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January 22, 2011

Posted on 01/22/2011

Power play

In the Scotsman, Allan Massie assesses the relative strengths of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

"The contrast between Glasgow's 20-10 win and Edinburgh's 37-0 defeat at the hands of Northampton, admittedly away from home, says much about the difference between the two clubs. Edinburgh can play brilliant 15-man rugby. Nobody who has watched them over the season can reasonably dispute this. Indeed, their first-half performance in the home game against the same opponents a few weeks ago was outstanding. They scored three of the best tries one has seen from any Scottish team against good opposition for years - perhaps since that astonishing first-half in Paris in 1999 when Scotland scored five tries within 30 minutes. Nevertheless, Edinburgh lost that game, too, if only by the narrow margin 31-27. They lost in the same way and for the same reason that they tend to lose matches: because their set-piece was not good enough and they were beaten up-front, therefore found themselves playing on the back foot.
"When Glasgow's pack is going well, as it did against Wasps last week, they are formidable opponents for anyone. Edinburgh's pack is underpowered. Glasgow's locks, Alastair Kellock and Richie Gray, are heavier and stronger than any pair Edinburgh can field. Scott MacLeod is excellent in the line-out and a skilful ball-player. Fraser Mackenzie also has rare skills, but is at least a couple of years short of full physical development. Glasgow are stronger at No 8, too, with Johnnie Beattie, Richie Vernon and Ryan Wilson, named man of the match against Wasps. Edinburgh frequently have to field their captain, Roddy Grant, in that position. He is a splendid player but his real position is No 7. Indeed, Edinburgh often play an entire back-row of 7s: Ross Rennie, Grant and Alan MacDonald."

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