Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt insists the European Challenge Cup remains a major target and he is not taking a weakened team to Gloucester despite resting seven frontline Scotland players and omitting Hamish Watson from his squad.
The new attack coach with a penchant for battles, sci-fi and surfing has a vital job on his hands.
Leinster eventually pulled away from stubborn Edinburgh in the second half to kick off their United Rugby Championship season with a bonus-point 33-31 victory at Hive Stadium.
Seven South Africa internationals have made the United Rugby Championship team of the season, but only two players from the triumphant World Cup-winning squad at the beginning of the season.
Scotland's back row reserves currently run deeper than they have in a long time, to such an extent that nailed-on starters just a couple of seasons ago are now fighting to play.
The Fijian juggernaut will depart Edinburgh a legend, and an example of looking after your talent.
Sean Everitt believes Edinburgh are capable of overturning a 12-point deficit in the second leg of the 1872 Cup at Murrayfield.
Injury-hit Glasgow produced a stirring finish against inter-city rivals Edinburgh to seize the initiative in the 1872 Cup.
Scotland centre Huw Jones will deputise on the wing for injury-hit Glasgow as they kick off their defence of the 1872 Cup in Friday’s first leg at home to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh have confirmed the 13 players leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season, a list that includes four Scotland internationals – Damien Hoyland, Jaco van der Walt, Henry Pyrgos and Nick Haining – along with the Bulls-bound Henry Immelman.
