Rugby Union: RANKIN: OUR AIM IS TO BE TOP DOGS.Byline: KEVIN BOYDEDINBURGH have been ordered to stay focused by boss Ian Rankin as they race towards the Pro Cup crown. The Gunners have virtually made sure of a place in next season's Heineken Cup - but the cautious manager desperately wants them to keep their tag as Scotland's top seeds. They head for Netherdale tomorrow for what is being regarded as a title decider against Borders. And Rankin laughed off the notion that Gary Armstrong's side will be an easy touch. He said: "This will be a fresh scenario - and a completely different type of contest from when we picked up a seven-try haul against them. "They are still hurting from that and will be doubly determined to make amends in front of their crowd. "They will be coming into battle on the back of a very good win against Glasgow at Hughenden last week. "We want to begin the next Heineken Cup campaign as Scottish champions. "The initial aim was to qualify, but now we are in with a great chance of finishing top of the pile - so we don't want to let things slip." Rankin also believes his men will benefit from their first weekend off this season. He said: "They deserved the rest and I am sure it will have done them a lot of good, both mentally and physically." Duncan Hodge Duncan Hodge was born August 18, 1974 in Dumfries, Scotland. Educated at Merchiston Castle School, he won 26 caps playing at fly-half for the Scottish rugby union side between 1997 and 2002. He currently plays for the Edinburgh Gunners. has been forced to wait before making his full comeback. The Test stand-off has recovered from a dislocated thumb - but has only been named on the bench for Friday's clash. Coach Frank Hadden Frank Hadden (born 14 June 1954 in Dundee, Scotland) is coach of the Scotland national rugby union team. He replaced Matt Williams and was appointed on 15 September, 2005. has opted to stick with the versatile Brendan Laney Brendan James Laney, (born 16 November 1973 in Invercargill) is a professional rugby union player. Nicknamed "Chainsaw" for the way he cuts through defences, he is a useful goal kicker. He hails from Southland, New Zealand. , preferring to keep his potent centre partnership of Ally Dickson and Craig Joiner Craig Joiner was born April 21, 1974 in Glasgow, Scotland. Educated at Merchiston Castle School, he won 25 caps playing on the wing for the Scottish rugby union side between 1994 and 2000. intact. Dougie Hall gets the nod over Carlo Di Ciacca at hooker. Of the Gunners line-up, Chris Paterson, Laney, Mike Blair, Scott Murray, Mart Leslie and Simon Taylor look certain to be included today when national coach Ian McGeechan reveals his 22-man group for the Six Nations opener against Ireland. CAPTION(S): AMBITION: Rankin |
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