IT WAS A SOMEWHAT disappointing outcome, that Edinburgh only took two losing bonus points from their Saturday trip to Llanelli, but, given the circumstances it wasn't too-bad an outcome. With more self-control at key moments, Edinburgh might well have won, but even in defeat there were plusses for Sean Everitt and his team.
When I was a young man, Ayr had a secret weapon, in tight-head prop Johnny Burston. Johnny was a centre in the Ayr Academy XV at school, who went to Jordanhill College, where he fell under the influence of Bill Dickinson – who converrted him to a tight-head.
Johnny was small for a prop, but, incredibly strong; his USP however, was that he could operate lower than anyone. He was perhaps the only opposing prop who could take even Ian McLauchlan to places where even that wonderful technician didn't want to go. Opposition loose-heads hated facing him.
On his way to being an internationalist, Javan Sebastian inherited for a time the number 3 Ayr jersey which Burston had worn – the thing is, he is modern incarnation of Burston: a small, immensely-strong tight-head who can take big loose-heads to places they don't want to go.
He showed this with a bright cameo off the bench for Edinburgh at Parc ye Scarlets, where he caused Scarlets, and fellow Scotland cap Alec Hepburn, no end of bother. I think it is time some of Javan's detractors admitted, he's a lot better player than he is made out to be, particularly in the scrums.
Javan wasn't the only Edinburgh player to catch the eye. Skipper Sam Skinner sent a not very subtle message to Gregor Townsend: “I'm fit and available for the Six Nations.” Youngsters Lewis Wells and Harry Paterson both impressed before, unfortunately, being forced off by injury.
Harri Morris had a try-scoring debut, while Liam McConnell further emphasised the bright future he has. OK, they lost the game, but, there was a lot for Sean Everitt to be happy with.
I KNEW THEIR French Internationalist big names would be missing, but, I was still determined to watch Toulouse v Montpellier as an appetiser to the Edinburgh game – I was not disappointed.
With so-many first picks kept back with the French squad, it was no surprise that Toulouse took the whole first half to get going, but, after the turn-round they cut loose and in the end won comfortably.
Oor Ain Blair Kinghorn produced an entertaining cameo off the bench, capped with a try, but the other Scottish 15 on the field – He we can no longer mention – well, on that display, wearing 10 for the losers - he should have stayed retired.
The drawback to this game was thr commentary from some Englishman, I didn't catch his name; who had an orgasm every time Jack Willis or Billy Vinupola went near the ball, and who mentioned England more times than even Toulouse or Montpellier.
NEXT UP WAS Leinster v Stormers and an object lesson on how good a club system they have in Dublin. Leinster were missing 23 players – a full match-day squad – on Ireland duty, but still blew away their South African visitors, who were by no means a poor side.
Sure, the two Leinster “Galascticos” Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman were exceptional, but, a few of the unranked kids did more than stsnd up to be counted.
MY WEEKEND of Rugby Union viewing ended with the Glasgow v Connacht game at Scottoun, won 22-19 by Warriors. Scottish fans being what they are, there will be some muttering about the narrowness of this win, but, you will not find me moaning.
Given the length of the club's injury list and the number of Warriors off with Scotland, (a total of 22 players unavailable), this was a win to cherish, more-so when you factor in the conditions. At other times in the season at least of that starting Glasgow XV would have been sat in the stand, so, to beat an Irish Province when digging that far into the squad has to be seen as a very-good result.
The few regulars stood-up, the fringe players took that next step, while the Academy-plus guys really bit the bullet and contributed. You have to say, the way he has got this entire squad playing – Franco Smith is one helluva coach.
Immense credit too has to go to Defence Coach Peter Murchie, who has put some terrific processes into effect. Glasgow, even when down to the bare bones of the squad, are a massively-difficult side to score against and this aspect of the club's profile was all-too-evident in securing the points in this one.
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