Ben Cairns and Simon Webster scored thrilling tries to hand Edinburgh a breathtaking Heineken Cup win over Leinster at Murrayfield. In front of a crowd of 3, 567, Edinburgh emerged triumphant with Mike Blair scoring a rare dropped goal and Phil Godman scoring 15 points.

It was a marvellous result and 2008 promises to be a special year for rugby in the Scottish capital.

Leinster came out of the blocks with real purpose and went ahead after only three minutes when Felipe Contepomi slotted over a straightforward penalty.

Edinburgh spent the opening seven minutes pegged back into their own 22 with Leinster playing with genuine verve and a breathless tempo.

But the home side’s improved game management was there for all to see when they earned some valuable penalty decisions to escape serious punishment.

And Phil Godman made amends for his misses from the previous meeting when he nailed a penalty just before the 12-minute mark.

Then the Scotland stand-off was presented with another penalty which he comfortably dispatched to put Edinburgh in front on 17 minutes.

The points gave Edinburgh a visible lift and the men from the Castle started to play with a greater sense of freedom with comeback king Simon Webster shining on the wing.

To make matters worse for Leinster, winger Shane Horgan was taken off with a shoulder injury after a collision with former team-mate Ben Gissing.

A deliberate knock-on from Mal O’Kelly led to another penalty decision that went Edinburgh’s way and the home side’s perfect 10, Godman took care of business with a quality kick.

Leinster threatened again before Andrew Turnbull’s surging break and sharp offload led to Webster crossing the whitewash on his return.

But the visitors responded almost straight away through a driven effort off a line-out, but the try decision was turned down by the fourth official.

Edinburgh Rugby Club squad to play Leinster at Murrayfield (Saturday 15 December, kick-off 3.30pm)
 
15 Ben Cairns
 
14 Andrew Turnbull
13 Nick De Luca
12 John Houston
11 Simon Webster
 
10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair
 
1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Augusto Allori
4 Matt Mustchin
5 Ben Gissing
6 Simon Cross
7 Ross Rennie
8 Allister Hogg (captain)
 
Substitutes: Andrew Kelly, Geoff Cross, Craig Hamilton, Roland Reid, Ben Meyer, David Blair, Calum MacRae.