‘Every week is a knockout’ – Everitt’s Edinburgh ready for Lions Test

• 2 Apr 2025
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Edinburgh Rugby are gearing up for a crucial EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Emirates Lions at Hive Stadium this Friday night, with Head Coach Sean Everitt keen to see his side demonstrate the lessons learned from their previous encounter in Johannesburg.

Edinburgh were well beaten by the Lions in October, fuelling a desire for redemption. “I think we learned valuable lessons there in the first half against the Lions,” Everitt reflected.

“We saw Glasgow blitz them as well in the first 40 minutes in really difficult conditions.”

However, Everitt is wary of reading too much into the Lions’ recent heavy defeat to Glasgow Warriors in which the Scotstoun side led 42-0 at half-time.

“I know the Lions really well and I know the individuals there, they’re fighters. They’ve been good in the URC up until that game so you can’t judge them on that game. They’re a good all-round team.”

He highlighted the Lions’ resilience and attacking threat, noting, “The defence was strong and they showed that in the second half against Glasgow and they’ve got some X-Factor players there that can turn the game around very quickly which we found out in Johannesburg.

“It’s a difficult team to play against and at the same time I’m sure they’re going to be looking to bounce back because they probably feel a bit embarrassed about that result. Like I said, it’s not because they’re the Lions but they take a lot of pride in their effort.”

Despite the Lions’ result against Glasgow Warriors, Everitt maintained that his team’s preparation remained unchanged.

“No, because that doesn’t change how they play. Like I said to you before, they’re a team on the up,” explained Everitt.

“They’re a bunch of youngsters. They don’t have any fear and they’re willing to mix it with everyone. I think everyone is probably surprised by how well they’ve done so far in the URC. In the URC they’ve got a lot to play for.

“They’re going home post-EPCR and they’ve got four home games. So they’ll probably be looking at a top four if results go their way. And it’s not far off because everyone’s got to play each other in the comp. The Sharks have to tour and they’re sitting in fourth position. So they’ve got a lot to play for. But they’ll also be keen to get their hands on that trophy as well.”

While the competition shifts to the EPCR Challenge Cup, Edinburgh’s mentality remains unchanged, with every game approached as a crucial knockout fixture.

“We’re in a knockout week, every week, so we’re in the same situation as we were last year,” Everitt explained.

“I think from a personal point of view we’re better off. We’ve created depth since last year this time. But it’s becoming the norm now. You wake up, try your best, prepare every day to be better and hopefully you perform well on Friday night.”