Three SA-born Scotland internationals have been included in the Edinburgh starting XV, with fit-again captain Jamie Ritchie, for Friday’s game against the Vodacom Bulls.
Ritchie hasn’t played since being injured in Scotland’s World Cup clash with Ireland in France, but returns to bolster Edinburgh’s back row as one of three changes to the run-on lineup for the Vodacom URC clash at the Hive Stadium. Openside flanker Connor Boyle and Fijian No 8 Viliame Mata complete the loose trio.
Tighthead prop WP Nel is back after being rested last week, while co-captain Ben Vellacott gets the nod at No 9, after coming off the bench in the round 4 victory over Connacht.
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Fellow scrumhalf Ali Price is named among the replacements after joining on a season-long from Glasgow Warriors last week, and is set for his club debut if called upon.
An unchanged back three sees Blair Kinghorn continue at fullback with Wes Goosen and Duhan van der Merwe named on opposite wings.
James Lang and Mark Bennett are retained in midfield, and flyhalf Ben Healy – fresh from his match-winning drop goal against Connacht – links up with Vellacott at halfback.
Up front, hooker Ewan Ashman packs down alongside Nel and looshead prop Pierre Schoeman, while locks Glen Young and Grant Gilchrist complete the tight five.
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