Crosbie to hit 100 in Treviso showdown

• 31 May 2024
• Team Announcement

Scotland internationalist Luke Crosbie will become Edinburgh Rugby’s 42nd centurion when he makes his 100th appearance for the capital club in tomorrow afternoon’s crucial clash with Benetton at Stadio Monigo (Saturday 1 June, kick-off 1pm BST/2pm local) – live on Premier Sports.

The hometown back-row, 27 – who came through the ranks at Currie Chieftains before making his Edinburgh Rugby debut in 2017 – is handed a start at openside for a ‘cup final’ encounter in Treviso, which sees both sides vying for a place in the BKT United Rugby Championship play-offs and next season’s Investec Champions Cup.

Edinburgh Rugby (7^th) and Benetton (8^th) are tied on 49 points heading into the final regular round of action. A win secures either side a place in the top-eight, while an equal league-point draw guarantees a play-off position for the visitors, with Edinburgh’s win record (11) one higher than the Italians (10).

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Luke [Crosbie] reaching 100 appearances for Edinburgh Rugby is a fantastic achievement and it’s something he should be incredibly proud of. He’s a true Edinburgh man having come through the academy system. It’s set to be a special occasion for him, his family, and the entire club.

“Luke embodies everything we want in an Edinburgh Rugby player – hard work, determination, and a real passion for the jersey. He’s a leader on and off the field and he’s a huge part of what makes this squad tick. We’re all incredibly proud of him and we’re going to do everything we can to make his 100th a memorable one.”

Crosbie’s inclusion is one of four changes made to the starting XV, with the back-row taking the place of Hamish Watson, who is named among the replacements.

British & Irish Lion Ali Price (scrum-half) and Chris Dean (inside-centre) both come into the starting line-up as Ben Vellacott and Mark Bennett move to the bench.

Matt Currie shifts from wing to outside centre as Jake Henry returns from injury to claim the number 14 jersey.

With Wes Goosen unavailable (foot), James Lang shifts from inside centre to full-back in a revamped back-three.

Everitt continued: “This is a cup final for us. We know what’s at stake and we’re treating it with the importance it deserves. It’s winner-takes-all for a play-off spot and the boys are focused on delivering a performance that gets us over the line.

“We’ve shown great character on the road this season and we’ll need every ounce of that again tomorrow afternoon in Treviso.”

British & Irish Lion Duhan van der Merwe continues on the wing alongside wing Henry and full-back Lang in a new look back-three.

Centres Dean and Currie combine in the capital midfield as stand-off Ben Healy links up with Price at half-back.

An unchanged, all-Scotland, tight-five sees Ewan Ashman (hooker) pack down alongside prop Pierre Schoeman (loosehead) and WP Nel (tighthead), with locks Sam Skinner and Grant Gilchrist named in the second-row.

Club centurion Jamie Ritchie – recently named Scottish Building Society Player of the Year – continues in the back-row alongside Viliame Mata (number 8).

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Benetton Rugby at Stadio Monigo in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday 1 June (kick-off 1pm BST/ 2pm local) – live on Premier Sports

15. James Lang (56)

14. Jake Henry (4)
13. Matt Currie (39)
12. Chris Dean (152)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (91)

10. Ben Healy (22)
9. Ali Price (16)

1. Pierre Schoeman (114)
2. Ewan Ashman (19)
3. WP Nel (206)
4. Sam Skinner (24)
5. Grant Gilchrist (204) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (113)
7. Luke Crosbie (99)
8. Viliame Mata (137)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (92)
17. Boan Venter (65)
18. Javan Sebastian (16)
19. Marshall Sykes (61)
20. Hamish Watson (158)
21. Ben Vellacott (60)
22. Cammy Scott (11)
23. Mark Bennett (107)

Unavailable: Emiliano Boffelli (back), Connor Boyle (back), Luan de Bruin (knee), Jamie Campbell (hand), Tom Dodd (bicep), Wes Goosen (foot), Darcy Graham (groin), Robin Hislop (knee), Mikey Jones (hamstring), Harry Paterson (quad), Scott Steele (hip), Nathan Sweeney (groin).