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Edinburgh Rugby's young team displayed remarkable bravery and potential in their pre-season match against Ulster, despite a narrow 28-26 loss.
In a thrilling pre-season match at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Rugby’s young squad demonstrated their potential and resilience against Ulster. Despite a narrow 28-26 defeat, the capital team’s performance offered a glimpse into their future under head coach Sean Everitt.
The match was a showcase of talent, with both teams scoring four tries each. Edinburgh’s tries came from Geordie Gwynn, Hector Patterson, Paul Hill, and Conor McAlpine, while Ulster responded with tries from James McCormick, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Matthew Devine, and Eric O’Sullivan.
The visitors secured their victory when Ross Thompson’s late conversion attempt struck the post.
Edinburgh, missing their Scotland contingent, fielded a mix of academy players and Scotland Under-20 internationals. Head coach Sean Everitt expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their confidence in moving the ball and their bravery in defence.
“We’ve got a few weeks to go, with a lot of work on as well. I think it was just good to see the confidence the guys had in moving the ball, and that’s what we said we wanted to do,” said Everitt. He praised the youngsters, including Christian Lindsay and 18-year-old James Dalrymple, for their performances against a strong Ulster team.
The team featured several new signings, including Gwynn from Ealing Trailfinders, stand-off James Grayson from Japan, New Zealand-born centre Kienan Higgins from New England, and Scotland prop Alec Hepburn from the Scarlets. Gwynn and Grayson made notable impacts, with Grayson converting both of Edinburgh’s first-half tries.
Edinburgh overhauled their coaching staff over the summer, bringing in specialists in defence, attack, and skills/contact. Brad Davis, the new defence coach, is implementing a faster, more aggressive approach. Everitt acknowledged that this new system will take time to bed in.
“Yes, it does take time,” said Everitt. “But It is a confidence thing because you’re worried about missing tackles. And you will miss more tackles when you have an aggressive line speed.”
Everitt emphasized the importance of training to build confidence in the new defensive system. With a game against Harlequins on September 18 and the new United Rugby Championship season starting on September 25, the team has ample time to refine their skills.
The match presented several challenges, including difficult conditions with a strong wind gusting around the Hive. Everitt noted that his players made a couple of questionable decisions, particularly in opting to kick into the wind instead of moving the ball. Ulster capitalized on these moments, scoring two tries from contestable kicks.
“I just thought there were two occasions where we probably should have moved the ball and we had momentum and he decided to kick into the wind and they made us pay on that,” said Everitt. “But, once again, a young nine, a new team, we’ll learn.”
Edinburgh fielded a different team in each half, providing valuable playing time for new signings and young talents. Hooker Harri Morris delivered a strong performance despite leaving the pitch bloodied at half-time. Everitt praised Morris’s energy and dedication, noting that he puts his body on the line every week.
“He’s an energy bunny and he certainly puts his body on the line every week,” said Everitt. “He’s worked hard at his game and he’s trained incredibly hard. He does that every day. So, yes, it’s pleasing to see him come through, especially in a position where he’s got injuries.”
The pre-season match against Ulster served as a valuable learning experience for Edinburgh Rugby. With the new United Rugby Championship season on the horizon, the team has a clear focus on refining their skills and building confidence in their new defensive system.