Edinburgh bulk up for Durban playoff

12/04/2024 14:08

Edinburgh have welcomed back two South African props for the Challenge Cup quarter-final against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Club centurion and Scotland international Pierre Schoeman returns at loosehead prop after recovering from the concussion that ruled him out of the round of 16.

Schoeman’s inclusion is the only change made by Sean Everitt to the starting XV that claimed victory against Bayonne six days ago.

Lock Grant Gilchrist – who once again co-captains the capital side – makes his 200th appearance for the club, becoming only the fourth player in Edinburgh Rugby history to reach double-centurion status.

Following in the footsteps of capital greats Allan Jacobsen (268), Chris Paterson and current teammate, WP Nel – who made his 200th appearance for the club against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town three weeks ago.

Gilchrist leads an Edinburgh side stacked with internationals, including back rowers Jamie Richie and Hamish Watson, wing Duhan van der Merwe, hooker Ewan Ashman and centre Mark Bennett.

Edinburgh also welcome the return of Boan Venter – who missed out on the Bayonne win through injury – with the loosehead named among the replacements.

Photo: Twitter: @EdinburghRugby

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