Five things we learned as Edinburgh bounce back to beat Stormers

Tries from Paddy Harrison, Ben Muncaster Darcy Graham and a second in as many weeks for Grant Gilchrist after a wait of more than six years for a club try, sealed the win at Hive Stadium, with Ross Thompson capping an excellent showing by converting all four tries.  

Edinburgh confined their visitors to their own territory in the opening quarter and were finally rewarded when Paddy Harrison picked and drove over after the hosts had camped themselves on the Stormers line.  

They had to be patient for the first try, with Grant Gilchrist denied by the TMO moments before the opener, but a second score arrived just two minutes after Edinburgh took the lead.  

Ben Muncaster broke through the Stormers defence on the 10-metre line and showed great pace to step Stormers wing Leolin Zas and finish. Ross Thompson, as he had for the first, converted to put the home side 14-0 ahead.  

After Edinburgh failed to deal with the restart, Stormers wasted an opportunity to get the visitors on the board as a knock-on from number eight Keke Morabe denied Damian Willemse a try.  

But they refused to go away and got on the board eight minutes before the interval when centre Ruhan Nel crashed over. Willemse converted to bring Stormers within seven.  

The fight that was missing from Edinburgh’s first-half display last weekend was on show as Ross Thompson stopped visiting flanker Dave Ewers on a trademark carry as Edinburgh turned around ahead at the break.  

Stormers, who picked up where they left off when the action restarted, were again denied a try four minutes into the second half, Zas’ effort chalked off after an intervention by the TMO.  

Darcy Graham, who was again kept largely quiet, almost snuck over in the corner but was bundled into touch by Warrick Gelant with neither side able to take control of the third quarter. 

The TMO was again called into action on the hour as Graham crossed in the corner after Thompson – who had set up the position with a lovely 50:22 – put the Scotland wing over. The former Glasgow man landed the touchline conversion to extend the home cushion to 14 points. 

And Edinburgh repeated their two-try blitz from the first half as the excellent Gilchrist powered his way over to wrap up the bonus point for his side.  

Thompson landed a penalty and there was still time for a fifth home score, with man of the match Muncaster delivering the final blow to the Stormers in the final minute. 

Here are five things we learned from Hive Stadium. 

Edinburgh deliver much-needed reaction 

After the dismal first-half display in Johannesburg a week ago, a response was required from Edinburgh. They delivered with the ball in the first 20 minutes to dominate territory, and were rewarded with two quick-fire tries. 

Their fight without possession was severely lacking in the opening 40 minutes a week ago, but the effort was epitomised by Thompson’s effort to stop back-row behemoth Ewers.  

Edinburgh were under severe pressure in the second quarter and Nel’s try came with a certain inevitability, but preventing a further score before the break gave the home crowd a lift.  

Ross Thompson has to be first choice 

Sean Everitt recalled the former Glasgow man at fly-half, saying his side lacked direction in attack against the Lions a week ago. Thompson looked back close to his best here as he showed excellent game management to put Edinburgh into the positions from which they scored.  

Add to that an outstanding goalkicking display, and with Ben Healy unable to prevent the ‘A’ team slipping to defeat to Bath’s second string, Thompson deserves an extended run in the hotseat.  

Ben Muncaster a bright prospect 

Ahead of this season, back-row Muncaster set his sights on making an impact with Edinburgh after an injury-disrupted 2023/24 campaign. He was busy off the bench last week and showed he merited his starting place here.  

His physicality was evident throughout, but the highlight of an excellent showing was his superb first-half try.  

Scotland wingers kept quiet again 

Edinburgh must find a way to get Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe into the action more. When the former did get his hands on the ball, he was dangerous and took his try well, but it was a frustrating evening for Van der Merwe who was starved of attacking opportunities. 

A lot of hard work went into this performance from the Edinburgh forwards, and they must discover a way to unleash their dangerous back three going forward.  

Important to back this up 

With a first win of the season now in the bag, the challenge now for Edinburgh will be to back this victory up when Cardiff visit Hive Stadium next weekend.  

The Welsh side, who lost to Scarlets on Saturday, showed they are a dangerous prospect in the second half against Glasgow last weekend, but will travel after back-to-back defeats. Another win there could really kick-start Edinburgh’s season into life.  

Edinburgh: Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Mosese Tuipulotu, Matt Scott (Currie 61), Duhan van der Merwe, Ross Thompson (Scott 77), Ali Price (Vellacott 59); Pierre Schoeman (Venter 57), Paddy Harrison (Morris 70), Paul Hill (Rae 57), Jamie Hodgson (Sykes 50), Grant Gilchrist (captain), Jamie Ritchie, Ben Muncaster, Magnus Bradbury (Crosbie 65) 

Tries: Harrison (19), Muncaster (21, 80), Graham (59), Gilchrist (63) 

Conversions: Thompson (20, 22, 60, 64), Scott (80)

Penalty: Thompson (75) 

Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Angelo Davids (Simelane 66), Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis (captain), Leolin Zas, Damian Willemse, Paul de Wet; Brok Harris (Sithole 60), Andre-Hugo Venter (Kotze 40-44, 60), Neethling Fouche (Sandi 60), JD Schickerling, Ruben van Heerden (Smith 60), Dave Ewers (Theunissen 50), Ben-Jason Dixon, Keke Morabe (Engelbrecht 60) 

Try: Nel (32)

Conversion: Willemse (33) 

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)  

Attendance: 6,914 

Player of the Match: Ben Muncaster