“Defence was outstanding” – Everitt hails knockout win

5 Apr 2025

Edinburgh Rugby's resolute defensive wall paved the way for a crucial EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 victory over Emirates Lions at Hive Stadium on Friday night. Head Coach Sean Everitt singled out his team's defensive effort as the cornerstone of their triumph, praising their ability to stifle a dangerous Lions attack.

“We could probably have scored a couple more in the first half, but I’m not going to be picky after a good performance like that,” Everitt reflected. “I thought our defence was outstanding, and to keep a team like the Lions out just shows the effort that the guys put in defensively.”

The victory marked a significant step forward for Edinburgh who suffered defeat to Lions back in October, “Yes, I think we showed that in the second half against the Lions, that if you keep them in structure, you can get on top of them. One of our goals tonight was to try and keep them structured.”

A key figure in Edinburgh’s victory was Wes Goosen, who marked his 50th appearance for the club with the opening try of the match after just two minutes. Everitt praised Goosen’s evolution, saying, “It was a great start that we had, a clinical finish by Wes, and congratulations to him for scoring on his 50th game.

“He has also grown in the team and as a leader as well. The more he’s played at full-back, the better he’s got. He’s quite settled there now. Edinburgh signed him as a winger, and through the issues that Boff’s had with injury, the opportunities that he’s got, he’s taken with both hands and grown his game.

“He’s also grown his kicking game, which is good for him. So, he’s a great utility player to have in our club.”

With a home Quarter-Final secured – taking place at Hive Stadium next weekend – Everitt emphasised the opportunity that lies ahead as the capital side await the result of Bayonne vs Vodacom Bulls on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a massive opportunity, especially when you worked hard in the round robins to get home knockout games like the last 16 and quarter-finals,” he stated. However, he remained grounded, adding, “For us, it’s about not getting too ahead of ourselves, coming back to work on Monday and preparing really well. Whether we play against the Bulls or Bayonne, they’re going to be tough opposition for us.

“So, yeah, just happy that we got the result. Knockout rugby is all about the result. We do have to look at the performance, but tonight I’m just happy that we were able to turn over a good team like the Lions.”