Dragons clash comes first for World Cup hopeful Rennie

ROSS RENNIE, who returns to Edinburgh Rugby's line-up for tonight's home clash with Newport Gwent Dragons, sits within Murrayfield determining to focus on the present and not get carried away.

Not for this 25-year-old flanker, who took his Scotland caps to six with five more from off the bench this season before injury struck, is there any temptation to look ahead to this autumn's World Cup other than to say that it is every player's desire to be involved.

But the message fails to echo across a room where, a few minutes later, Capital coach Nick Scrivener cranks up the importance of a Magners League fixture which will also see Edinburgh seeking only their second win in seven meetings with Dragons by saying: "There's a World Cup around the corner and there are potentially two games for some guys to stick their hands up for selection."

To those who have followed Scotland and particularly Edinburgh in 2010-11 that must mean the likes of Rennie - even in a back row position where competition is especially hot.

So, back to the player who successfully recovered from nearly two years out with knee damage only to succumb to a cut toe tendon six matches ago. Has he timed his comeback just right from the point of view of issuing a reminder to national coach Andy Robinson, who is expected to name a provisional squad of 40 for the World Cup next week?

"I'm not thinking about internationals, just the need to get back playing," says Rennie, adding: "I was getting back in the mix and then got a slight injury.

"I could walk about fine and when I did it I thought I'd be ready for the next week. But it has dragged on. It's great to be back involved. It's been a very boring and frustrating two months. Now our goal is to get some momentum at the end of a very frustrating season.

Despite downplaying his international chances, Rennie adds: "It would be great to be involved in the World Cup squad but I can only concentrate on trying to play my best and whatever comes my way comes. Winning for Edinburgh will hopefully impress."

Confirmation, then, that within the framework of a solid team display the ex-Edinburgh Accies and Stewart's/Melville star has a eye on the global stage, even if he stresses his immediate aim is to sign off a "roller coaster" campaign at home by sending fans off into the close season smiling.

He said: "Early on the win against Leinster was enjoyable and later beating Ospreys was a good win. But to immediately lose to Connacht after that was very frustrating.

"That leaves us determined to back up last week's performance (a win over Aironi). Dragons are underrated. They are a good off-loading team with real width and spread defences without people realising. Because of that approach they pick teams off including Ospreys last week.

"They are seen as an underdog and they kind of like that. They are dogged, seemingly unstructured. But they are organised chaos. Their line-out was really good last time and their No. 8, Joe Bearman, is a big boy.

"At Edinburgh we have all been a bit disappointed with how we have performed. We've played really well but then taken our foot off gas at times and lost games we could have won.

"Understanding how to win games has been the frustrating part.

"On a personal level it has been a step in the right direction and being looked at again (by Scotland) has been really good."

Rennie should certainly be fresh, for although it has been his busiest season with Edinburgh since 2007-8 when he made his international debut away to Ireland he has also had spells on the sidelines, while at Test level he has accumulated 57 minutes of impact play in his five appearances - based on facing New Zealand (16 minutes), South Africa (2), Samoa (6), France (19) and Wales (14).

It does, however, mean a foot in the international door and the prospect is strong of a stirring lead for Edinburgh alongside a colleague who has made a particular mark towards season's end.

When Andy (Ned) Kelly was appointed captain following the interim coaching appointment of Nick Scrivener a few eyebrows were raised, as the hooker is not renowned for putting himself forward. In fact, the term low profile could have been invented for him.

But, invested with responsibility, he has claimed two wins from three as captain and Scrivener, as he prepares to return to Australia, feels there is more to come from Kelly, even with British Lion Ross Ford ahead of him in the pecking order.

Says Scrivener: "Andy Kelly is someone who has played a lot of games for Edinburgh and we didn't think it was a bad thing to have someone who has been at the coal face leading by example.

"Ned is respected in the squad and has plenty of experience. It's not so much what he says as what he does. Ned is always pushing to be the No.?1 hooker."