EDINBURGH today welcomed back five of Scotland's Calcutta Cup-winning heroes as they prepare to host Connacht on Friday in a Magners Celtic League clash which could propel them into the top three.
However, those who miss out include injured front-row pair Allan Jacobsen (groin) and Ross Ford (ankle), and winger Roland Reid (hamstring).
Despite these injury blows, Edinburgh have a solid record against Connacht which they will be looking to
maintain especially with the likes of Mike Blair, Hugo Southwell, Craig Smith, Simon Webster and Ally Hogg restored.
Also returning after having to be content with a substitute role in the 10-10 draw at Newport Gwent Dragons last time out is 50-cap prop Gavin Kerr, while Nick De Luca, Phil Godman, Craig Hamilton, Ross Rennie and Dave Callam hoist the number of internationalists in the Edinburgh starting line-up to 11.
Ally Hogg resumes the captaincy, although Blair, the man who led Scotland to victory over England, insists standards must remain high at Edinburgh.
"If we can win our next couple of home matches in the Magners League then we are in with a real shout of finishing inside the top three spaces," says Mike Blair.
"Some have asked me what I have learnt from my RBS Six Nations experiences so far this year. You need to be slightly quicker in your thinking and your skill levels need to be that bit sharper.
"I think once we come back to Edinburgh we will be able to put all that experience into practice."
Meanwhile, Phil Godman, Blair's half-back partner, says Friday's clash can shape the remainder of the season.
"It's a must-win," says Godman. "We have internationalists back and this is one we are really looking forward to after the last couple of weeks off. We will look to hit the ground running." Godman is also backing Blair to extend his fine recent form. "Mike deserves the season he has had," continued Godman. "He has been great for club and country."
Connacht coach Michael Bradley is wary of facing an Edinburgh side whom they drew 14-14 with in their last clash in Galway back in the autumn. "Since we played them last, they've had a very good run of results," said Bradley. "They're playing very good rugby so we're expecting to meet a side full of confidence. We expect them to express themselves and keep ball alive."
Edinburgh: Southwell, Webster, Cairns, De Luca, Houston, Godman, Blair, Kerr, Kelly, Smith, Hamilton, Gissing, Hogg captain, Callam, Rennie.
Subs: Allori, Lawrie, Mustchin, S Cross, Meyer, Turnbull, MacRae.
The full article contains 437 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
