Cardiff fell to a disappointing defeat in the United Rugby Championship as Edinburgh eased to a bonus-point victory at the DAM Health Stadium.
It was the first time the Blue and Blacks had been in action since their memorable European double-header and for 10 of the starting XV it was the first game in 11 weeks.
They were determined to hit the ground running but nothing went right in a one-sided opening 40, with Ramiro Moyano, Emiliano Boffelli, James Lang and Mark Bennett all dotting down as the hosts secured a first half bonus point.
There was a hint of a resurgence in the second half, with Owen Lane crossing for his fourth try of the season, but Edinburgh - who now top the United Rugby Championship table - remained out of reach with Bennett adding a fifth try late in the game.
The visitors were also reduced to 14 in the second half after hooker duo Kirby Myhill and Liam Belcher departed with injuries, while Botham was also stretchered off in the second half.
The Blue and Blacks now face a double header of European fixtures against Harlequins and Toulouse before welcoming Leinster to the capital at the end of the month.
There was no early sign of rust as Cardiff made an assured start and dominated for the opening four minutes. However it was short lived.
While they went through countless phases as they edged towards the Edinburgh 22 with Rhys Carré, James Botham and Willis Halaholo making valuable hard yards, the hosts struck against the run of play.
The ball came loose at the breakdown and referee Frank Murphy waved play on, allowing the Scots to pounce. With turnover possession they went on the attack with electric pace. James Lang made the initial break and found Ben Vellacott in support. The diminutive scrum-half had plenty of space to attack and the gave Cardiff no chance as he put Ramiro Moyano way.
Fellow Argentine Emiliano Boffelli added the extras and he was soon a try-scorer as Edinburgh snatched a quick-fire second.
Vellacott dummied to kick but put Mark Bennett through on a razor-sharp line and the Scotland centre found Boffelli in support.
The wing missed the conversion but kept the scoreboard ticking with a penalty on 17 minutes to give his side a 15-0 lead.
Rhys Priestland had the opportunity to cut the deficit shortly after 20 minutes and fired wide, however he soon made amends to get Cardiff off the mark.
However, it was a short-lived reprieve for the Blue and Blacks as Edinburgh claimed a third try on 30 minutes. They looked dangerous every time they had the ball and once again stretched the Cardiff defence.
It had appeared that Owen Lane had made a fine try-saving tackle in the corner but Mark Bennett’s finish was even better as he avoided touching the ground out of play before he got the ball down.
Boffelli was once again on target to stretch the hosts’ lead to 22-3 and Edinburgh wrapped up the bonus-point just before half-time as James Lang claimed his side’s fourth to make it 27-3 at the break.
Cardiff again made a bright start to the half and a chip over Edinburgh’s impressive defence found Rey Lee-Lo, he looked to release Lloyd Williams but the ball evaded the scrum-half.
A turnover, followed by a 50-22 from Seb Davies could have led to Cardiff’s first try as Liam Belcher went close from a set-play but after kicking a penalty to the corner, they were turnover over on the Edinburgh try-line.
Cardiff fell to a disappointing defeat in the United Rugby Championship as Edinburgh eased to a bonus-point victory at the DAM Health Stadium.
It was the first time the Blue and Blacks had been in action since their memorable European double-header and for 10 of the starting XV it was the first game in 11 weeks.
They were determined to hit the ground running but nothing went right in a one-sided opening 40. Xxxxx all scored…
There was no early sign of rust as Cardiff made an assured start and dominated for the opening four minutes. However it was short lived.
While they went through countless phases as they edged towards the Edinburgh 22 with Rhys Carré, James Botham and Willis Halaholo making valuable hard yards, the hosts struck against the run of play.
The ball came loose at the breakdown and referee Frank Murphy waved play on, allowing the Scots to pounce. With turnover possession they went on the attack with electric pace. James Lang made the initial break and found Ben Vellacott in support. The diminutive scrum-half had plenty of space to attack and the gave Cardiff no chance as he put Ramiro Moyano way.
Fellow Argentine Emiliano Boffelli added the extras and he was soon a try-scorer as Edinburgh snatched a quick-fire second.
Vellacott dummied to kick but put Mark Bennett through on a razor-sharp line and the Scotland centre found Boffelli in support.
The wing missed the conversion but kept the scoreboard ticking with a penalty on 17 minutes to give his side a 15-0 lead.
Rhys Priestland had the opportunity to cut the deficit shortly after 20 minutes and fired wide, however he soon made amends to get Cardiff off the mark.
However, it was a short-lived reprieve for the Blue and Blacks as Edinburgh claimed a third try on 30 minutes. They looked dangerous every time they had the ball and once again stretched the Cardiff defence.
It had appeared that Owen Lane had made a fine try-saving tackle in the corner but Mark Bennett’s finish was even better as he avoided touching the ground out of play before he got the ball down.
Boffelli was once again on target to stretch the hosts’ lead to 22-3 and Edinburgh wrapped up the bonus-point just before half-time as James Lang claimed his side’s fourth to make it 27-3 at the break.
Cardiff again made a bright start to the half and a chip over Edinburgh’s impressive defence found Rey Lee-Lo, he looked to release Lloyd Williams but the ball evaded the scrum-half.
A turnover, followed by a 50-22 from Seb Davies could have led to Cardiff’s first try as Liam Belcher went close from a set-play but after kicking a penalty to the corner, they were turnover over on the Edinburgh try-line.
Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans attempted to inject some tempo however an injury to Liam Belcher, who had come on after Kirby Myhill limped off, reduced Cardiff to 14.
Minutes later Cardiff suffered another serious looking injury as James Botham was carried off on a stretcher.
Cardiff finally claimed their first try on the hour mark as Owen Lane pounced on loose ball and displayed hugely impressive footballing skills. After booting the ball clear, he hacked ahead two more times and patiently waited for the ball to sit up into his hands for a fine solo score.
Evans converted from wide and Cardiff very nearly claimed a quick fire second. Tomos Williams intercepted from around his own 22 and raced clear, after slowing to find support he fed Rey Lee-Lo.
The centre had plenty to do and cut inside to find support but with three big men charging forward, there were too many options and the ball went to nobody.
Cardiff continued to throw caution to the wind and threatened with further opportunities before Edinburgh regained control.
They crossed twice more times but TMO interventions saw the would-be scores scratched for knock ons. But they finished with a bang as Mark Bennett claimed his second of the afternoon to rub salt into Welsh wounds.
Tomos Williams and Jarrod Evans attempted to inject some tempo however an injury to Liam Belcher, who had come on after Kirby Myhill limped off, reduced Cardiff to 14.
Minutes later Cardiff suffered another serious looking injury as James Botham was carried off on a stretcher.
Cardiff finally claimed their first try on the hour mark as Owen Lane pounced on loose ball and displayed hugely impressive footballing skills. After booting the ball clear, he hacked ahead two more times and patiently waited for the ball to sit up into his hands for a fine solo score.
Evans converted from wide and Cardiff very nearly claimed a quick fire second. Tomos Williams intercepted from around his own 22 and raced clear, after slowing to find support he fed Rey Lee-Lo.
The centre had plenty to do and cut inside to find support but with three big men charging forward, there were too many options and the ball went to nobody.
Cardiff continued to throw caution to the wind and threatened with further opportunities before Edinburgh regained control.
They crossed twice more times but TMO interventions saw the would-be scores scratched for knock ons. But they finished with a bang as Mark Bennett claimed his second of the afternoon to rub salt into Welsh wounds.