Much more to come: Mal Satala makes ‘fast and physical’ vow as Edinburgh Rugby debut new style

Sean Everitt’s side kicked off the new United Rugby Championship campaign with an impressive 34-29 victory over Ulster in Belfast, and Satala was among the try-scorers.

Edinburgh led 34-5 at one point and had to withstand a rousing second-half comeback from the hosts but held on for a bonus-point win.

It’s Stormers at home up next for Edinburgh who revamped their coaching team over the summer and have vowed to play a faster brand of rugby this season.

The new style suits the pacy Satala who posed a threat throughout Friday’s match at the Affidea Stadium.

Fast and physical

“That was just the tip of the iceberg,” said Satala, 21, who is the son of former Edinburgh player and Fijian international Apolosi Satala. “We know there are things we can polish up. But that’s how we want to play. We want to play fast and we want to play physical. But for our first game in the URC that was a good start. There’s much more to come.”

The coaching changes at Edinburgh saw Everitt bring in Aussies Tim Sampson and Brad Davis to look after the attack and defence, respectively. And with new stand-off James Grayson pulling the strings at 10, they looked a lot more dangerous than last season when they won only twice away in the URC and finished 12th.

Sampson worked previously with Super Rugby side Fijian Drua and Satala has long been an admirer.

“Being Fijian, I’ve watched them play and support the Drua in Super Rugby,” he said. “So I knew what type of coach he is, just watching them and how they move the ball. They want to practise offloads, keep the ball alive and moving. With him coming to Edinburgh it’s almost a bonus for me as I like to get my hands on the ball, shift it and get on it. That works in my favour. It’s a great appointment for my game.”

“I’ve been looking for the ball more and that’s something I’ve been working on. I’m very grateful that I’m surrounded by the right people like Tim Sampson and Brad Davis, who’s got that defence knowledge about him. And they can help me better myself as a player and as a person as well.”

With Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham and Wes Goosen all out injured, Satala had the chance to start against Ulster and took it with both hands. However, the winger was surprised to be picked as he has only recently recovered from an ankle ligament injury and missed both of Edinburgh’s pre-season games.

“To be honest, I wasn’t even planning on playing,” he said. “I just came back from doing a bit of rehab and missed the pre-season games. But straight into the deep end and what a performance from the team. I’m really happy with how we played. We really dug in. The last 15 minutes they really threw the kitchen sink at us. They really came after us. But we finished strong and came away with the win.

“I thought I wouldn’t be back before the third round against Zebre but I’ve taken some time away from the field and focused on my spiritual life. And then one door closes and another opens and next minute I’ve been named in the starting XV. And I’m forever grateful.”