Edinburgh Rugby vs Scarlets - 14/04 Pro14

by EWT Spoons Thu 12 Apr 2018, 8:37 am

EDINBURGH

V
SCARLETS Edinburgh Rugby vs Scarlets - 14/04 Pro14 SCAR4960

Venue: BT Murrayfield
Date: 14/04/2018
KO: 15.15
TV: Sky Sports

Played: 29
Wins: 14 each
Losses: 14 each (obviously)
Draws: 1
Tries: Edinburgh 28, Scarlets 44

Last time out
Scarlets 28 - 8 Edinburgh

Form:
Pretty mixed from both teams.
Scarlets last 3 Pro14 games:
09/03 - Scarlets 10 - 10 Leinster
24/03 - Munster 19 - 7 Scarlets
07/04 - Scarlets 26 - 8 Glasgow

Full gambit of results there, but against 3 very tough teams, and obviously Scarlets have been doing well in Europe

Edinburgh last 3 Pro14 games:
16/03 - Edinburgh 12 - 6 Munster
23/03 - Connacht 22 - 29 Edinburgh
06/04 - Edinburgh 20 - 32 Ulster

Teams:

Edinburgh
15. Blair Kinghorn (62)
14. Dougie Fife (104)
13. James Johnstone (15)
12. Chris Dean (64)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (15)
10. Jaco van der Walt (14)
9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (105)
1. Jordan Lay (9)
2. Stuart McInally (117)
3. Simon Berghan (46)
4. Ben Toolis (85)
5. Grant Gilchrist (117)
6. Magnus Bradbury (50)
7. Jamie Ritchie (46)
8. Cornell du Preez (102)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (73); 17. Allan Dell (41); 18. Murray McCallum (37); 19. Lewis Carmichael (30); 20. Luke Crosbie (11); 21. Nathan Fowles (56); 22. Duncan Weir (32); 23. Mark Bennett (9)

Scarlets
15. Rhys Jones
14. Tom Varndell
13. Ioan Nicholas
12. Steff Hughes (capt)
11. Ryan Conbeer
10. Dan Jones
9. Aled Davies
1. Dylan Evans
2. Ryan Elias
3. Werner Kruger
4. Steve Cummins
5. David Bulbring
6. Lewis Rawlins
7. Josh MacLeod
8. Wil Boyde
Replacements
16. Taylor Davies
17. Phil Price
18. Simon Gardiner
19. Josh Helps
20. Shaun Evans
21. Jonathan Evans
22. Corey Baldwin
23. Tom Rogers

Despite playing well for quite a bit of the season the last few results have gone against Edinburgh with our form dropping pretty significantly. Games against Cardiff in Europe and Ulster in the league have been amongst the worst so far this season.

Based on the last games, Scarlets come into this match in form with great results in Europe and at home to a very good Glasgow side, whereas Edinburgh have stuttered and were totally outplayed by Cardiff, and for large portions of the game by Ulster.

From an Edinburgh point of view, hopefully Scarlets have an eye on next week's game and decide to rest some players, however, I fear they may fancy their chances of topping the conference with them only being 4 points behind Leinster.

Edinburgh need a win here, that loss to Ulster has put the team under a lot of pressure to retain 3rd position in the conference, and with only two games remaining (of the regular season) against Scarlets & Glasgow, both are going to be tough. However, should Ulster lose to Ospreys on Friday night, that would take some pressure off with Ulster having Ospreys (H), Glasgow (H) & Munster (A), all/any of those games could be a bit of a banana skin.

Scarlets can lose this game and still finish 2nd in the conference if they beat Dragons in the last game, so there is less pressure on them.

by Brendan Thu 12 Apr 2018, 9:03 am

Is Edinburgh players tired after having a season of higher performances so just tired or have teams worked them out already.

Been surprised first by how much they have improved this year and then by their fall off over the last two games against teams that should have looked their equal but were out thought and out played.

I think if they loose this it is all over for them and would face an improving Ospreys for the remaining Champ Cup spot so might not end well

by VinceWLB Thu 12 Apr 2018, 9:43 am

Brendan wrote:Is Edinburgh players tired after having a season of higher performances so just tired or have teams worked them out already.

Been surprised first by how much they have improved this year and then by their fall off over the last two games against teams that should have looked their equal but were out thought and out played.

I think if they loose this it is all over for them and would face an improving Ospreys for the remaining Champ Cup spot so might not end well

I think bringing the internationalists back into the team hasn't worked out as well as hoped, particularly McInally, Gilchrist, Nell and to a lesser extent Toolis. The team was actually doing very well without them. I also believe the team was hampered by a negative gameplan and Ulster exploited admirably well the baffling selection of Burleigh in the centre..

Although i was already expecting a reaction against Ulster we will see how the team reacts saturday against what should be a slightly weakened Scarlets side.

by EWT Spoons Thu 12 Apr 2018, 10:03 am

I think it’s partially down to teams figuring Edinburgh out, certainly that was the case against Cardiff who identified the gaps behind our defence and exploited it ruthlessly.

However, I wonder if it’s down the pressure and the quality of some players.

In terms of pressure, over the last few seasons (quite a few) Edinburgh have been a team finishing in the lower to bottom half of the table, nothing was really expected of them and they lived up to those expectations. This season however, we are at the business end of the season and in a position to actually qualify for the playoffs and the champions cup. I’m not sure if the players are comfortable with that level of pressure as it’s new to them. I think whatever happens this season, it will stand us in good stead as they will get that experience and hopefully deal with it better next time out.

Along with that, our first choice 10 this season has fallen out of form, quite badly, which I guess is to be expected as he came in from a season in SA, and is probably in need of a rest. We are therefore having to rely on Duncan Weir, who despite having a late flourish to his Edinburgh career (cynically: playing for a contract, which he now has at Worcester) is not a particularly good player, and 95% of his Edinburgh and Scotland career would attest to that. Alongside him we’ve had to play Fowles who is at best a backup player, and I’m being generous with that.

There is also huge turmoil this season with 16 players (at last count) being let go. Whilst the players initially did well to continue under that knowledge, I wonder if it’s catching up with them as we get closer to the end of their contracts. It’s likely to be playing on their mind if they haven’t got something else lined up yet. There are only so many players Alan Solomans can take down to Worcester!

by Hazel Sapling Thu 12 Apr 2018, 10:36 am

Can't imagine the fitness levels are off with Cockerill in charge and it is probably mental. These guys are not used to playing consistent, goo rugby this late in the season.

Bearing that in mind, I will make a stab in the dark that will inevitably be wrong for a 23

Sutherland - Cochrane - Berghan
Toolis - McKenzie
Ritchie - Mata - Hardie

SHC - Weir
VDM - Dean - Bennett - Hoyland
Fife

McInally - Marfo - Nel - Carmichael - Bradbury/CDP - Kennedy - Burleigh - Kinghorn

Unlikely to see it. Would give VDW a week where he does not have to think about the game. Even being a sub means mental preparation for coming on. No Fowles. That bench front row to come on if the Scarlets are winning the scrum may be able to stem the flow. Generally an attacking bench that can come on if Edinburgh are down by 10 and get tries.

by EWT Spoons Fri 13 Apr 2018, 1:24 pm

Head Coach Richard Cockerill has named his Edinburgh team to face reigning champions Scarlets in tomorrow afternoon’s crucial Guinness PRO14 encounter at BT Murrayfield (Saturday 14 April, kick-off 3.15pm).

The team selection includes four changes to side that faced Ulster last weekend. Jaco van der Walt, Chris Dean and James Johnstone replace Duncan Weir, Phil Burleigh and Mark Bennett in the backline, whilst Cornell du Preez comes in for the injured Bill Mata at number eight.

As Edinburgh seek to strengthen their pursuit of a place in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series, Cockerill has called on his side to show their true strength of character.

“We have the players and we have the characters to do it, but it’s all about belief and we have had that a lot throughout the season,” said the Head Coach.

The key part is not to overthink things, train well and put yourself in the right place to play well.

“We are good enough to qualify for the Final Series and we have earned the right to be where we are through good performances. We are more than capable of beating Scarlets if we get it right.”

An unchanged back-three sees fullback Blair Kinghorn link up with wingers Dougie Fife and Duhan van der Merwe.

Scotland Sevens star Johnstone gets the nod at outside-centre alongside Dean in a revamped midfield.

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne keeps his place at scrum-half and is partnered by Van der Walt, who returns to the starting XV after being an unused substitute in last weekend’s clash with Ulster.

Hooker Stuart McInally captains the side and is joined up-front by Jordan Lay and Simon Berghan. Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis are once again named in the second-row.

The only alteration to the back-row sees Du Preez slot in at number eight alongside Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Ritchie.

Elsewhere, British and Irish Lions and Scotland international prop Allan Dell is named amongst the replacements and if involved will make his first apperance of 2018.

Edinburgh team to face Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14 at BT Murrayfield on Saturday 14 April (kick-off 3.15pm) – live on Sky Sports Action.

15. Blair Kinghorn (62)

14. Dougie Fife (104)

13. James Johnstone (15)

12. Chris Dean (64)

11. Duhan van der Merwe (15)

10. Jaco van der Walt (14)

9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (105)

1. Jordan Lay (9)

2. Stuart McInally (117)

3. Simon Berghan (46)

4. Ben Toolis (85)

5. Grant Gilchrist (117)

6. Magnus Bradbury (50)

7. Jamie Ritchie (46)

8. Cornell du Preez (102)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (73); 17. Allan Dell (41); 18. Murray McCallum (37); 19. Lewis Carmichael (30); 20. Luke Crosbie (11); 21. Nathan Fowles (56); 22. Duncan Weir (32); 23. Mark Bennett (9)

by EWT Spoons Fri 13 Apr 2018, 1:25 pm

Scarlets side to take on Edinburgh, Saturday 14th April, kick-off 15:15, at Murrayfield;

15 Rhys Jones, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Ioan Nicholas, 12 Steff Hughes

, 11 Ryan Conbeer, 10 Dan Jones, 9 Aled Davies, 1 Dylan Evans, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Werner Kruger, 4 Steve Cummins, 5 David Bulbring, 6 Lewis Rawlins, 7 Josh Macleod, 8 Will Boyde

Replacements; 16 Taylor Davies, 17 Phil Price, 18 Simon Gardiner, 19 Josh Helps, 20 Shaun Evans, 21 Jonathan Evans, 22 Corey Baldwin, 23 Tom Rogers

by **RDW** Fri 13 Apr 2018, 1:35 pm

Scarlets have put out their reserves - we absolutely have to win this.

by VinceWLB Fri 13 Apr 2018, 2:03 pm

Yes, that's a proper 2nd stringer Scarlets side, i think only 2nd row Bulbring will start next week.

As for Edinburgh, i'm glad to see that centre partnership selected, as i think this has been by some margin the best combo Edinburgh have put out this season.
Cockers must have a crush on Lay as i feel he is very lucky to retain his position after last weeks display.
Glad VdW has been selected at 10 as this should give the team a more positive mindset.

by TJ Fri 13 Apr 2018, 2:24 pm

Thats a pretty stron Edinburgh side v a second string Scarlets side - if Edinburgh don't win this we don't deserve to be in Europe or the playoffs

by des Fri 13 Apr 2018, 2:39 pm

So I put £30 on Ulster last week and got £96 back. This morning I put £96 on Scarlets with the expected return being £260 if they win. Then they name this team and the odds shift drastically meaning if Scarlets win I miss out on an extra £100.

Basically it's was a win, win situation that's turned into a win, win, lose one. As such I expect Edinburgh to lose.

by jimbopip Fri 13 Apr 2018, 2:53 pm

des wrote:So I put £30 on Ulster last week and got £96 back. This morning I put £96 on Scarlets with the expected return being £260 if they win. Then they name this team and the odds shift drastically meaning if Scarlets win I miss out on an extra £100.

Basically it's was a win, win situation that's turned into a win, win, lose one. As such I expect Edinburgh to lose.

See that's why I don't bet. Shocked

I didn't understand a word of that. chin

by Hazel Sapling Fri 13 Apr 2018, 3:13 pm

That Scarlets bench....was Phil Price the guy they got from Dragons? Otherwise I have never heard of any of them before.

The Scarlets front 5 is not bad and can cause problems. Edinburgh missed Hardie last week and assume he is injured. Not sure CDP's heart is into this considering his form. I would love to stand corrected. Great to see Dell back

That backline ought to be able to do a number on the Scarlets. Dean wants to get into the Scotland team, this is where he has to set a marker. Burleigh was poor last week and he is going up against a 2nd/3rd (4th string?) centre pairing in a must win game.

by des Fri 13 Apr 2018, 3:19 pm

Its not that complicated, just poorly worded.

I put my bet on early before the teams were announced. Once Scarlets named their team the odds shifted from a +3 handicap to +9 point handicap. Given my bet, if Scarlets win I get £260 instead of £360 if I'd waited 15 minutes.

It was a stupid mistake by me to think that the early odds would include the Scarlets naming a 2nd string side.

by **RDW** Fri 13 Apr 2018, 11:35 pm

Ulster beating ospreys means a win is even more necessary

by TJ Sat 14 Apr 2018, 3:24 pm

anyone got a link? PM me

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 3:24 pm

Good start by Edinburgh, even if the scoring pass was a mile forward!

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 3:25 pm

Nothing wrong with that one. VDM blasts down the wing!

12-0 Edinburgh after 9 mins!

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 3:26 pm

14-0 with the conversion.

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 3:45 pm

4th try and bonus point on 24th minute!

I know this is a Scarlets second string but you have to say that Edinburgh are playing really well. The changes they have made are all really working. VDW, Dean and Johnson are just a different class in midfield. The Bradbury, Ritchie, CDP backrow is eating them alive.

Could be a long afternoon for the Welshmen.

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 4:07 pm

A lesson on maintaining concentration for Edinburgh. Having won the bonus point, they then give two tries away to make the second half interesting.

Ritchie and Kinghorn off injured as well. Not so good, both were playing well.

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 4:25 pm

SHC definitely putting himself in the shop window today. The best I have seen him play in a long time. I have been very critical of him in the past, but when he is switched on, he can be a very good player.

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:01 pm

Dunky does it again. Great pick up in his own half. Did not quite have the pace to go the whole way this time but Mark Bennett provided that.

A try made in Glasgow!

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:02 pm

The look of panic when meatball sees how far he's going to need to run to score a try laughing

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:04 pm

What a try off the lineout! Superb!

by **BigGee** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:05 pm

52-14 Edinburgh at FT

Not to shabby!

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:07 pm

Only saw from 60 minutes onwards so I missed most of the fireworks, but our defence was very impressive in the last 20 and we soaked up a lot of pressure.

Great result for us, exactly what we needed and should get heads up again after a bad few weeks. Great stuff

by Hazel Sapling Sat 14 Apr 2018, 5:11 pm

That was the sort of game that the English can complain about. That Scarlets performance was abject.

Edinburgh did what was needed and re-focused on the task at hand. Pretty much confirms 3rd for them. Hopefully Ritchie and Kinghorn get back for the playoffs. Kinghorn is in a massive leg brace but walking about smiling.

Bradbury got man of the match. Interviewer joked about the second MOTM performance in 3 weeks (ignoring the Ulster performance)

by Brendan Sat 14 Apr 2018, 9:32 pm

Treviso just beat Leinster if Scarlets had of tried the could have had a shot at top spot

Well done Edinburgh can only beat what's in front of you and great for your confidence

by **RDW** Sat 14 Apr 2018, 10:38 pm

Holy crap what a win for Edinburgh!

by mikey_dragon Sun 15 Apr 2018, 12:44 am

Looks like Edinburgh really gave Scarlets a good kickin' - I think they should have done better but that's what you get for sending a 2nd string. It's also not great to be going into big games at the end of the season and keep losing a few players to injury.

I like the competitive nature in the league this year. A much improved Edinburgh have contributed to that!

by VinceWLB Sun 15 Apr 2018, 1:02 am

Much improved Edinburgh and Treviso, conference B turned out to be so much more interesting than conference A. Who would have thought that at the start of the season when looking at the tables?

by mckay1402 Mon 16 Apr 2018, 2:20 pm

That Scarlets side should have been way too good to lose by that much to Edinburgh. Edinburgh were top class.

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