Loss of Mata fails to dent Schoeman’s confidence
PIERRE SCHOEMAN is convinced that Edinburgh will be able to give a good account of themselves against Saracens on Saturday even though they will be without Bill Mata.
The capital club confirmed yesterday that both No.8 Mata and winger Damien Hoyland “will be out for a considerable period of time” as a result of knee injuries they sustained in last week’s win over Benetton.
The loss of Mata in particular is a blow given his ability to take the game to the opposition up front, and his ball-carrying adventurousness would almost certainly have been a key element of head coach Mike Blair’s game plan for the Challenge Cup tie at the weekend.
However, increasing depth of the Edinburgh squad has been obvious this season, especially in the back row, where Magnus Bradbury has been in outstanding form. And, although both Edinburgh and the Warriors have struggled to match Saracens’ physicality when drawn against them in Europe, Schoeman is sure his team can be equal to the task that awaits them.
“We feel very confident,” the loosehead prop said. “It’s about the mentality in that 80 minutes. Sometimes you prep so well and then it’s a bad day at the office, or vice versa. But yeah, I’m feeling very confident. So it’s exciting.”
An away game against the three-time European champions is the toughest possible start for Edinburgh, but Schoeman suggested his side would rather be confronted with such a demanding task than be given a draw against less illustrious opponents.
“It’s the games you want to play,” the Scotland international said. “I’m not saying there’s easy games, I’m just saying it’s nice to play in the big matches. The setpiece battles, the physicality is a bit more up there, it’s more of a challenge, everyone wants to win. And it’s nice to play a Premier side. We don’t get that opportunity much, and when it comes it’s nice to do good against them.”