Edinburgh’s hopes of European qualification next season hang by the slimmest of threads but Alan Solomons has fielded a strong XV for their bid for the unlikely in a PRO12 finale against Cardiff Blues.
Both teams hoped this might be a final eliminator for the sixth and final European Champions Cup spot next term, but the Blues are out of it after their second half collapse to Ospreys last week and the home side’s chances are at best marginal.
After the loss to Munster without a bonus last week, they need a full five point win with four tries – something they’ve done only twice this season – and then hope Munster lose to Scarlets at Thomond Park without a bonus while Ulster hold Ospreys to less than a bonus point win in Swansea.
Edinburgh have promised they won’t fall short wondering about what might have been against the Blues, with Dougie Fife and Andries Strauss drafted in for what will be their final games for the club.
Strauss will win his 50th cap in his final game partnering another exiting star, Scotland’s Matt Scott, in the centre.
“It’s been a huge honour and privilege to play for Edinburgh Rugby over the last couple of years and to play my 50th game in what would be my last is extremely special and certainly something I’ll remember for a long time,” said the South African.
“I’m grateful for every second I was allowed on the field and will cherish the memories I made with the team.
“This weekend is a vital game for us and it will take a massive team effort from us to get the right result on the weekend.”
Blair Kinghorn (head knock), Alasdair Dickinson (back), Jamie Ritchie and John Hardie drop out of the starting XV, with Nasi Manu returning from injury for the first time since December.
The former Highlanders captain has been a big miss over the second half of the season for Solomons team, with Cornell du Preez being forced to be an ever-present for the club in his absence.
Hamish Watson starts at open-side in Hardie’s absence while John Andress and Alex Toolis are set to make their final appearances this afternoon off the bench as they leave for Munster and Australia respectively.
Edinburgh (vs Cardiff Blues, Guinness PRO12, BT Murrayfield, today 3pm, live on BBC2 Wales Sky channel 971) Dougie Fife; Damien Hoyland, Matt Scott, Andries Strauss, Tom Brown; Jason Tovey, Sean Kennedy; Rory Sutherland, Ross Ford (capt), WP Nel; Anton Bresler, Ben Toolis; Nasi Manu, Hamish Watson, Cornell du Preez. Replacements: Stuart McInally, Allan Dell, John Andress, Alex Toolis, Magnus Bradbury, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Chris Dean, Will Helu.
