team: S Terblanche, A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy, P Jackson, R Pienaar; T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, J Muller (capt), D Tuohy, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg.
Replacements: N Brady, P McAllister, A Macklin, L Stevenson, R Diack, P Marshall, I Humphreys, A D’Arcy

Saturday 28th April 2012, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (kick-off 5.45pm). TV coverage live on Sky Sports, radio coverage on BBC Radio Ulster MW, BBC Radio Scotland 810MW; commentary & updates on BBC Sport website.



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Glasgow Confirm Departures

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April 26, 2012

Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the players set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Nine members of the current squad are to head to pastures new at the end of the season, along with head coach Sean Lineen and defence coach Gary Mercer.

Forwards Johnnie Beattie, Calum Forrester, Richie Gray, Fergus Thomson and Rob Verbakel are all set to move on, as are backs Federico Aramburu, Rob Dewey, David Lemi, and Colin Shaw.

Beattie, Gray, Lemi, Mercer and Lineen were all known, but there are a few new – if not surprising – revelations in that list.

We’ve heard rumours about the departure of the long-injured Fergus Thomson in recent months, and it may be no surprise that Rob Dewey is on his way too, as he has never really been fully fit since he left Edinburgh years ago. Perhaps he is set to join Tom Phillip or Marcus Di Rollo on the list of MIA Edinburgh “could have been decent” centres.

Others who will bid farewell to Firhill – but not say hello to Scotstoun – are forwards Forrester and Verbakel and backs Fede “Irn-Bru” Aramburu and Colin Shaw. With the rise of Chris Fusaro and Ryan Wilson this season as well as the others present in the Glasgow back-row unit, and the players incoming next season it was always going to be hard for Forrester. The same goes for Verbakel who has also failed to make much of a mark with Kellock and Gray ahead of him and a top operator in Swinson coming in next season.

Irn-Bru going is a bit of a surprise as he has been pretty decent for Glasgow over the last couple of years; perhaps not Stortoni level, but effective. With Seymour and Hogg becoming regular fixtures in the back 3 though and hopefully two fit Lamonts next season, his cover may be deemed surplus to requirements alongside Lemi. Shaw too is a bit of a surprise but may be for the same reasons.

FEDERICO ARAMBURU – 40 Warriors appearances, 20 points (4T)
JOHNNIE BEATTIE – 136 Warriors appearances, 55 points (11T)
ROB DEWEY – 26 Warriors appearances, 20 points (4T)
CALUM FORRESTER – 46 Warriors appearances, 5 points (1T)
RICHIE GRAY – 45 Warriors appearances, 20 points (4T)
DAVID LEMI – 10 Warriors appearances, 0 points
COLIN SHAW – 72 Warriors appearances, 55 points (11T)
FERGUS THOMSON – 124 Warriors appearances, 20 points (4T)
ROB VERBAKEL – 10 Warriors appearances, 0 points

We wish them all the best with whatever they do next. In Richie’s case, tearing up the Premiership.

They will get a chance to say goodbye to the fans next weekend during the last regular season match of the RaboDirect PRO12 at Firhill, against Connacht. Connacht have won their last 3 games against Glasgow, who need to draw or win to secure a play-off spot.



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Treviso 8-13 Glasgow

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April 23, 2012

Glasgow went over to Treviso needing a win, and not much more. In the end that is exactly what they got, with both sides fully committed and Treviso’s willingness to run the ball coming up hard against Glasgow’s stubborn defence.

As Treviso’s will to attack wilted slightly, the game grew niggly with Al Kellock making a thorough nuisance of himself, but most of the (many) penalties for either side were not kickable. A pair of yellow cards settled things down a bit, but with the scrum and breakdown a mess tension was never far from the surface. Chris Fusaro was also a constant presence around the park and the Glasgow back row shut down most Treviso moves early.

The one move that did get wide led to an early try for Treviso  pace man Brendan Williams, but following that breakaway – that Chris Cusiter was fingertips away from saving – Glasgow’s line was never seriously threatened again, although Treviso did get the ball near. The Warriors defence has been good all season, and continues to be so.

Not to be denied some three pointers, Kris Burton tried endless drop goals; ultimately his kicking from hand in testing conditions was nowhere near as effective as that of Weir and Hogg who managed to play the territory well. It was evenly matched, but neither side was getting into the red zone to threaten a score.

It wasn’t until the long-awaited return of DTH Van Der Merwe from the bench that the Warriors were able to break away from their opponents, as he powered past several defenders to score the try that gave Glasgow a firm lead with only a few minutes to play. With the likes of Hogg, Dunbar, Lamont and DTHVDM in the back line next season, Townsend will have some pretty handy weaponry to call on when he takes over the reins.

Glasgow then shut up shop again and took what they needed back home to Firhill for a crunch game against Connacht.

It’ll be the last game there, and a send off for Sean Lineen and Richie Gray among others, so sure to be a big day out for the Firhill faithful even with the Sevens going on in Glasgow that weekend too.

Glasgow need a win or a draw to guarantee play-offs, but won’t be taking anything for granted. Assuming that happens on the 6th, here are the permutations for the play-offs:

  • If Munster lose without a bonus point Glasgow will finish third, and face the Ospreys.
  • If Munster win and the Scarlets or Ulster lose then Glasgow will finish fourth and a likely trip to Dublin to face Leinster.

Neither of these locations have been massively happy hunting grounds for Glasgow this season in the past [thanks clyde!].

Oh, and Edinburgh got beaten in the league (again) 38-13 by Cardiff.



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Why the SRU Look to ‘Foreign Aid’

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April 18, 2012

When the news broke that Edinburgh had signed two Welsh internationals in John Yapp and Richie Rees there was the beginning of some grumblings about why the SRU were failing to promote Scottish youth by signing players who are not Scots qualified. Of course whenever a press release flies out from EH12 about any new signing there is always the copied and pasted line of “PLAYER X will bring on any young Scottish players”. All that the fans see, though, is that someone is flying in and occupying a spot.

To think like this does a disservice to the unique situation of Scottish rugby. What people must make peace with is that there are two pro teams in Scotland and will be for the foreseeable future. The SRU cannot see sports sides like Rangers FC going to the wall and see institutions like the newspaper industry struggling and say that it is viable to create a new brand. At times like these the prudent move is to solidify your foundations. Strengthen your existing brands.

It must be said that the SRU have taken a very even handed approach to this philosophy and while anything about Andy Robinson improving the national side may be off the mark for now, it is moves like these where the Union and its Head Coach seem to be making decisive choices.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have specialised, focussing on one competition each and pushing their way to the top. For Glasgow it has been hard going and they have tilled a path through attrition alone. They were fighting on two fronts at one point, but found themselves stretched to breaking point. They hardened and targeted themselves at the RaboDirect playoffs.

Edinburgh, just along the M8, played it differently. They have thrown everything they have at the Heineken Cup and it has seen them rewarded handsomely. They imply that the RaboDirect is also a going concern –and the players have always given their best in this competition –but an 11th place finish would not keep Michael Bradley up at night.

Both of these teams have tightened, made their points very clear and they have impressed in the arenas they have chosen. The Warriors have lived up to their moniker and the Gunners have caused many a mouthful to be spat out in shock. Their Heineken Cup run is something which has forced those at the ERC and at big media institutions to acknowledge Edinburgh’s exalted play.

However, it cannot be denied that both of these teams have not had the depth, strength or resources to fight in the league and in the Cup. So how do you address that?

It is understandable that some fans are disappointed that the extra squad places have not gone to Scots qualified players, but signings Tim Swinson, Byron McGuigan, Sean Lamont, Greig Tonks are all qualified and WP Nel has apparently offered his services when he qualifies under residency. On top of this, players that have stood out at either club level, international level, or both, will still be there. Stuart Hogg, David Denton, Ross Rennie and Lee Jones have all shone in international rugby and remain. The outstanding club players of the season, Greig Laidlaw, Chris Fusaro, Matt Scott, Nick De Luca, Duncan Weir and Jon Welsh will still be here. No one needs reminding either that Tim Visser qualifies this summer.

These men need support and there is still time for guys like Rob Harley, Ryan Wilson, Tom Brown, Stuart McInally and Grant Gilchrist to take that next step. However, now that the SRU are hoping to grow the brands and begin to solidify places in the Heineken Cup and Pro12, simultaneously, there must be more strength in depth. Last week I said that reaching the semis of two tournaments for both teams was the only way to say that Glasgow and Edinburgh are big teams.

I stand by that statement, and with these signings it looks like the SRU are thinking that way, too.

In England there is a hope that a ‘marquee name’ can be accommodated in any amendments to the salary cap, while in France teams want a squad of marquee names. In Scotland it is about competition and longevity. Both pro sides need to be able to last the pace of a full season better. One cap-busting signing wouldn’t do that. Signing squad players will.

Rees is a like-for-like swap with Mike Blair, who is away. The rest of the signings, though, are not guaranteed starters. They are there not only to increase competition for squad places, but also to make the two sides much stronger than they are when the international players are away.

Yapp and Nel are much stronger than Edinburgh’s current back-up props and have experience of physical games. Ben Atiga has not played any Super Rugby for a while and comes in marked as a ‘workman’. Labelled as a centre/full-back, but with Scott and De Luca doing very well it is likely that pairing will be preserved. Atiga will step in whenever needed – perhaps like the ever willing Troy Nathan has done at Glasgow – but he will likely start less. He comes to the fore when the internationals are away. Dmitri Basilaia will do horrible work, but again Edinburgh’s back-row is versatile.

At Glasgow it is a great shame that Fusaro, probably the Warriors’ best player this season, could end up frozen out with Barclay remaining, Wilson sticking, Harley progressing as a 6 and the likes of Willie Ma’afu and Angus MacDonald coming in. It is a combative corps, though.

All of the names above will play when the 6 Nations is running. All of them will be more competitive options than EDL players and some of the 7s caps, because they have experience and they are almost all exclusively hardy players. Those youngster can then be used when it suits the coaches, rather than being thrown in out of necessity. The SRU have looked to solidify the foundations they have, and they have signed hefty and stocky enforcements.

Do not worry for the young Scots. Those already earmarked will be taken to tour. Other names have already been mentioned by Andy Robinson and feature in his thoughts. Yet, this is phase one. These foreign influences will bed in while more youth is promoted internationally. It is the beginning of a cycle and it has all been thought of from up high. Let’s see it through before we lament lost prospects.

Edinburgh and Glasgow must get stronger first.



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Edinburgh Secure Experienced Kiwi

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April 17, 2012

Edinburgh Rugby today announced that All-Blacks’ back Ben Atiga will join the side next season from Super 15 side Highlanders on a two-year contract.
 Of course, they say “All-Black” because it sounds good in press releases but Atiga has a solitary cap as an injury replacement in the nation’s 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign, for his part of the side’s ruthless pool stage destruction of Tonga (91-7).

However the 28-year-old arrives with a wealth of Super Rugby and international Sevens experience and provincial championship success, as part of an all-star Auckland Blues side from 2004 to 2008. In that team he played alongside fellow All Blacks Joe Rokocoko, Keven Mealamu, Luke McAllister and Ma’a Nonu, as well as Isa Nacewa and Doug Howlett  – in a spell which also saw the province lift the Air New Zealand Cup three times (2003, 2005 and 2007).

A New Zealand age-grade prodigy in the midfield, Atiga’s trophy-littered career kicked off when he left Auckland Grammar School in 2003, when he lifted the IRB’s Junior World Championship trophy on his second and third outings in the tournament, reaching the semi-final in 2002, picking up the Junior World Player of the Year award in 2003 and captaining the side to glory in 2004.

His international honours were followed by his four-year tenure at the Auckland Blues before pulling on the famous black jersey once again, this time at Twickenham for Gordon Tietjens’ HSBC Sevens World Series winning New Zealand side of 2007.

Having lived the high-performance lifestyle from his school days, he quit playing rugby after the 2008 provincial season, but made a remarkable comeback in 2010 to shed 20kg and return to the Auckland ITM Cup side which made the semi-finals.

Subsequently he earned selection from the Otago regional side to the rejuvenated Highlanders, marking his return to Super Rugby and playing a crucial role in ending a 30-year drought for the south islanders at Eden Park against his former province, Auckland, a record which he had spent his formative years battling to protect.

When the historic Otagu Union was recently hit by financial crisis, Atiga opted to take voluntary redundancy and seek out a new challenge, at which point the call came from Edinburgh Rugby.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Michael Bradley, said: “Ben [Atiga] has proven his ability on some of the toughest stages in world rugby and will be a formidable option at centre and full-back for Edinburgh Rugby for at least the next two seasons.

“He’s a very impressive package of agility, power and skill, accommodating 100 kilograms of muscle into a 5’10” frame, and I believe he’ll make a big impact at this club, both from a performance perspective but also in bringing on the many talented young players we have at the club.”

Atiga’s arrival, which is subject to visa, is the latest to be welcomed by Edinburgh Rugby who’ll have at least six new recruits next season, with Scots qualified Nothampton Saints back Greig Tonks (back/centre), Welsh internationalists John Yapp (prop) and Richie Rees (scrum-half), Georgian Rugby World Cup number 8, Dimitri Basilaia, and Super Rugby prop WP Nel already secured.

Bradley is undoubtedly being canny with his budget and seeking out players of the right age and experience to help plug the gaps in Edinburgh’s squad and grow depth while allowing room for the youth that has done him so well this season. (I would hope they’re still looking for another second row to add to the roster from the club game or further afield). From a Scotland perspective you might grumble about opportunities for Scottish players, but if you were an Edinburgh fan I would think you’d be pretty happy with some of the signings.

Ben Atiga comes with undoubted pedigree, but he has been out of the spotlight in the last few years and drifting in and out of top-level rugby. In addition to the well-documented affiliation between Scotland and New Zealand, the Kiwi explained his fondness for his new home was harboured in three separate tours to the country, making the decision to join an easy one.

“It all happened very fast, probably in the space of about three weeks,” explained Atiga.

“The club were very interested in what I could bring to the table from a playing perspective but Michael [Bradley] also explained that he would be looking for me to play a leadership role and help bring on young Scottish players, a role which I’ve played with New Zealanders for the last couple of seasons and one which I’m looking forward to doing for Edinburgh Rugby.

“I toured Scotland with my school in 2000, with New Zealand Schools in 2001 and was based in Edinburgh with the New Zealand U20 side in 2004, when the Junior World Championships were in Glasgow, so it’s reassuring to have experienced my new home through rugby already.

“Playing rugby overseas has always been something that’s appealed to me. I’ve had loads of calls from fellow players at home and abroad telling me how beautiful the city is and how lucky I am to get this opportunity.

“I’m delighted to have signed and now just looking forward to getting on the pitch for my new club and doing my best for Edinburgh Rugby.”

On paper he looks a great signing, and if Atiga can have the same sort of impact as Nacewa or Howlett have on the Irish provinces they have graced, then Edinburgh will have done well, and perhaps found a new cult hero.

Ben Atiga (28)
Born: 5 May, 1983 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Height: 1.80m (5’10”), weight: 100kg (15st 10lb)
Provincial debut: Auckland v North Harbour (2002)
Super Rugby debut: Blues v Chiefs (2004)
International honours: New Zealand U19, U20, Junior All Blacks, All Blacks (1 cap, v Tonga in 2003)
Super Rugby caps: 46
Super Rugby points: 75 (6 tries, 6 conversions, 11 penalties)



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Leinster 54-13 Edinburgh

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April 13, 2012

There’s not much that’s fun to say (or read) about this game, unless you are a Leinster fan or a particularly bitter Glaswegian/Toulousain, so I’ll keep it brief.

Following the heights of the Heineken Cup last weekend, Edinburgh came crashing down to earth with nary a whimper as Leinster ran in a storm of tries at the RDS in Dublin.

Last season, Leinster were Heineken Cup and Magners League finalists, winning the former. The league name has changed to the RaboDirect PRO12, but on this form – even such as displayed by players tonight who make few appearances when the top team is given a rare outing – you could easily stick some money on them to make two finals once again.

Edinburgh’s woeful league form continues.

This 8 try smashing of started off innocuously enough, with both sides trading early tries. Edinburgh’s was well-worked, using the forwards to batter close to the line then sending De Luca over when space out wide materialised.

Clinical, sensible and patient.

Sadly the try was a required response to a soft score from Leinster who had chased up a penalty miss off the posts. When Lee Jones failed to collect the ball, Shane Jennings did it for him. For most of the first half it would be charitable to say that McFadden was lucky to hit the post with that one as the majority of his kicks went awry. That would probably be one of the few bright spots for the visitors.

Laidlaw was kicking well from the tee and hand, but after their try, Leinster snaffled all Edinburgh’s ball, content to run riot from their own half if need be. So he didn’t get too many chances.

At half time with the score 18-7, Edinburgh were in theory still in it.

Leinster decided to put that particular hope to bed very early on, with another early try from Fionn Carr securing the bonus point. As they had in the first half, Edinburgh tried to strike back and a period of sustained possession and some determined work from Stuart McInally saw them down in the Leinster 22.

Even with their backup team on, Leinster are packed with threats in the back division and not afraid to attack. So it was that even the usually confident Edinburgh attacks bore the hidden threat of a Leinster breakout, and on at least two occasions they made good on that threat, going the length of the RDS pitch. By the time Devin Toner got them over the half-century from a seated position to the side of the line, the game was out of site and Edinburgh longing for something easy, like playing Toulouse.

Laidlaw gamely played the possession, but by then the score was long gone and not even a Racing Metro style comeback inspired by the bench would have helped.

Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley will take little from this that he does not already know: that the backup front row are not up to scratch in the set piece, that Edinburgh need to concentrate fully to avoid leaking soft tries; that they prefer attacking ball in hand to defending.

Of course, so do Leinster – but sadly on this evidence they are rather better at both.

Leinster (18) 54

Tries: Jennings, McFadden, Cronin, Carr, Nacewa, Auva’a, Macken, Toner
Cons: Nacewa 2, Madigan 2
Pens: McFadden, Nacewa

Edinburgh (7) 13

Tries: De Luca
Cons: Laidlaw
Pens: Laidlaw 2

Att: 16,380

Referee: P Fitzgibbon (Ireland)



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