Rugby: De Luca says Edinburgh must turn it on against Bath

Published on Tuesday 8 December 2009 08:53

EDINBURGH centre Nick De Luca is urging his team mates to build on the spirited effort that delivered four Magners League points at Parc y Scarlets and win in style in Sunday's Heineken Cup clash with Bath at the Recreation Ground.

De Luca played a major part in Friday's hard-fought 17-16 victory that leaves the Capital outfit in second spot in the table, headed only by Glasgow Warriors. Now he is hoping that a repeat of that outcome this weekend will be the prize for more expansive rugby.

And he believes that a more entertaining performance can also help to attract fans to Murrayfield for the return leg of the double-header with the former European champions and the forthcoming 1872 Cup clash with Glasgow on 2 January when team officials are hoping for a five-figure attendance.

The 25-year-old said: "Scottish rugby is on the up but we want to bring the fans back. We need to show more flair and keep the victories going."

And, admitting that anything less than a success on Sunday will signal the end of his side's interest in the competition, he added: "It's a must-win game for us. If we want to progress in the Heineken Cup then we have to win at Bath."

"We hope to improve our performance, score more tries and, hopefully, it won't be so tight. Bath are not going well but they are a really good side."