Graham to start for Edinburgh 1872 cup opener

Scotland star Darcy Graham starts as one of two changes to Edinburgh Rugby’s starting line-up for tomorrow night’s 1872 Cup opening leg at Scotstoun Stadium (Friday 22 December, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay.

Graham – who made his comeback from injury as a replacement in last week’s European win over Castres Olympique – takes the place of Harry Paterson who remains in concussion protocol. Graham’s inclusion on the wing sees Wes Goosen shift to full-back.

Up front, club centurion and tighthead prop WP Nel makes a timely return from injury to take the place of Javan Sebastian, who misses out after picking up a knee injury in the victory over Castres.

The capital side are further bolstered by Emiliano Boffelli’s return to fitness, with the Argentine internationalist named among the replacements and in line to make his first appearance since the Rugby World Cup semi-final.

Edinburgh Rugby Senior Coach, Sean Everitt, said: “Local derbies are always special occasions whatever sport you’re involved in. I’ve been part of many in South Africa, and it’s now a privilege to take charge of Edinburgh in world rugby’s oldest intercity rivalry.

“Both sides head into tomorrow night’s match in good form off the back of European wins, however history has shown us that the formbook goes out the window when these teams meet. It will be 80 minutes of hard-nosed, physical rugby – like derbies always are – and it’s up to us to set the tone and for 1-15 to win their battles.

“The boys know what it means to wear the castle on their chest and represent Edinburgh. These are the games you want to be involved in and we’re excited for the challenge at Scotstoun.”

Duhan van der Merwe retains his place on the wing after grabbing a brace in the win over Castres, as Graham and Goosen complete the back-three.

Centres James Lang and Matt Currie continue in midfield, as an unchanged half-back combination sees scrum-half Ali Price return to Scotstoun alongside stand-off, Ben Healy.

An all-Scotland tight-five sees hooker Ewan Ashman pack down alongside Pierre Schoeman and Nel up front, as locks Glen Young and skipper Grant Gilchrist – handed a new deal earlier this week – start again in the second-row.

Fijian number 8 Viliame Mata anchors an experienced back-row which includes Scotland flankers Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 22 December (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Wes Goosen (19)

14. Darcy Graham (61)
13. Matt Currie (25)
12. James Lang (44)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (81)

10. Ben Healy (8)
9. Ali Price (4)

1. Pierre Schoeman (104)
2. Ewan Ashman (8)
3. WP Nel (193)
4. Glen Young (31)
5. Grant Gilchrist (194) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (102)
7. Hamish Watson (145)
8. Viliame Mata (123)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (78)
17. Boan Venter (52)
18. D’Arcy Rae (1)
19. Marshall Sykes (50)
20. Luke Crosbie (90)
21. Ben Vellacott (46)
22. Mark Bennett (95)
23. Emiliano Boffelli (31)

Unavailable: Luan de Bruin (back), Jake Henry (knee), Jamie Hodgson (ankle), Cam Neild (knee), Harry Paterson (concussion), Javan Sebastian (knee), Scott Steele (hip), Tim Swiel (concussion).