“Much-improved” Edinburgh targets 1872 Cup upset

Sean Everitt expresses optimism that his Edinburgh team, which he describes as “much-improved,” can achieve an 1872 Cup upset against the favored Glasgow Warriors in the first leg match scheduled for Sunday at Hampden. Last season, Edinburgh failed to qualify for the URC play-offs, while Glasgow went on to secure a memorable title. Currently, Glasgow holds a position five places higher than their inter-city rivals in the league standings. The Warriors are aiming to win the 1872 Cup for the third consecutive season, despite Edinburgh having won the second leg at Murrayfield last term. “For us, it’s a challenge,” head coach Everitt said. “Obviously, they’re the URC champions. They’ve done well in the Champions Cup.” He continued, “The perception is out there that Glasgow are probably favourites if you look at where they are from a form point of view and where they finished up last year.” Everitt further stated, “In saying that, we’re a much-improved team from last year. Our all-round game has improved. Last year, we were more defensive, kicking game-focused.” He concluded, “I think our attack has improved a lot, as you can see from the last two games we’ve played at home. So it makes for an interesting derby. Any team can be beaten on any day. We’re looking at this one as optimistically as we can.” Everitt, whose side has not secured an away victory since April, believes that Glasgow’s decision to move the match from Scotstoun to Hampden, a change made to accommodate a larger crowd, could serve as a balancing factor. “I think it does change the dynamic,” he said. “I think the change of surface for both teams from (artificial to grass) does neutralise it somewhat. We hopefully will get some preparation on grass this week and I’m sure they will as well.” Everitt conveyed his sympathy for Freddy Douglas, the 19-year-old back-rower who debuted for both Scotland and Edinburgh last month, after he was ruled out until February due to an ankle injury. “I had a nice chat to him this morning and he’s still upbeat,” he said. He added, “He’s got a good year behind him and going into the new year he should be ready in the first week of February so he’ll be able to contest the Six Nations for Scotland as well.”