Leinster too strong for Edinburgh

7:36pm Saturday 11th October 2008

Leinster clinched a 27-16 Heineken Cup victory over Edinburgh in their Pool Two opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The venue for this year's final had been a real bogey ground for the visitors - but some truly shocking tackling allowed them to run in four tries before the interval through Rocky Elsom, Brian O'Driscoll, Felipe Contepomi and Shane Horgan.

That proved enough to secure victory, despite Edinburgh being awarded a penalty try early in the second half.

The Magners League champions had lost on their last four visits to Murrayfield - including two Heineken Cup clashes in the last two years - and the hosts put the first points on the board with a Phil Godman penalty after 15 minutes.

But three minutes later, and out of nothing, Leinster flanker Elsom burst through at least three weak tackles to gallop clear, with Contepomi adding the extras.

And the visitors were two tries to the good in the 24th minute when Contepomi was the latest to benefit from the malaise, feeding O'Driscoll for a touchdown under the posts before converting himself.

If Leinster's first two tries were gift-wrapped, their third showcased O'Driscoll's brilliance. From a standing start, the Ireland captain showed one way then the other before accelerating clear and putting Contepomi in for the score.

The hosts were still getting their breath back when Leinster were through again on the right touchline, Horgan awarded the try after consultation with the video referee. Contepomi missed the conversion, and Chris Paterson kicked a 25metre penalty to reduce the arrears - but there appeared no way back from 24-6 at half-time.

A moment of madness from Contepomi 10 minutes into the half handed the hosts a penalty try and saw the Argentinian sin-binned. Edinburgh looked certain to score after Jim Hamilton burst clear and the ball was recycled, but Contepomi intercepted from a blatantly offside position. Paterson converted the try to get the hosts within 11 points.

Paterson kicked another penalty after Contepomi again thwarted a move from an offside position, but Edinburgh lock Matt Mustchin saw yellow shortly afterwards for a late tackle - and Contepomi kicked the resulting penalty.

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