Scottish Rugby

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

Around 6pm on Saturday, a quick look at the URC table would have given any Edinburgh er a bit of a fright. Benetton had won against Sharks and as a result we were bottom of the league at that point.

Thankfully, as we took a firm grip of the game against Stormers and closed it out with Ben Muncasters’ second try of the match, we finished the weekend in ninth.

In the wake of our first win of the season, it's great to be able to have some positives to highlight.

Our scrum is in a great place. Paul Hill has been an excellent acquisition and there seems very little, if any, drop off between the Schoeman/Hill and the Venter/Rae combos.

We conceded only six penalties in the entire game. A 92% tackle success rate, combined with big numbers in possession and territory, helped us keep Stormers off the scoresheet in what was a dominant last 30 minutes.

It was great to see a number of Edinburgh's younger players come to the fore. Muncaster was a deserving man of the match, Patrick Harrison topped the tackle count and Ross Thompson took on a lot of weight when you consider there was hardly a scrum-half box kick to be seen in the match.

It's a work in progress. It will still be next week. We are a bit ponderous and narrow in attack. Nine of the fourteen tries we have scored this season have come from short range maul drives. Our lineout is faulty.

The main point though is we have overcome a team we've never beaten previously, hauled ourselves up from a pretty low place and restored some pride.

There's no stats for that unless someone is out there counting smiles.

Sandy Smith can be found at The Burgh Watch, external

After Glasgow and Edinburgh's big wins in the URC this weekend, and Scotland's WXV2 defeat by Australia, are there any questions you would like to put to Tom English and Andy Burke?

Send them in via this link, external and they will be answered either on this week's Radio Scotland Rugby Podcast or in written form on this very page.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Edinburgh's attack - better but still work to do

Ben Healy paid the price for what Sean Everitt described as a "directionless" performance from the Edinburgh attack against the Lions, replacing him at 10 with Ross Thompson.

The Scotland international was steady rather than spectacular. His work was neat and tidy for the most part and some of his kicking from hand helped to pin Stormers back in the second half.

Thompson's goal-kicking has always been a strength and - aside from one wayward effort with the game all but done - he kicked his goals well, particularly a beauty from the touchline to convert Darcy Graham's try at a key moment in the game.

There is still a sense Edinburgh's attack is a little disted, though. Aside from his try, Graham did not see much of the ball, while Duhan van der Merwe on the other wing was largely a spectator.

Edinburgh need to find a way to get these devastating attackers into the game more.

Towering defence

While the attack showed some signs of improvement, this was a victory built on the solid foundation of ferocious defence.

Edinburgh had to withstand huge amounts of pressure on or near their own line from the Stormers, especially in the second quarter.

Some of the last-ditch defending was heroic, and preserving their seven-point lead going into the break, having withstood numerous assaults on their try-line, was a huge psychological moment in the match.

That is the standard of defence Edinburgh need to bring to every single match.

Patrick Harrison makes Scotland case

With Gregor Townsend due to name his squad for the autumn internationals in a couple of weeks, hooker Patrick Harrison did his case for inclusion no harm at all.

As well as his try, he had some penetrating carries and stood up well physically in the tackle and at the breakdown against a powerful Stormers side. The odd loose arrow at lineout time shows there are still rough edges to be smoothed out, but the raw materials are there.

With George Turner now out of the national picture following his move to Japan, hooker has become an intriguing position, with several contenders in the mix for the number two jersey.

Another Edinburgh hooker, Ewan Ashman, is the leading candidate, but Harrison could play himself into contention to compete with the likes of Johnny Matthews, Dylan Richardson and Dave Cherry.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Fortress Scotstoun delivers again

In a week where there has been much discussion about Glasgow's decision to switch December's 1872 Cup match against Edinburgh to Hampden, here was another reminder of the power of Scotstoun.

While decamping temporarily to the national stadium for the derby makes sense for any number of reasons, you can understand why some fans are a little reluctant to give up home advantage.

Glasgow's record at Scotstoun is outstanding. It is now 26 consecutive home wins in the regular league season for Glasgow, since a defeat to then-champions Leinster almost three years ago.

OK, Zebre did not provide the sternest of tests, but the longer Glasgow keep putting teams away on their own pitch, the more the aura of Scotstoun grows and that could be priceless should they secure a home play-off at the end of the season.

Bhatti pushing for Scotland 1 jersey

Jamie Bhatti must surely be pushing hard for the starting loose-head berth for Scotland in the Autumn Nations Series.

Pierre Schoeman has been one of the first names on Gregor Townsend's teamsheet in recent times, but like the rest of the Edinburgh team, let his standards drop towards the end of last season.

Now he has serious competition in the form of Bhatti, who carries hard, scrummages well, with a tackle count that is consistently good.

He is also part of a winning culture and you wonder just how important that will be when Townsend sits down with his coaches to discuss the 50-50 selection calls.

Bhatti has been a key cog in Glasgow's recent success and would relish the chance to play a greater role for the national team in November.

Discipline needs a little work

If there is one hole to pick in an otherwise professional performance, it's Glasgow's discipline.

Warriors conceded 12 penalties, not a ridiculous total, but in a game in which they were in almost complete control throughout, against such limited opposition, they need to be doing better.

Among the excitement of the thrilling wins away to Munster in last season's semi-final and at Loftus Versfeld against Bulls in the final, it’s easy to forget how Warriors penalty count almost proved fatal.

Many would argue that some curious decisions from Andrea Piardi, the referee on both occasions, was the primary reason for Glasgow’s discipline problems, but you have to react and adapt to how the referee is calling it on any given day, and I'm sure Franco Smith will want his players to tidy up that area before tougher tests in South Africa against Sharks and Stormers.

Image source, SNS

Ben Muncaster believes Edinburgh's comprehensive win over Stormers on Saturday can kickstart the capital side's season.

Muncaster, 22, scored two of Edinburgh's five tries as they halted a three-match losing streak and secured their first win of the new URC season.

"The fact we've got stuff to work on and we're still winning with a bonus point is very much a positive thing," he said.

"Three losses in a row, we needed to bounce back and we did. Ross Thompson orchestrated us really well and we capitalised on mistakes.

"There's a lot more confidence in the boys, and let's come with momentum now into the next game against Cardiff."

We asked for your thoughts after Edinburgh and Glasgow both secured URC victories.

Here's what you had to say:

GLASGOW

Stuart: Good bonus-point win for the Warriors. Zebre were never a real threat on the night. Warriors will need to be just a bit more clinical for the Sharks and Stormers games. George Horne, Adam Hastings and Huw Jones were outstanding for me. The lads who will fill in for those on international duty look like they will hold their own.

Peter: Performance can be described as workman-like. Penalty count higher than it has been, but did not let Zebre get a try. Franco Smith has rotated the squad well in the first four games and lots of them in different positions. Ben Afshar came onto the wing last night to add to the versatility, got to be a good thing.

Alex: Wasn't the most flowing game of rugby. But, I was fascinated and impressed by Glasgow's defence. Zebre are no mugs and they came out flying, but it became obvious pretty early on that our boys were determined to not let them through.

David: Very scrappy game, with a great defensive shift from Glasgow after the previous week's game against Cardiff. A number of the next generation got good game time and I wonder how many of them will force their way into Gregor Townsend's squad given Edinburgh's lack of form. Good rather than spectacular. Great to see Jones and Stafford McDowall back and on form.

EDINBURGH

Stuart: As a Warriors fan I say hats off to Edinburgh. When you have your critics this was the stunning way to show them who you are. The most complete display from an Edinburgh side for a while. Ben Muncaster, Patrick Harrison, Ross Thompson and Darcy Graham all impressed. The 1872 Cup matches look far more interesting now!

Arran: Better performance, Muncaster did really well in attack and deserved player of the match. I thought Ali Price played better and was more solid, lineout needs to be fixed but overall a good first win of the season.

George: Nice to see the players fight for themselves, the club, and the jersey. Hopefully they can continue it for the rest of the season. Can't just have one of games where you play well. Was really impressed with Thompson.

Andrew: A much-improved performance and a much-needed win. Muncaster and Thompson surely starters now. Rumour mill has Duhan van de Merwe moving to . On his performances for Edinburgh since moving back from Worcester, bon voyage!

Rob: One win doesn't fix all of the issues clearly, but equally it shows that the component parts of a successful team do exist. But we won't beat better teams by simply keeping the ball in the forwards. We must be more expansive and use the world-class backs we have.

Ian: What a difference a week makes. The players looked up for it and hungry, the team were all on the same page - aggressive, cohesive, largely accurate, much much better. Well done Edinburgh, more of that please.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt says the club have opened contract discussions with Duhan van der Merwe in an effort to keep him at the club.

The prolific winger's existing deal is due to expire at the end of the season and a number of French clubs are reportedly interested in g Scotland's record try-scorer.

Everitt would not be drawn on any potential interest in Van der Merwe, and would like to British and Irish Lion cap, 29, to commit his future to the capital club.

"We want to keep Duhan in Scotland if we can," Everitt said.

"He's got a business here in Scotland. We desperately do want to keep him here, so we'll do the best we can.

"We're in the process of contracting for season 2025-2026 at the moment. We'll cross that bridge when it comes to it."

Edinburgh fans, what did you make of your side's performance as they triumphed against Stormers in the United Rugby Championship?

Who stood out for you? Have they redeemed themselves after the disastrous Lions performance?

Have your say here, external.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt praised his team for their impressive response to last week's hammering by Lions after they delivered a bonus-point win over Stormers.

The capital side were heavily criticised for their display in Johannesburg which saw them fall 48-0 down by half-time - a URC record - before ultimately going down 55-21.

They were unrecognisable against the Stormers, scoring five tries and producing a towering defensive display to their first win of the season.

"This team has never lacked character under my leadership," Everitt said.

"I'm just glad that they were able to put in the performance and get the result that they did against a quality Stormers outfit.

"It’s been a difficult week for everyone. It was always going to be a tricky start to this competition. But it just shows what this team can do with good game management and good leadership.

"The leaders took responsibility for having gone a little bit off-strategy last week. This week we get it right and hopefully we can build on it."

Scotland fell short in their attempts to retain the WXV2 title, as Australia edged a thrilling contest in Cape Town.

What did you make of the game? Who impressed you for Scotland?

Have your say here, external.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm: "We could have had that game put away well before those cards came into play.

"This tournament has been up and down for us, but in of building foundations for the year ahead, we've had players get game time at the top level and I'm really proud of the fight.

"That's what we pride ourselves on and that's what my team did today. I couldn't ask for more."