Guinness PRO12: Edinburgh still in top six hunt

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne insists Edinburgh are focused on securing a place in next season’s European Champions Cup.

A bonus-point 29-8 win over Benetton Treviso in the Guinness PRO12 on Saturday gave the Gunners a much-needed boost as they chase a top-six finish.

We knew it was going to be a really tough fight, and we thought it would be a really close game, but the win really keeps us pushing for that sixth place.

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

Scotland scrum-half Hidalgo-Clyne, 21, put in a man of the match performance after being released by the national team to get more game time.

His Dark Blues colleague Matt Scott bagged a brace while Edinburgh captain Mike Coman and centre Andries Strauss also went over the Treviso tryline.

Following Connacht’s controversial 18-17 defeat at Cardiff Blues on Friday night, the Gunners are now just four points off the Irish province in the race for the coveted final automatic qualifying place for the Champions Cup.

“Treviso is a really hard place to come out and win,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be a really tough fight, and we thought it would be a really close game, but the win really keeps us pushing for that sixth place.”

Hidalgo-Clyne added nine points from the tee, and was instrumental throughout the match, but the youngster admits it has been difficult to adjust back to club rugby after spending much of the last month in the Scotland camp.

“It’s not been too easy to adjust having been with Scotland,” he added.

“I’ve not been playing consistently with a lot of game time, so it’s been quite tough to come into a key role and try to run the game.

“I’ve found myself a wee bit too enthusiastic.”