Mike Blair cites lack of intensity in training as Edinburgh’s play-off hopes fade

Mike Blair said a lack of intensity in training may have contributed to Edinburgh’s heavy home defeat by Leinster but he conceded that the visitors were formidable opponents, even without a raft of their Irish internationals.

Sam Skinner's late try earned Edinburgh a bonus point as they lost 47-27 at home to Leinster. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

The league leaders scored seven tries - four in a dominant second-half performance - as they beat Edinburgh 47-27 at the DAM Health Stadium to make it 15 wins from 15 in the United Rugby Championship this season. The result saw Edinburgh drop down to 12th place and they are now running out of games in their bid to finish in the top eight and qualify for the play-offs. They next play Connacht in Galway on March 25 where anything other than a win will surely end their hopes.

Leinster’s formidable strength in depth had Blair casting an envious eye on his opponents and the Edinburgh coach reckoned their so-called shadow side would be good enough to finish in the top three, but he also knows his own team must do more.

“I said to the guys I was really proud with what we put out on the pitch in the first half and we asked for a reaction after the Scarlets game and I thought we got that in terms of our physicality on both sides of the ball,” said Blair, referencing Edinburgh’s 42-14 defeat in Llanelli last time out. “The second half they got a huge amount of momentum in their attack. They were very efficient at the breakdown and very good coming onto ball. That team would be top three in the comp. They were good but we need to be better as well. We need to slow the ball down and get bodies in front. It may sound strange to say but there was some gusty defence in that second half. We got a bonus point but we are aware, playing at home, there is no way we should just be content with a bonus point but it was a difficult one to take.

“I told the guys we needed to have more intensity in training. It is not just going to happen. It might happen for 40 minutes but you fall back to what your training standards are so we need to keep pushing that side of things as well.”