'Much-improved' Edinburgh eye 1872 Cup upset

Sean Everitt is optimistic his "much-improved" Edinburgh side can stage an 1872 Cup upset against favourites Glasgow Warriors in the first leg at Hampden on Sunday.

Edinburgh missed out on the URC play-offs last season while Glasgow went on to claim a memorable title success, and are currently five places above their inter-city rivals in the table.

Warriors are aiming to win the 1872 for the third season running, although Edinburgh won the second leg at Murrayfield last term.

"For us, it's a challenge," head coach Everitt said. "Obviously, they're the URC champions. They've done well in the Champions Cup.

"The perception is out there that Glasgow are probably favourites if you look at where they are from a form point of view and where they finished up last year.

"In saying that, we're a much-improved team from last year. Our all-round game has improved. Last year, we were more defensive, kicking game-focused.

"I think our attack has improved a lot, as you can see from the last two games we've played at home. So it makes for an interesting derby. Any team can be beaten on any day. We're looking at this one as optimistically as we can."

Everitt, whose side are without an away win since April, feels the fact Glasgow have moved the match away from Scotstoun to Hampden, in order to accommodate a larger crowd, could serve as a leveller.

"I think it does change the dynamic," he said. "I think the change of surface for both teams from (artificial to grass) does neutralise it somewhat. We hopefully will get some preparation on grass this week and I'm sure they will as well."

Everitt expressed sympathy for Freddy Douglas after the 19-year-old back-rower - who made his debut for both Scotland and Edinburgh last month - was ruled out until February with an ankle injury.

"I had a nice chat to him this morning and he's still upbeat," he said.

"He's got a good year behind him and going into the new year he should be ready in the first week of February so he'll be able to contest the Six Nations for Scotland as well."