Graham-less Edinburgh welcome back Puma star for Saracens clash

Argentina full-back Emiliano Boffelli returns to the Edinburgh team for Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup opener against Saracens as Wes Goosen switches to the wing to cover the injured Darcy Graham.

Graham has been ruled out until February after suffering a knee injury shortly after scoring his 13th try of the season for club and country during last week’s home defeat by Munster.

Chris Dean also went off injured after claiming a try and he remains on the sidelines with a head knock as James Lang comes in at inside centre.

Fit-again hooker Stuart McInally is the only player to come into Mike Blair’s forward pack for the trip to Barnet, where Edinburgh take on a side who have won all nine of their Gallagher Premiership fixtures this season.

Head coach Blair said: “This is a massive challenge for us but it’s one this group of players are really savouring – and we’ve felt that in training all week.

“The players have been switched on, alert, ready to play and eager to make amends after the disappointment of Munster last weekend.

“We are well aware of the quality Saracens possess. They are a side full of confidence with options across the park, but we’ve got plenty of quality and experience in our squad too.

“We’re really excited to be back at the top table of European rugby and we’re looking forward to representing the city and our supporters in North London this Sunday.”

EDINBURGH:
15. Emiliano Boffelli
14. Wes Goosen
13. Mark Bennett
12. James Lang
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Blair Kinghorn
9. Ben Vellacott
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Stuart McInally
3. Luan de Bruin
4. Jamie Hodgson
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Jamie Ritchie
7. Luke Crosbie
8. Viliame Mata

Replacements
16. Patrick Harrison
17. Boan Venter
18. WP Nel
19. Marshall Sykes
20. Ben Muncaster
21. Charlie Shiel
22. Charlie Savala
23. Damien Hoyland

Edinburgh will face Saracens at StoneX Stadium in the Heineken Champions Cup Sunday 11 December (kick-off 3.15pm).