Press Pass: Lawrie on DHL Stormers

• 28 Sep 2022

Get the latest from Forwards Coach Stevie Lawrie as he spoke to media ahead of Saturday's BKT URC Round 3 match against DHL Stormers in Cape Town (1 October, kick-off 1pm BST/ 2pm local).

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On the narrow defeat to Vodacom Bulls

“On reflection, it was a game we played with plenty of passion. Mike has already spoken about the spirit and getting ourselves back into the game, but we fell short fundamentally.

“We set ourselves up to take a massive scalp at Loftus, at altitude.

“There were plenty of positives to come out of it, but we fell short, which was frustrating.

“But we have accentuated positives and looked honestly at ourselves. We need to improve against the DL Stormers this week.”

On what needs to be better against DHL Stormers

“I think consistency. There were times when the pack was very dominant, but then a couple of times towards the end there were key moments slipped away from us.

“Our ability to continually apply pressure on the opposition would be the other thing we have spoken about constantly. I thought our physicality was excellent throughout and we obviously scored some lovely tries in attack. There were plenty of positives.”

On the team’s improving attack

“We spoke about our conversion rate when we got into their 22m. We took our chances, which is pleasing.

“We want to play a brand of rugby that is exciting and that engages the fans, not just at home. When fans switch on and watch us on television, we want them to see a team that is physical but also willing to push the boundaries and make the odd mistake and hopefully score some good tries.”

On the injury status of the squad

“We are assessing [the injured players] at the moment. There are a few who are on return-to-play protocols, but they are in good health.

“Blair [Kinghorn] was a short-term overnight thing so he’s been back in training this week which has been great for the group.

“Jaco [van der Walt] took his head knock and he is on return to play protocols at the moment.

“Mark Bennett and Luke Crosbie are both being assessed but they were running around on Tuesday. We’re just waiting to find out exactly how they’ve come through their protocols.

“Grant [Gilchrist] got a wee slice to his hand but he was back in doing bits and bobs of training on Tuesday so we’re monitoring him but he was running around well.”

On how Edinburgh stop the DHL Stormers

“It’s always good when you’ve played at a stadium before. We had the Quarter-Final here and one of the main learnings was how deadly their back three are on transition.

“We need to make sure we’re squeaky clean when we kick the ball so it allows us to use our strengths and we’re not too loose.

“I think they’re probably the best in the league around their transition play. They’re really quick to set.

“In that quarter-finals we got a couple of scrum penalties and a driven maul as well so it’s about making sure we’re physical enough to put them under pressure.”