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Mixed fortune on injury front for Edinburgh ahead of rearranged 1872 Cup clash

By PA
Jamie Ritchie

Richard Cockerill admits it has been mixed luck on the injury front for Edinburgh ahead of Saturday’s rearranged derby clash with Glasgow.

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The teams are hoping it is third time lucky as they look to fulfil their twice-postponed 1872 Cup clash at Scotstoun.

Their latest attempt to play the game last week was foiled just 30 minutes before kick-off as the frozen pitch was deemed unplayable.

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However, the call-off has given Scotland lock Ben Toolis time to shake off an ankle knock and rejoin Grant Gilchrist – who was scheduled to make his own return after a three month lay-off – in the Edinburgh boiler room.

But it is not all positive for head coach Cockerill, who has seen international forwards Stuart McInally (neck strain) and Jamie Ritchie (head) both ruled out with training ground injuries.

Cockerill said: “It was frustrating for everyone involved not to have the gamed played last weekend, but the safety of the players was paramount, and the right decision was made.

“Our last match remains the 10-7 win over Glasgow at home last month and we’ve had another week to prepare and work on elements we’re looking to improve, as have the Warriors.

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“It’s disappointing to lose a couple of players since we last named the team but it’ll be good to see Gilcho and Ben make their comeback as both players will bring a lot of experience and quality.

“As I said last time round, these derby matches mean a lot to us. That message and our motivation hasn’t changed, and we’ll be going out there to find a way to win for league points and our supporters.”

Cockerill has made just three changes to last week’s starting XV.

Hooker David Cherry and flanker Magnus Bradbury are promoted from the bench to take the slots left by McInally and Ritchie.

The pack is completed by props Rory Sutherland and Simon Berghan, who join Cherry in the front-row, while number eight Bill Mata and openside flanker Hamish Watson accompany Bradbury in the loose forwards.

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The unaltered back line sees full-back Blair Kinghorn combine with the reselected wings Eroni Sau and Jack Blain. Mark Bennett and Chris Dean slot in at centre while stand-off Jaco Van Der Walt and scrum-half Nic Groom keep their places.

Scotland prop WP Nel will make his 150th appearance for the club from the bench.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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