Knockout Stages within Edinburgh's Grasp

Edinburgh Rugby is on the brink of something special. Youthful verve and vigour have replaced stonewalled obstinacy throughout the team. Coach Michael Bradley has reinvigorated the Gunners, picking sides dedicated to fast, running rugby. This was no more so the case than when the Scottish outfit defeated Racing Metro de Paris 48-47 in November, this win was something of a turning point in their season. As their league form stuttered, Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup progress continued unabated, culminating in their vital 24-27 victory away from home in the reverse fixture last weekend.
The European success story this season has been in large part down to a mobile pack providing quick ball for the likes of speed merchant Tim Visser on the wing. In recent years Edinburgh’s team has always benefitted from a collection of strong back row forwards, Alistair Hogg and Simon Taylor are just two of the previous luminaries who went on to have established international careers. Ross Rennie and David Denton from this year’s side look set to join them. Denton in particular has impressed with his turn of speed thoroughly out of character for his 6ft 5 inch 18 stone frame. The loose forwards have been encouraged by Bradley to offload in attempt to keep the ball alive and not allow heavier opposition packs to slow the games down. However, it was Rennie’s power and determination, which allowed Edinburgh to take an early lead in Paris. Spotting an inch of space the 25 year old flanker burst through two strong tackles to touch down under the posts. It was a lead they were to relinquish and regain with at times reckless abandon, until with no time left on the clock and the scores level, substitute Phil Godman coolly slotted a drop goal, which secured an unlikely triumph.
With one game left in the pool stages, a win against London Irish on Sunday will mean progression into the knockout round for the first time since 2004. Bradley believes the Murrayfield setting against Irish is the key: “We do have the advantage as we are playing at home and there is no need to travel,” however he remains realistic “we have to remember when you go across that line its still just a game”. The club has recognised the power of home support this season, offering pitch side standing access for supporters, which has given the players a huge lift. Sunday’s game will also see the introduction of a £5 student ticket offer no doubt likely to ensure a bigger than average crowd. Centre Matt Scott - also a fourth-year law student at Edinburgh University - issued a rallying cry to send the team into the next round. “We need every available supporter in the city and beyond to will us on from the seats and the standing areas. We’ve had fantastic crowds at our Heineken Cup matches so far, particularly the game against Racing Metro, so hopefully we’ll be able to top that with this five pound offer, which is great value for money for such a big match.” As the city prepares for a Sunday afternoon thriller, there is history to be made for Bradley’s men.