“We can build from here.” – Cruikshank eyes Wolfhounds challenge after Glasgow victory

In a pulsating encounter at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh overcame early pressure to secure the bragging rights in the inter-city derby.

For Cruikshank, the 31-25 win was not just about the points on the board, but the momentum it provides as the squad prepares for a massive home clash against the Wolfhounds next month.

The match didn’t start all Edinburgh’s way, with the visitors enjoying the lion’s share of territory in the opening exchanges.

However, Cruikshank was impressed by the composure her side showed to weather the storm and strike back at a clinical moment.

“Glasgow really came at us early on and had a lot of possession,” said Cruikshank. “But we started to find our shape and the try that we scored just before the break to get us back to within a point really gave us a lift.”

That momentum carried into the second half, where Edinburgh took full advantage of a numerical superiority to pull away.

“In the second half we knew that we were starting against 14 with them having a yellow card and the players managed that period well.

“We then took things on from there and scored a few nice tries with Hannah Ramsay, Rachel Philipps and Lisa Brown freeing up space for our dangerous back three.

“Things then got a wee bit tighter than we would have liked towards the end, but I was pleased with the battling qualities and the connectivity the players showed against a good Glasgow side and we can build from here.”

The focus now shifts to next month, where Edinburgh will welcome the Wolfhounds to the capital on Saturday 10 January.

Having suffered a 34-7 defeat to the Irish side in Round 1, Cruikshank is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead – and the level of physicality required to get a result.

“We know exactly what the Wolfhounds will come to Edinburgh with,” Cruikshank explained.

“They are a strong, powerful side with plenty of experience across the board. We felt that in Round 1, and we know we have to match that physicality from the first whistle.

“It has to be a full 80-minute performance. We can’t afford any lapses against a team of their quality. We’ve taken a lot of positives from the bonus point win over Glasgow, and the challenge now is to bring that same energy and clinical edge to this next test.”

A standout feature of the weekend’s win was the atmosphere at Hive Stadium, with the Edinburgh faithful playing a crucial role in seeing the team over the line during a tense finale.

Cruikshank is hoping to see more supporters in the stands for the Wolfhounds’ visit.

“The Hive Stadium crowd against Glasgow was fantastic. It genuinely spurred us on when things got tight towards the end of the game,” she added.

“We want to keep building that connection with the supporters. Our goal is to get more and more fans involved and coming along to see the brand of rugby this team is playing.

“Having that backing at home makes a world of difference, and we can’t wait to get back out there in front of them next month.”