There was a real sense of excitement heading back in to Hive Stadium this week because it seemed like an eternity since we last gathered there.
With three away matches in South Africa and a trip in to Murrayfield it had, in fact, been a number of weeks.
I always enjoy the matches against the Welsh teams, particularly the Ospreys because it’s usually a tough battle and the Scarlets because we usually find a way to beat them. I’ve mentioned before that the Ospreys are my second team so as such the Scarlets are very much not one of my favourites.
It was a beautiful evening for rugby, a little chilly but clear and dry. As the teams ran out we were treated to Grant Gilchrist and WP Nel running out with their kids and a chance for us all to cheer them after their 200th matches recently. With the match evening dubbed “family fest” it felt totally right that our two double centurions got to celebrate with their families
The first half we just didn’t click as a team. The intent was there as we kept trying to get up the field. Penalties were sacrificed for kicks to touch but failed line outs, knock ons and other inaccuracies meant these repeatedly came to nothing. We finally broke across the line due to the skill of Wes Goosen who again showed his worth this week but with tries for Scarlets from Rogers and Davies they looked the stronger side
With a half time score of Edinburgh 7 Scarlets 15 we feared more to come in the second half.
The second half saw a number of changes to the team with a whole new front row of Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Nel bringing a host of experience to the field. Just four minutes in to the second half we were treated to a try from Duhan van der Merwe and then it seemed like the floodgates opened.
Tries from Matt Currie, Schoeman, Mark Bennett and Bill Mata, all bar one successfully converted with only one penalty for the Scarlets in answer. The final score Edinburgh 43-18 Scarlets.
As I’ve said already Goosen was outstanding again and took player of the match but others who stood out for me were Jamie Ritchie and Jamie Hodgson. Currie did remarkably well out of place on the wing as well.
Our goal of being in the top eight is still possible and for every bonus point win we get it’s a step closer. We clearly needed the stability of our first choice front row as the improvement to the set piece and line out once they were on was very obvious.
We played right to the end of the 80 minutes, aiming for every point we could get, this is what we need. One reason we are in eighth with the Ospreys and Stormers higher than us on the table with less wins is bonus points. I heard a number of criticisms from fans in the first half calling to just “take the kick” but that won’t help us reach the top eight.
Yes we need to win matches but we need to score more tries and those will not come if we just keep kicking through the posts. It didn’t work in the first half but at least they were trying to make it work, and when it gelled in the second half boy did it ever work.
So next weekend we head down to face another Welsh team, Cardiff this time. One of my favourite away destinations I will be heading down on Friday to catch the match on Saturday and I am excited to meet up with a number of other fans there, it’s gonna be a good weekend.
Cardiff are not having a great season. They haven’t won a URC match since December and are down in 12th place on the table. They can never be underestimated but we are definitely capable of beating them though.
There were a couple of other news stories which stood out to me this week.
Ali Price signing for at least another year. I will admit I wasn’t sure when we first heard Ali was coming across the M8 to join us, I wasn’t sure how he would fit in and whether his style of play would suit us but I’ve grown to appreciate him and I think he has fitted in well.
I like the contrast between him and Vellacott. It can completely change up a match when they are switched keeping the opposition on their toes.
The other bit of news was Sean revealing that they have spoken to Magnus Bradbury and now it has been confirmed that he will be returning, this bit of news makes me very happy.
We are without a doubt going to massively miss Big Bill Mata. He has been an outstanding servant to the club and those will be some massive boots to fill (figuratively and literally).
We have some guys who I think are in the wings and have the prospect to be mighty number 8’s. Ben Muncaster played at 8 for the Edinburgh A team on Friday and was solid and strong. Tom Dodd was outstanding in the A team at 6 but I think he could be a contender for 8.
But Maggie … we all loved watching him play, he knows us, he’s great, and lovely and well, he’s just oor Maggie. The announcement he’s coming home has made me very excited.
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