Edinburgh’s Gilchrist out to avoid play-offs heartbreak

Despite overachieving this season, Grant Gilchrist concedes it would be a massive disappointment if Edinburgh were to miss out on the Pro14 play-offs.

Edinburgh go into Saturday’s 1872 Cup decider with Glasgow looking to reclaim the title as the top team in Scotland but also hoping to secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs. Richard Cockerill’s side need one point from the third and final derby of the regular season to secure a top-three spot in Conference B, but also to bring Champions Cup rugby to the capital next season.

They have already surpassed expectations in Cockerill’s first season in charge, surging up the table but it could yet end up in heartbreak with Ulster needing a bonus point win in Munster to go past Edinburgh if they do not pick up the point needed, and despite their achievements already this season, Gilchrist admits it would be a tough blow to stomach.

“The position we are in now, if we don’t reach the play-offs we are going to be pretty upset with ourselves,” the Scotland second row said. “We want to make sure we control our own destiny and get in that play-off spot.”

Glasgow’s Stuart Hogg, meanwhile, says he has been impressed with Edinburgh’s improvement.

He said: “We are used to Edinburgh just punting the ball and defending but they are playing some expansive rugby and an exciting brand, and all credit to them they have worked hard on that. They have some cracking players there who have been causing problems such as the winger Duhan Van der Merwe, he’s been on fire lately, so that’s one person we will have to shut down.”

Hogg is targeting a first trophy of the season as they look to defend their 1872 Cup with the series level at one apiece.

“We wanted to win three trophies at the start of the season and we have a good chance to pick up the first one,” the Scotland international said. “It’s the bragging rights for the year and getting one over on your pals.”