Latest news with #Everitt
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Rugby fail to make history as season ends sharply amid emotional farewells on Highveld
Everitt's men lead at break - but South Africans roar back in play-off Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A three-try salvo at the start of the second half delivered a fatal blow to Edinburgh Rugby's hopes of making history in the United Rugby Championship and brought their season to an abrupt end. Sean Everitt's side had taken the game to the Bulls in their own backyard, starting with energy and confidence at Loftus Versfeld. They led 21-8 after 29 minutes through three converted tries but conceded 31 unanswered points thereafter to lose their grip on this quarter-final. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh had never won a knockout tie in the URC and they will have to wait another year for their next crack at it. The Bulls proved too strong in the end, winning an 11-try thriller 42-33 to secure a home semi next weekend. Bulls' Cameron Hanekom barges through the Edinburgh defence. | Getty Images The match brought the curtain down on a number of illustrious Edinburgh careers as Jamie Ritchie, Ali Price, Mark Bennett and Javan Sebastian played their final game for the club. All played a significant part as the visitors made sure they left it all out there on the Highveld. To score five tries at altitude is no mean feat but the Bulls went one better and were ultimately too strong for the enterprising visitors. Reaching the play-offs feels like progress for Edinburgh and they also made it to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, a big improvement on last season when they laboured to 10th place in the URC. Ross Thompson has proved to be a key signing and the former Glasgow Warriors stand-off really stepped up in Pretoria, scoring two tries and landing four conversions before a yellow card stymied him. Wes Goosen also bagged a double and there was a try from Ewan Ashman as Edinburgh tried to claw their way back in the second half. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Early flashpoint It was compulsive viewing and the first flashpoint came after only three minutes. As Darcy Graham chased his own chip up the right wing he was taken out by Sebastian de Klerk who turned his shoulder into the Edinburgh winger's face. Play continued but referee Adam Jones went back for another look and sent the Bulls man to the sin-bin. Edinburgh plundered 14 points while he was off the field, scoring two excellent converted tries through Goosen and Thompson. The first came in the fifth minute as the visitors built the phases then worked it wide, with Hamish Watson finding Goosen. The second score was even better. After a big carry by D'arcy Rae, Edinburgh slipped the ball out to Thompson who sold the Bulls a dummy before darting over. In between, Keagan Johannes landed a penalty for the hosts. Ali Price tries to clear the ball for Edinburgh. | Getty Images The return of de Klerk sparked the Bulls into life and Cameron Hanekom got them back into the game, powering between Ashman and Harry Paterson to score their first try after a lineout maul was halted on the Edinburgh line. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was hot at Loftus Versfeld and tempers began to boil over. Ritchie was involved in a scuffle on the floor and referee Jones had a word with both captains. The Bulls were awarded a penalty but Ritchie made amends immediately with a trademark turnover. The altitude, weather and backing were all in the home side's favour but it was Edinburgh who were full of vigour and they scored a delightful third try. It was an intricate lineout move which saw the ball skilfully worked out to Thompson was spun away from his would-be tackler to notch his second. Edinburgh brittle lead With half an hour on the clock, Edinburgh were 21-8 ahead and it seemed too good to be true. Two Bulls tries in the final eight minutes of the half was therefore something of a reality check. Willie le Roux created the first for David Kriel and then Harold Vorster finished off a devastating Bulls break after a well executed chip and chase from de Klerk. Both conversions were missed - Johannes the first and Kriel the second - and it meant Edinburgh preserved a fragile 21-18 lead at the turn. It wasn't to last. The Bulls moved ahead for the first time in the match and scored three quickfire tries at the start of the second half to all but kill off Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Le Roux is a wily operator and he drew Graham out of the line before delaying his pass to Moodie to score. Johannes, back on kicking duties, converted and suddenly everything was coming up roses for the fly-half who then scored a try of his own, dancing his way through a tired Edinburgh defence. Their superiority was confirmed when Ruan Nortje bulldozed his way over as the Bulls moved 39-21 ahead. Bulls' David Kriel looks to evade the attentions of Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie. | Getty Images Edinburgh, to their credit, found a second wind and they scored two more tries to drag themselves back into contention. Ashman piled over from close range and Thompson converted to reduce the lead to 39-28 and there was the added bonus of a yellow card for Bulls lock J F Van Heerden for persistent offending. Unfortunately, Edinburgh then butchered the restart and Thompson deliberately knocked on in an attempt to stop the Bulls scoring a seventh try. He too was sent to the sin-bin and Johannes kicked the penalty to make it 42-28.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Inside knowledge, attack blueprint, attitude - expert's guide to how Edinburgh can upset star-studded Bulls
'Big chance' in Everitt's team could make all the difference in South Africa Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh have faced the Bulls twice this season and there has been little between the sides. In fact, the aggregate score stands at 50-50. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When the pair meet for a third time on Saturday in the URC play-offs it is the Bulls who will have home advantage but Chris Paterson believes Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt's intimate understanding of the opposition can help swing the quarter-final tie in their favour. Canan Moodie of Vodacom Bulls is tackled by Edinburgh's Ross Thompson during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hive Stadium on April 12. | Getty Images 'I think Sean Everett's knowledge of the South African players, the South African system, has been really important,' said the Edinburgh and Scotland great. 'Sean seems to have a really good understanding of the South African game and I think that Edinburgh's performances against South African teams have been pretty good, with the obvious exception of the Lions match early in the season.' Big change in Edinburgh after nadir in Joburg That was the nadir of their campaign; a 55-21 loss in Johannesburg which prompted much soul-searching within the camp. It hasn't all been plain sailing since - the home defeat by Zebre was another low point - but Edinburgh have been a more durable outfit since that loss in February, particularly in recent weeks as they secured the back-to-back bonus-point wins over Connacht and Ulster they needed to make the play-offs for the first time in three years. 'I've seen a big change in Edinburgh,' said Paterson, who will be working as an analyst for Premier Sports' coverage of the Bulls quarter-final. 'Even in games they've lost there's a shape and an attitude, and there's a desire and a hunger. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'If somebody was going to beat them, they were going to have to do well to beat them. I think that stemmed from the Zebre game at home. I think that almost forced Edinburgh into playing knockout-style rugby in every game, so it really focused the mind. It basically meant there was a consequence to everything. Every training session, every performance, every result. 'So from the middle of March, it was like all or nothing and I think that extra pressure actually brought the best out of them. I think their attacks looked really good, well balanced, and I think Wes [Goosen] and Darcy [Graham] have been brilliant. Players like Jamie Ritchie have been outstanding as well, as has Magnus Bradbury, so the components are there. Jamie Ritchie of Edinburgh challenges Sergeal Petersen of Vodacom Bulls during the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final. | Getty Images 'In a strange way, it's brought - not the best because I think there's more to come from Edinburgh - but it's brought a real hard edge. And they'll need to be at their best this weekend to progress because I think the Bulls are a top, top side.' The two Bulls game-changers who threaten Edinburgh Everitt has stressed the need for accuracy and discipline in what is likely to be a hostile environment at Loftus Versfeld. There is an expectation among the Bulls support that the club will atone for last year's shock home defeat by Glasgow Warriors in the URC final. Edinburgh will also have to cope with the altitude and warm weather but no rival coach knows the Bulls better than Everitt who is good friends with their coach Jake White and who worked with them prior to his appointment in Scotland in 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Sean knows their structures,' said Paterson. 'He knows what we're trying to do because he was a part of it 18 months ago. But it's a massive challenge playing at Loftus, of course it is. If you look at the two games Edinburgh have played against the Bulls this year, it's one home win each and the aggregate score is 50-all, so there's not a lot between them. Bulls head coach Jake White, left, and his Edinburgh counterpart Sean Everitt are good friends. | Getty Images 'The game in round two was disappointing for Edinburgh because they were actually leading after the hour mark and they got turned over on the Bulls' line and the Bulls went the length and scored what turned out to be the decisive try. I think the Bulls are better now than they were then.' In a talented squad, Paterson picks out Canan Moodie and Willie le Roux as two who can be game-changers for the Bulls. Moodie, the lavishly gifted Springboks centre, made a massive impact off the bench against Edinburgh last month, and the home team endured some nervy moments as a 31-7 lead after 45 minutes was whittled down to 34-28. Willie le Roux, right, is a wily operator for the Bulls. | Getty Images 'He made a big difference,' said Paterson. 'And Willie le Roux didn't play that day, but he's really important in terms of their kick strategy. When it comes to knockout rugby, he's got so much nous and understanding and can be really quite clinical with his left foot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh know how to trouble Bulls' defence 'And if the Bulls want to try to strangle you and play a kicking game and try and turn you over at the lineout and maul you then they're built for that. But then they've also got guys like Canan Moodie who did make a massive impact in the last game. 'It's a star-studded team playing at home, so Edinburgh will be underdogs. But the first half of that game against the Bulls was, I think, a really good blueprint for Edinburgh in terms of attack and moving the ball quickly, getting numbers in the line. Matt Currie had a couple of really good line breaks and James Lang scored a couple of early tries. 'It seemed to be the biggest concern for the Bulls that day was their defence, so it's be interesting to see if they change the defence or change personnel because Edinburgh seemed to find space. Rather than take the direct route against a team that's physically bigger than you, Edinburgh were prepared to put two or three bodies at the line and then deliver a late pass, try and find an edge to give you a quick ball. And I thought Edinburgh executed that pretty well. Former Scotland international Chris Paterson will be on duty for Premier Sports as they cover the Bulls v Edinburgh. | ©INPHO/Tom Maher 'So although the second half will have encouraged the Bulls and make Edinburgh aware, that first 45 minutes for Edinburgh were excellent. And I hope Saturday's match lives up to that because that was a cracking game.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Edinburgh look to discipline as they hope to beat Bulls for first time in Pretoria
Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt said winning penalties (and conceding only a few) would prove crucial at altitude. Old friends Jake White and Sean Everitt will do battle once again, and share a beer after the game. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said his side had focused on discipline ahead of their United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm). Everitt said winning penalties and kicking for touch would prove paramount at altitude as he hopes to get a personal 3-1 record against his former mentor, Jake White, whom he likened to a work colleague now. The teams clash for the third time this season, with each taking the honours at home – the Bulls in the league phase of the URC and Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup quarterfinal last month. Historically, Edinburgh have won three of the five games played between the sides, with each team taking the win at home to make it 3-2. However, Everitt has only been at the helm of the Scottish outfit for three of those contests since joining Edinburgh in 2023. Getting one over his 'good friend' Everitt joined Edinburgh after being a consultant for the Bulls under White for a few months. Before that, he acted as assistant coach under White at the Sharks in 2013 and 2014. The two have remained friends since then and ahead of their fixture they each told media they were going to braai on the eve of their match and watch the Stormers game against Glasgow Warriors on Friday night. 'He invited me to his place. Jake and I are good friends. We won't be talking rugby. It's more of a catch-up and braai some meat on the fire and watch a bit of rugby but we won't be talking tactics,' the South African said. Talking tactics, Everitt said Edinburgh had been successful in their previous outing against the Bulls because of their excellent completion rate, scoring points in 84% of the times they were in the Bulls 22. In order to repeat that, they needed to win many penalties and concede only a few. Discipline is vital because we give away a penalty, from 60m out they can put it into your 22. Likewise for us, putting pressure on them defensively, winning penalties. So the territory game is very important. 'So with completion, we were 84% against the Bulls in the 22 the last time we played. So if we can have that completion again, we will be on the right side of the scoreboard.' Everitt and White will share a beer after the game Everitt said both he and White had done their preparation and it was now up to the players in leadership to carry the day. That was why they could now rest and enjoy each other's company. 'There's not much for coaches to do on game day apart from run the substitutes and making sure the players stick to task. Jake and I have known each other for many years, we've coached together at the Sharks and Bulls together. 'Our friendship has grown. I suppose when you are colleagues at work, it is similar to our relationship.' He said they both take their jobs very seriously and have had 'some really good battles' in the past. 'Hopefully we can go 3–1 against Jake tomorrow. It would certainly be great to have a beer with him after the game.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Key man missing from Edinburgh Rugby's history bid but Jamie Ritchie returns
Scots side short of cover in the second row Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh Rugby will be without Duhan ver der Merwe as they bid to make history in South Africa by winning a knockout tie in the United Rugby Championship for the first time. The Scotland and Lions winger travelled to Pretoria with the squad but is still not fit enough to play and has been left out of the match-day 23 for the play-off quarter-final against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Van der Merwe, 30, has not featured since March due to an ankle injury but would be fit for the semi-finals should Edinburgh progress. Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie (L) is back for the quarter-final with the Bulls but Duhan van der Merwe (R) is missing. | SNS Group Saturday's match with the Bulls also comes too soon for club co-captain Grant Gilchrist who remains sidelined with a hamstring problem and Edinburgh are also without Glen Young who has not made the trip to Pretoria after the recent birth of his child. It leaves them short of cover in the second row where Sam Skinner and Marshall Sykes will start for the third game in a row. There is no lock forward on the bench and Magnus Bradbury, who captains the side and starts at No 8, is the designated back-up should anything happen to Skinner or Sykes. The better news for Edinburgh is the return of the vastly experienced Jamie Ritchie who starts for the first time since sustaining a concussion against Bath in the Challenge Cup semi-finals at the start of May. He comes into the team at six, with Ben Muncaster moving to the bench in the only change to the starting side which beat Ulster to clinch a place in the top eight. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's the first time Edinburgh have made the play-offs since 2022, the URC's inaugural season, when they lost to the Stormers in the quarter-finals in Cape Town. They have returned to South Africa this week and been urged by head coach Sean Everitt to go one better to set up a semi-final against either the Sharks or Munster. 'Winning a URC knockout match on the road would be a significant achievement for this club,' said Everitt. 'It's something we've been working towards, and the opportunity to make history is a powerful driver for us. We've got a fantastic group of players who are hungry for success, and we're determined to put in a performance that reflects the ambition of Edinburgh Rugby.' They will have to do it without van der Merwe but Everitt is confident Harry Paterson can be a more than adequate replacement on the left wing for Scotland's record try-scorer who is in South Africa with the Edinburgh squad. Harry Paterson will start on the wing for Edinburgh against the Bulls in Pretoria. | SNS Group 'Duhan has been back training with us here in Pretoria this week, and he's feeling good,' said Everitt. 'However, he's probably still a few days away from being ready to return to full match action. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There's a possibility of a semi-final in Durban so bringing him along made sense. We'd rather have a 100 per cent fit Duhan next week. He's come through the week well, so physically he's good. Obviously, just lacking a bit of match fitness.' Edinburgh have included the inexperienced Conor McAlpine and Liam McConnell on the bench to cover scrum-half and the back row, respectively. McAlpine has made only one previous appearance in Edinburgh's first team and McConnell has made three, and Everitt described it as an exciting opportunity for the pair. The Edinburgh coach is a good friend of his Bulls counterpart, Jake White, and the pair are planning to have a barbecue together on the eve of the match.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Rate cut another boost for rising property market
With the inflation rate still below 3% and the Rand stronger against the US Dollar, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank has decided to lower the repo rate by 0,25% to 7,25%. This is the fourth interest rate cut since September 2024 and will take the prime rate and home loan 'base rate' to 10,75%, compared to 11,75% a year ago, notes Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group, and will cut the cost of borrowing by around R17 per R100 000. 'This means that on the R1,6m average home price noted in the May BetterBond Property Brief, the minimum monthly bond repayment will drop by R272, making it easier for prospective buyers to qualify for new home loans. 'And for existing homeowners with 20-year bonds at that level, their monthly repayments will now be almost R1100 lower than at this time last year.' The news for first-time buyers is even better, he says, with the minimum monthly repayment on the average first-time buyer home price of R1,28m dropping by R218 and the gross monthly income required to qualify for a 20-year loan of that amount falling by more than R700. 'In addition, the banks have been easing deposit requirements in recent months and the average deposit for first-time buyers is currently almost 9% lower, at R175 000, than it was at this time last year. Coming on top of the Budget decisions to raise the Transfer Duty threshold to R1,2m and not to raise VAT, this means that first-time buyers now require a lot less cash to become homeowners.' Everitt says this is already being reflected in the market, with BetterBond recording a 2,2% year-on-year increase in home loan applications in April, 'which represents a huge comeback from the 15% year-on-year decline recorded in April 2024'. Today's MPC decision follows news released by StatsSA that the inflation rate in April was 2,8%, still under the Bank's current target range of 3 to 6%, despite large electricity tariff increases and higher food prices in recent months. Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago noted that inflation was also expected to remain lower than initially expected this year largely due to lower oil prices, a stronger Rand/dollar exchange rate and the decision not to raise VAT. On the other hand, economic growth projections are lower and unemployment is higher worldwide, so there is a need to lower rates to stimulate spending, company revenues and employment. Many other central banks have already cut rates in response to this situation, and the US Federal Reserve is also expected to start doing so at its next meeting. Issued by Chas Everitt International
