Boffelli starts sold-out Gloucester clash

Argentine internationalist Emiliano Boffelli makes his first start since reaching the semi-final stages of the Rugby World Cup as Edinburgh Rugby take on Gloucester Rugby at a sold-out Hive Stadium tomorrow night (13 January, kick-off 5.30pm) – live on Viaplay.

Boffelli is named at full-back as one of four changes made to the starting XV as Dave Cherry (hooker), Sam Skinner (lock) and Hamish Watson (back-row) all get the nod for Edinburgh’s first encounter with Gloucester since facing the Cherry and Whites in the 2015 Challenge Cup Final.

With Duhan van der Merwe rested, Wes Goosen shifts to the wing, allowing Boffelli to start at 15. Hooker Cherry takes the places of Ewan Ashman, with the latter named among the replacements.

Skinner – who has recovered from a knee injury to makes his first appearance since facing Romania in the Rugby World Cup – starts in the second-row, as Glen Young moves from the tight-five to blindside flanker.

British & Irish Lion Watson takes the place of the injured Jamie Ritchie (jaw) who is unavailable after picking up the injury in last month’s derby win over Glasgow Warriors.

Ahead of the European clash, Everitt said: “We’re really excited to get back to action after last month’s derby win and even more so with the news that Hive Stadium will be sold-out tomorrow night. It’s amazing to have that kind of backing from the Edinburgh supporters.

“We’ve made four changes for tomorrow night’s match – some through injury and others through rotation – and as always, we’re excited to see guys get their opportunity. Sam [Skinner] has been made to wait for his chance through injury and he will be champing at the bit to get back in the mix.

“Gloucester have been impressive in this tournament so far and will be looking to build on a good performance against Bath last weekend. We know we’ll have to be both physically and mentally ready for the challenge come kick-off.”

With Boffelli selected at full-back, Darcy Graham and Goosen are named on opposite wings.

An unchanged centre pairing sees Matt Currie – a try-scorer against Glasgow Warriors – and Mark Bennett combine in midfield as Scotland duo Ben Healy and Ali Price continue at half-back.

Hooker Cherry packs down alongside props Pierre Schoeman and WP Nel up front as Skinner links-up with skipper Grant Gilchrist in the middle-row.

Fijian number 8 Viliame Mata continues in the back-row alongside Young and Watson.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Gloucester Rugby at Hive Stadium in the EPCR Challenge Cup
Saturday 13 January (kick-off 5.30pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (33)

14. Darcy Graham (63)
13. Mark Bennett (97)
12. Matt Currie (27)
11. Wes Goosen (21)

10. Ben Healy (10)
9. Ali Price (6)

1. Pierre Schoeman (106)
2. Dave Cherry (80)
3. WP Nel (195)
4. Sam Skinner (14)
5. Grant Gilchrist (196) CAPTAIN
6. Glen Young (33)
7. Hamish Watson (146)
8. Viliame Mata (125)

Replacements

16. Ewan Ashman (10)
17. Robin Hislop (24)
18. Angus Williams (24)
19. Marshall Sykes (52)
20. Tom Dodd (4)
21. Ben Vellacott (48)
22. James Lang (45)
23. Harry Paterson (7)

Unavailable: Connor Boyle (neck), Luan de Bruin (back), Luke Crosbie (neck), Jamie Hodgson (ankle), Ben Muncaster (foot), Jamie Ritchie (jaw), Javan Sebastian (knee), Scott Steele (hip), Nathan Sweeney (hamstring), Duhan van der Merwe (rested).