Grant Gilchrist believes criticism of Edinburgh has got ‘personal’ but the Scotland international insists it provided the perfect motivation to silence their critics. 

After conceding a record 48 points in the first half against the Lions, Edinburgh came under intense scrutiny following the dreadful 40 minutes in Johannesburg. The pressure was firmly on Sean Everitt and his squad as they welcomed the Stormers to the Hive Stadium last Saturday but they responded in style.

Edinburgh beat Stormers 38-7, a record defeat for the South African side since they joined the URC in 2021, with Everitt highlighting the fact this week. 

Gilchrist is an experienced, respected professional and while understanding that criticism will naturally follow poor performances, the 34-year-old claims critics are ‘pretty sharp’ on Edinburgh. 

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“It was tough, but we had all the answers in the room,” Gilchrist replied when asked about the reaction to the Lions defeat. 

“I didn’t feel like we were under pressure to a level which we couldn’t deal with or which was beyond us. It was just about making sure we used it as motivation. But our job as always is to speak on the pitch on a Friday or Saturday.

"There’s nothing you can say after a performance like we had. It was unacceptable. 

Grant Gilchrist and his Edinburgh colleagues were hammered by the LionsGrant Gilchrist and his Edinburgh colleagues were hammered by the Lions (Image: Getty Images) “We were really hard internally. Everybody has a right to their keyboard and to write whatever they like.

"They seem to be pretty sharp on Edinburgh, and pretty personal, which I actually quite enjoyed because it has brought a real edge to us. That’s an edge we’re going to need for the whole season. Like I say, everyone is entitled to it, and we have to prove people wrong.”

On whether Edinburgh answered their critics, Gilchrist added: “We started to, but they’re going to turn up again this weekend and it’s about us proving everyone wrong every week from now until the end of the season. For years, every time we have a poor result, it is the same story, so we’re going to change that.”

Gilchrist is far from renowned for his try-scoring ability but he’s scored two in two games after, incredibly, going over six years without crossing the white line for Edinburgh. 

Before his recent purple patch, Gilchrist’s last try arrived against the Southern Kings in January 2018 but the experienced lock joked that he wasn’t being labelled a try-machine in the changing room just yet.

“I don’t know about that,” he laughed. My strike rate over the course of my career needs a bit of work. But make hay while the sun shines eh? It’s not really in my job description but we’ve been doing a lot of pick-and-go work and getting in.

Grant Gilchrist is congratulated for his try by Wes GoosenGrant Gilchrist is congratulated for his try by Wes Goosen (Image: SNS) "If it’s something you can add to your game, I’m always looking for ways to improve. Long may it continue.”

Gilchrist should have added a second try against the Stormers on Saturday night and he praised Edinburgh forwards coach Stevie Lawrie for his work in training.

“I was more annoyed with that than (pleased about) scoring the other one,” Gilchrist admitted.

“I was actually over the line and should have held onto the ball. But certainly the work we’ve been doing in the 22 and the finish zone with Stevie Lawrie has been a real strength of ours in the first four games and something the boys have really bought into.

"We’re going to need to keep doing that and keep on top of it as teams start to preview us and come after that area of our game, because it can be a real weapon.”

Gilchrist has started every game for Edinburgh this season with fellow locks Sam Skinner and Glen Young experiencing injury problems.

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Back-row Ben Muncaster was outstanding against the Lions and Gilchrist is relishing his role as a mentor to Edinburgh’s youngster stars.  

Ben Muncaster scored two tries against Stormers and was named Player of the MatchBen Muncaster scored two tries against Stormers and was named Player of the Match (Image: SNS)

“As a senior player, it is about telling guys: ‘I don’t want anyone else – I just want the best version of everyone – I want the best version of myself, the best Ben Muncaster, the best Paddy Harrison – I don’t them worrying about trying to save us all, they don’t need to save anything – look around and look at the team and do your job – and the week you are under pressure is a real privilege and a real chance for everyone to grow.

“I relish it. In big weeks for the club like last week, the senior guys have to stand up. We’ve got so much quality, so many you lads coming through, they just need the guidance and people with experience in leadership to stand up and give them the support to allow them to go and play with the freedom they can bring.

"I loved the whole week last week because these weeks make you a better person and a better player, a better character and you learn a lot.”