Robinson livid with poor showing
Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:52
Former England coach Andy Robinson has lambasted his Edinburgh side for, what he believes, was an “unacceptable” first half performance in their 27-16 defeat to Leinster on Saturday.
The two Magners League teams clashed in their Heineken Cup opener at Murrayfield and, despite not being at their best, the Irish side had more than enough to secure the valuable away win.
Having seen his side go into the break well behind, with the opposition have already run in four tries, Robinson was obviously disappointed. His sides defence had simply not been up to scratch during the opening forty minutes, and he knew it.
"The first-half performance for a professional rugby side is unacceptable," said Robinson.
"To concede four tries as we did and in the manner they were conceded is unacceptable."
There was an improvement from the home side in the second half, which saw them awarded a penalty try, but, in truth, Leinster always seemed fairly comfortable.
With five defeats in their last six games Robinson is well aware that Edinburgh need to improve, and quickly. What is most frustrating for the coach though, he says, is the fact that they have had the chances to win games, and just not been good enough to make them count.
"We can't keep going on about missed opportunities and 'if onlys'. At some stage, we've got to grow as a team," Robinson added.
"That Leinster team, when you watch the game today, were there for the taking. They weren't as slick as I've seen them. However, when they got in behind us, they took their chances. It's unacceptable to me that they got into those positions because it was all down to missed tackles."
The 44-year-old was also disappointed with the match officials on the day. A point he made passionately to the fourth official during the game and then again when speaking after the game.
"Every time we got in behind Leinster, a deliberate penalty got given away and I wanted the referee to understand that," he said.
"We had one penalty try -- it was clear cut. I thought potentially there was a second one. I needed the fourth official to communicate that to the referee. It's one of those that's just very, very frustrating."
