Sean Everitt’s Edinburgh wary of Lions X-factor players in Challenge Cup knockout

Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt is reading more into his team’s heavy defeat to the Lions last October than he is to the Joburgers’ big defeat to Glasgow last week.

Edinburgh host the Lions on Friday night in a Challenge Cup playoff (9pm kick-off).

In the last encounter between Edinburgh and the Lions, the Scots were thumped 55-21 at Ellis Park, while last week, the South Africnas were on the wrong end of a 42-0 score-line against the Warriors, the Scottish arch-rivals of Everitt’s team.

“I know the Lions well and I know the individuals there... they’re fighters, said Everitt, who coached the Sharks from 2019 to 2023.

“They had been good in the URC up until that Glasgow game, so you can’t judge them on that result. They’re a good all-round team.

“The Lions’ defence was strong in the second half against Glasgow, and they’ve got some X-factor players there that can turn the game around very quickly. We found that out in Johannesburg.”

Everitt said the Lions are a difficult team to play against.

“I’m sure they will want to bounce back strongly because they probably feel a bit embarrassed about that result. They have some proud players and coaches, and they take a lot of pride in their performances.

“Despite that result, I feel the Lions are a team on the up. They won’t change the way they play because this is a knockout game,” Everitt added.

“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 United Rugby Championship, and they still have a lot to play for.

“They’re going home after this match, and they’ve got four home games.

“So, they’ll probably be looking at a top-four finish if results go their way. And it’s not far off, because everyone’s got to play each other in the competition.

“The Sharks have to tour, and they’re sitting in fourth position.

“So, the Lions have a lot to play for. But they will also be keen to get their hands on the Challenge Cup trophy.”

Like the Lions, Edinburgh are fighting for a place in the URC top eight. They are eighth on the log, but have a crowd of teams hard on their heels.

“We’re in knockout mode every week. 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 at 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 the weekend.”