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- 09/10/2006 15:00
Edinburgh stole a 25-24 victory the last time these two sides met with a late Duncan Hodge drop goal. But that has been the Scottish side’s only victory this season and they will do well to record another over Heineken Cup hopefuls Leinster in their home city.
The Irish side – who have been playing Heineken Cup matches at Lansdowne Road – will play this game at their traditional home of Donnybrook as the “Old Lady” of world rugby faces the bulldozers.
But it is not the bulldozers but the speedsters that Edinburgh should fear. With 14 tries from their four matches so far, the Irish side know how to find the line, and more often then not it’s a move involving either Brain O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Acry or Denis Hickie. Or perhaps Shane Horgan. It is almost an embarrassment of riches, but can Leinster fulfil all their potential this year?
And Leinster squad to face Edinburgh has been named by coach Micheal Cheika.
Girvan Dempsey and Luke Fitzgerald are included in the extended squad after missing the last few outings though injury, while Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Leinster Player of the Month for December Gordon D’Arcy is also named in a strong looking squad.
Any Tickets purchased online on or after Wednesday, 10th January can be collected from the Leinster Branch Office (across the road from the ground beside the National Irish Bank) from 3.30pm on Saturday.
Tickets bought in advance of this date will have been posted. ALL Terrace Ticket holders will enter via the Old Wesley turnstiles
Cash will NOT be taken at the turnstiles. Season Ticket Swipe Cards will NOT be accepted as individual match tickets have been issued for this game in advance. Gates open at 4pm.
Saturday’s game will be a sell out and there will also be live music, food, face painting, half-time Mini rugby between Tallaght and Clane, player appearances for the Leinster Cubs in downstairs Old Wesley Bar and there will also be great giveaways on the day.
FORWARDS: Stanley Wright, Reggie Corrigan, Bernard Jackman, Harry Vermaas, Will Green, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O’Kelly, Cameron Jowitt, Owen Finegan, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip
BACKS: Girvan Dempsey, Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan, Kieran Lewis, Brian O’Driscoll CAPTAIN, Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Denis Hickie, Andrew Dunne, Christian Warner, Felipe Contepomi, Guy Easterby, Chris Whitaker
- 09/10/2006 15:00
Leinster guaranteed themselves a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals with an entertaining 49-10 victory over Edinburgh at a windy Donnybrook on Saturday night.
The home side opened the scoring through full-back Rob Kearney, who jinked through some awful “tackling” to dot down near the uprights. Felipe Contepomi converted, but the home side were forced on to the back foot by several promising Edinburgh attacks in the opening quarter.
Leinster and Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy came up with several crucial tackles to keep the visitors out, before splitting the Edinburgh defence and setting up Contepomi for his side’s second try.
The Scottish club hit back with a Hugo Southwell try, but two Contepomi penalty goals gave Leinster a comfortable 20-5 lead at halftime.
Opposing wingers Ben Cairns (Edinburgh) and Shane Horgan swapped tries early in the second half, and Leinster secured their bonus point with a try from back-rower Stephen Keogh.
Horgan scored his second try moments later, and completed a hat-trick with a strong burst in the 72nd minute as Leinster closed in on a half-century of points.
Man of the match Contepomi said: “We were looking to put in a good performance.
“It was a good game and it gives us confidence to go to Gloucester next week and get a home quarter-final.
“The wind was tough, but we played well with it in the second half. Edinburgh are a good side who like to play, and that benefited us in the way we played it.
“We knew that by winning today, we would go through to the quarter-finals. Hopefully the results keep coming and we win something.”
Horgan added: “It’s enjoyable playing in this Leinster team and it’s fun when it all comes off.
“I was delighted with the three tries – it’s nice to be on the end of some of the things we do.
“Gloucester are a very proud team who are tough to beat. They certainly won’t roll over, but we know it’s hugely important to get the win and a home quarter-final.
“We hope it’s Leinster turn this year, but you’re handed nothing in this competition – it all comes down to hard work.”
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