Edinburgh's discipline must improve, Sean Everitt admits

Everitt’s side were 16-14 ahead at half-time at King’s Park before a deluge of second half penalties allowed the South African side, laden with Springbok internationals, to take control.  

The Edinburgh boss said his side must cut out those cheap penalties moving forward.  

READ MORE: Five things we learned as Edinburgh bow out of Challenge Cup

He said: “The disappointing part of it was how we lost the game. We gave the opportunities to the Sharks with ill-discipline on our side and we’ve got to take responsibility for that as individuals and as a team.  

“If you concede 10 penalties in the second half you’re not going to win the game at 16-14 at half-time.  

"We’ve had a chat about and it’s something we’re focusing on because every game is a knockout game.” 

Edinburgh were beaten by Sharks on Saturday, but had lead at half-time (Image: Shutterstock)

Edinburgh will kick off the weekend outside the URC play-off places, but with three games against sides below them in the table, the capital side will be confident they can make the quarter-finals.  

And Everitt admitted time is running out for some of the more senior members of the Edinburgh squad if they want to win a trophy.  

He said: “I think the players in the changing room are aware maybe they’re not achieving what they should.  

“With the player group that we have and the responsibilities that we have and some of the players knowing that they are coming to the end of their careers, time is running out.  

“We did speak about that last week. We say we want to win something then you get yourselves into a position and you say ‘don’t worry, we’ll do it next year’ but your rugby career is very short and sometimes you run out of time. 

“I think it’s a good opportunity to get that right now.” 

The bulk of his side are the same individuals who suffered discipline issues with Scotland during the Six Nations – and Everitt admitted players will be disciplined for repeated infringements. 

READ MORE: Gregor Townsend blames ill-discipline for Scotland defeat

He added: “There’s always been player responsibility but if you’ve run out of options and you’re not getting a reaction then you have to be more severe on the consequences. 

"If we concede less than 10 penalties we win. That’s a trend of Edinburgh - you can’t go out and concede 14 and expect to win.”  

While his short-term focus is firmly on Scarlets’ visit to Hive Stadium on Saturday night, Edinburgh have also begun planning for next season.  

They’ve recruited Paul Hill to replace the retiring WP Nel, and Everitt confirmed they have spoken to Scotland back-row Magnus Bradbury about a potential return two years after he left for Bristol.  

After confirming dialogue with Bradbury, Everitt said: “We are looking for a replacement for [Bill Mata].  

“In saying that, we do have Ben Muncaster, Tom Dodd and Connor Boyle who have played really well when they have had the opportunity.

Magnus Bradbury played more than 100 games for Edinburgh in his first spell at the club (Image: SNS)

"We’ve got under-20 players coming through like Liam McConnell and a young guy like Tom Currie, who this year unfortunately after the first few minutes of the under-20 game suffered a concussion but came back late in the tournament.  

“The pre-season will help with their development, but we certainly will be looking around to see who is available to come in and fill those boots.” 

Asked specifically about a return for 28-year-old Bradbury, he added: “We have spoken to a number of players. It’s just whether they are available or not and if they want to accept the opportunity here at Edinburgh.” 

One player who won’t be signing for Edinburgh for a third time is Matt Scott, who is leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.  

An Edinburgh return isn't on the cards for Matt Scott, who is leaving Leicester at the end of the season (Image: PA)

Everitt confirmed the club had spoken to the 33-year-old, who won the last of his 40 Scotland caps against South Africa in November 2021, but said there were no plans to bring the former Currie man back to the capital for a third spell.  

Looking ahead to this weekend, Everitt may be able to call upon Scotland cap Harry Paterson who has been sidelined with a stress fracture of his foot.  

READ MORE: Harry Paterson's Scotland debut hailed as 'one of the best ever' 

The Edinburgh boss was hopeful Paterson would be available to face Scarlets.  

He said: “It’s not 100 per cent that he will play on the weekend. It will just depend if he has any flare-ups.”