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Duhan van der Merwe one of 11 Scotland internationals out for Edinburgh
By Bryn Palmer
Edinburgh have rested four key players and handed winger Malelili Satala his senior debut for their final Investec Champions Cup pool stage fixture against Bath at The Rec on Friday.
Satala, who arrived from Leicester’s academy last summer, is the son of former Fijian international Apolosi Satala, who previously played for Edinburgh from 2005-06.
The 21-year-old takes over from the injured Duhan van der Merwe, one of 11 Scotland internationals either unfit or rested for a match the capital side are likely to need at least a bonus point from to ensure their progress to the last 16.
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Van der Merwe has not recovered from a calf problem which forced him off in last Friday’s 26-24 win over Gloucester, which left Edinburgh second in Pool 2, a point behind leaders Bath, but with Toulon, Munster and Gloucester all still capable of overhauling them in the fight for a top-four finish in the group.
With Scotland centre Matt Currie, who suffered a hamstring injury against Gloucester, also missing and full-back Wes Goosen rested, fit-again Harry Paterson returns in the No.15 jersey with Piers O’Conor replacing Currie in midfield.
Three more Scotland internationals – prop Pierre Schoeman, flanker Liam McConnell and No.8 Magnus Bradbury – will also miss the trip south after a heavy recent workload, meaning James Whitcombe starts at loosehead, Tom Dodd at blindside and Ben Muncaster only his second game of the season, and first since late November, at No.8.
Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman also takes over from Harri Morris, who is on the bench, in the other change to the starting XV, with scrum-half Ben Vellacott leading the side in Bradbury’s absence.
In total Edinburgh are without 21 players, with 17 on the injured list including locks Grant Gilchrist, Sam Skinner and Marshall Sykes, flankers Luke Crosbie and Dylan Richardson, plus front-rowers D’arcy Rae, Paddy Harrison and Springbok Boan Venter.
“While we’ve had to manage the load after a massive physical shift from the group, this selection is a testament to the great depth we’ve built here,” said head coach Sean Everitt, whose new two-year contract extension was announced on Wednesday.
“We’re bringing in players who have been knocking on the door and training at a high level, and they now have the platform to make a real statement.”
Everitt said he was excited to blood Satala, who played four Premiership Rugby Cup matches for Leicester last season, on the European stage, despite his inexperience.
“He is a player with genuine X-factor and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the jersey on such a massive stage; he’s worked hard for this opportunity and deserves his shot,” added the head coach.
“We know exactly what is at stake regarding the knockout stages and we are under no illusions about how strong a team Bath are, particularly at home.
“However, the boys are incredibly hungry for this challenge and are looking forward to representing Edinburgh at such an iconic ground in a real European showdown.”
Edinburgh Rugby team to face Bath:
15. Harry Paterson; 14. Darcy Graham, 13. Piers O’Conor, 12. James Lang, 11. Malelili Satala; 10. Ross Thompson, 9. Ben Vellacott; 1. James Whitcombe, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 4. Callum Hunter-Hill, 5. Glen Young, 6. Tom Dodd, 7. Freddy Douglas, 8. Ben Muncaster.
Replacements: 16. Harri Morris, 17. Mikey Jones, 18. Paul Hill, 19. Euan McVie, 20. Connor Boyle, 21. Charlie Shiel, 22. Ben Healy, 23. Jack Brown.
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