Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : Consistency the key for Callam

David Callam

Consistency the key for Callam

28 March 2008, 8:46 am

By PA Sport

Number eight Dave Callam insists Edinburgh must learn from bitter experience as they chase a top-two finish in the league.

With six weeks of the season remaining Edinburgh stand fourth in the table, just a point behind Llanelli Scarlets who occupy second place.

On Friday the Scots take on a Cardiff Blues side who also have designs on finishing the season in style, but Callam believes Edinburgh can build on their considerable progress under head coach Andy Robinson providing they maintain their composure.

Callam, 25, said: “We have been in this position a couple of times before, but for some reason we have always fallen away poorly after the Six Nations.

“That is something that we’re working hard on addressing this year.

“Guys are fed up of the fact that we work hard to get ourselves into these positions and never take advantage of it.”

A crushing 38-8 victory over Connacht last week was the perfect way to resume after the RBS 6 Nations campaign, which ended on a sour note for Scotland with the defeat in Italy.

“Beating Connacht was the start,” said Callam, “but we need to push on and win our home games if we want to finish as high up the league as we can.”

Three of Wales’ Grand Slam winners will be in the opposition tomorrow, with Gethin Jenkins, Tom Shanklin and Martyn Williams among a squad looking to capitalise on the feel-good factor in Welsh rugby.

“Cardiff have named a very strong side and we know it will be a tough match,” Callam said.

“But we are planning to play the same type of high-tempo rugby that brought us the bonus-point win against Connacht.”

Edinburgh club captain Simon Cross will make his first start of the year on Friday, lining up at blindside flanker, although Ally Hogg will skipper the side.

With Ross Rennie out because of a knee injury, Hogg’s switch to openside flanker allows Cross to come in, while centres Ben Cairns and Nick De Luca came through fitness tests to confirm their selection in an unchanged back division.

Lock Ben Gissing is dropped to the bench as Matt Mustchin is rewarded with a starting place after coming off the bench to grab a try against Connacht.

Andrea Marcato's last-minute drop goal handed Scotland their fourth defeat in this year's RBS 6 Nations - but Frank Hadden's men avoided a second successive wooden spoon by the skin of their teeth.

It was a popular pre-tournament tip to be this season's RBS 6 Nations title decider - but England and Ireland are playing only for pride at Twickenham on Saturday.

Full-back Rory Lamont has been ruled out of Scotland's final RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy after breaking a bone in his face in the victory over England.