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'Pau will be a huge test for us but it's a challenge I know our guys are up for'
By PA
Mike Blair has backed his much-changed Edinburgh side to rise to the challenge as they bid to beat Pau on Friday and secure a home tie in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.
The Scots know victory over their French visitors at DAM Health Stadium will seal top spot in their section. Blair has made nine alterations to the side that defeated Lions in Johannesburg last weekend.
“Pau will be a huge test for us but it’s a challenge I know our guys are up for,” the head coach told Edinburgh’s website. “They can’t wait to get back out there under the Friday night lights after a really positive two-week tour in South Africa.
“We make a number of changes to the starting line-up, partly to keep things fresh after a long flight home, but also because guys deserve their opportunity after training incredibly hard and impressing over the last few weeks.
“We love playing at DAM Health Stadium and it’s going to be brilliant to be back in front of our supporters once again. They bring an added energy on match night which has so often made the difference this season.”
Ramiro Moyano, Luan de Bruin, Marshall Sykes, Glen Young and Connor Boyle are among those added to the starting XV.
EDINBURGH:
15. Henry Immelman
14. Darcy Graham
13. Matt Currie
12. Cammy Hutchison
11. Ramiro Moyano
10. Jaco van der Walt
9. Henry Pyrgos
1. Pierre Schoeman
2. Stuart McInally
3. Luan de Bruin
4. Grant Gilchrist
5. Marshall Sykes
6. Glen Young
7. Connor Boyle
8. Magnus Bradbury
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Adam McBurney (8)
17. Boan Venter (24)
18. WP Nel (166)
19. Jamie Hodgson (35)
20. Pierce Phillips (9)
21. Charlie Shiel (43)
22. Charlie Savala (10)
23. Chris Dean (116)
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Latest Comments
I wish Scotland well. I think it will be a real scrap for third place. Wales must improve and Italy could be a surprise package. Ireland and Scotland are probably favourites at the moment but France will have to be on their game to keep them both at bay.
Go to comments“The other half have seen a fall off in private school attendance preferring to school in GB esp Scotland and lost to the system.” Not sure what you are saying here, RW. As far as I know, there are no truly private schools in Ulster. All are voluntary grammar schools, so get at least some government funding.
I would also be surprised if there are many kids going “across the water” to schools. It is a long time since I taught and coached rugby in Ulster, but I am still in contact with family and lads I coached…have not heard any of that mentioned.
What I have heard is that a significant number now to to Uni. outside Ireland. In my day it was Queen’s or Trinity, a few to UCD.
Do you live /have lived in Ulster/Ireland, out of interest ?
I’m reading this article late at night, and will comment more tomorrow.
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