Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt was pleased with the spirit his facet confirmed as their hopes of reaching a primary European ultimate in a decade had been extinguished by Bathtub’s highly effective pack.
The United Rugby Championship strugglers finally misplaced 39-24 to the Gallagher Premiership leaders in Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final at The Hive, with the entire guests’ six tries scored by forwards.
Regardless of the frustration of failing to get to the ultimate in Cardiff later this month, Edinburgh had been heartened by the best way they fronted as much as Johann van Graan’s much-vaunted facet, briefly threatening an upset as they led 17-12 within the third quarter.
“We confirmed lots of combat and lots of delight within the jersey, however sadly we fell just a bit bit brief,” mentioned Everitt.
“I’m pleased with how we defended our goal-line with a lot power and keenness. However we knew it was at all times going to be troublesome towards a Bath workforce who can put you underneath a lot stress in that space.
“We weren’t correct sufficient within the center third of the sector. Within the second half, our self-discipline additionally wasn’t what it wanted to be. We allowed Bathtub too many simple entries into our 22.
“Bathtub are probably the most environment friendly groups in Europe in that space and so they can actually punish you. They put us underneath stress and actually saved us pinned in our personal 22 for lots of the second half.
“In saying that, we put ourselves into an excellent place early within the second half and obtained ourselves into the lead. It’s disappointing that we weren’t capable of capitalise on that. The blokes are completely gutted however we have to choose ourselves up now.”
Edinburgh’s scores got here from Mosese Tuipulotu, a penalty attempt to Ali Price, whereas Bathtub forwards Sam Underhill, Tom Dunn (twice), Alfie Barbeary, Niall Annett and Guy Pepper all crossed the whitewash and Scotland talisman Finn Russell kicked 9 factors in his first membership match in his homeland since 2018.
The Premiership leaders will face the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between French sides Lyon and Racing 92 within the ultimate in Cardiff on Could 23.
“It was a correct semi-final, two superb groups,” mentioned Bathtub director of rugby Van Graan. “It felt like a Check match, correct breakdown battle, wonderful kicking recreation by two groups.
“We’ve simply gained a European semi-final away from house, so very well achieved. We’re wanting ahead to the following few weeks.”
