Edinburgh International stars return for Benetton match-up

Edinburgh Rugby welcome back a host of international stars for tomorrow night’s crucial BKT United Rugby Championship clash against Benetton Rugby at Hive Stadium (Saturday 30 November, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports.

Head Coach Sean Everitt can call on several Scotland players that featured in the recent Nations Series, including wing duo Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe, the pair having enjoyed a record-breaking Autumn.

Everitt also welcomes the return of Scotland internationalist lock Sam Skinner who could make his injury return from the bench, while recently-capped 19-year-old back-row Freddy Douglas is also named in the replacements for a potential capital debut.

On the selection, Everitt said: “It’s great to be back to URC action, playing in front of our fans at Hive Stadium. It has felt like a while, and it’s brilliant to be back with all of our Scotland internationals available for selection.

“Our recent matches against Benetton have been tight affairs, and I’m expecting another big test against them on Saturday night.”

Wes Goosen starts at full-back, having played on the wing last time out against Ospreys, completing the back-three with Van der Merwe and Graham.

Matt Currie and Mosese Tuipulotu start at outside and inside centre respectively, the duo having both featured in the Scotland ‘A’ win against Chile at Hive Stadium last weekend.

Scottish Building Society Player of the Month for October Ross Thompson is once again selected in the number 10 jersey, partnered by Ali Price in the half-backs.

Pierre Schoeman (loosehead) and Ewan Ashman (hooker) start fresh from Sunday’s win against Australia, the duo joined in the front row by England international Paul Hill (tighthead).

Lock Grant Gilchrist captains the side, with Marshall Sykes earning another start in the capital engine room.

In the back row, Magnus Bradbury returns at number eight, with Jamie Ritchie (blindside) and Ben Muncaster (openside) making up the loose forwards.

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Benetton Rugby at Hive Stadium (Saturday 30 November, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Wes Goosen (37)

14. Darcy Graham (69)
13. Matt Currie (44)
12. Mosese Tuipulotu (5)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (97)

10. Ross Thompson (6)
9. Ali Price (22)

1. Pierre Schoeman (120)
2. Ewan Ashman (25)
3. Paul Hill (6)
4. Marshall Sykes (68)
5. Grant Gilchrist (210) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (119)
7. Ben Muncaster (35)
8. Magnus Bradbury (118)

Replacements

16. Patrick Harrison (18)
17. Boan Venter (72)
18. D’Arcy Rae (11)
19. Sam Skinner (25)
20. Freddy Douglas*
21. Ben Vellacott (67)
22. Ben Healy (26)
23. Ross McCann (4)

Unavailable: Mark Bennett (quad), Emiliano Boffelli (back), Connor Boyle (knee), Luke Crosbie (calf), Robin Hislop (calf), Harry Paterson (hamstring), Glen Young (calf).

*Edinburgh Rugby debut