James Lang returns to the Edinburgh Rugby starting line-up for this Saturday’s 1872 Cup decider against Glasgow Warriors at Scottish Gas Murrayfield (27 December, kick-off 3pm) – live on Premier Sports.
The Scotland international – who missed last weekend’s opening leg at Hampden Park through injury – is restored to the midfield at inside centre as one of three changes to the capital XV.
The two further alterations come up front: Paul Hill gets the nod at tighthead prop, while Harri Morris starts at hooker in place of Ewan Ashman, who misses out after sustaining a concussion in last Saturday’s defeat to the Warriors.
With over 30,000 tickets already sold, the Scottish capital is braced for a momentous 1872 Cup decider. Edinburgh head into the clash looking to overturn a 12-point aggregate deficit to reclaim the trophy, marking the 153rd year of world rugby’s oldest intercity rivalry.
Ahead of the match-up, Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “Saturday is a massive occasion for everyone connected to this club. The 1872 Cup is steeped in history, and to lead this club into the 153rd year of world rugby’s oldest intercity rivalry is a privilege that everyone in this building feels deeply.
“We were disappointed with our attacking performance in the opening leg at Hampden. We know we didn’t fire the shots we’re capable of, and we’ve spent the week focusing on how we can be more clinical and assertive. We have a 12-point deficit to overturn, and the players are highly motivated to go out there and show what this Edinburgh team is truly about.
“To have over 30,000 fans already behind us at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is incredible. You feel that energy the moment you arrive at the stadium, and we want to reward that support with a performance they can be proud of. Every member of this squad is determined to make this a special end to 2025 and bring that trophy back to the capital.”
An unchanged back-three features Wes Goosen at full-back, flanked by British & Irish Lions duo Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham – Scotland’s two all-time leading try-scorers.
In the midfield, Lang returns to partner Matt Currie, replacing Piers O’Conor who is ruled out following a concussion sustained in the first leg.
The half-back duo of Ben Vellacott and Cammy Scott remains in place to steer the side at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
Pierre Schoeman retains his spot at loosehead prop in a revamped front row featuring Morris and Hill. Meanwhile, lock Glen Young is rewarded with another start, packing down with double-centurion Grant Gilchrist in the engine room.
Club captain Magnus Bradbury continues at number 8, anchoring a back row that sees flankers Liam McConnell and Dylan Richardson – a try-scorer at Hampden last weekend – make their first 1872 Cup appearances at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
It’s a big day for the Blyth-Lafferty family: academy hooker Jerry, 21, could make his professional debut from the bench, named alongside his younger brother Ollie, 19, for Saturday’s derby decider.
Edinburgh Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors in the 1872 Cup second leg at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Saturday 27 December (kick-off 3pm) – live on Premier Sports
15. Wes Goosen (63)
14. Darcy Graham (87)
13. Matt Currie (66)
12. James Lang (81)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (109)
10. Cammy Scott (24)
9. Ben Vellacott (82)
1. Pierre Schoeman (141)
2. Harri Morris (9)
3. Paul Hill (22)
4. Glen Young (55)
5. Grant Gilchrist (226)
6. Liam McConnell (13)
7. Dylan Richardson (6)
8. Magnus Bradbury (141) CAPTAIN
Replacements
16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty*
17. Boan Venter (97)
18. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty (4)
19. Callum Hunter-Hill (24)
20. Freddy Douglas (12)
21. Charlie Shiel (80)
22. Ross Thompson (30)
23. Jack Brown (5)
Unavailable Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee), Tom Currie (knee), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), D’arcy Rae (ankle), Sam Skinner (hamstring), Paddy Harrison (back), Ben Muncaster (knee), Marshall Sykes (arm), Harry Paterson (hamstring), Findlay Thomson (hand), Ross McKnight (ankle), Ewan Ashman (concussion), Piers O’Conor (concussion).
*Edinburgh Rugby debut
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