Grant Gilchrist – ‘We’re stronger than 2012’

Editor

Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist believes there is more strength in depth among the current crop of players compared to the 2012 group that made the semi-finals.

Edinburgh were the surprise package of that year’s edition under the tutelage of Irish coach Michael Bradley and Gilchrist is one of only a few that remain from the side that went on a remarkable run to the semi-finals.

The main difference between the two generations, Gilchrist believes, is that the current group are able to compete on multiple fronts, whereas the 2012 side rested players in the PRO12 so that they would be fresh to focus on the Champions Cup.

“I think we definitely have a lot more strength across the board than we did back when when we probably had a strong 23 and then there was not a lot of change across the whole competition,” the 28-year-old told the Scotsman.

“It was almost the same XV at times, the same XV week on week. You can see there is a depth in our squad now though we are hampered a bit by injuries in key positions and during the international period.

“With everyone fit we definitely have a stronger squad that we can use to change guys in and out to be effective.”

Gilchrist, who was won seven caps for Scotland, says that another victory over Newcastle Falcons on Sunday would ‘put them in a great position’ to make the last eight.

“For us, being back at the top table was always the goal. The first two weekends, there was a real buzz about the squad anyway but that has gone up, certainly after the weekend [a 31-13 home win over Newcastle]. You only have to look at the table and see what opportunity lies there.

“It is now in our hands, we understand that. I have been here for whatever it is – eight years? – and this is our only chance to get there again since the last time. It adds to the excitement in the squad to go out there on Sunday and see if we can get the win to put ourselves in a great position.”

Edinburgh are top of Pool 5 on 11 points with Newcastle on eight and Montpellier and Toulon on six in easily the most contestable group in this season’s Champions Cup.