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Edinburgh name side laden with Scottish internationals for Jo'burg mission
By
Ian Cameron
Mike Blair has named an Edinburgh side heavy with Scottish internationals for their United Rugby Championship (URC) showdown with the Lions in Johannesburg this weekend.
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The capital side welcome back Scotland stars Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel, Stuart McInally, Grant Gilchrist and Darcy Grahaminto the starting fifteen, one that already includes the likes of Blair Kinghorn, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury, Mark Bennett, James Lang and Ben Vellacott.
Nel, McInally, Gilchrist and Graham linked up with the touring squad in South Africa earlier this week and join Schoeman – who was Edinburgh’s 24th man for their historic Saturday’s victory over the Cell C Sharks.
It was the first European win on South African soil in the URC.
“We’ve spoken a lot this week about backing up Saturday’s win in Durban with another strong performance against Emirates Lions,” said head coach Blair. “We’ve seen a real focus among the squad throughout this week’s training and I know the guys will be desperate to once again show that determination and commitment to the jersey that we saw in spades last weekend.
“It’s going to take another massive 80-minute performance in Johannesburg against a really confident Lions side but we’re up for the challenge and look forward to once again representing the club and city in one of world rugby’s most iconic stadiums.”
Former Montepellier fullback Henry Immelman is named at fullback, while Los Pumas flyer Emiliano Boffelli is named on the wing.
The Lions are expecting a tough challenge from the Scots.
“We have had some time to recover since last Friday’s game,” said Emirates Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen. “The players came back fresh on Monday and were ready to put in solid sessions this week.
“Edinburgh were successful last week against the Sharks, so they might fancy their chances up here in Johannesburg. Likewise, we’ve had a string of positive results in recent weeks which has certainly motivated us to improve on our performances as the tournament progresses.”
EDINBURGH:
15. Henry Immelman
14. Darcy Graham
13. Mark Bennett
12. James Lang
11. Emiliano Boffelli
10. Blair Kinghorn
9. Ben Vellacott
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Stuart McInally
3. WP Nel
4. Pierce Phillips
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Magnus Bradbury
7. Hamish Watson
8. Ben Muncaster
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REPLACEMENTS:
16. Dave Cherry
17. Boan Venter
18. Luan de Bruin
19. Glen Young
20. Connor Boyle
21. Charlie Shiel
22. Jaco van der Walt
23. Matt Currie
