Rugby: Edinburgh pack proud of impressive line-out record

By BILL LOTHIAN
Published on 14/09/2012 12:00

Edinburgh Rugby coach Michael Bradley has pinpointed the line-out as a key reason why the team have been able to get a Rabo Direct Pro 12 league bid back on track.

The Capital outfit entertain Italian newcomers Zebre at Murrayfield tonight fresh from a win at Cardiff.

This followed a home loss to Munster and Bradley reflected on the change in fortune, saying: “In two matches we have only lost one line-out and our scrum has been very solid, a big improvement from last year.

“The pack are very proud of that and look to build it into this match as well

“People are talking about Edinburgh as a strong scrummaging unit who can bring on players and up the intensity in the scrum.That is a good scenario for us in the immediate future.”

One change in the backroom team has been the introduction of former England World Cup winner Neil Back as forwards mentor.

“Neil has brought with him a real attention to detail which is a real strength” said Bradley.”

However, Bradley warns that while Zebre are still seeking a first win they cannot be underestimated.

“Zebre are going to go through a learning process as a club.

“They have given solid performances in their first two outings in terms of the detail. It is just a confidence matter for them and they will get stronger under the direction of two French coaches and Allesandro Troncon, the former Italian internationalist.

“Last week’s performance against Connacht was a very good one from them. It was a tight game and the result was in doubt right up to the last play when Connacht got a score

“We had a good performance last week and got the result. The previous week we had a good performance against Munster and didn’t get the result.

“We owe our fans one from the Munster game. That is the approach we are going to use.”