Houston rockets back into starting line-up

Coming off the bench against Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend, Houston scored Edinburgh's opening try and ensured the floodgates opened leading to a bonus point triumph.

It was Houston's second try in three games and the 26-year-old supplemented that achievement the following day by coaching Heriot's to a Scottish Hydro Electric Cup Final triumph over Melrose.

A graduate in Sports Science, Houston has been working with the Premier One club as both a fitness consultant and backs coach this season and now wants to enjoy some further success with a victory at the Arm's Park.

Houston said: "Last weekend was really special and memorable. Those two results made it a dream weekend for me at Murrayfield and hopefully Edinburgh can carry our winning form to Cardiff next weekend.

"To be honest, my try was probably one of the easiest I'm ever likely to score, but it got the ball rolling.

"After the try we relaxed a bit and then we managed to get the bonus point.

"Everyone is determined to finish the season on a high note and finish higher than we did last season (fourth place).

"Over the past month, we've set a few new records and the confidence in the team has grown massively.

"But we know how tough it will be against Cardiff; they are one of the strongest teams in Europe, especially at home."

Heading into the match in Cardiff, Edinburgh have won their five previous Magners League games and victory number six would be a new all-time winning streak for the team.
Houston's inclusion is one of three changes to the starting line-up that defeated the Dragons with Greig Laidlaw replacing captain Mike Blair at scrum half.

The Scotland internationalist has been called up into the 2009 British and Irish Lions squad and leaves for South Africa on Monday - resulting in him being rested for the final game of the season.

New signing Roddy Grant - a National Academy graduate - replaces Alan MacDonald (head knock) at openside.

Grant is one of four recruits to the Edinburgh squad in 2009 and supporters are being encouraged to follow suit by signing up for a 09/10 Season Ticket.

Hundreds of rugby enthusiasts have already taken advantage of the Season Ticket packages available for as little as £30 (Junior Season Ticket).

Edinburgh Rugby Club squad to play Cardiff Blues in the Magners League at the Arm's Park (Sunday 17 May, kick off 3.35pm)

15 Chris Paterson
14 John Houston
13 Ben Cairns
12 Nick De Luca
11 Simon Webster
10 Phil Godman
9 Greig Laidlaw

1 Kyle Traynor
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Craig Hamilton
5 Jim Hamilton
6 Scott Newlands
7 Roddy Grant
8 Allister Hogg (captain)

Replacements: Andrew Kelly, Ryan Grant, Scott MacLeod, Matt Mustchin, Ben Meyer, Andrew Turnbull, Hugo Southwell.