URC: Munster v Edinburgh: Ewan Ashman and Sam Skinner among seven changes for Cork trip
02/27/2025 07:00 AM
EDINBURGH head coach Sean Everitt has made seven changes to the starting XV from the disappointing home defeat to Zebre a fortnight ago ahead of tomorrow [Friday] night’s trip to Cork to take on Munster.
In the pack, hooker Ewan Ashman and second-row Sam Skinner (who both came off the Scotland bench against England last weekend) are named in the starting XV with Patrick Harrison and Glen Young moving to the replacements list. Ben Muncaster returns from a concussion to start at openside-flanker (in place of the benched Hamish Watson) and Magnus Bradbury is back from suspension at No 8 (in place of Tom Currie who drops out the 23), teaming up with Luke Crosbie (who is released once again by Scotland to start at blindside) in an experienced and powerful back-row unit. Paul Hill swaps in for D’Arcy Rae at tight-head prop.
Behind the scrum, Ben Vellacott is promoted from the bench to captain the side from scrum-half with Ali Price moving in the opposite direction, while James Lang comes in at outside-centre and Matt Currie (who has recovered from the concussion which forced him to drop out of Scotland’s training squad ahead of the England game) shifts to the wing in place of Emiliano Boffelli (who picked up a minor hamstring injury against Zebre).
Rising star Jare Oguntibeju signs first pro contract with Glasgow
URC: Adam Hastings and JP du Preez poised for Glasgow return
Arnold Clark Men's Premiership Round 18 Dream Team
Patrick Harrison is on the bench, meaning that both back-up hookers to Dave Cherry in the national set-up, are involved in this game. Cammy Scott takes over from Ben Healy (who has a hip injury) as replacement stand-off, having impressed for Heriot’s in the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership last weekend. Experienced centre Mark Bennett is set to make his first appearance since September after initially making his comeback from a pectoral tear playing for Selkirk in the Premiership a fortnight ago.
"We're excited about the challenge, but we know it won't be easy to get a result away against Munster, whether they're in Cork or Limerick they're strong at home,” said Everitt. "We've had a good week at training, and we're ready to bounce back."
Edinburgh are currently ninth in the URC table, two points adrift of Scarlets who occupy the eighth and final play-off/Champions Cup qualification spot, with six round of regular season matches to go (including this weekend).
Edinburgh Rugby (versus Munster @ Virgin Media Park in Cork on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm) to face Zebre at Hive Stadium, Friday 14 February (kick-off 7.35pm): W Goosen; M Currie, J Lang, M Tuipulotu, R McCann; R Thompson, B Vellacott ©; B Venter, E Ashman, P Hill, M Sykes, S Skinner, L Crosbie, B Muncaster, M Bradbury. Subs: P Harrison, R Hislop, D Rae, G Young, H Watson, A Price, C Scott, M Bennett.
Unavailable due to injury: Emiliano Boffelli (hamstring), Ben Healy (hip), Connor Boyle (knee), Tom Dodd (shoulder), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Harry Paterson (concussion), Lewis Wells (ankle).
International duty: Dave Cherry, Grant Gilchrist, Darcy Graham, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Duhan van der Merwe.
Our Edinburgh-based experts advise both individuals and businesses across a range of sectors, providing accountancy, audit and assurance, business advisory, tax and VAT services. Founded in 1855, Saffery is the 15th largest accountancy firm in the UK by turnover and has had a presence in Edinburgh for over 30 years. Website: www.saffery.com
Rising star Jare Oguntibeju signs first pro contract with Glasgow
The post URC: Munster v Edinburgh: Ewan Ashman and Sam Skinner among seven changes for Cork trip appeared first on Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line.
