|
The Cardiff prop Ian Eidman made his international debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1983. He and fellow debutant prop "Staff" Jones had a lot to live up to after the Welsh legend Graham Price had been controversially dropped. Thankfully for both, Wales won and Jones joined the lucky few who have scored on their debut. Eidman was an honest and workmanlike prop who never let his country down. Fortunately for him his playing days would coincide with the last days of the Welsh Rugby Empire. However, there were defeats along the way.
Against the Romanians in Bucharest a team with six new caps was totally outplayed, especially up front. Eidman had become first choice by this stage and was selected for the 1984 Five Nations Championship. Against Ireland, with hooker Mike Watkins becoming the first player since the Second World War to skipper Wales on his debut, Wales gained an impressive 18-9 victory. Defeat followed against France but the old Enemy England were defeated 24-15. Then came a low-point in Welsh rugby history when they were thrashed 28-9 by the touring Australians, Ian being part of a front row that conceded a disappointing pushover try.
Eidman played twice in the 1985 Championship, teaming up with Cardiff club mate Jeff Whitefoot in the front row. However, the arrival of young Swansea prop Stuart Evans was placing pressure on his place - Evans played in the games against England and France. Eidman's swansong would be in the 1986 season before the new generation of Welsh props including Evans and David Young emerged. Wales lost 21-18 to England, but Eidman made it a hat-trick of wins against Scotland - a game noted for Paul Thorburn's 70 yard kick. This was followed by victory against Ireland but typical inconsistency meant the season ended in disappointment against France. However, Eidman's record of 8 wins from 13 is one many Welsh players of the Eighties would gladly swap. (John Lovell)
|