Everitt: ‘step up’ required as Edinburgh prepare for Bulls showdown

Edinburgh Rugby, fresh from their hard-fought Round of 16 victory over Emirates Lions, are bracing for a colossal EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final clash against the Vodacom Bulls this Saturday at Hive Stadium.

Head Coach Sean Everitt is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, acknowledging the step up in intensity as they face the two-time United Rugby Championship (URC) finalists.

“Yes, it is a step up,” Everitt acknowledges. “Bulls are two-time URC finalists. They had a good win against Bayonne away from home, and South African teams have struggled against the French teams away. So, it was important for them to get that win.”

The history between Edinburgh and the Bulls is etched with close encounters, a testament to the South African side’s formidable set-piece and physicality.

Edinburgh’s four URC clashes with the Vodacom Bulls have seen both sides protect their home turf, most recently with a closely contested 22-16 defeat for Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in September.

“Yes, we know they pride themselves on set-piece and physicality. So, a difficult team to play against,” Everitt explains. “We know them quite well after playing them in the earlier rounds of the URC and then obviously at home last year. So, we know what they’re going to bring. It’s about us being able to stop them and using the opportunity that we can create against them.”

Reflecting on past clashes, Everitt recalls the tight margins that have defined these fixtures. “Yes, unfortunately in the early URC round, I think we made that error when we were going over the line. They ripped the ball out of our hands and they ran 90 metres to win the game. So, yes, it has been close encounters with them. We know what they bring to the table. At the same time, like I said before, if we are clinical on the opportunity that we can create, we can get the win.”

Everitt dispels any notion that South African teams treat the Challenge Cup with anything less than utmost seriousness. “Yes, they do take the competition seriously,” he affirms.

“I was part of a group of coaches that were really keen on getting into the European competitions when I was back in Durban. We see it as a prestigious competition. I think sometimes people will perceive it as a lack of respect because you’re not playing your better teams week in and week out. I think if we understand the load that the teams are going to carry between now and the end of the URC, it is understandable. Not necessarily a lack of respect.”

Ali Price celebrates with Magnus Bradbury as he scores to seal the win over Emirates Lions in the Round of 16.

The Sharks’ triumph in the competition last season has undoubtedly added a layer of prestige for South African sides.

The Durban outfit beat Gloucester 22-36 in last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final to become the first South African side to win the competition.

“Yes, the Sharks were pretty desperate last year because they had no chance of reaching the top eight early in the competition. So, it was one that they identified that they could win to get into the Champions Cup,” Everitt explains.

“So, yes, definitely added motivation when you see the team celebrating after a good win like that. It’s something that we would love to do too, and that is to win a trophy. But we’ve got to get through the stages first in the quarter-final against the Bulls. The Bulls is a big challenge for Edinburgh, but one that we can overcome.”

Adding to the stakes is the tantalising prospect of a home semi-final for Edinburgh should the progress to the last four of the competition.

Winning on Saturday means Edinburgh host the Bath/Gloucester winner at Hive Stadium on 2/3/4 May in a crucial semi-final clash.

“Yes, definitely added motivation for that,” Everitt confirms. “We spoke last week about getting home round 16 and quarter-final, and we’ve managed that. Now, if we get through, we get a home semi. We set ourselves up nicely, but like I say, it’s a difficult challenge ahead of us. One that we’re not afraid of, and one that we certainly are going for.”