It is not speed that it is exciting, it is acceleration. You can easily fall asleep when travelling at 800mph in a plane across the Atlantic, but it is the rate of change that creates that knot in your stomach. Acceleration is thrilling. Deceleration is scary.

Thankfully, Edinburgh Rugby have made it clear that, whilst they still have some way to go to reach terminal velocity, they are heading in the right direction.

There was a mixture of delight and disappointment on Friday night as Edinburgh lost by just two points to Leinster. The blunt attack of last season had been sharpened, hunger and determination had been turned up and the physicality was uncompromising.

Partnerships are beginning to gel. Individuals are beginning to shine. Most hearteningly, tries are being scored.

Leinster were an even match for the first 45 minutes, however they made it look effortless. As a result, when the inevitable Edinburgh fatigue and lapses in concentration set in, they were able to move up through the gears and rack up 21 points in 14 minutes.

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When Edinburgh had the ball in the Leinster 22, they were efficient in turning their visits into points. The problems lay at the other end of the pitch where, just as it had been in the Gloucester game the previous week, exiting the opposition’s 22 was a struggle. The hosts' box kicking was straight into Irish arms and even gifted them their second try.

A rally in the final 15 minutes, needing two scores to win is pretty standard when watching Edinburgh. Generally it is accompanied by a deep down acceptance that it will be too little, too late.

Although Edinburgh didn’t quite regain the lead, there was a feeling of possibility, opportunity and hope. It is no coincidence that the arrival of urgency and dynamism corresponded with the arrival of Ben Vellacott off the bench. With the clock red, he cut open the defence to gift Matt Scott a try under the post.

Ben Vellacott made an impact from the bench for EdinburghBen Vellacott made an impact - but was it too late before he was sent on?  (Image: SNS) We can only wonder what other opportunities he would have created if he had been on the pitch for longer.

The biggest frustration was that there was a feeling of possibility, but Edinburgh were trying to force it. The lineout had actually been functioning fine up to then, but when it mattered it fell apart.

Instead of relying on what was working, they were trying the spectacular as an attempted 50:22 and kick pass in the 80th minute both went straight into touch.

At these times, it is important to remind yourself that the frustration only exists because Edinburgh were genuinely challenging URC royalty. They were playing and deserved to be rewarded. The frustration is positive and a sign that they are coming close.

The consensus in the stands was that if you had offered them two bonus points, five tries and a thrilling game before kick off, they would have bitten your hand off.

A lack of bonus points meant that Edinburgh finished the league in 10th place last season despite having the same number of wins as sixth-place Ulster. They will be crucial this year.

Out of the six games in the opening weekend, the total winning margin was a mere 12 points. The league will be extremely tight and bonus points matter.

The reality is that nobody expected Edinburgh to win. Just as Scotland haven’t managed to get over the line against Ireland, South Africa or New Zealand, Leinster are a level above Edinburgh.

That is most evident by the respective line-ups. Edinburgh’s injury list was as short as it has been in recent years and they didn’t hold back in fielding a first-choice team.

There is no question that Leinster put out a very strong team, but they were able to incorporate academy players whilst having the likes of rested Ireland stars Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier, James Lowe, Robbie Henshaw and Andrew Porter, plus Springbok RG Snyman and All Black Jordie Barrett to fall back on as the season progresses.

Caelan Doris was among the Ireland stars not called upon by Leinster for the trip to Hive StadiumCaelan Doris was among the Ireland stars not called upon by Leinster for the trip to Hive Stadium (Image: PA)

Edinburgh’s new lease of life is partly down to the supplement of the new talent joining the team. Ross Thompson has shown creativity and directness to seize the number 10 shirt which Ben Healy had such a tight grip on.

Mosese Tuipulotu was quietly effective this week, Matt Scott seemed to be involved in anything positive, Paul Hill was abrasive and Magnus Bradbury was crashing through defenders for fun.

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It is just a shame that Edinburgh need to rely on new signings when they have an academy that we claim to be so proud of. The short-term improvements we are seeing would be consolidated if our next generation had the opportunity to experience first-team action.

As I say, nobody expected Edinburgh to win, but they came so close. At what point will Edinburgh stop seeing these teams as bonus point opportunities, and instead as the equals that they should be.

Wes Goosen and Ewan Ashman dejected at full-timeWes Goosen and Ewan Ashman dejected at full-time (Image: SNS) Are both Edinburgh and Scotland overly reverent of higher-seeded teams? Since beating England, Scotland have regularly become the favourites. Glasgow Warriors have shown that any team is beatable and are an inspiration to their countrymen.

Edinburgh are showing that they are on an upward trajectory. To back this up in the southern hemisphere will be a true test. International absences as South Africa complete The Rugby Championship may provide an opportunity for an upset.

To come away with bonus points will please most fans, but with progress comes opportunity.