Edinburgh V Cardiff Blues - the return of the Dan

This Friday sees the return of what must be an all or nothing game for Edinburgh. The Blues will possibly be happy with a losing bonus point but ultimately want to win to give them one foot through to the next round.

So, unless hurricane bawbag rears it's ugly sack again it should be a belter!

So what would both sets of fans like to see improved on the last game? If I was a Cardiff fan I'd want more of the same - dominate in the forward and let Dan do what he does best.

As an Edinburgh fan, well, I think we need more bulk in the forwards but other than Gilchrist returning from injury we can't really do that!

Only other option would be to bring Talei to 6 and Denton to 8 to add more physicality, but that would be harsh on Rambo.

I would also start with Rennie - Roddy Grant has great work rate but Rennie is so much better at the breakdown and we really could do with him to combat the threat of Warbuton.

So in summary - more physicality and not so many penalties!

Thoughts?

Edinburgh Squad


15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones
13 Nick De Luca
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Sean Cox
6 David Denton
7 Roddy Grant
8 Netani Talei

Substitutes
16 Steven Lawrie
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Jack Gilding
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Ross Rennie
21 Phil Godman
22 Matt Scott
23 Tom Brown

Cardiff Team
15 Leigh Halfpenny14 Gavin Evans 13 Casey Laulala 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Dan Parks 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Xavier Rush 7 Sam Warburton 6 Michael Paterson 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Bradley Davies 3 Taufa'ao Filise 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Ryan Tyrell 17 John Yapp 18 Scott Andrews 19 Josh Navidi 20 Maama Molitika 21 Richie Rees 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Dafydd Hewitt

Sounds about right. cool heads as well- and taking chances when offered.

Spot on, as a blues fan i want more of what we did to the Edinburgh pack in the second half last week. Drive it up the middle and keep the ball moving through offloads, if Parks isn't going to release the backs then maybe it's time for the forwards to be creative

And forget return of the Dan...it is possible it'll be the return of the Gav! Big Hense is a late shout for a bench spot this friday.

RDW, I'd really like to see Edinburgh attacking with width when they have the ball, and then defending like demons when they don't and are trying to get the ball back. They played a smart, well-executed game plan against London Irish in round 1, and have had some attacking highlights against Racing Metro this year and against Northampton Saints last year - just combine all of that and we'll get there. Time to have faith in Leonard at 10, bring Scott back in at 12 if he's recovered from injury, likewise Gilchrist, with Rennie at 7 to best Warburton.

gcBlues wrote:

And forget return of the Dan...it is possible it'll be the return of the Gav! Big Hense is a late shout for a bench spot this friday.

The prospect of that really doesn't fill me with any sense of dread

RDW_Scotland wrote:

gcBlues wrote:

And forget return of the Dan...it is possible it'll be the return of the Gav! Big Hense is a late shout for a bench spot this friday.

The prospect of that really doesn't fill me with any sense of dread

The thing that will worry Edinburgh the most is him leaving orange streaks on the benches in the 'away' side's changing room.

Edinburgh need to keep it away from the forwards and use the broken field play that has served them so well.

If Desperate gets some momentum (and is not required to get his knees dirty), then he's going to be a nightmare to stop - he knows the angles of Murrayfield like the back of his hand.

George Carlin wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

gcBlues wrote:

And forget return of the Dan...it is possible it'll be the return of the Gav! Big Hense is a late shout for a bench spot this friday.

The prospect of that really doesn't fill me with any sense of dread

The thing that will worry Edinburgh the most is him leaving orange streaks on the benches in the 'away' side's changing room.

Edinburgh need to keep it away from the forwards and use the broken field play that has served them so well.

If Desperate gets some momentum (and is not required to get his knees dirty), then he's going to be a nightmare to stop - he knows the angles of Murrayfield like the back of his hand.

Parks has quite a record at the moment against Edinburgh has he not? He was in the winning team for Glasgow in his last three matches against Edinburgh and looks to have carried that run for Cardiff.

Parks is a total pain the hoop for Edinburgh fans.

Not since his famous meltdown a few years ago at Murrayfield for the first 1872 tie has he had a shocker. (Me and my large group that were with me take full credit for the psychological torture he went through that game)

Here's hoping he's due one!

"he knows the angles of Murrayfield like the back of his hand."

Four 90 degree ones? Unusual shape but then that's rugby, full of surprises

RDW_Scotland wrote:Parks is a total pain the hoop for Edinburgh fans.

Not since his famous meltdown a few years ago at Murrayfield for the first 1872 tie has he had a shocker. (Me and my large group that were with me take full credit for the psychological torture he went through that game)

Here's hoping he's due one!

For Edinburgh's point of view, I hope things don't go well for Dan.

I know its a bit off topic, but some of the abuse that Parks took from a small section of the Edinburgh support in Derby games, over stepped the line in my opinion. Sustained Personal abuse of a player, like he got in those games, is not something I had ever seen from Rugby fans before, or gladly since.

RDW_Scotland wrote: So, unless hurricane bawbag rears it's ugly sack again it should be a belter! Thoughts?

Umm, not if last Friday is anything to go by. From an entertainment point of view, the game was only saved by a very committed and vociferous Edinburgh fan "giving it out" to Wayne Barnes - no foul language to be fair With so little noise in the CCS Barnes could hear him and stared smiling. When Parks converted the Blues try, Barnes was on our side of the pitch only about 10 metres away. As he signalled the succcesful conversion, he turned to the Edinburgh fan, smiled and winked

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Parks is a total pain the hoop for Edinburgh fans.

Not since his famous meltdown a few years ago at Murrayfield for the first 1872 tie has he had a shocker. (Me and my large group that were with me take full credit for the psychological torture he went through that game)

Here's hoping he's due one!

For Edinburgh's point of view, I hope things don't go well for Dan.

I know its a bit off topic, but some of the abuse that Parks took from a small section of the Edinburgh support in Derby games, over stepped the line in my opinion. Sustained Personal abuse of a player, like he got in those games, is not something I had ever seen from Rugby fans before, or gladly since.

Just to clarify I agree with you entirely and we didn't give him personal abuse - just had 30 of us shouting his name whenever he came near us! All good natured banter and definitely never crossed the line into personal below the belt territory.

He missed numerous kicks that day so we obviously take the credit.

Sounds as tho Gilchrist and Scott are both fit again - good news

SecretFly wrote:"he knows the angles of Murrayfield like the back of his hand."

Four 90 degree ones? Unusual shape but then that's rugby, full of surprises

I was referring to the kicking angles. In terms of running angles, these tend to be astonishingly consistent in being the ones where he doesn't need to make any tackles.

Don't worry ...I was only messing around with words

Hopefully, the Blues will start out like they played in the second half last week.

It was a big effort from our forwards and hopefully they will be up for it again.

We will rely on Warburton to stop any quick ball for Edinburgh - then hopefully our defence will be able to cope.

Keep it tight in the forwards until there is space then get the ball to Laulaula (not Parks) to distribute effectively, or to Parks for a penalty/DG

Edinburgh Rugby squad to play Cardiff Blues in round four of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 16 December (kick-off 8pm) -

Mike Blair, Tom Brown, Sean Cox, Geoff Cross, Nick De Luca, David Denton, Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist, Jack Gilding, Phil Godman, Roddy Grant, Allan Jacobsen, Lee Jones, James King, Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN, Steven Lawrie, Harry Leonard, Esteban Lozada, Stuart McInally, Chris Paterson, Ross Rennie Matt Scott, Netani Talei, Jim Thompson, Kyle Traynor, Tim Visser

Not available through injury: Ben Cairns (knee) Andrew Kelly (knee), Alan MacDonald (shoulder)

So looks like Gilchrist, Scott and Thompson are back from injury which is good news. I'd expect maybe Gilchrist and JT to start but might be a bit harsh to drop James King for Matt Scott because he did a decent job last week. Plus, from looking at Twitter, Matt Scott is in the middle of his law exams at Uni so might not have his head in the game!

Happy with that squad. Would probably replace Cox with Gilchrist, Grant with Rennie, King with Scott and maybe Paterson with Brown or Thompson (depending on how it's been going in training). Gilchrist adds some more grunt, Rennie is a turnover king which we'll need to recover ball, Scott is more creative than King, and Brown/JT offer something in attack that a. mossy still not fully recovered from the groin strain doesn't.

Would like Niven instead of Gilding on bench, the power of Talei may be required later on, the niggle that is Cox can stay too, no need to find room for (good)Godman, King & Brown/JT to cover backs

In other news, I saw Ross rennie at the cinema last night going to see happy feet 2. Ding get the chance to ask him if he's starting!

The scotsman reckons talei at 8 and Laidlaw at 10.

Team announced this morning.

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Parks is a total pain the hoop for Edinburgh fans.

Not since his famous meltdown a few years ago at Murrayfield for the first 1872 tie has he had a shocker. (Me and my large group that were with me take full credit for the psychological torture he went through that game)

Here's hoping he's due one!

For Edinburgh's point of view, I hope things don't go well for Dan.

I know its a bit off topic, but some of the abuse that Parks took from a small section of the Edinburgh support in Derby games, over stepped the line in my opinion. Sustained Personal abuse of a player, like he got in those games, is not something I had ever seen from Rugby fans before, or gladly since.

How can you tell when things are and aren't going well for Parks?

His ridiculous pointy sideburns quiver when things are going well

He does seem to be a real stickler for his grooming, like a sallow Gavin Henson with out the skills, talent, ability to tackle or kick accurately unless their are too sticks he has to put it between.

I would say there are one or two other positive differences between him and Henson too, but can't be bothered getting into it

Groin tear still troubling Mossy: Paterson's groin injury

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Groin tear still troubling Mossy: Paterson's groin injury

Yeah thought something must be up - in the Munster game (good)Godman was taking kicks instead of him - alarm bells were definitely ringing then!

Surely a groin strain is bothering more than just his kicking? He's not been up to his usual standards this year. And it is not just place kicking - you'd expect your fullback to do lots of kicking from hand too and if there is a niggling doubt over his groin then he can't be doing things 100%.

Sad to say but I don't really agree with him that he still has plenty to offer for Scotland - he has been a great servant but, if he ain't kicking, there are much better options at 15 for now and for the future.

What a legend though.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Groin tear still troubling Mossy: Paterson's groin injury

Yeah thought something must be up - in the Munster game (good)Godman was taking kicks instead of him - alarm bells were definitely ringing then!

Surely a groin strain is bothering more than just his kicking? He's not been up to his usual standards this year. And it is not just place kicking - you'd expect your fullback to do lots of kicking from hand too and if there is a niggling doubt over his groin then he can't be doing things 100%.

Sad to say but I don't really agree with him that he still has plenty to offer for Scotland - he has been a great servant but, if he ain't kicking, there are much better options at 15 for now and for the future.

What a legend though.

+1 on all counts

+1. But my two pennies worth is that if Mossy's 6 N's offering doesnt include kicking, I dont think he'll make the 22 (even potentially the squad) and Dan the Man will. Yikes

Jeebus, nick, did you have to ruin my day?!

Edinburgh matchday squad:

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones
13 Nick De Luca
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN
9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Sean Cox
6 David Denton
7 Roddy Grant
8 Netani Talei

Substitutes
16 Steven Lawrie
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Jack Gilding
19 Esteban Lozada
20 Ross Rennie
21 Phil Godman
22 Matt Scott
23 Tom Brown

Slightly disappointed to see Scott and Rennie miss out. Macinally out of 22 altogether but understand that a 7 had to be on the bench

Agreed - Bradly seems to be a big fan of Roddy Grant! He'll never let anyone down but I just think Rennie has a lot more class as a 7 than Grant.

He'll hopefully be chomping at the bit to get on though! He was brought on quite early last week in the 2nd half and made a good impact - maybe that's the plan.

As I said not surprised Matt Scott is only on the bench - just back from injury and in the middle of his Uni exams so is probably a good call.

Very phyiscal back row, which is just what we need.

Disappointed to see Leonard dropped altogether, not a smart move imo. Mossy can count himself lucky to still be starting, would have preferred to see Scott in the XV, McInally is unlucky to be bounced for the extra bulk of Talei, but I can't help think that it looks like Edinburgh are trying to match Cardiff at their own game

That worries me ASBO. We are not going to beat them at their own game.

I agree we need to gain some sort of parity up front in order to play our own game. But we aint got the forwards to take on Warburton, Jenkins, Rush.

We need to be smart. We need to be positively medieval in the tackle and at the breakdown, that's why I'd have liked to see Rosco starting.

Big game for Laidlaw but I'm not worried about him. Mossy needs a game and a half IMO.

Only one change for the Blues. Cuthbert is out with a hamstring niggle. Gavin Evans comes in. Slightly worried about him marking Visser. Does anyone know what's happened to Tom James? He's not down as injured on the Blues site but is not in the match squad. Seems strange to me.

I wonder whether Tom James has said something untoward, it seems to happen from time to time.

Probably defence is what lets TJ down here, guess with the pitch being quite a big one and edinburgh wanting to attack out wide...need to have someone out there who will be able to hold the line.

Cardiff Team
15 Leigh Halfpenny14 Gavin Evans 13 Casey Laulala 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Dan Parks 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Xavier Rush 7 Sam Warburton 6 Michael Paterson 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Bradley Davies 3 Taufa'ao Filise 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Ryan Tyrell 17 John Yapp 18 Scott Andrews 19 Josh Navidi 20 Maama Molitika 21 Richie Rees 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Dafydd Hewitt

No Gavin Henson then - I guess we stand a chance now !

Ha, ha, you think, RDW? I was kinda hoping they'd play the orange one after all the fanfare - there was only one way that could go relative to mass expectation!

I have NO idea why Gavin Evans, a centre, is on the wing?

Surely Mustoe would be a better option at 14.

Or put T.James back at 11, Czekaj to 15 and Halfpenny back on his wing?

Losing Cuthbert is a big blow, he has been our best back this season, Roberts needs to improve his game this week and do more carrying.

"Both Tom James and Richard Mustoe picked up knocks in training this week"

Ah, that explains it... :/

Down to the bare bones in the back 3 then.

Shame for Wee Mossy great player and great guy if he doesn't make the 6 Ns.

Just back from a lengthy Sea Trial so my 1st chance to comment. Strong enough squad, but the back row really need an improvement compared to the 2nd hald in Cardiff. We were outmuscled quite badly last week.

A do or die game for Edinburgh. A win will see the pool wide open again with a likely runners up qualification to either Cardiff or Edinburgh.

What type of vessel were you trialling, RR?

Stuff for the Royal Navy, can't say on such a public forum!

Sorry, I always think in terms of commercial shipping.

No prob mate

Suffice to say that the sea was not good

Anyone going to the game tonight?

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:No prob mate

Suffice to say that the sea was not good

Anyone going to the game tonight?

Nah, once again got another work night out so, again can't make it!!

I've literally been busy for every home game and have been scratching about with nothing to do whenever they have been away from home.

Definitely going on boxing day though!!

Roberts could be wing cover as well. We could see him move there towards the end of the game if Hewitt comes on.