David Ferguson and Iain Morrison: Edinburgh v Ulster preview

THE BIG crowd undoubtedly had an effect on Edinburgh in their quarter-final match with Toulouse and now they have to try to replicate that performance away from home, and in front of close to 50,000 Irishmen, women and children.

In Greig Laidlaw, Edinburgh have a tough-minded skipper who has worked hard this week to convince his squad that venue and crowds mean nothing alongside the quality of a performance. That is a crucial mindset and while Edinburgh have not been at their best away from home this season, they have held their nerve, played tactically well and come away with late wins against London Irish and Racing Metro.

Much will hinge on the forward effort again. The Edinburgh pack laid the foundations for victory over Toulouse by fronting up in the scrum and lineout, and working tirelessly at the breakdown. They need the same international-quality performance in those areas, and more physicality around the tackle area against a ferocious beast of a back five.

If they can match them - and Edinburgh’s forwards can when on form - they have a real opportunity because when playing with a quick tempo Edinburgh have a back line capable of ripping Ulster open and scoring tries.

Mike Blair and Laidlaw are on form and the stand-off’s kicking game is improving, and he’ll need to keep turning Ulster back into their 22.

The key is quick ball. Produce it consistently and subdue Ulster and Edinburgh can win the semi-final. But this will be an almighty battle, the like of which some of these Edinburgh players have not yet experienced. They need to hold their nerve. DF

‘Now is the time Edinburgh’s young players might get found out’

Like almost everyone else I have constantly underestimated Edinburgh this season, expecting them to be found at every turn and pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong come every game.

There is no point changing my stance now at the semi-final stage so I suspect that Ulster’s greater experience, especially up front, will allow them to edge what is sure to be a close encounter.

Edinburgh have too many young players in their first or second year of professional rugby and now is the time they might get found out.

For their part Ulster’s massively experienced South African quartet bring huge experience of big match rugby with them especially match-winner Ruan Pienaar at nine.

However all the Ulster players will want to give their coach Brian McLauchlin, demoted from the start of next season in favour of a Kiwi import, a Heineken final to look forwards to. Ulster by six. IM