Clever Edinburgh show just how far they have come

EDINBURGH’S scintillating display at Murrayfield yesterday ends Toulon’s unbeaten spell in Scotland and, for the first time, will likely stop the French giants getting out of the pool stage.

This performance not only illustrated how far the mighty have fallen but more importantly how much Edinburgh have improved.

The Scottish side were an unbreakable unit from zero to 80 and thoroughly deserved their bonus-point reward. Facing a team littered with world-class names, Edinburgh came out of the blocks firing and never looked back.

Their opponents for large chunks of the game looked positively clueless. There was no clear strategy as to how they were to break down Edinburgh’s free-flowing attack, and when they did have possession they were forced to try the miracle balls, hoping their X-factor players like Julian Savea or Malakai Fekitoa could save the day.

The French side were a team of individuals against a well-drilled unit who had clearly been paying attention in training.

Richard Cockerill’s knowledge of his former club clearly paid dividends in this match, with the majority of set- pieces holding firm and the likes of Matt Scott and Darcy Graham tearing their defence apart.

Graham has again illustrated size is not the be all and end all, with another exceptional display.

The pocket rocket has certainly put his hand up in terms of international duty and with a couple more kilos he has the ability to become a world-class winger.

Perhaps the most encouraging development in Edinburgh’s game was their ability to keep the visitors out for an extended period of time.

For much of the second half, Toulon were parked in the Scottish side’s 22, but Cockerill’s men did not let up.

A fair amount of pressure will have been laid at the door of Roddy Grant, Edinburgh’s defensive coach, following performances at the beginning of the season where Edinburgh shipped a lot of tries in the Pro 14.

But this display signifies an evolution of this squad.

They’re game understanding and ability to implement their defensive system against one of the strongest backlines in the French Top 14 and Europe will have silenced many critics.

A mishap from Montepellier tomorrow and a win for Newcastle blows this group wide open and after a performance such as this one, Edinburgh will feel they have every right to reach the next stage.

If Glasgow are to match the success of their Scottish neighbours, Adam Hastings must find the balance between his aggressive attacking play and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

It is possible for Warriors to lose today and still go through but realistically, their trip down to Cardiff is a must win if they are to continue in Europe.

The most crucial part of playing away from home is ensuring your pack turns up. Glasgow were impressive against Saracens up front but will need to do the same in Wales to ensure a much-needed victory.

Hastings will have matured from his European debut last week but needs to curb his adventurous style at key moments in the match to allow Glasgow to keep put points on the board.

He must not be afraid to put his stamp of authority on the game.

There is great history between these two sides and Cardiff showed they are no slouches in Europe after their victory in Lyon last week.

Confidence will be high within the Welsh ranks and Gareth Anscombe’s current form provides a mouthwatering match-up between him and Hastings at 10.

Not many teams win in France, so the Blues will feel anything is possible heading into today’s game.

It’s a big challenge for Hastings, but the fly half will be better this week than he was last week and if his forwards can give him front-foot ball then his Finn Russell-style attack should create holes in Cardiff’s defence.

If they can stay close and within touching distance, they have a strong chance of getting the result.