International Trio Boost Edinburgh’s Squad for Stormers Clash in URC
Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt has challenged his side to respond this weekend. The team travel to DHL Stadium in Cape Town to face the Stormers on Saturday at 5pm GMT.
Coach’s assessment
Everitt described the trip as a major test. He noted the Stormers sit top of the log after a recent win over the Dragons.
Edinburgh suffered a heavy 54-17 defeat to the Lions last weekend. Everitt highlighted a malfunctioning line-out and thirty missed one-on-one tackles as key issues.
Training and returning players
The coach said preparation has been intense this week. He praised the players for strong intent in sessions.
An international trio has returned to the group. Darcy Graham, Grant Gilchrist and Pierre Schoeman joined the squad after not playing on Saturday.
Filmogaz.com notes the international trio should lift Edinburgh’s squad for the trip. Their presence added energy and fresh perspectives in training.
Individual form
Everitt singled out Darcy Graham for his training standards. He also praised Grant Gilchrist’s appetite for contact and Schoeman’s relentless energy.
Standings and stakes
Edinburgh sit on 23 log points. The next team are on 28 points, making every result important.
The match is a URC fixture and carries table implications. Edinburgh need consistent weekly performances to improve their position.
Team selection and injuries
The selected starting XV for Cape Town is:
- P O’Conor
- D Darcy Graham
- M Currie
- J Lang
- M Satala
- R Thompson
- C Shiel
- P Schoeman
- E Ashman
- P Hill
- M Sykes
- G Gilchrist
- L McConnell
- D Richardson
- M Bradbury (c)
Replacements named are J Blyth-Lafferty, B Venter, A Williams, G Young, F Douglas, B Vellacott, M Tuipulotu and J Brown.
Several players remain unavailable due to injury. The list includes Charlie McCaig (knee) and Rhys Litterick (Achilles).
- Rob Carmichael (wrist)
- Luke Crosbie (hamstring)
- Sam Skinner (hamstring)
- Paddy Harrison (back)
- Conor McAlpine (hamstring)
- Wes Goosen (hand)
- Duhan van der Merwe (ankle)
- D’arcy Rae (calf)
- Ben Muncaster (concussion)
- Harry Paterson (quad)
Looking ahead
Everitt wants Edinburgh to focus on basics and build momentum. The coaching staff expect a physical contest in Cape Town.
Expect emphasis on set-piece accuracy and defensive one-on-ones. A positive reaction is the aim as the URC campaign continues.
