Racing Metro vs Edinburgh - game 5, pool 2, Heino

First topic message reminder :

Here's how the group stands as we head towards game 5:

Pos Team Pl W D L Pts
1 Edinburgh 4 3 0 1 13
2 Cardiff Blues 4 3 0 1 13
3 London Irish 4 1 0 3 8
4 Racing Métro 92 4 1 0 3 7

From today's Scotland on Sunday paper:

Heineken Cup: Comeback king Mike Blair relishing Paris match

By Iain Morrison
Published on Saturday 7 January 2012 21:47

TWO seasons ago Edinburgh Rugby packed their bags and headed for Paris, with a spring in their step and a song in their hearts, to do European battle against Stade Francais on their own turf.

The match was over almost before it began as the classy Parisians ran riot, with a four-try bonus point in the bag before the half-time whistle.

Edinburgh travel to Paris again, this time to face Racing Metro 92 on Friday evening, needing a win in their penultimate pool match to give them a fighting chance of landing a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in history. It won’t be easy. Just to underline the size of the task ahead of them, that loss to Stade in 2009 was their 17th defeat in a run of 18 Heineken matches away from home.

Since then Edinburgh have pipped London Irish at Reading by the stately margin of one point and bested Racing, who spend like Shirley Bassey, by the exact same margin at Murrayfield. If nothing else Michael Bradley’s men have cornered the market in comebacks after recovering from 19-10 down at the Madejski Stadium to win 20-19 and overcoming a whopping 44-20 deficit in the first leg against Racing to triumph 48-47; a once in a lifetime match that will remain with those that witnessed it as long as they have breath in their bodies.

It’s certainly seared into the brain of Edinburgh scrum-half Mike Blair. Was it the weirdest game that he has ever played?

“Comfortably!” he replies with a laugh as though the memories of that extraordinary evening have yet to fully sink in after Edinburgh grabbed four touchdowns in the final quarter to clinch a famous victory.

“Firstly, coming on at half-time and then just how the game went. We were sitting in the dugout at the start when Edinburgh went 17-3 up and we were just laughing. Then for the next 25 minutes I have never seen a team attack like Racing did. They were phenomenal. They didn’t do anything special, no set moves, just hard running and amazing pace.

“It’s a funny one because, as a rugby fan, you wanted to applaud them. It took a lot [for Edinburgh] to get back into that game because if you give Racing lots of ball that’s what they are capable of doing.”

The little No.9’s introduction to that Racing game on 40 minutes, allied to Greig Laidlaw’s move to stand-off, went a long way towards securing the win thanks to the tempo the duo bring to the game. As Blair admitted, they didn’t achieve much in that third quarter except exhaust the opposition so when the knockout blows arrived in the final 20 it took a rabbit punch rather than a haymaker to fell the French giants.

There is no doubt that that Racing game was a crucial stage in the development of this young Edinburgh squad that has struggled in the RaboDirect Pro12 and badly needed some self-confidence to boost their raw talent. “In both games [London Irish and Racing] you would probably have bet 50 quid on the opposition winning at some point during the match,” says Blair. “So to come back from that was massively significant. You get used to it [winning]. You think there’s always a chance. If you get blown away from that situation, you don’t throw the towel in, but there’s less of a chance you’re going to get back into the game.

“We came back in that Racing game from 24 points down! There’s a belief that no matter how far behind we are there is always going to be a chance [to win].”

Undoubtedly Edinburgh were helped by the opposition on the night because it is a by-law of Racing rugby that the Parisians play with style and panache. They are, after all, the club that famously rode bicycles to one match in the amateur era, sported berets when playing Bayonne and long striped shorts, as styled by the sans-culottes, in one 1989 match to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. In the 1990 French Cup final against Agen the players drank champagne at half time and wore pink bow ties throughout. Oh yes, and they won.

This is the origin of the cute little “Eden Park” bow tie emblem adorning the clothes of the company founded by Franck Mesnel and Eric Blanc, two former Racing players. This is a club that oozes style and one that would almost find it demeaning to stick the ball up their jerseys and grind out a win over Edinburgh’s relatively lightweight forward pack.

In truth, Racing tried the tactic just once in that Murrayfield match; a lineout catch and drive early in the game. Edinburgh’s pack blitzed it, driving it back and breaking it up before the maul could do any damage. They knew full well that if they allowed the first rolling maul to succeed they would be defending them for the remainder of the match. Instead, Racing threw the ball about and when that happens Edinburgh always have a puncher’s chance.

Only against Cardiff at Murrayfield did Edinburgh’s forwards grab the game and dominate the opposition eight. Blair likens that experience to the home victory over Toulouse in the 2003-4 season which paved the way for qualification to the last eight, but it’s asking a lot of Edinburgh’s big men to do the same in Paris.

The scrum-half is now one of the club’s longest serving players and he cuts a more relaxed figure than in the past. He admits to concerns about how involved he’d be this season, with Greig Laidlaw being the club captain, but also talks about helping the younger players at the club when he has not always seen the bigger picture.

He is one of just three squad members who competed in the club’s only quarter-final appearance along with Chris Paterson and Allan Jacobsen. That squad boasted a host of well-known, tried and tested international players like Todd Blackadder, Scott Murray, Nathan Hines, Ally Hogg, Simon Taylor and Brendan Laney, whereas today’s Edinburgh squad is largely unheralded and none the worse for that. A host of eager young players are desperate to make their name and perhaps they approach the Heineken Cup with fewer hang-ups than the older generation who have tasted so much failure. Despite the lack of superstars, Blair likes the current blend of the Edinburgh squad. He talks at length about how the veterans are having to prove themselves to the younger generation and vice versa and if you find it difficult to comprehend just how young some Edinburgh’s are then you are in good company.

“Harry Leonard’s really made his mark this season but I’d never heard of him before”, says Blair, “and I had no idea he was 19 until I’d played two games with him.”

Edinburgh have a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves and while it is surely asking too much for a repeat of that classic Murrayfield encounter, at least Racing will come to play rugby. Whether the aristocrats of French rugby are also prepared to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty is the key.

“It depends how they are going to take the game, doesn’t it?” Blair asks rhetorically. “They can put a full-strength team out that aren’t bothered about it. You can have a second-string team that are trying to prove themselves to the coaches. You never really know how it’s going to play.”

Big test for this Edinburgh team, altho I suspect a lot will depend on which team Rm92 decide to put out - can't wait, v excited

RM kick it away on stroke of half time despite having possession in Edinburgh half. Oh dear. They're probably going to come out firing next half though.

HT 7-14

Got a link?

K&C, very much appreciating the potted commentary - thanks bud

You have mail donkey you should be sorted out

Links already given

U not watchin?

Edinburgh looking good here. Another win over Racing would really put pressure on the Blues, as after this Edinburgh's remaining game is at home. Blues go to Reading with some rusty players in the starting XV.

This is gonna come down to if Edinburgh can keep possession because their defence is a bit on the shocking side. Otherwise, Ladel-law doing a good job with Blair's passes to his face ... I guess that makes them a good partnership?

You're not supposed to put links in post KC for future reference we don't want trouble form the mods!

Got it, editing

Cheers

Thank Guys

In the deep south-west, satellite broadband is not optimal for t'internet!

Could someone PM me a link? Cheers in advance!

YESS!!!!! After all I say about Good Godman.

This is freaking awesome!

Ian, he's still gash - but nice DG!!

Well done Edinburgh. Great game to watch, went right down to the wire at the end. Great win, now all we need is Glasgow to follow suit.

IanBru wrote:YESS!!!!! After all I say about Good Godman.

This is freaking awesome!

Godman to start for the England game!





Just kidding!

Great win by Edinburgh, really puts the pressure on Blues to get max points from their remaining games.

The Scots deserve to be in the KO stages but they still have to perform in their last game to ensure they make it. But well done for getting this far.

Go on the Scots! Fantastic win, think I should have watched this one instead of the Ulster one!

Ian, I will send you a pm that will cover you for all future HC games and pretty much anything else on Sky/ESPN /the World. Hope you got sorted though.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love watching these teams play each other but love the result even more

Thomond, thanks alot for the links - got them too late for the game, but it's my own fault for asking mid-way through the 2nd half!

Say what you like about World Class Phil, but if he'd been subbed on against the Argies, the RWC would have been different...

Congrats to Edinburgh, fantastic win - Bradley is taking you to the quarters and nothing gonna stop him

Or if Contempomi wasn't offside it might have been different. Or if ROG was on the pitch it would have been different. How much are the Burgh top by now?

Excellent result gives extar edge to the Blues game tomorrow as well now.
Well done Edinburgh

Now, if a certain Mr Shingler has any pent up frustrations at the WRU, maybe he can do us a favour tomorrow?

IanBru wrote: Thomond, thanks alot for the links - got them too late for the game, but it's my own fault for asking mid-way through the 2nd half!

Say what you like about World Class Phil, but if he'd been subbed on against the Argies, the RWC would have been different...

Jeebus, Ian, WCP at the RWC - my worst nightmare! DG or no DG, I'd still prefer Leonard got the game time than WCP

Well now I've calmed down here's my thoughts:

Scotland back row against England:

6 - Denton
7 - Rennie
8 - Brown

Denton and Rennie were both absolutely incredible tonight. No idea why Rennie was taken off as he was superb - niggling injury maybe. Denton though - really is a young Simon Taylor which is a massive compliment! dark Horse for the Lions in 18 month time I think. What pace to score that try.

As for the rest - Cross got through a power of work today and Gilchrist really manned up tonight against some grizzled veterans.

Talei was absolutely superb and a deserved MOTM.

Laidlaw - great captains display and fantastic kicking. Rest of the backs weren't great though.

All in all superb result - got to be the best ever win for Edinburgh?

And a bigger surprise than the victory - BBC Scotland news actually mentioned the win!!!

What an amazing game. Just back from my local Rugby club an I won't lie, I've had a fair stash of peeve. Denton was utterly brilliant tonight and after all the bad things I said about Goodman he nailed that DG when it mattered.

QF here we come!

Well done Edina. Great display. Now for Leinster on Sunday - and independence. Bloody hell what a week ma heid is pure spinnin !

RDW_Scotland wrote:Well now I've calmed down here's my thoughts:

Scotland back row against England:

6 - Denton
7 - Rennie
8 - Brown

Denton and Rennie were both absolutely incredible tonight. No idea why Rennie was taken off as he was superb - niggling injury maybe. Denton though - really is a young Simon Taylor which is a massive compliment! dark Horse for the Lions in 18 month time I think. What pace to score that try.

As for the rest - Cross got through a power of work today and Gilchrist really manned up tonight against some grizzled veterans.

Talei was absolutely superb and a deserved MOTM.

Laidlaw - great captains display and fantastic kicking. Rest of the backs weren't great though.

All in all superb result - got to be the best ever win for Edinburgh?

RDW, I'd prefer to play Denton at 8, so I'd have:
6 - Brown
7 - Rennie
8 - Denton

Has Brown played at 6 for Scotland in a while? I'd take ASBOs back row too.

I wish I saw this one. Wonder if I will have a shot to see a replay.

Truly happy for the lads from the capital. All up to Cardiff now, and I don't think anyone can know which Cardiff or London Irish team will show up, which makes predicting that one kind of like sacrificing a chicken and looking at the bones to get the result.

So, quietly, very quietly, Edinburgh has snuck up on everyone and tops the pool. Let's hope the worm has turned and they go far, real far, in the playoffs.

Hey Doc,

If you don't mind speaking parseltongue, have a look at this (starting at 38 minutes):
http://www.s4c.co.uk/clic/e_level2.shtml?series_id=501531273

Thanks for that post Ian. Denton's try was a belter. Well played the Gunners !

Parseltongue, indeed! Rippin try.

Funny. I am in America and the regular BBC I-Player doesn't work. But the S4C does. I think if we put that to music, it would be a kind of rap.

KickAndChase wrote:Has Brown played at 6 for Scotland in a while? I'd take ASBOs back row too.

Think he maybe did in the RWC a couple of games when Vernon was at 8? But Brown is a more natural blindside to me, and Denton the more obvious ball-carrying, barn-storming 8

Only reason I put it that way Is that dumper has been playing 6 all season and brown has the international experience at 8. Would be happy the other way though!

Rennie should surely start though.

Anyone else agree that if denton continues to developed as he's done so far he might be in with a shout for the lions? Long way to get yet though I suppose.

Doubt it 6 is a very strong position in the home nations, with Ferris and Lydiate and O'Brien a 6.5 as well, Tom Croft has fallen badly out of form though so who knows.

If you go on to youtube and type in racing metro v edinburgh it has the highlights up. Great try by denton, some weak tackling by both teams though for a few soft tries but great composure from godman for the drop goal. If only scotland had set the ball up so well against argentina!!

Some better highlights, as my French is infinitely better than my Welsh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHHQcp2RJOY

I'm in agreement with ASBO over Denton at 8 - he just needs to sort out his body positioning. Watch Brown going into a tackle; he drops his head and upper body a bit, and secures the ball.

RE: Parseltongue, I used to live with a Welsh girl at Uni who would swear at me in her native tongue when I didn't do the dishes. I'm pretty sure she was casting spells or something. Calling it "Parseltongue" used to wind her up no end.

Think Denton might get be in with a shout for one of the 8 berths for the Lions if he keeps this up - less competition there too: Heaslip, Faletau, Morgan

Artful_Dodger wrote:Doubt it 6 is a very strong position in the home nations, with Ferris and Lydiate and O'Brien a 6.5 as well, Tom Croft has fallen badly out of form though so who knows.

Not to mention our very own Kelly Brown - not one of your show-pony types like the other contenders

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

KickAndChase wrote:Has Brown played at 6 for Scotland in a while? I'd take ASBOs back row too.

Think he maybe did in the RWC a couple of games when Vernon was at 8? But Brown is a more natural blindside to me, and Denton the more obvious ball-carrying, barn-storming 8

Kelly plays at blind every week for Sarries and that's good enough for me - Brown is such a smart footballer he could essentially play anywhere.

Denton should take the 8 shirt if at all possible - it's the biggest gap that we have whilst someone works out what's happened to the beast that used to be J. Beattie Esquire.

What a headache for Robinson - I really think that he prefers Barclay at 7 but in all conscience is he really doing enough to keep the shirt? Barclay needs a massive game against Leinster today to lay claim. I hope that he does - the competition is great for Scotland. Lovely to see those loosies giving it a go in France.

Denton must play 8 for Scotland in my view. His only real competition for that jersey is Richie Vernon at Sale, and Denton's power should win that debate. I'm not a fan of moving Brown to 8, and if we did, presumably Robinson would look to Strokosch at 6. I would go with Brown at 6, either Rennie or Barclay at 7 (see below) and Denton at 8, with either Strokosch or Vernon on the bench.

Barclay was used at 8 against Leinster, presumably a move by Lineen to counter the excellent breakdown skills of Leinster. I don't think it worked particularly well for Barclay, and in the meantime it looks like Rennie had a good game for Edinburgh (although his try was never a try due to Gilchrist's illegal blocking). The two are so closely matched that a good week for one and an average week for the other can tip the balance in my book. Next week should be decisive.

I wouldnt say Barclay and Rennie are on even ground tbh fes.

Barclays not had a good game in over a year by his own standards, while Rennie has been class for embra all season. His perceived lack of gametime is due to Roddy also being in great form. Plus hes certainly looked livelier than Barclay when replacing him in the navy blue.

IBD, Rennie is the better player in my view, only question is his multiple injuries and subsequently fitness. Looked good again on Friday, Barclay has looked lacklustre to me all season. For me Brown 6 Denton 8 Rosscoe 7, Barclay bench to cover 7 and possibly 8 as at weekend, Brown Denton can play both 6 and 8.

I think it's pretty clear that Barclay and Beattie need to move on from Glasgow at the end of this season to rediscover their love for the game. Time for Rennie to step up for the thistle, Brown at 6, 'dozer at 8, a very nicely balanced backrow, looking to ring Barclay on to finish things off

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:I think it's pretty clear that Barclay and Beattie need to move on from Glasgow at the end of this season to rediscover their love for the game. Time for Rennie to step up for the thistle, Brown at 6, 'dozer at 8, a very nicely balanced backrow, looking to ring Barclay on to finish things off

Personally I'd pick one of Rennie or Barclay and have the other play for Scotland A. I wouldn't have a specialist openside covering the back row from the bench. I'd rather have either Vernon or Strokosch.

On the Rennie vs Barclay debate I'm pretty easy. I think talk of Barclay's decline are slightly exaggerated, he's not playing that badly, and meanwhile I don't think Rennie walks on water. He's been dropped on several occasions for Roddy Grant, a fine player, but it is indicative that Rennie is not playing out of his skin. Were I picking the side now I'd probably go for Rennie, but if Barclay tears up the Rec on Saturday I could be persuaded to change my mind.

I do agree that both Beattie and Barclay should move on to bigger things. Perhaps Barclay could stay one more season to ensure that both don't leave at the same time, but I'm not fussed. Chris Fusaro has come on leaps and bounds and if the rumours are true that Masoe is coming, then with Harley, Wilson and Eddie on board, Glasgow will have enough to stay competitive. The loss of Gray is the harder problem to solve. He and Kellock were superb together on Sunday. Kellock and Ryder, both good players, won't be as effective. Gray is the star. Shame to lose him.