Edinburgh call to Arms for final test

Published on Friday 15 May 2009 10:01

EDINBURGH Rugby head for Cardiff on Sunday trailing clouds of glory after five consecutive victories and on the back of a record scoreline for this season.

If ever the omens suggested the Capital crew are on track for a flamboyant swansong to 2008-9 this would be it, although closer examination of the record books reveals exactly why nothing can be taken for granted.

Their previous visit may have resulted in a gutsy 11-10 win on a wet and windy midwinter night but stand-off Phil Godman, who orchestrated that success with a key drop goal, also knows the flipside, having been on the receiving end of a 48-0 thrashing in 2006-7.

So, which face will Edinburgh present this weekend?

Godman is adamant it is a more mature and streetwise side nowadays and points to the fact that, not only was that single-point win a turning point on his personal journey to international rehabilitation, but it also signified a change from when Edinburgh were perennial whipping boys in the valleys.

Godman said: "I have mixed memories of going to Cardiff and I know what I prefer.

"Losing by nearly 50 points was one of my worst experiences in an Edinburgh jersey but, by the time we went back, our team had developed and we were on the way to finishing fourth in last year's table.

"Now, depending on results elsewhere, we can climb up to second which would be the basis for a real push towards honours next year.

"Not only that but, aside from one bad night at Leinster (6-52) our defeats have nearly all been by a single score, suggesting it is really just fine tuning that is now required."

While striking that optimistic note, Godman was realistic enough to know there are several reasons to be wary.

He said: "This will be Cardiff's last game at the Arms Park before moving to a new stadium to be shared with the football club.

"There is bound to be emotion around because of that and Cardiff will also be smarting after a heartbreaking defeat (on penalty kicks) in a Heineken European Cup semi-final.

"As if that wasn't enough they will want pay-back for our 16-3 win at Murrayfield a few weeks ago.

"The biggest threat they pose is in their physicality, which was noticeable even when they had a few reserves in against us last time in view of that upcoming European semi.

"That physicality has to be matched before we start moving the ball around."

Edinburgh make three changes to the starting line-up compared with the victory over Dragons including the inclusion of scrum-half Greig Laidlaw for Mike Blair, who is resting ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

According to Godman, though, the change-over can prove seamless.

"Greig has been in a difficult situation understudying the Scotland captain but has worked tirelessly to improve his game.

"In fact, because his opportunities are so limited that makes him all the more determined to make the most of any chance when it comes along.

"For that reason alone I'm sure the transition from Mike to Greig will be smooth."