New half-back pairing named for homecoming clash

The half-back pairing are two of three changes to the starting XV from last week’s narrow defeat in Munster, with lock Grant Gilchrist returning to the side for the rested Marshall Sykes.

Academy graduate Scott, 24, is handed the reigns at 10 in a fixture at Hive Stadium for the first time in his career, kicking off the side’s home opener following the postponement of Edinburgh’s round two clash against Ulster.

Ahead of the match, Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re excited to be back at home after a false start with the postponed Ulster game.

“It had already felt like a long time since we’d been back with our fans, and now even more so – so we can’t wait be playing in front of them again.

“Benetton can’t be underestimated with the squad they have. They’ve got plenty of Italian internationals playing for them, and they’ve got overseas internationals as well, so they’re a really good team.”

The fresh half-backs are the only changes in the capital backline, with Wes Goosen starting alongside wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham – the latter of whom opened his try-scoring account for the season in Cork.

James Lang and Piers O’Conor make up the midfield for the third game in a row, at inside and outside centre respectively, alongside the new-look halfback pairing of Shiel and Scott.

The front row is similarly unchanged, with loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman and tighthead D’arcy Rae selected either side of hooker Ewan Ashman.

Gilchrist is the only change to the pack, starting alongside fellow Scotland lock Sam Skinner.

An unchanged back-row sees Magnus Bradbury (number 8), Dylan Richardson (openside flanker) and Liam McConnell (blindside flanker) complete the pack.

On the bench, loosehead James Whitcombe is named on the bench in place of the rested Boan Venter, while Ross Thompson returns from injury to earn his spot in the 23.

The club will be debuting an innovative pre-match light show ahead of kick-off, utilises CUE Audio’s groundbreaking technology to synchronise the mobile devices of those in attendance.

The process to take part is simple:

• Download ‘Stadium FX’ app HERE for iOS or HERE for Android, or via the QR code below, on your mobile phone before arriving at Hive Stadium on Friday evening.
• Accept the ‘Terms of Use’ and ‘Privacy Policy’ when prompted on screen.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to enable microphone and camera permissions in the app.
• Listen out inside the stadium for an announcement that the Light Show is about to begin – this will be just before the teams enter the field, so make sure you’re in your seats early!
• Open the app and point your phone camera towards the pitch – Edinburgh and Cue will take care of the rest, with the Stadium FX app synching mobile phone camera lights and screens to the music.
• Fans are encouraged to keep their Stadium FX app open throughout the duration of the light show

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Benetton Rugby at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 17 October, kick-off 7.45pm – live on Premier Sports

15.⁠ ⁠Wes Goosen (57)

14.⁠ ⁠Darcy Graham (84)
13.⁠ ⁠Piers O’Conor (2)
12.⁠ ⁠James Lang (77)
11.⁠ ⁠Duhan van der Merwe (105)

10.⁠ ⁠Cammy Scott (18)
9.⁠ ⁠Charlie Shiel (76)

1.⁠ ⁠Pierre Schoeman (136)
2.⁠ ⁠Ewan Ashman (40)
3.⁠ ⁠D’arcy Rae (29)
4.⁠ ⁠Sam Skinner (46)
5.⁠ ⁠Grant Gilchrist (221)
6.⁠ ⁠Liam McConnell (7)
7.⁠ ⁠Dylan Richardson (1)
8.⁠ ⁠Magnus Bradbury (136) CAPTAIN

Replacements

16.⁠ ⁠Paddy Harrison (35)
17.⁠ ⁠James Whitcombe (1)
18.⁠ ⁠Paul Hill (16)
19.⁠ ⁠Glen Young (51)
20.⁠ ⁠Freddy Douglas (8)
21.⁠ ⁠Ben Vellacott (77)
22.⁠ ⁠Ross Thompson (26)
23.⁠ ⁠Ross McCann (13)

Unavailable: Ben Muncaster (ankle), Harry Paterson (concussion), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Matt Currie (head), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Connor Boyle (knee), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee).