Cockerill makes five changes for trip to Ulster
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Loading...Edinburgh Head Coach Richard Cockerill has named his team ahead of tomorrow night’s crucial Guinness PRO14 encounter with third-place Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium (Friday 16 February, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC NI.
As Edinburgh search for their 15th win of the season in all competitions, the team selection includes five changes to the side who secured a last-gasp victory over Leinster last weekend.
In the back-three, Dougie Fife once again gets the nod at fullback. The Scotland sevens star is joined by wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Jason Harries, who starts his first league encounter since crossing the whitewash against Scarlets in round four of the competition.
An unchanged midfield sees Chris Dean partner last weekend’s match winner Mark Bennett, whilst Sam Hidalgo-Clyne returns to the starting XV to link-up with Jaco van der Walt at half-back.
In the front-row, Jordan Lay is named at loosehead and packs down alongside Murray McCallum and experienced hooker Neil Cochrane. Club captain Fraser McKenzie keeps his position in the second-row, as does Lewis Carmichael after his Man-of-the-Match performance against Leinster last weekend.
Number eight Cornell du Preez is welcomed back into the side from Scotland duty, whilst John Hardie returns to the fray to partner Bill Mata in the back-row.
Head Coach, Richard Cockerill said: “They have a good team and very strong squad, and they’ve had their difficulties for obvious reasons, but now it’s for us to go there and front up.
“If we lose on Friday night, it’s not the end of our play-off hopes. For us it’s nice, as a team, that were putting ourselves in the position where we’re actually competing for play-offs – which is a step forward.”
“I expect Ulster to be favourites and I expect them to be confident, but I’m also confident and I believe in our playing group.”
Edinburgh team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday 16 February (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC NI.
15. Dougie Fife (98)
14. Jason Harries (6)
13. Mark Bennett (4)
12. Chris Dean (58)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (9)
10. Jaco van der Walt (9)
9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (101)
1. Jordan Lay (3)
2. Neil Cochrane (67)
3. Murray McCallum (34)
4. Fraser McKenzie (96) CAPTAIN
5. Lewis Carmichael (24)
6. Bill Mata (29)
7. John Hardie (25)
8. Cornell du Preez (96)
Replacements:
16. Cameron Fenton (7);
17. Rory Sutherland (58);
18. Eliot Millar Mills (2);
19. Magnus Bradbury (44);
20. Luke Crosbie (9);
21. Nathan Fowles (51);
22. Duncan Weir (26);
23. Glenn Bryce (31)
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