Edinburgh have played four games in the past two seasons that have been officiated by Andrea Piardi and have lost all of them. On paper, we should have had a chance against Leinster but by now we all know that the paper lies. A few decisions felt like they went against Edinburgh, least of all the chalked-off try on the 25 minute mark.
Edinburgh have played four games in the past two seasons that have been officiated by Andrea Piardi and have lost all of them.
That may not be unique to him as we haven't won very many games at all, but as if there weren't enough things to worry about as an Edinburgh supporter, his officiating certainly adds to my fears.
On paper, we should have had a chance against Leinster but by now we all know that the paper lies.
We made a good start and then the Piardi effect started to influence the game. A few decisions felt like they went against Edinburgh, least of all the chalked-off try on the 25 minute mark.
Onto the positives, and credit where it's due to Duhan van der Merwe. He worked hard, took his try well and made a nuisance of himself all afternoon. He topped the stats for metres ran and defenders beaten.
Congratulations also to Malelili Satala for his maiden Edinburgh try. He's had to wait a while for his chance and he took it with some aplomb.
Piardi was a contributory factor but not the main cause. Never mind the five points denied for that ridiculously disallowed try, we left nine points out there with missed kicks.
A decent win was within our grasp. Instead it's a seventh defeat in a row at Leinster's hands and we've dropped a further place in the table.
A wee break now for the Six Nations. Maybe watching Scotland will cheer me up!
Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch
Category: General Sports
