Edinburgh Rugby have officially found their groove, but it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Saturday night's clash felt like a classic "get out of jail free" card, as the team scraped through a gritty encounter to extend what can now be called a winning streak.
The match was a tale of two halves—Edinburgh dominated possession and territory in the first period, yet found themselves trailing by the 43rd minute. A 20-minute spell with 14 men in the second half tested their resolve, but disciplined defense (just seven penalties conceded) kept them in the fight.
Duhan van der Merwe was the star of the show, scoring two tries despite carrying the ball only four times all match. His superb 75th-minute score was a flash of brilliance that finally eased the tension—a reminder of the game-breaking ability he brings to the wing. The lineout, however, was a mess, yet hooker Ewan Ashman still walked away with Man of the Match honors, a testament to his all-around grit.
It wasn't just frustrating—it was uncomfortable viewing. Scrum time dragged, and the referee's patience with Edinburgh's slow lineout setup seemed to wear thin. But fortune favors the bold, and the team's defensive effort earned them those lucky breaks.
Van der Merwe wasn't the only bright spot. Harry Paterson impressed on his return to the starting XV, making the most aggressive carries, dominating under the high ball, and providing a right-footed complement to Ross Thompson's left. Defensively, Grant Gilchrist led the tackle count, but the bench made a huge impact—Paul Hill, Liam McConnell, Magnus Bradbury, and Boan Venter all hit double-digit tackles despite playing only 30 minutes.
One game remains: Connacht at the Hive. Expect a big turnout to close out the season and bid farewell to stalwarts like James Lang and fan favorite Boan Venter. A win would not only complete a four-game run but also mean Edinburgh have beaten every team in the bottom half of the table—a fitting end to a campaign defined by resilience.
