Sean Everitt 'proud' of Edinburgh response after 'difficult' week

The head coach admitted it had been a “difficult” week in the wake of the 55-21 thrashing by the Lions, but was pleased with his side’s response.  

Read more:

• Five things we learned as Edinburgh bounce back to beat Stormers

• Sean Everitt responds to Duhan van der Merwe to France reports

“This team has never lacked character under my leadership,” Everitt declared.   

“I'm just glad that they were able to put in the performance nd get the result that they did against a quality Stormers outfit.  

“It just shows what this team can do with good game management and good leadership.  

“The leaders took responsibility for having gone a little bit off-strategy last week.  

“This week we get it right and hopefully we can build on it." 

While one of the focuses for Edinburgh ahead of this campaign was to build on their attack, their win over Stormers was built on an outstanding defensive effort.  

“Defence displays your character,” Everitt claimed, despite his side being 48-0 down at half-time seven days ago.  

Reflecting on a much-improved showing in front of their own fans, the South African added: "The guys certainly put their bodies on the line to keep that team out there for 18 minutes at the back end of the first half, it was sublime.  

 “I'm just proud of the boys that they got the result and they got the reward for all their hard work and perseverance during the week.” 

Grant Gilchrist crossed for his second try in as many weeks to wrap up the bonus point (Image: SNS)

Young forwards Paddy Harrison and two-try man of the match Ben Muncaster set the tone for an excellent pack performance.  

“Paddy was outstanding as well as Ben Munchester,” Everitt said.  

“Ben put in another outstanding performance tonight, not only defensively but carrying the ball as well and he got through a tremendous amount of work.  

“Those two youngsters certainly brought energy to the team. And the impact that Paddy Harrison made last week, everyone will remember that.” 

Everitt jettisoned Scotland fly-half Ben Healy into his ‘A’ team after admitting his side lacked direction in the first half against the Lions with Ross Thompson excelling in the number 10 jersey.  

“Ross was calm, understood what we wanted from him from a game management point of view,” the Edinburgh boss said.  

“Not only on attack was he good in game management, his defence was outstanding as well. 

Ross Thompson was excellent for Edinburgh (Image: SNS) "It was a fantastic all-round performance from a guy that takes his rugby seriously and wants to play at the highest level.” 

And he was pleased to see Darcy Graham score his first try since his return from injury as Edinburgh pulled clear in the second half.  

“It was great for him,” Everitt acknowledged.  

“It's really hard to get the ball to the edges against the blitz defence that the Stormers have. 

“With the opportunities that he got, he did well. When he didn't have the ball, he was looking for the ball.  

“For me, it's just an all-round performance and I thought the forwards laid the platform in the second half for us to go away with it.”