Edinburgh's run of defeats extends to seven games after a second half come back at Murrayfield was not enough to secure a win. The Magner League clash between Edinburgh and Cardiff Blues got off to a slow start with only Cardiff putting any points on the board in the first half. Edinburgh only managed to fund their spark in the last minute with a try by Tim Visser.
First Half
Edinburgh started well with Simon Webster going forward but it wasn't long before they found themselves on the back foot.
Cardiff Blues created the first real scoring opportunity of the evening with Martyn Williams making use of open space down the left. Williams passed inside to Leigh Halfpenny giving the winger a clear sight of the line but a unfortunate knock on and the chance was gone.
Another chance came for the Blues after more open space and fancy footwork from Halfpenny who passed the ball to Richard Mustoe who went for the corner, Edinburgh's Webster managed to bundled Mustoe into touch another missed opportunity for the Welsh team.
After two close tries Edinburgh's set-piece settled down as they gradually established a bit of a foothold in the match. Although the home team were still suffering with the physicality of Cardiff's pack.
A chance to get three points on the board is unsuccessful as a penalty from David Blair went wide.
Minutes later and it is Cardiff who have the first points of the board when Halfpenny hits the target after a penalty is given for a hand in the ruck. Edinburgh 0-3 Cardiff Blues
The 35th minutes see the first free of the game to Cardiff who applied pressure to Edinburgh's defence. A simple try under the posts for Chris Czekaj with Halfpenny adding the extras. Edinburgh 0 - 10 Cardiff Blues
Edinburgh who found themselves on the back foot for the majority of the first half have defended well. When Edinburgh did have the ball there was a lack of attack.
Second Half
A good start in the second half for Edinburgh as the finally get some points on the board just two minutes in after a penalty is given and Blair kicks the ball over from just behind the 22m line. Edinburgh 3-10 Cardiff Blues
Edinburgh start to undo their good start to the second half and settle back into kicking for territory which they seem happy with, rather than playing rugby.
Another hand in ruck gives Cardiff a penalty right in front of the posts which Halfpenny easily slots over once against extending the lead to double figures. Edinburgh 3-13 Cardiff Blues
Cardiff are awarded yet another try from the 22m line, this time for a minor scuffle, a penalty which is sure to be disputed. Halfpenny steps up to the mark and once again kicks on target. Edinburgh 3-16 Cardiff Blues
Edinburgh push forward towards the Cardiff try line and Tim Visser nearly goes over in the left corner but he is bundled into touch.
A penalty is given for territory which Blair duly knocks over, still no try for the home side though. Edinburgh 6-16 Cardiff Blues
As we enter the last quarter Edinburgh need to make a big push to break through the Cardiff defence.
Halfpenny kicks a long diagonal ball which finds itself well within Edinburgh's terriory but a swift move from John Thompson ensures the ball is kicked back within 5m of the half-way line.
Edinburgh fight right into the final minute with Visser, his 12th try in Magner and Heineken games this season, managed to go over at the corner, despite a great defence from Halfpenny. Blair sends the conversion wide. Edinburgh 11-16 Cardiff Blues The try is enough to give Edinburgh a losing bonus point.
The second half provided decent attack from Edinburgh with a good, defence by Cardiff. Edinburgh had a much better second half because they became a threat to their visitors.
Full Time
Edinburgh 11-16 Cardiff Blues
Man of the Match: Leigh Halfpenny
Edinburgh 11 (0)
Tries: Visser
Conversions:
Penalties: Blair (2)
Cardiff Blues 16 (10)
Tries: Czekaj
Conversions: Halfpenny
Penalties: Halfpenny (3)
Edinburgh: J.Thompson; S.Webster, B.Cairns, J.King, T.Visser; D.Blair, G.Laidlaw (c); L.Niven, A.Kelly, G.Cross, E.Lozada, S.Turnbull, D.Denton, N.Talei, S.Dewar
Cardiff Blues: C.Czekaj; L.Halfpenny, C.Laulala, D.Hewitt, R.Mustoe; C.Sweeney, T.Slater; J.Yapp, R.Thomas, S.Andrews, D.Jones, P.Tito (c), M.Molitika, M. Williams, X.Rush.
