Edinburgh need to overcome their identity crisis to improve

WHILE Glasgow suffered a defeat to Ulster in an incredibly physical match at Scotstoun on a dreich Friday night, the match highlighted some of the gaps between the Warriors and their counterparts at the other end of the M8. Most significantly, Scotstoun was sold out. Just over 7300 fans turned up to watch this pulsating match, played on the new surface which looked more like a snooker table than a rugby pitch, and they urged on their team until the final whistle.

Glasgow, encouraged by such a partisan and vociferous crowd, did their utmost but couldn’t sneak a last-minute victory.

Contrast that with the attendance at Murrayfield the previous weekend for Edinburgh’s match against Leinster, when around 2500 spectators turned up to watch the home team succumb to the Irish side.

Even when Murrayfield is half-full it is still a fairly soulless place to play, so the capital side will be looking forward to their move to Myreside in January where even a modest crowd will create more of an atmosphere for the players.

Yet the differences between the two teams go beyond the venue. Glasgow have worked hard to build a solid supporter base in a city which isn’t renowned for its support of the oval ball.

In fact, Glasgow fans come from far and wide to watch their team, eschewing an Edinburgh side which is closer and easier to get to.

Gregor Townsend and Sean Lineen have to take much of the credit for this as Glasgow play an entertaining and attractive style of rugby. What’s more, they win – mostly with homegrown players.

Even Glasgow’s imports have built really strong relationships with the fan base as evidenced by Leone Nakawara, the big Fijian who was integral to Glasgow’s Pro12 success in the last three years.

The same cannot be said of Edinburgh. When Alan Solomons took over as coach he immediately signed a number of journeymen players from abroad who never really made the same impact as those signed by Glasgow.

Edinburgh have been inconsistent and, despite the rich rugby heritage in the city, have become subordinate to their rivals in Glasgow, despite winning the 1872 Cup.

Until Edinburgh start winning, and winning well, as they did under Andy Robinson, attracting good crowds will be extremely difficult.

And therein lies the issue. Edinburgh’s lack of real identity and inability to play attractive rugby has stopped them from building a solid supporter base.

Even in defeat on Friday, Glasgow’s performance was something to behold, not least because of their need to blood home bred youngsters who came on and played with heart and passion for their club.

Edinburgh would do well to learn from their neighbours if they are to become a force again.