Edinburgh Rugby welcome the return of several Scotland internationals for tomorrow’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final showdown against Bath Rugby at Hive Stadium (3 May, kick-off 3pm) – live on Premier Sports.
Head Coach Sean Everitt can call upon Scotland trio Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Jamie Ritchie, while captain Grant Gilchrist and Wes Goosen return to the starting line-up from last week’s replacements, and injury, respectively.
Edinburgh have a chance to make a European finale for the first time since facing Gloucester in the 2015 EPCR Challenge Cup Final, and Everitt has called on his side to make the city proud.
“Every time we run out at Hive Stadium we want to make Edinburgh proud. It’s a huge day for everyone connected to the club,” said Everitt.
“It will be a special moment for all our players running out in front of a packed-out Hive Stadium. We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices our supporters make every weekend, and their support will be crucial in driving us for the full 80 minutes.”
He continued: “We have immense respect for the quality Bath bring. Their Premiership form speaks volumes, and they’ll arrive in Edinburgh with every right to feel confident. This is the kind of contest that demands our absolute best. We must be relentless, from the first moment to the final whistle.”
Goosen returns to the side at full-back as Scotland international Harry Paterson – who penned a new two-year deal earlier this week – shifts to the wing alongside Darcy Graham.
James Lang and Matt Currie continue their midfield partnership at inside and outside centre respectively, while stand-off Ross Thompson again starts with Ali Price in the halves.
Tighthead prop D’arcy Rae starts against his former side, alongside the returning Ashman (hooker) and Schoeman (loosehead) in the front row.
Gilchrist will captain the side at lock, running out with fellow Scotland international Sam Skinner.
The back row boasts significant experience with Everitt selecting a trio of club centurions.
Jamie Ritchie is named on the blindside, with Hamish Watson at openside and Magnus Bradbury at number eight. Adding to the positive news for the club this week, British & Irish Lion Watson another player to extended terms.
Edinburgh Rugby team to face Bath Rugby at Hive Stadium in the EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Final Saturday 3 March, kick-off 3pm – live on Premier Sports
15. Wes Goosen (51)
14. Darcy Graham (79)
13. Matt Currie (60)
12. James Lang (72)
11. Harry Paterson (14)
10. Ross Thompson (22)
9. Ali Price (37)
1. Pierre Schoeman (130)
2. Ewan Ashman (34)
3. D’arcy Rae (23)
4. Sam Skinner (40)
5. Grant Gilchrist (219) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (128)
7. Hamish Watson (175)
8. Magnus Bradbury (130)
Replacements
16. Paddy Harrison (29)
17. Boan Venter (88)
18. Javan Sebastian (26)
19. Marshall Sykes (80)
20. Ben Muncaster (44)
21. Charlie Shiel (71)
22. Ben Healy (35)
23. Mosese Tuipulotu (19)
Unavailable: Emiliano Boffellli (hamstring), Connor Boyle (knee), Robert Carmichael (wrist), Dave Cherry (knee), Luke Crosbie (pec), Tom Dodd (shoulder), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Paul Hill (back), Ross McCann (foot), Cammy Scott (groin), Matt Scott (back), Duhan van der Merwe (ankle), Ben Vellacott (foot), Lewis Wells (ankle).
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