Boffelli returns for crunch Cardiff clash

• 26 Apr 2024
• Team Announcement

Argentine internationalist Emiliano Boffelli returns to the starting line-up for tomorrow afternoon’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park (Saturday 27 April, kick-off 3.05pm) – live on Premier Sports.

Boffelli has recovered from injury to be named on the wing and is one of six changes made to the starting XV that claimed a bonus-point win against Scarlets in Round 14.

Front-row trio Pierre Schoeman (loosehead), Ewan Ashman (hooker) and WP Nel (tighthead) all start after featuring as replacements in the second-half of Saturday night’s victory.

Scotland internationalists Sam Skinner (lock) and Hamish Watson (back-row) – both rested against Scarlets – complete the changes and return to action as Edinburgh aim for a third win on Welsh soil this season [Dragons, Scarlets].

Watson’s inclusion at openside sees Luke Crosbie shift to number 8, with Fijian internationalist Viliame Mata named among the replacements.

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “It’s great to welcome Boff [Emiliano Boffelli] back to the starting team. As we all know, he’s a true competitor and he’s been itching to get back fit and back into action. He returns to a really exciting and experienced back-three unit.

“We travel to Cardiff with plenty of momentum after that second-half performance against Scarlets. It’s now about maintaining those levels for 80 minutes. It’s imperative we start strong against a Cardiff side who are always dangerous at home.”

Wes Goosen – named BKT Player of the Match against Scarlets – continues at full-back alongside wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Boffelli.

Matt Currie shifts in-field from wing to his more regular position of outside-centre, linking up with James Lang at 12.

Ali Price (scrum-half) and Ben Healy (stand-off) continue at half-back, while lock Grant Gilchrist continues as skipper in the middle-row alongside the returning Skinner.

An all-Scotland back-row of Watson, Crosbie and Jamie Ritchie (blindside flanker) completes the pack.

Elsewhere, Chris Dean will make his 150^th appearance for the club if called upon from the bench.

Dean will become the most capped centre in club history, overtaking Marcus di Rollo, who is he is currently tied with on 149 appearances.

Dean would then sit behind just three other backs, Phil Godman (151), Mike Blair (169) and Chris Paterson (205), on the club’s all-time appearance list.

Everitt added: “A special mention to Chris Dean who is in line to make his 150^thappearance from the bench.

“He’s a proper Edinburgh man who puts his heart and soul into the club. Hopefully we can make it a positive day for Chris and his family watching at home.”

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday 27 April (kick-off 3.05pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Wes Goosen (28)

14. Emiliano Boffelli (37)
13. Matt Currie (35)
12. James Lang (53)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (88)

10. Ben Healy (19)
9. Ali Price (13)

1. Pierre Schoeman (111)
2. Ewan Ashman (16)
3. WP Nel (203)
4. Sam Skinner (21)
5. Grant Gilchrist (201) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (110)
7. Hamish Watson (155)
8. Luke Crosbie (96)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (89)
17. Boan Venter (62)
18. Javan Sebastian (13)
19. Marshall Sykes (58)
20. Viliame Mata (134)
21. Ben Vellacott (57)
22. Mark Bennett (104)
23. Chris Dean (149)

Unavailable: Darcy Graham (groin), Jake Henry (hamstring), Robin Hislop (knee), Harry Paterson (ankle), Scott Steele (hip), Nathan Sweeney (groin), Glen Young (ankle).