Travel takes its toll as Everitt’s men fall just short
Visitors bow out after failing to maintain first-half performance
EDINBURGH suffered defeat in South Africa to end their Challenge Cup journey for another season. It was a real battle on the other side of the equator and coach Sean Everitt had been determined to get a result, but the team he picked just could not quite get over the line and it was obvious the travel had an effect on them.
Edinburgh took the first points of the game on four minutes. They had started well and when a penalty was conceded by Sharks, Ben Healy stepped up and stuck it between the posts.
There was a shock when Siya Masuku smashed a penalty of his own wide when he was right in front of the sticks, but that was not a sign of things to come as he kicked 18 points over the course of the game.
It soon turned though after some great play from Sharks as Makazole Mapimpi produced stunning skill to chip it over the Edinburgh defence and he got on the end of it to hand off to Lukhanyo Am, who had a simple finish.
Edinburgh chased one of their own but could not quite get it and Sharks ended up adding a second try from James Venter. It was brilliant play from the home side and eventually Eben Etzebeth handed it off to Venter to score, with Masuku adding the extras again.
Etzebeth was yellow carded for a series of incidents and Edinburgh took advantage by getting themselves a try through Pierre Schoeman on his return to the team, with Healy taking it to a one-point game. A further penalty from the Edinburgh fly-half meant they went into half time with a lead.
Two quick- fire penalties f rom Masuku put Sharks back in front though and with Etzebeth back they were looking much better. It started going from bad to worse for the visitor s as Bongi Mbonambi sneaked into space and touched d o wn wi t h Masuk u again converting.
Hamish Watson and Dave Cherry did get two tries back for Edinburgh but it was not to be a nd Sharks booked their place in the last four.
Classy hosts too strong
Sharks have had a frustrating season and did not pick up a URC win until March but they have their best players available now and it was an exceptionally strong performance from them. It is unsurprising when they have the likes of Etzebeth, Am and six other members of South Africa’s World Cup winning squad from 2023.
Skinner’s reputation claim
Sam Skinner stated last week that victory over Sharks would improve Edinburgh’s reputation on the European stage. It looked like they would have a chance in the first half but they just could not keep it up and unfortunately for Skinner that reputation for the capital club will not have been improved.
It was a frustrating second period and perhaps they would have gained some increased reputation for their early showing but the home side showed too much and it probably should not be a surprise given the number of South African World Cup winners in the team.
Travel effects Edinburgh
Edinburgh had a brilliant first half and worked well but it was clear they had fallen away towards the end. There has been a lot of travel for Everitt’s men over the last few weeks and they looked increasingly leggy as the second half went on. The penalty count went up and they could not make an impact in an attacking sense having looked threatening throughout the first half.
Focus now on URC
The focus is now on the URC and Edinburgh will be aiming to make the play-offs, although they currently sit outside the play-off spots after their two defeats in South Africa. They face the Scarlets next weekend and after two defeats on the bounce in the league, they will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
Everitt is in his first season as head coach and they have performed at a decent level but a strong end to the campaign can be a big building block for next year.
Gilcho hits 200
Grant Gilchrist put in a very strong performance on his 200th appearance and will be frustrated they could not get the result they wanted.
He joined WP Nel, Allan Jacobsen and Chris Paterson in that exclusive club and his performance in the lineout was one he will have been happy with. Edinburgh were dominant in that area and Gilchrist had a big part to play in that.
He will be frustrated that they do not have a chance of silverware in Europe but he will be a big player if they are to make an impact in the URC play-offs.