Scott starts as Edinburgh Rugby name three changes for Sharks showdown

Scott, 24, comes into the starting XV in place of Ross Thompson, who rotates to the bench, as Head Coach Sean Everitt selects a largely settled side following last weekend’s dramatic bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma.

Glen Young (blindside flanker) and Tom Currie (number 8) move into starting line-up, replacing Liam McConnell and Connor Boyle respectively, both of whom picked up concussions against Zebre Parma and continue to progress through return to play protocols.

With 12 current Edinburgh Rugby academy players, or academy graduates, named in the matchday 23, Friday night’s selection is another strong statement of the capital club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.

Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Last week’s win gave us a huge lift. It went right to the wire but the character the group showed – and particularly some of the younger players – to see it out was incredibly pleasing.

“We’re excited to give Hector [Patterson] another shot at nine – he showed last week exactly what he’s capable of. Cammy [Scott] has been outstanding in training and fully deserves his opportunity to start.

“The Sharks come to Edinburgh knowing they need to win, and they’ll be fired up for that. They bring genuine international experience across the park, and we know how dangerous they can be. We won’t be underestimating them for a second.

“We know over 7,400 tickets have already been sold and it could be another electric night at Hive Stadium. The support we get from our fans, this city and our supporting regions, means everything to this squad and we can’t wait to get out there on Friday.”

Piers O’Conor retains his place at full-back, with British & Irish Lion Darcy Graham and Malelili Satala named on the wings.

Mosese Tuipulotu and Findlay Thomson continue in the centres, with Patterson – who penned his first professional deal earlier this week – again selected at scrum-half alongside Scott.

British & Irish Lions Pierre Schoeman (loosehead) and Ewan Ashman (hooker) – named BKT Player of the Match after a brace of tries last weekend – complete the starting front-row alongside academy graduate, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (tighthead).

Marshall Sykes partners Grant Gilchrist in the second row, with the double-centurion – who this week signed on for a 16th season at Edinburgh – once again named captain in what is his 232^nd appearance for the capital club.

Young and Currie both get the nod in a new-look back-row as Freddy Douglas retains his place at openside flanker.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 24 April (kick-off 7.45pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Piers O’Conor (18)

14. Darcy Graham (95)
13. Mosese Tuipulotu (27)
12. Findlay Thomson (3)
11. Malelili Satala (8)

10. Cammy Scott (31)
9. Hector Patterson (1)

1. Pierre Schoeman (148)
2. Ewan Ashman (51)
3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (12)
4. Marshall Sykes (95)
5. Grant Gilchrist (231) CAPTAIN
6. Glen Young (67)
7. Freddy Douglas (22)
8. Tom Currie (5)

 Replacements

16. Dylan Richardson (13)
17. Boan Venter (105)
18. Paul Hill (32)
19. Callum Hunter-Hill (33)
20. Tom Dodd (20)
21. Charlie Shiel (91)
22. Ross Thompson (42)
23. Jack Brown (12)

Unavailable: Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Conor McAlpine (hamstring), Wes Goosen (hand), Duhan van der Merwe (ankle), Harry Paterson (quad), Magnus Bradbury (ankle), Matt Currie (hamstring), Mikey Jones (bicep), Ben Muncaster (ankle), James Lang (ankle), D’arcy Rae (calf), Liam McConnell (concussion), Connor Boyle (concussion), Ben Vellacott (shoulder).