Perpignan top as Edinburgh pay for errors

Perpignan 31 Edinburgh 14

The Scottish side led at half-time thanks to a spirited performance and a try for Tim Visser, but they were put to the sword by Perpignan after the interval at Stade Aime Giral.

The Catalan giants ran in four tries through Wandile Mjekevu (two), Joffrey Michel and Justin Purll to secure a bonus-point win which sees the Blood and Golds leapfrog Munster to top Pool Six, while Edinburgh drop to third.

And Solomons admitted his side lost their way in the second half.

“After a good, controlled start, second-half errors in our system changed the course of the game and from then on we were obviously on the back foot,” he said.

“What we’ll take away from this game is a very good 40 minutes. However at this level you are punished for mistakes and that’s what happened after the break.

“We need to continue to cut down our individual and system errors but also to keep your composure after an error is made, and when a side scores against us.”

James Hook contributed 11 points for the home side and pulled the strings expertly in the victory, and the Welshman was thrilled with the victory

“We have to face Munster first in December and that will be huge – they are giants of European rugby.”

PERPIGNAN: Michel, Votu, Marty, Piukala, Haughton, Hook, Duvenage, Taumalolo, Guirado, Jgenti, Vahaamahina, R. Taofifenua, Purll, Perez, Narraway.

Replacements: Mjekevu for Haughton (17), Allan for Hook (65), Durand for Duvenage (55), S. Taofifenua for Taumalolo (54), Terrain for Guirado (17), Pulu for Jgenti (52), Charteris for R. Taofifenua (59), Chateau for Purll (65).

EDINBURGH: Cuthbert, Fife, De Luca, Dominquez, T. Visser, Leonard, Laidlaw, Dickinson, Ford, Nel, Gilchrist, Cox, Leonardi, Grant, Du Preez.

Replacements: Tonks for Cuthbert (59), Atkins for Leonard (77), Blaauw for Dickinson (55), Cross for Nel (65), van der Westhuizen for Cox (59).

Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy).