The Edinburgh update that could send shivers down Bulls' spines
SPOTLIGHT: Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt could unleash a serious weapon against the Bulls in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarterfinal at Loftus Versfeld.
Speaking to media ahead of his squad’s trip to Pretoria, Everitt provided a positive update on star wing Duhan van der Merwe.
The 29-year-old has been out of action for the last two months after suffering an ankle injury against the Dragons in March.
Van der Merwe, who will go on tour with the British and Irish Lions this year, has started training again. If he passes a final training session on Tuesday with no ill effects, he will be on the plane to South Africa with the rest of the Edinburgh squad.
“Duhan’s a world-class player. He will bring a wealth of experience to the team,” said Everitt.
“The team will take a lot of confidence from him [being there].
“We just hope that he pulls through on Tuesday and he can get to his best as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty around locks Grant Gilchrist and Glen Young.
Co-captain Gilchrist missed the last two outings with a hamstring injury, while Young is waiting for his wife to give birth to their third child.
“Gilco will do his final fitness test to see if he’s able to play the game on Saturday,” Everitt said.
“We can’t take a player with us that might not play, so we’ll make a final call at lunchtime on Tuesday.”
On Young, Everitt added: “There’s a question mark around his availability for the trip to South Africa.
“We’ve got a flight booked for him on Thursday night. Should all be okay, then hopefully he’ll join us on Friday.”
Edinburgh could also face a tricky situation when it comes to the scrumhalf position with co-captain Ben Vellacott still out with a foot injury.
The club’s other senior No.9, Charlie Shiel, suffered a kidney injury late on against Ulster in their final game of the regular URC season and won’t play again this term.
The 21-year-old Conor McAlpine is poised to back up Ali Price in Pretoria.
“Conor had a really good run-out against Black Lion [in an A team game] last week, so it’s an exciting time for him,” Everitt added.
“He also did the business for us against Gloucester, so we’re not too concerned about him.”
Additional reporting: @RugbyPass
