Under the Hive Stadium floodlights, Edinburgh Rugby turned in a statement performance — seven tries, a clean sheet, and a 43-0 demolition of Benetton that will echo across the United Rugby Championship.
It was the kind of display that reminded supporters what Sean Everitt’s side can do when rhythm, aggression, and precision click at once.
Fast Start and Relentless Tempo
The tone was set almost immediately. Six minutes in, a crushing scrum laid the platform and the ball was spun wide to Duhan van der Merwe. The Scotland winger barely needed a second invitation, cutting through on the left to open the scoring. Cammy Scott converted brilliantly from touch.
Benetton were still trying to reset when Dylan Richardson bulldozed his way over from close range — his first try in Edinburgh colours — to make it 14-0 inside the opening quarter.
The Italians managed to slow the pace briefly, but just before half-time, Edinburgh struck again. Liam McConnell’s deft hands sent Darcy Graham flying into space, and the winger danced through defenders for a sharp finish in the corner. Scott nailed his third kick to give the hosts a commanding 21-0 lead at the break.
Bonus Point and Beyond
Any hopes of a Benetton revival evaporated early in the second half when Malakai Fekitoa was sent to the bin. Edinburgh made the extra man count immediately as Richardson powered over for his second. The bonus point was in the bag — but they weren’t done yet.
Piers O’Conor, another summer signing, marked his home debut with a try of his own after Wes Goosen carved open the defence with a searing break. Nathan Thompson added the extras to push the score beyond reach.
Captain Magnus Bradbury then joined the fun, finishing a muscular carry under the posts to cap a Player of the Match performance built on relentless work rate.
And fittingly, the final word belonged to Darcy Graham. From deep inside his own half, the Scotland flyer scorched clear for a sensational solo effort — his second of the night — sealing a 43-0 rout that will live long in memory.
Statement Made
Benetton arrived in good form after beating the Lions and Glasgow, but were outclassed in every department. Edinburgh’s set piece dominated, their backline flowed, and their defence held firm for a rare URC shutout.
After narrow away defeats to Zebre and Munster, this was exactly the homecoming the capital side needed — ruthless, clinical, and full of intent.
Player Ratings
Magnus Bradbury (8.5) – Led from the front. Tireless in contact and capped a commanding display with a try.
Dylan Richardson (8) – Two-try debut to remember. Relentless around the fringes and a nightmare to contain.
Darcy Graham (8) – Electric. Scored twice, including a length-of-the-field solo special.
Wes Goosen (7.5) – Sparked several key breaks, including the assist for O’Conor’s try.
Cammy Scott (7.5) – Calm and composed from the tee, three tough conversions nailed.
Duhan van der Merwe (7) – Set the tone early with a trademark finish; rock-solid in defence.
Grant Gilchrist (7) – Anchored the line-out and put in his usual heavy shift in tight.
