Edinburgh win in Vannes to boost Challenge Cup last-16 hopes

Challenge Cup

Vannes (17) 25

Tries: Edwards, Taccola, Vili Cons: Le Bail (2) Pens: Le Bail (2)

Edinburgh (19) 29

Edinburgh took a big step towards the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup with a bonus-point victory in France over Vannes.

The capital side held on for a half-time lead, but Joe Edwards and Robin Taccola’s scores ensured that the capital side only had a two-point advantage.

After the break, Duhan van der Merwe scored, and Tani Vili crossed for Vannes before Ross Thomson’s penalty made the visitors two points clear of Pool 3.

Edinburgh took a strong opening lead before a lovely long pass from Price turned the tables on Goosen.

When Darcy Graham broke through and won the cover defense before feeding the scrum-half to score, Price was then in the position.

Edwards fired over from close range, and the French side had to respond.

Edinburgh made a fantastic attempt to regain control. After making the break, James Lang and Graham exchanged passes and Price found themselves on a fantastic support line to close out the move.

Vannes were soon back in the game as the momentum started to wane. The hosts were led into the red zone by Salesi Rayasi, who blasted through several subpar tackles before the ball was recycled and spun wide to Taccola to walk over unprotected.

Early in the second half, Jules Le Bail headed over a penalty to give Vannes the lead for good.

However, Thomson’s pinpoint crossfield kick helped the big winger cross for the try and Edinburgh took the lead.

More soft defending ended their admirable efforts as substitute Vili slammed through a number of tackles to score and cut Edinburgh’s lead in half.

Edinburgh had some nervy moments in the closing stages, but Thomson’s penalty made things easier for them.

Vannes: Duplenne, Rayasi, Taccola, Saili, Nakosi, Cotarmanac’h, Le Bail, Moukoro, Beziat, Tafili, Van der Merwe, Mezou, Boulier, Uhila, Edwards.

Replacements: Leafa, Djehi, Bourgeois, Desjeux, Parete, Varney, Vili, Ayarza.

Edinburgh: Goosen, Graham, Currie, Lang, Van Der Merwe, Healy, Price, Schoeman, Cherry, Sebastian, Sykes, Skinner, Ritchie, Crosbie, Muncaster.