HODGE READY FOR TRIP INTO THE UNKNOWN

EDINBURGH interim head coach Duncan Hodge admits it will be ‘a step into the unknown’ when his team open their European Challenge Cup campaign with an away match against Timisoara Saracens in Romania.

Their convincing 45-10 bonus point win over Treviso in the Guinness Pro12 on Friday has set them up perfectly for the game that Hodge believes could prove tougher than many expect.

Although Romanian domestic rugby in general isn’t strong, Timisoara is their leading club and have the advantage of being one of the feeder sides for Aviva Premiership outfit Saracens, who send their coaches over to take sessions. Some Saracens players also go there on loan, with three currently on the books of the Romanians.

‘They have good foundations as a club and they will fancy their chances at home,’ said Hodge (right).

‘It will be a step into the unknown for us going out there as we don’t know too much about them, so will have to do our homework this week but we can expect a tough game.

‘Overall, you never know what to expect in Europe, whoever you play, in terms of what selection teams will make and that is definitely going to be the case playing out in Romania.

‘What is a positive is that we go into the game with a good win over Treviso. Playing against Timisoara, then Harlequins at home the following Saturday, is going to give us a real lift.

‘The Challenge Cup Final is at Murrayfield this year, so it is also a huge carrot to the squad to get there. To play in front of our home fans in the Final would be huge but we need to keep winning our games, starting in Romania.’

Hodge, whose team will travel to Romania without WP Nel, who has a neck injury, has decided to leave Scotland for Timisoara as late as possible, revealing: ‘We will train at Murrayfield on Thursday before flying down to London, then to Timisoara.

‘I want most of our work done in Scotland before we leave apart from light training on Friday, so we are ready for the match.’