Two changes for crucial Clovers clash

• 2 Feb 2024
• Team Announcement

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has made two changes to the starting line-up for tomorrow’s crucial Celtic Challenge against the Irish Clovers at Hive Stadium (3 February, kick-off 12.30pm) – live on BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV.

Scotland internationalist Panashe Muzambe moves into the starting line-up having scored a last-minute winning try in last weekend’s win away against Gwalia Lightning, while Leia Brebner-Holden will make her first start for the club at scrum-half.

The capital side have been in impressive form, sitting in second place having won three from four matches, each win with a try scoring bonus-points. A win tomorrow(or two match points) will guarantee a spot in the top three of the competition and a place in the major play-offs regardless of other results.

Cruikshank has named an unchanged back-three, with Nicole Marlow at full-back, flanked by Edinburgh University duo of Nicole Flynn and Cieron Bell – Edinburgh’s top scorer with four tries in as many matches.

Lisa Thomson makes her home debut, following a player of the match performance last weekend at inside-centre, partnering fellow Scotland internationalist Emma Orr in the midfield.

Brebner-Holden starts at nine alongside captain Sarah Denholm at stand-off, who starts for the fifth game in a row.

Scotland internationalist Muzambe is joined in the front row by hooker Millie Whitehouse, a try scorer last weekend, and Watsonians tighthead prop Molly Poolman.

The back five of the pack is unchanged, with Adelle Ferrie and Natasha Logan once again forming the lock partnership.

Freya Walker retains the number eight jersey, flanked by vice-captain Alex Stewart at open-side flanker, with Merryn Gunderson at blind-side.

On the selection, Cruikshank said: “This is a massive game for us, and an exciting chance to try and secure our place in the major play-offs of the tournament.

“It’s great to see there will be another big crowd at Hive Stadium. The support from the Edinburgh fans has been unreal so far and we can’t wait to be playing in-front of them at home again.

“We saw how dangerous Clovers can be in their game against Glasgow last weekend, so we know we’ll have to be at the top of our game to beat them.”

Aila Ronald is named as replacement hooker, with University of Edinburgh teammate Poppy Fletcher as replacement loosehead prop. Corstorphine Cougars tighthead Katie Lindsay completes the front row replacements.

Lock Fiona McIntosh returns to the matchday 23 having been released by Saracens for the fixture, with Stirling County back-row Samaanther Taganekurukuru in line for her debut from the bench.

Jenny Maxwell is named as replacement scrum-half, with Briar McNamara and Hannah Walker completing the squad.

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Clovers at Hive Stadium (Saturday 3 Feb, kick-off 12.30pm) – live on BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV.

15. Nicole Marlow (Cardiff Met)**

14. Nicole Flynn (University of Edinburgh)*
13. Emma Orr (Heriot’s/Biggar RFC)*
12. Lisa Thomson (GB Sevens)
11. Cieron Bell (University of Edinburgh)*

10. Sarah Denholm (University of Edinburgh)* CAPTAIN
9. Leia Brebner-Holden (Gloucester Hartpury & Cheltenham Tigers)**

1. Panashe Muzambe (Exeter Chiefs)**
2. Millie Whitehouse (University of Edinburgh)*
3. Molly Poolman (Watsonians FC)*
4. Adelle Ferrie (Corstorphine Cougars)
5. Natasha Logan (University of Edinburgh)*
6. Merryn Gunderson (Corstorphine Cougars)
7. Alex Stewart (Corstorphine Cougars)* VICE-CAPTAIN
8. Freya Walker (Watsonian FC)*

Replacements

16. Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh)*
17. Poppy Fletcher (University of Edinburgh)*
18. Katie Lindsay (Corstorphine Cougars)*
19. Fiona McIntosh (Saracens)**
20. Samaanther Taganekurukuru (Stirling County)
21. Jenny Maxwell (Loughborough Lightning)
22. Briar McNamara (Watsonians FC)
23. Hannah Walker (University of Edinburgh)*

*Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported players
**Transitional SQ Player