EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
By BILL LOTHIAN


SCOTLAND clubs' coach Ally Donaldson is calling for a rekindling of the atmosphere that made Myreside a special European rugby venue when his side take on Irish counterparts there on Friday evening.

"There's no doubt playing in a compact arena with the crowd close to the pitch can give our players a lift," claimed Donaldson. "I'm hoping for a big turn-out partly because I know from experience as a player that this Myreside is the ideal venue forADVERTISEMENTa representative fixture."

Among Donaldson's memories is turning out for Edinburgh at Myreside against Benetton Treviso in the first year of European competition. Although Edinburgh lost, the Currie ace notched a try.

Other memorable occasions included a winner-takes-all clash with Ulster in the year the province went on to lift the trophy.

Myreside gained a particularly good reputation during that period. Scotland won twice and lost out by a tantalising 33-34.

On moving into coaching Donaldson took charge of the Scottish clubs for the first time when they went down 12-13 to France in Rouen last month on what was a bittersweet occasion. "It was good to be contributing at this level but really disappointing to narrowly miss out because few teams get opportunities to win in France."

As a consequence Scotland have shaken up their side though Donaldson insists changes are down to increased competition.

"Take Colin Goudie of Heriot's who was on the bench last time. He has gone back and really impressed with his club so as to force his way into the starting line-up."

Goudie has been a prolific try-scorer this season with an impressive six in his last three matches for Heriot's including a four-timer against Boroughmuir.

Meanwhile, Dougie Brown has a chance to impress at centre on his home pitch after starring in a Watsonian side who are battling relegation.

This article was posted on 11-Mar-2009, 12:47 by Hugh Barrow.