Todd relishing Bridgend battle

• 23 Oct 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby's Defence Coach Michael Todd is keen to see the team sustain their recent upward trajectory.

The capital side’s string of impressive performances, culminating in consecutive bonus-point victories at Hive Stadium, has propelled them to sixth place in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Todd emphasised the importance of maintaining the high standards of effort and intensity that have been instrumental in bounce back wins over DHL Stormers and Cardiff.

This Saturday, the capital side will travel to face Ospreys knowing that a third consecutive win would further solidify their position and provide a strong boost heading into the Autumn Test break.

“We’ve put our best foot forward so far but there are still obviously a lot of improvements to go,” said Todd. “Hopefully we’ll do all right this weekend. It will be a tough battle, no doubt, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

Saturday’s clash will be Edinburgh’s first-ever trip to Bridgend in the URC with the Ospreys moving the match to the smaller and more traditional venue.

Ospreys will be looking to bounce back after being well-beaten by Ulster in Belfast last weekend with Todd under no illusions of how tough the battle will be with the Welsh region.

“I’m looking forward to the match,” said Todd. “I’ve never been there [Dunraven Brewery Field] but obviously seen a lot of pictures of the place.

“It’s somewhere different. I haven’t been there and not too many others have. We know what’s coming and we know where we’re going and it’s going to be a good challenge.

“I think Ospreys are a great team. The log doesn’t mean much at the moment because a team like Ospreys, with the amount of internationals and the quality of player… I wouldn’t be reading too much into that [the league table].

“Yes, they probably want to set the tone right, especially at home, so we know what’s coming and it’s going to be a good challenge.

“If you want to go far in the competition you’ve got to win away. The best teams have shown that and that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Edinburgh’ defence, under the tutelage of Todd, has rallied well since the Round 3 defeat in Johannesburg.

The capital side have conceded just two tries and 15 points in the last two victories, with the Lions loss proving to be a ‘line in the sand moment’ for the Edinburgh squad.

“Seven days in rugby is a long time [following Lions]. Each week is its own, so we just crack on with what’s next: new opposition, new threats that are coming at us so we’ve just got to move forward.”