Bulls battle: Edinburgh bolstered by returning internationals

The capital side welcomes the return of Scotland internationals Duhan van der Merwe (calf), Grant Gilchrist (quad) and D’arcy Rae (ankle), all of whom return from injury to be named in the starting XV.

Completing the changes are British & Irish Lion Pierre Schoeman, Magnus Bradbury and Wes Goosen, who return alongside young back-row Liam McConnell – the quartet restored to the line-up after being rested for last weekend’s European defeat.

This Friday night’s clash marks a return to Hive Stadium where Edinburgh are looking to maintain a perfect home record this season, having claimed victories over Benetton, Ospreys, RC Toulon, and Gloucester so far.

Edinburgh and Bulls met twice in knockout rugby last term, when Sean Everitt’s men secured a thrilling 33-28 victory at Hive Stadium in the EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final, before the Bulls claimed revenge in Pretoria with a 42-33 win in the BKT URC Quarter-Final.

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “It’s fantastic to welcome back such an experienced cohort of players for what is undoubtedly one of our biggest tests of the season. Having the likes of Duhan, Grant and D’arcy back from injury, alongside Pierre, Wes and Liam gives the squad a massive lift.

“We know exactly what the Vodacom Bulls bring. Their squad is packed with Springbok talent and they play a physical, high-intensity brand of rugby. We have to match that physicality from the very first minute if we want to come out on top.”

He continued: “We are proud of our unbeaten run at Hive Stadium this season and we want to keep it that way for our fans. They have been incredible all year, and it’s vital they get behind us from the first whistle this Friday night to help us get the result this team is working so hard for.”

Harry Paterson, who made an impressive return from injury last weekend, retains his spot at full-back. He is joined in the back three by Scotland’s leading all-time try-scorers, Darcy Graham and the returning Van der Merwe.

In the midfield, Goosen – who featured at outside centre in last month’s victory over RC Toulon – partners James Lang. The half-back pairing remains unchanged, with scrum-half Ben Vellacott and stand-off Ross Thompson steering the ship.

Up front, tighthead Rae makes his first appearance since the Autumn Nations Series, packing down alongside British & Irish Lions Schoeman and Ewan Ashman. Double-centurion Gilchrist returns to partner Glen Young in the engine room.

The back-row features an exciting blend of youth and experience.

Club captain Magnus Bradbury returns at number 8 to start alongside promising back-row duo McConnell (21) and Freddy Douglas (20). Both youngsters were named in Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations squad earlier this week following a string of standout performances.

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Edinburgh Rugby team to face Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Harry Paterson (22)

14. Darcy Graham (91)
13. Wes Goosen (66)
12. James Lang (85)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (110)

10. Ross Thompson (34)
9. Ben Vellacott (86)

1. Pierre Schoeman (144)
2. Ewan Ashman (47)
3. D’arcy Rae (31)
4. Glen Young (59)
5. Grant Gilchrist (227)
6. Liam McConnell (16)
7. Freddy Douglas (16)
8. Magnus Bradbury (144)

Replacements

16. Harri Morris (13)
17. Boan Venter (97)
18. Paul Hill (26)
19. Callum Hunter-Hill (28)
20. Ben Muncaster (52)
21. Charlie Shiel (84)
22. Cammy Scott (26)
23. Piers O’Conor (11)

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Marshall Sykes (arm), Findlay Thomson (hand), Dylan Richardson (ribs), Conor McAlpine (hamstring), Matt Currie (hamstring).