Sean Everitt confident Edinburgh will 'stand up' against Lions

Everitt insists he is not worried about his team's performances despite defeats to Leinster and the Bulls in their opening two United Rugby Championship (URC) matches. 

Everitt said: "Against Leinster I thought we made use of our opportunities really well. In last week’s game we struggled with the opportunities to get the ball over the line and didn't.

"So we've been talking about accuracy and execution, particularly against the opposition that we're going to face this week that enjoys playing from turnover.”

Everitt said it was important individuals took responsibility for the errors that saw Edinburgh let a late lead slip against the Bulls. 

Hamish Watson in action against the Bulls (Image: Photo by Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock) “I think it's about being accountable as individuals," he added.  

"There are a lot of individual errors in that game and we've treated it as a group. Players don't go out there to make mistakes and they try their best. 

"We were handed a lot of opportunities which we didn't make the most of. It's about pulling the group together and showing them the positives and growing.

"If we didn't create opportunities and we were poor defensively then I'd be worried. I know this group will stand up and be good tomorrow.”

The Lions opened their campaign with a bonus point win over Ulster last weekend. Everitt knows they have threats all over the pitch. 

“The Lions have got the strong set-pieces and a good maul. They've also got exciting players. When you look at a youngster like Sanele Nohamba, who's really coming into his own, whether it be at nine or ten, and then Quan Horne at the back that's flourishing and earned his national colours this year."

He said their game is based off a strong set-piece, but is confident his side can stand up to the challenge in that area. 

Everitt continued: “We've got an international front row and I expect our guys to stand up to that challenge and make use of the opportunities that they're going to present themselves with.”

Everitt has made four changes to his team for the clash at Emirates Airline Park tomorrow, promoting a quartet of Scotland internationals into his starting XV. 

The Edinburgh boss has rotated his half-back partnership, with Ben Vellacott and Ben Healy getting the nod this week.

Ben Vellacott will start for Edinburgh this weekend (Image: SNS) Ewan Ashman replaces the injured Dave Cherry at hooker, while Ross McCann steps in at outside centre in place of Mark Bennett, who has a quad injury. 

Ali Price and Ross Thompson move to the bench, where Ben Muncaster and Mosese Tuipulotu also return from injury. 

Patrick Harrison, who made his Scotland debut on the summer tour, could make his first appearance of the season having been named as the back-up hooker.