“We’ve got everything to play for”: Everitt eyes Leinster upset as Edinburgh head to Dublin

Everitt was in bullish mood as Edinburgh prepare to take on one of Europe’s most decorated sides on their home patch, believing the occasion presents a genuine opportunity rather than a foregone conclusion.

“We’ve got nothing to lose,” said the Edinburgh head coach. “We know that Europe does determine whether Leinster have a successful season or not.

“So we know that the pressure is on them to perform at the same time. We are alive in a competition and dead in another one. We’ve got everything to play for too.”

When asked whether the club could draw inspiration from what has been described as one of the biggest upsets in Champions Cup history, Everitt was measured but motivated.

“We could use that as motivation,” he said. “But that’s quite a big statement because there have been quite a few upsets. I think we caused one earlier in December as well when we beat Toulon at home. When you’re in knockouts, it’s anyone’s game and it becomes a 50-50.”

Everitt pointed to Glasgow Warriors’ recent victory over Leinster as evidence that the Irish province can be got at – though he was quick to note the challenge will be different this weekend, with Leo Cullen’s side expected to have their international contingent back following the Six Nations.

“We know Leinster are a good team and we saw how Glasgow got on top of them,” he said.

“Obviously it will be a different team that will be available this weekend. They’ll have their internationals back, where they were missing several when we played them the last time. But their systems are the same, and we know they’ve got depth in their squad.”

Edinburgh will be without influential back-row Magnus Bradbury this weekend after he sustained ligament damage during last Saturday’s defeat to the Stormers.

“When he had that clear out in the game, that’s when he went down,” Everitt confirmed. “He was able to finish the game so we’re hoping it’s not too serious. He’s seeing a specialist on Thursday but he’s not available this weekend.

He’s a good leader and he’s actually been one of our star performers – very good in the ball carrying department – so we will miss Maggie this weekend.”

On Duhan van der Merwe, Everitt confirmed the Scotland wing – who suffered an ankle flare-up during the Six Nations – is continuing his rehabilitation and remains unavailable.

“Duhan has returned to running. I’m hoping in the next two weeks,” said Everitt, adding that no decision has been made to rest van der Merwe for the remainder of the season. “Our goal is to win rugby games until the end of the season. We’ll try and pick our best possible team that’s available.”

There was more positive news elsewhere, with Everitt hopeful that Ben Muncaster will be cleared to return following a medical assessment, while D’arcy Rae is also in contention pending how he comes through training.

“We’re hoping that Ben Muncaster will be available — he’ll be seeing a doctor and hopefully he’ll get cleared medically,” Everitt said. “D’arcy Rae should be ready. We’ll make a call on him tomorrow morning to see if there’s been any flare-ups.”

Luke Crosbie, who has been training with the squad that remained at home last week, could also push for involvement in the coming weeks, though Sunday may come too soon.

Despite the disappointment of the Stormers defeat, Everitt believes the attitude and effort shown for large parts of that game gives him confidence heading into the knockout tie.

“There is a hunger within this group,” he said. “I think you saw it for 62 minutes. It’s not that we rolled over and died against the Stormers. We managed the game well against a kick-heavy team. We won the territory battle in that game – and that’s going to be important against Leinster on Sunday.”