Edinburgh v Gloucester Team News
BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR EDINBURGH
Edinburgh have brought fresh faces into the team for their fourth round Heineken Cup match against Gloucester at Murrayfield on Sunday 17 December as Andrew Easson and Alan MacDonald return to the starting line up.
19 year-old Easson, who missed out last week after being injured against the Border Reivers, replaces Duncan Hodge while 21 year-old MacDonald comes in for Ross Rennie at openside. Also returning to the back row is Simon Taylor who came off the bench for Dave Callam at Kingsholm in the third round.
Head coach Lynn Howells said: "Andrew gives us an opportunity to have a centre in that position rather than trying to swap players to fit around injuries. So when he was available, he was a straight choice to come back and play.
"It is also an opportunity to give Dave Callam a break and have Simon start the game. He's the type of player that will hopefully cause Gloucester a few problems. Again, we've been able to rest Ross Rennie, as Alan MacDonald proved his capability when he played in the victory over Munster."
Looking to the task ahead, he added: "We are now in the last chance saloon so if we lose this, we're out of the competition. Every game in the Heineken Cup is difficult and Gloucester proved last week what a quality side they are. We'll have to be on top of our game to beat them and I have no doubt that if we are, we can."
Unavailable for selection: Rob Dewey (knee), Dave Duley (ribs), Allister Hogg (knee), Peter Jorgensen (calf), Craig Smith (neck), Simon Webster (lower leg & ankle).
Edinburgh team to play Gloucester in the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield on Sunday 17 December, kick off 1pm
15 Hugo Southwell
14 Chris Paterson (captain)
13 Marcus Di Rollo
12 Andrew Easson
11 Ben Cairns
10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair
1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Dougie Hall
3 Alasdair Dickinson
4 Matt Mustchin
5 Scott Murray
6 Alasdair Strokosch
7 Alan MacDonald
8 Simon Taylor
Substitutes:
16 Andrew Kelly
17 Dave Hewett
18 Steven Turnbull
19 Fergus Pringle
20 David Callam
21 John Senio
22 Duncan Hodge