Emiliano Boffelli set to make first Edinburgh appearance of season

Argentina winger Emiliano Boffelli will make his first appearance of the season for Edinburgh when they host Lions on Friday night.

Boffelli is back in United Rugby Championship action after playing a key role in his country’s summer series win over Scotland and bagging 20 points in Los Pumas’ Rugby Championship victory over New Zealand.

Head coach Mike Blair makes eight changes following his side’s return from South Africa with Mark Bennett and Ben Vellacott missing out through injury.

Matt Currie makes his first start of the season at outside centre while Henry Pyrgos comes in at scrum-half.

Luke Crosbie and Viliame Mata return to fitness in place of injured back-row pair Jamie Ritchie and Nick Haining.

Boan Venter and Luan de Bruin form a new-look front row and lock Glen Young comes into the second row.

Blair said: “We’re excited to be back home after a two-week tour and the squad are really looking forward to Friday night lights in front of the Edinburgh supporters – it’s always a special experience playing under the lights and we’re anticipating a brilliant atmosphere.

“We’ve made a number of changes to the starting line-up and we’re excited to see guys get their opportunity for what will be a really tough match-up.

“Emirates Lions come into the game having won two straight in Wales, so we’ll have to be at our very best come kick-off.”

Edinburgh Rugby: Henry Immelman, Darcy Graham, Matt Currie, James Lang, Emiliano Boffelli, Blair Kinghorn, Henry Pyrgos, Boan Venter, Stuart McInally, Luan de Bruin, Glen Young, Grant Gilchrist (CAPT), Luke Crosbie, Hamish Watson, Viliame Mata

Replacements: Dave Cherry, Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel, Marshall Sykes, Ben Muncaster, Charlie Shiel Charlie Savala, Chris Dean

Emirates Lions: Andries Coetzee, Stean Pienaar, Henco van Wyk, Marius Louw, Quan Horn, Gianni Lombard, Sanele Nohamba, Sti Sithole, PJ Botha, Ruan Dreyer, Pieter Jansen van Vuren, Reinhard Nothnagel (CAPT), Sibusiso Sangweni, Ruan Venter, Francke Horn

Replacements: Jaco Visagie, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ruhan Straeuli, Morne van den Berg, Jordan Hendrikse, Zander du Plessis