Can Edinburgh finally find way to make Bath come up empty?

Published on Friday 18 December 2009 10:20

TOMORROW against Bath at Murrayfield, Edinburgh play their 75th Heineken European Cup tie.

And the man who led them into the brave new era of cross-border rugby is tipping the current side to lay a long-standing bogey on the milestone occasion.

Scott Hastings captained Edinburgh on their Euro debut 12 years ago, coincidentally against Bath.

And the English West Country team now stand alone among the tournament's previous winners who have remained unbeaten against Edinburgh in the intervening years.

While Brive have never actually faced Edinburgh others such as Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Northampton, Toulouse, Leicester and Wasps have been knocked over at some time or other by the Murrayfield men.

So can Bath, victors in 1998 and four times winners over Edinburgh, be added to that list of scalps?

Hastings speaks with the benefit of both historical and up-to-date knowledge, which is based on commentary duties for Sky when Edinburgh were beaten 9-16 in the last of the first round of pool matches on Sunday.

And he said: "Edinburgh contributed hugely to an entertaining game last week without quite being able to break down a resolute defence.

"In that spirited effort Greig Laidlaw, at scrum half, was absolutely outstanding and, if Edinburgh had managed to win, he'd have got my man-of-the-match nomination ahead of Luke Watson.

"Greig reads the game so well and tackles his heart out, which is important in a team where continuity and off-loading is key.

"So much so that, with slightly more dynamic running, Edinburgh could have won.

"They certainly had their moments with Tim Visser running well, David Blair hauled down just short of the line and Nick De Luca intercepting only to be hauled back and tackled by the covering Nick Abendanon.

"Ultimately Edinburgh only had three penalties from Chris Paterson to show for their efforts and the lack of tries is a concern, but qualification is still in their hands.

"Alright, it is a big ask to get through to the knockout stages but I take heart from seeing the way Ulster, who were huffing and puffing not so long ago, got themselves up to defeat Stade Francais last weekend."

In making a strong case for another Edinburgh scalp Hastings insisted on being realistic and added: "Over two years, qualification for the quarter-finals has to be the minimum target. That means achieving consistency which is why I am basing my views both on the (revived) Scottish pro teams and the national side who lost to Argentina a week after beating Australia.

"Making the final pass stick is one aspect which could have got Edinburgh over the line at Bath but what also has to be considered is the physical aspect up front."

The Bath back row which faced Edinburgh last week had a weight advantage of a stone per man and Hastings added: "The question must be asked as to whether Edinburgh lack a big player from the Southern Hemisphere in the mould of Filo Tiatia or Jerry Collins because, when you are carrying 17 or 18 stones into a collision, it does make a little bit of difference.

"That said you can live with it through being more creative. Then it will be up to Edinburgh, once they have opened Bath up, to polish them off."

Bath coach Steve Meehan, who has yet to name his side, admits concern that Edinburgh will find an extra gear compared to last week but he said: "I don't think there will be too many curveballs coming our way.

"I expect them (Edinburgh) to come out and try to execute things a little bit better than what they did on Sunday.

"Their squad has been playing very well so, regardless of which 15 start, you're going to be getting a very competitive, well-drilled team."

At the same time Meehan warned Bath would have a hunger based on being in the last chance saloon as far as qualification is concerned.

He said: "I'm quite positive about things and quite sure my team can go up and improve on last weekend's performance and put a decent case forward.

"But I expect the Edinburgh performance to be a better one as well, being at home.

"If we did get the win – or when we get the win – it puts us right back in the hunt."