Among all the statistics in the URC, the sole category where Edinburgh leads is the lineout. Oh, and of course, the league table itself.
For the first time in the history of Edinburgh, we have achieved 19 points after the initial four matches. Historically, our average points during this period over the last five years has been nine.
You might think that Liam McConnell is our standout player in the lineout, and you’d be correct. He shares the title for most lineout steals in the URC; however, it’s interesting to note that Glen Young is his fellow top achiever.
If the last match served as a measure of progress for Hector Patterson as he matched his skills against Scotland’s number nine, Ben White, this week he demonstrated why there was such a demand for the Hawick scrum-half to be part of the Scotland squad.
With two tries, two assists, his involvement in the disallowed Geordie Gwynn try, a typical scrum-half attitude, and a crucial goalline tackle on Lions number eight Francke Horne—which, had he failed, could have handed the Lions a lead at halftime—he rightfully claimed the man of the match title.
Gwynn may have entered the scene somewhat unnoticed but has proven to be an exceptional acquisition. He possesses notable speed, excels under high balls, and only Piers O’Conor has managed to evade more defenders and gain more yards. I envision Gwynn finishing the season as one of Edinburgh’s top try scorers.
I nearly dismissed Wes Goosen after his initial season and had a similar impression of Mosese Tuipulotu. I was mistaken in both instances, yet I failed to learn from those misjudgments and categorized O’Conor merely as a utility substitute, whereas he has become an invaluable asset at fullback for Edinburgh this season.
Becoming the top tighthead for Edinburgh, surpassing the highly skilled scrumager Paul Hill and confidently holding his own against Springbok Boan Venter, still didn’t secure Ollie Blyth-Lafferty a position in the Scotland squad.
This is disheartening, as were several other decisions, even though they appeared sensible as Scotland prepares for a World Cup. The contrast is that last year, nobody was shocked by Edinburgh’s lack of representation in the national team.
Sandy Smith can be found at the Burgh Watch
