Edinburgh boost their play-off chances

EDINBURGH gave their play-off chances a shot in the arm with victory at Cardiff despite seeing Duhan van der Merwe spend time in the sin bin following a high tackle.

After a scoreless first 25 minutes, the game sprung into life when Van der Merwe raced on to a well-judged pass from Ben Healy to take Edinburgh into the opposition 22. The wingre was hauled down but his forwards maintained the pressure with Pierre Schoeman forcing his way over from close range.

Healy converted before Cardiff lost flanker Ellis Jenkins, who limped off with a leg injury to end his final appearance for the club.

Edinburgh led 7-0 at the interval but two minutes after the restart, they suffered a big blow when Van der Merwe was sin-binned for a high tackle on Theo Cabango.

Cardiff took immediate advantage when Rhys Carre burst over from the resulting line-out to score his eighth try of the season and celebrate his final appearance at the Arms Park before departing for Saracens at the end of the season.

The home side lost a second player to injury when Harri Millard was helped off with a leg injury.

Van der Merwe returned from the sin bin and was immediately called upon to produce a try-saving tackle as he chased back to haul Mason Grady into touch just metres short of the try-line.

Edinburgh regained the lead when Ashman finished off a driving line-out before another try from Boan Venter and a penalty from Healy sealed a deserved victory.

SCORERS; Cardiff — Try: Carre. Con: De Beer.

Edinburgh — Tries: Schoeman, Ashman, Venter.

Pen: