Sean Everitt issues clear URC message to Edinburgh squad

Edinburgh occupied the play-off places for the majority of last season before missing out after collapsing in the final two games. The capital side lost narrowly to Munster before being thrashed against Benetton in their final game when a win would have secured a play-off place. 

Everitt will be determined to banish the ghosts of last season and the Edinburgh head coach has already set an ambitious top-four target. It doesn’t get much more difficult than welcoming Irish giants Leinster to the Hive Stadium on the opening night but Everitt is determined to make a flying start. 

“It will be massive for us,” Everitt responded when asked about the impact of starting with a win. “Massive from a belief point of view within our group. We all know that Glasgow won the competition last year. Edinburgh have been pretenders for some time and we certainly were pretenders for the first half of the season.

“So, it will be massive for our group. There are really good players within our squad. A team that's capable of achieving success and certainly beating Leinster at home tomorrow night will go a long way in achieving what we're trying to do this season.

“I don't know if there's any perfect time to get Leinster.I know that they'll be much improved. Last year, Jacques Nienaber wasn't able to join them until late because of the World Cup. He hadn't had an opportunity to implement his defence as well as he might have.

“He's had now pre-season to work with Leinster and what we've seen in the pre-season games is that they've got aggressive line speed and they force the opposition into errors. But yes, I suppose for them, having two friendlies, different teams, I'm sure they're going to bring their strongest team.

“I would see it as 85% of their strongest team to Edinburgh. So, if there's a time to play them, I suppose it is now before they build cohesion and get into their groove. But at the same time, we haven't played much either. So, the first rounds of the URC are never a great spectacle of rugby because of the rustiness of the players. But hopefully it will be a bit different tomorrow night.”

Everitt has named a strong side to face Leinster with Darcy Graham set to make his first competitive start in eight months on the wing alongside Scotland teammate Duhan van der Merwe.

Three players will make their Edinburgh debuts including Ross Thompson, with Everitt preferring the new recruit at stand-off over Ben Healy. Thompson travelled along the M8 this summer from Glasgow Warriors and Everitt believes he can showcase his ability after struggling for regular gametime under Franco Smith.

“He hasn't had many games in the Glasgow jersey or opportunities last season,” Everitt admitted. “Obviously, he trained the whole pre-season with us. He didn't get much of a break post the summer internationals. We're fortunate that we've got two Scottish internationals at 10 in our squad.

“But yes, I think Ross wants some continuity with regards to selection. He has to earn that too and he has done that for this week with his composure and calmness that he brings to the team. I just think it's great that a youngster now, whether he starts or whether he's on the bench, is going to get a good run of games to see if he can truly develop into his full potential.”

Moese Tuipulotu - brother of Glasgow star Sione - will also make his competitive debut after his arrival from the Waratahs and Everitt insists he possesses incredible potential. 

“He came in with a really positive attitude,” said Everitt. “Like I said before, it was quite challenging for him coming into Edinburgh. He's settled well within the squad, understands his roles and with more exposure in the URC, the world is his oyster. His performances have been good enough to warrant a start and he's been rewarded with it.”