Edinburgh's Champions Cup hopes in balance after Dragons loss
Last Updated: 10/05/15 8:01pm
Edinburgh’s hopes of a top-six finish in the Guinness Pro12 are in the balance after a disappointing 19-5 defeat at Newport Gwent Dragons.
It was an error-strewn performance from both sides in the first half but Dragons went into the interval nine points up.
Jason Tovey scored a 15-metre penalty when Edinburgh infringed at a scrum early on, before later adding another from 10 metres. And full-back Tom Pyrdie scored a penalty from 40 metres with the last kick of the half to extend Dragons’ lead.
The turning point in the second half came when Edinburgh tight-head prop Willem Nel was yellow carded for a ruck infringement.
They kicked to touch for an attacking line-out five metres out, which was well taken by lock Rynard Landman and Hugh Gustafson was at the back of the driving maul that drove over the Edinburgh line. Tovey added the extras.
Edinburgh offered nothing of any significance until 14 minutes from time when they came closest they had all game to getting a score.
They managed to reach inside the Dragons 22 and had a couple of attacking lineouts but, when the ball was sent down the right Sam Beard could only knock-on.
Eventually Edinburgh got off the mark when they had a driving lineout on the Dragons line and quickly fed skipper Stuart McInally to go over for the converted touchdown.
But it proved to be too little too late for Edinburgh, who must beat Leinster next week if they are to have any hope of a top six finish and a place in the European Champions Cup next season.