Edinburgh 38-7 Stormers: Three things we learned

Edinburgh’s attack – better, but still work to be done

Ben Healy paid the price for what Sean Everitt described as a “directionless” performance during the Edinburgh attack on the Lions, replacing him at the age of 10 with Ross Thompson.

The Scotland international was more stable than spectacular. His work was neat and tidy for the most part and some of his out-of-hand kicks helped Stormers pin back in the second half.

Thompson’s goal kicks have always been a strength and – apart from a wayward effort when the game was close – he kicked his goals well, especially a beauty from the touchline that converted Darcy Graham’s effort at a key moment in the game.

However, there is still a feeling that Edinburgh’s attack is a little disjointed. Apart from his try, Graham saw little of the ball, while Duhan van der Merwe was largely a spectator on the other wing.

Edinburgh must find a way to get these devastating attackers into the game more.

Sky-high defense

Although the offense showed some signs of improvement, this was a win built on the solid foundation of a ruthless defense.

Edinburgh had to withstand immense pressure on or near the Stormers’ own line, especially in the second quarter.

Some of the final defensive action was heroic, and maintaining their seven-point lead going into half-time after enduring numerous attacks on their try-line was a huge psychological moment in the match.

That is the level of defense Edinburgh must employ in every match.

Patrick Harrison advocates Scotland

With Gregor Townsend set to announce his squad for the autumn internationals in a few weeks’ time, hooker Patrick Harrison did no harm in his plea for inclusion.

In addition to his try, he had a number of penetrating carries and held up well physically in the tackle and on the breakdown against a powerful Stormers side. The single loose arrow during the lineout shows that there are still rough edges to be smoothed out, but the raw materials are there.

With George Turner having disappeared from the national picture following his move to Japan, hooker has become an intriguing position, with several contenders in the mix for the number two jersey.

Another Edinburgh hooker, Ewan Ashman, is the leading candidate, but Harrison could put himself in contention to compete with the likes of Johnny Matthews, Dylan Richardson and Dave Cherry.