Buzzing Edinburgh bring in 3 Scotland internationals for Saracens

Mike Blair is hoping Edinburgh can continue their new year revival by defeating Saracens on Sunday to secure a home draw in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup.

The men from Scotland’s capital ended 2022 with five defeats in six games, and the head coach admitted after back-to-back defeats by inter-city rivals Glasgow he was “feeling challenged in the job” and “was not getting the best out of the players”.

However, they have started 2023 with a couple of morale-boosting victories at home to Zebre in the United Rugby Championship and away to Castres in the Champions Cup.

Quickfire with James Haskell | Offload

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Quickfire with James Haskell | Offload

“It’s amazing the difference a win can make,” Blair told Edinburgh’s website. “Claiming all five points in Castres was a brilliant result for us and it’s acted as a catalyst for a really strong training week.

“A win like that focuses the mind a little bit more and there’s been a buzz around the squad as we prepare to take on a quality Saracens side who are full of confidence at the moment.”

Blair has made three changes to his starting XV for the visit of Sarries, with Luke Crosbie, James Lang and Ben Vellacott all added to the side.

Edinburgh are already assured of a place in the last 16 but a win will move them above their opponents and ensure they have the advantage of a home draw in the next round.

“Games like this are why we’re all involved in professional rugby,” said Blair. “A massive European tie against English giants, a sold-out home crowd and the prospect of securing home advantage in the knockout stages.

“To have a sold-out DAM Health Stadium behind us will be absolutely massive and I’m sure our supporters will back us from first minute to last, as they have done all season.”

EDINBURGH:
15. Henry Immelman
14. Jack Blain
13. Mark Bennett
12. James Lang
11. Blair Kinghorn
10. Charlie Savala
9. Ben Vellacott
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Dave Cherry
3. WP Nel
4. Sam Skinner
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie CO-CAPTAIN
7. Luke Crosbie
8. Viliame Mata

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Adam McBurney
17. Boan Venter
18. Lee-Roy Atalifo
19. Jamie Hodgson
20. Nick Haining
21. Henry Pyrgos
22. Cammy Hutchison
23. Wes Goosen