Michael Bradley knows Leinster trip will be ‘easier for Edinburgh to get up for’

EDINBURGH Rugby coach Michael Bradley believes it will be easier to prepare his side for a visit to European Cup holders Leinster on Saturday than it was for their latest win over Italian newcomers, Zebre.

The fact Edinburgh go to a ground where they have conceded a mininum of 23 points on their last five league visits, all lost, should focus the minds and at the very least ensure there is no danger of complacency.

“We are going to Dublin to play Leinster and that will be a different challenge, easier for us to get up for,” said Bradley following a runaway 41-10 victory over Zebre.

Edinburgh are looking for a “hat-trick” of wins and Bradley believes that success in Cardiff a fortnight ago can also be inspirational.

“It’ll be bit like Cardiff last week – away from home you get a group together and the boys will get a lot of confidence from that backed up by these five championship points (against Zebre).”

Meanwhile, Scotland coach Andy Robinson is anxiously awaiting results of scans on a shoulder injury sustained by scrum half Chris Cusiter during Glasgow’s win at Ospreys. Mike Blair is out injured until the end of the month and Rory Lawson has just returned from a groin injury although, like Blair, he is currently playing second division rugby.

The situation could see Greig Laidlaw revert back to scrum half for Edinburgh.