Exiled Anglo Robinson can take the sting out of visiting Wasps

Published on Thursday 4 December 2008 09:06

STAR winger Simon Webster reckons Edinburgh Rugby have a secret weapon in coach Andy Robinson's detailed knowledge of the English scene as they prepare to tackle London Wasps at Murrayfield tomorrow in a crucial Heineken European Cup pool clash.

From 2004-06 Robinson was in charge of the England team during which he handed out caps to many of the star-studded Wasps team who are heading north.

Webster said: "Andy will know a lot of their players more than most. Hopefully it will be an advantage to know we will take the field with a good bit of analysis of their play undertaken."

Although Robinson was heard at a public training session this week priming his forwards for the threat posted by Lions second row Simon Shaw, among the danger men singled out by Webster are opposite numbers Paul Sackey and Tom Voyce.

Webster, who will be making his 30th tournament appearance, says: "Both are similar to fellow Edinburgh winger Mark Robertson and myself. They aren't content to stand out on the wing waiting for the ball to be passed to them.

"Our whole team will have to be aware of the possibility of Voyce and Sackey popping up in unexpected areas of the pitch."

Here, coach Robinson's inside track is already emerging, insisting at the team announcement: "Wasps pride themselves on the interceptions they get – particularly Sackey and Voyce."

At least, though, Edinburgh will have previous experience of the pair. Back in 2005 they were part of a Wasps team beaten 32-31 at Murrayfield when the winning try was scored by ...Simon Webster.

Recalling that occasion as one that is liable to have more relevance than the pre-season friendly win by Edinburgh in August when the teams met, Webster said: "It was a great occasion and pleasing to come off the bench and get the winning try near the end.

"It was good for me and the team.

"The pressure we applied gradually built up until we were really in the ascendancy at the end. A gap opened for me and I think we deserved our win."

In fact Wasps became the latest in a string of English Premiership scalps gained by Edinburgh in the Capital. The list includes the likes of Northampton, London Irish, Leeds and Leicester Tigers. Webster says: "Each of these teams have played in a different style and the encouraging thing is we have adapted to contain the threat.

"Wasps will be different and although their form at domestic league level has been indifferent that is liable to make them more dangerous."

Only by winning last Friday at Newcastle did Wasps manage to scramble off the bottom of the English Premiership.

Webster added: "Particularly with their fortunes having been mixed so far they'll be targeting Europe as their escape route to better fortunes.

"They'll take a bit of confidence from getting a win but it won't greatly affect their (European) mindset. Fortunately we have a bit to draw upon ourselves.

"Last week's win over Ospreys (32-16) wasn't especially flash but it was important and the team's third in a row.

"There were a lot of us coming back from the three Autumn Tests and it was our first opportunity to re-adjust to codes and patterns of play. No matter how much you look forward to playing alongside your club-mates it can take a while to settle back into the rhythm.

"That said it was in the first half that we really got it together to open up a lead (26-6) before falling away

"It might not have translated to the scoreboard that we were back together and enjoying each other's company again.

"But a win is a win; having said that there is never any cause for complete satisfaction and we'll definitely be looking to be a lot sharper.

"There will be no targets set, however. As always it is about trying to concentrate on playing well and we are not fixed on any score margins.

"If we do the things we have been doing in practice all week well, that is going to give us a chance of winning."

Nine members of this Edinburgh squad played in the previous defeat of Wasps, and if things go especially well it might not take until the dying moments for this Edinburgh side to seal a victory although undoubtedly all that really matters is being ahead at the final whistle.