Edmonds sent the Lions to defeat Leinster v Perpignan: Live on BBC Two, 27 April: 1445 BST ko |
Playing to capacity crowds in international rugby stadiums could be a familiar experience for Manny Edmonds by now. But as the Australian stand-off prepares for Perpigan's Heineken Cup semi-final with Leinster at Lansdowne Road, he is not dwelling on what might have been.
Where he could justifiably feel aggrieved at his lack of opportunity back home in Sydney, Edmonds is instead proving the grass can be greener in pastures new.
As playmaker-in-chief for the Catalan clan descending on Dublin, the talented 26-year-old represents the biggest threat to Leinster's dream of a 'home' Heineken final.
Strong in the tackle, a punishing kicker and superb passer, Edmonds' speed of thought and foot allow him to play up on the gain line and torment opposition defences. "He is very gifted," confirms the Perpignan coach Olivier Saisset. "He can do anything on the field, and not only is he a fantastic player but a great personality."
Edmonds spent five years with the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney, during which he developed something of a reputation as a 'confidence player'.
 I would like to finish my career in France |
Pity for Edmonds that Australia's 1991 World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer did not share Saisset's view. The widespread perception was of a fly-half who ritually started the Super 12 season full of beans, but tended to fade when the pressure points came around.
Edmonds won just two Test caps, against Tonga in 1998 and South Africa as a replacement three years later.
But his ability was certainly in evidence in 2001 as he led an Australia A team to victory over the British Lions, and was later picked for Australia's European tour.
Despite being considered as Stephen Larkham's understudy in the Wallabies set-up however, Waratahs coach Dwyer preferred Duncan McRae at stand-off.
"2002 was a disappointing year for me," Edmonds recalled. "I spent a lot of time on the bench with the Waratahs and I got very frustrated.
"So when I got the offer from Perpignan, I didn't hesitate. It was the right time. I wanted to discover a new way of life, a new language, and the south of France in particular."
 Edmonds spent five years with the Waratahs |
Instead of pursuing more national recognition a year away from a World Cup in his 'home' country - Edmonds was actually born in New Zealand, near Christchurch - he signed up for two years on the Mediterranean coast. "I haven't been disappointed," he said. "It was difficult at first but now I would like to finish my career in France."
Selected at full-back initially, Edmonds' first start at No 10 in Perpignan's intimidating Stade Aime Giral came against Gloucester in the Heineken Cup pool stages last October.
He promptly scored 21 points in a 31-23 victory, a result that helped the Catalans emerge from the 'Group of Death' that also contained Munster.
"That match gave me a lot of confidence and really launched my season," Edmonds recalls. "But it took me three months to really adapt and feel at home in this team."
His reputation as a man for the big occasion grew two weeks ago when he struck two sublime drop goals at a crucial time in Perpignan's 26-19 victory at Llanelli.
The visitors became only the third French club to win a Heineken Cup quarter-final away from home, and the first French side to win at Stradey Park in seven attempts.
Next up it is Leinster at Lansdowne. Mission impossible? Perhaps not with Edmonds in the house.
MMIX
Email this to a friend 
Printable version 
