Gloucester 15-10 Edinburgh: Three things we learned

Bradbury takes on leadership role

Club co-captain Ben Vellacott was due to lead Edinburgh at a blustery Kingsholm but pulled out just before kick-off with an injury.

Without Grant Gilchrist in the squad, it was interesting to see Magnus Bradbury take on the captaincy.

It showed how highly Edinburgh think of the number eight, who returned to the capital in the summer after a two-year spell with Bristol Bears.

Gloucester dominated throughout and should have won by a greater margin, but Bradbury led a weak Edinburgh side admirably in tough conditions.

Rotation allows minutes for youngsters

Edinburgh's selection of a second-string outfit suggested they either aren't prioritising the Challenge Cup this season, or simply do not have the resources to do so.

Despite the narrow margin of defeat, they never threatened to win the game and struggled for possession and territory.

And yet, Sean Everitt's squad rotation allowed several youngsters to get valuable minutes in senior rugby.

Freddy Douglas was forced off injured in the first half but was replaced by Scotland Under-20s captain Liam McConnell.

There were also second-half debuts for giant lock Rob Carmichael and scrum-half Conor McAlpine, who trained with Scotland A during the autumn.

A transition season?

Edinburgh desperately need impetus and new blood from somewhere. Those young players could provide it, but it won't happen immediately.

They need time to adapt to top-level club rugby, and Everitt might use this season as an ideal opportunity to do so.

Realistically, Edinburgh are not contenders to win the URC. While they will play their strongest team where possible in their push for a top-eight finish, there will be more opportunities for Douglas, McConnell et al.

Short-term sacrifice for long-term progress could be the way forward for Edinburgh.