Everitt: “Benetton are a dangerous team”

Head Coach Sean Everitt has been impressed with the Italian team’s evolution and knows his squad must be at their best to secure a victory.

“Benetton have done well,” Everitt said. “They’ve changed the way they play. They’ve had to grow and they certainly look a better outfit than what they showed last year. They’re a dangerous team, as you saw when they beat Glasgow at home.”

Everitt pointed to new attack coach Pete Wilkins as a key factor in their newfound potency, noting their impressive wins over Glasgow and the Lions. For Edinburgh, this marks a fresh start after a bruising encounter in Limerick that saw them compete fiercely against Munster despite a flurry of four yellow cards.

Everitt was proud of the fighting spirit on display, even if it came at a cost. “The yellow cards in the context of the game and in rugby were correct. So we have to take that on the chin. I’m just proud of the way the guys fought with numbers down,” he said.

He praised the players’ effort, calling the infringements “high effort yellow cards,” and highlighted the team’s ability to turn Munster over four times on their goal line.

The focus now is on marrying that competitiveness with composure. “We don’t want to lose what we showed on Friday night… But it’s about marrying the two,” Everitt stressed.

The match is a welcome return to home soil for the team, who were disappointed when their home opener was postponed. “Yeah, we’re excited to be back,” Everitt confirmed. “I do think we’re headed in the right direction and we’re looking forward to a good game on Friday.”

On the injury front, the team faces a few challenges, with Harry Patterson ruled out after failing an HIA and Ben Muncaster unlikely to feature after rolling his ankle.

However, there’s good news with key players set to return, including Cammy Scott and Ross Thompson who will be in contention for selection, and Scotland international lock Grant Gilchrist back in the fold.

Everitt also praised the performance of newcomer Dylan Richardson, who “certainly showed what he’s about” in his first outing at flanker against Munster.

With the return of key personnel and a determination to channel their aggressive energy more accurately, Edinburgh will be ready to meet the challenge of Benetton head-on in front of their home crowd.

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