Phil Godman admits Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup win over London Wasps three years ago was one of his finest hours in the Black and Red and he is looking forward to reacquainting himself with the English champions when they return to Murrayfield on Saturday 23 August, kick off 2.30pm.
Then a relative newcomer to the Edinburgh team, Godman faced a Wasps side containing World Cup winners, Lawrence Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey and Matt Dawson.
But the then 23-year-old came out on top with an immaculate display and he admits it was that performance that prompted his first call-up into the Scotland squad.
Godman said: “It was one of my most memorable games in an Edinburgh shirt and it was a great day for everyone who was involved.
Phil is in for next season and you can join him by signing up for a 2008/2009 Edinburgh Rugby Club season ticket. Remember once you’ve signed up, you and a friend can come along to Rugby’s Big Day Out, Saturday 23 August for FREE. Call 0131 346 5180 now to reserve your place for what promises to be another exciting season.
“We knew we could beat them, but anyone outside of the Edinburgh team probably thought we were going to lose. Wasps were one of the favourites to win the Heineken Cup that season.
“I was playing against Alex King, who was really experienced and it was pouring with rain, so it evolved into being a controlled, kicking game.
“At that time, people probably only saw me as a running stand-off, but I managed to control the game with my kicking.
“We scored a try in the last minute with Mike’s (Blair) flick inside for Shuggy (Hugo Southwell) to score, so there were a couple of wee memorable bits in the game.
“That definitely helped me to get into the Scotland squad. It took place about three or four weeks before the autumn internationals and I was put in the squad straight after that.
“So it certainly played a big hand in helping me get into the squad for the autumn internationals.”
One of the highlights for Godman was his hit on Wasps’ giant lock Shaw and, taking into account the fact the England man is almost a foot taller, revealed he decided to bring him down by tackling him low.
He joked: “I thought I had to take Big Shawsie (Shaw) as low as possible; I would have had to jump in order to tackle him high.”
With the interest in the match increasing by the day, Godman says it promises to be an exciting way to start the campaign and a memorable appetiser ahead of the Heineken Cup matches.
He said: “It is a great game to start the season off and I’m sure it will be a good one for the fans to come along to see as well. Obviously the fact that we are in the same Heineken Cup Pool as Wasps adds some extra spice as well.”
