Edinburgh Rugby showcased their resilience and skill to secure a hard-fought 29-25 bonus-point victory against RC Vannes in the EPCR Challenge Cup, maintaining their lead in Pool 3. The encounter at Stade de la Rabine on Saturday, January 11, 2025, was a testament to Edinburgh’s ambition to progress deep into the competition.
From the outset, Edinburgh displayed their intent to control the game. Their first try came early through scrum-half Ali Price, who capitalized on a well-executed move involving Matt Currie’s dummy and a darting run by Darcy Graham. Price wasn’t done there, adding his second try shortly after half-time thanks to some sublime interplay between James Lang and Darcy Graham, pushing Edinburgh to a 17-19 lead at the break.
Vannes, however, were far from out of the contest. The French side responded with a flurry of tries, with Edwards, Duplenne, and the powerful Tani Vili all crossing the whitewash. This comeback was spectacular, but Edinburgh’s defense was equally impressive, stemming the tide at crucial moments.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Duhan van der Merwe powered over for Edinburgh’s crucial bonus-point try, ensuring they would leave with at least one point even if the game had gone down to the wire. The match continued to oscillate, with both teams showing courage and determination.
In the closing stages, the game hung in the balance. Vannes pushed hard for the win, but it was Edinburgh’s Ross Thompson who stepped up to secure the victory with a late penalty, making the final score 25-29. This kick was not just about points; it was a statement of Edinburgh’s resolve to dominate in European competition.
Substitutes played a significant role in keeping Edinburgh’s momentum. Mosese Tuipulotu, Charlie Shiel, and Hamish Watson all came off the bench to make impactful contributions, showing the depth and quality within the Edinburgh squad.
This win is pivotal for Edinburgh as they aim to secure a home quarter-final in the EPCR Challenge Cup. They now look ahead to hosting Black Lion, where a win would all but confirm their place in the knockout stages.
Final Score:
RC Vannes 25 – 29 Edinburgh Rugby