Edinburgh welcome back two players from Calcutta Cup win for Ospreys

Mark Bennett will make his 100th appearance for Edinburgh against Ospreys in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Hive Stadium on Friday night.

Head coach Sean Everitt has handed the 31-year-old former Glasgow Warriors centre the start which will make him the club’s 41st player to reach the century landmark, as one of four changes made to the starting XV that claimed a win against Zebre Parma a fortnight ago.

Scrum-half Ben Vellacott – who captains the team – starts in place of Ali Price, with the British and Irish Lion selected among the replacements.

Scotland lock Sam Skinner gets the nod in the second row ahead of Marshall Sykes – also named on the bench – as Tom Dodd comes into the back row for Jamie Ritchie.

Everitt said: “We’re excited to be back home at Hive Stadium for what is a hugely important fixture for the club.

“With the log so tight and teams around us playing each other this weekend, a win is imperative in maintaining our push for a top-eight finish.

“Ospreys are playing with no fear, and they’ll travel north with plenty of confidence, but we’re at home where we love to play under the lights.

“It’s Friday night and the Edinburgh supporters will be out in full force – it’s set to be a brilliant occasion.

“We’re delighted to see Mark make his 100th appearance for the club. He’s been a brilliant servant to Edinburgh Rugby and thoroughly deserves a start on a special night for him personally.”

An unchanged back-three sees Argentina star Emiliano Boffelli continue at full-back alongside wingers Chris Dean and Harry Paterson.

Centres Bennett, who joined Edinburgh in 2017, and Matt Currie link up in the midfield with Vellacott and stand-off Ben Healy named at half-back.

Hooker Dave Cherry once again packs down alongside props Boan Venter and WP Nel, as Scotland locks Glen Young and Skinner complete the tight-five.

Fijian number eight Viliame Mata anchors a back-row featuring Dodd and British and Irish Lion Hamish Watson.

The capital club are further boosted by the return to fitness of back-row Ben Muncaster and wing Wes Goosen, who are both named among the replacements.