Laidlaw returns for 1872 Cup decider

The club captain was given a six-week break following the recent RBS 6 Nations and comes back into the fold to lead the side for the decisive match and the competitive season run-in.

The club can also call on forward trio Grant Gilchrist, Izak van der Westhuizen and Alasdair Dickinson, who were unavailable to play last Saturday through injury.

The remaining two squad changes sees back-row Cornell Du Preez return to the starting line-up and stand-off Piers Francis return from a long-term foot injury to replace the injured Harry Leonard (knee) on the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby head coach, Alan Solomons, said: "I think this is a fantastic way for Greig [Laidlaw] to finish his time with Edinburgh Rugby, first to lead the side against Glasgow in this derby match, then again against Munster in our last home game of the season and then away against a top European side like Leinster.

"He will add a lot of value to the team with his experience and leadership and, while your first game back is always tough, he has a good temperament, is a good player, and is the kind of individual that will give a good account of himself."

While challenging for PRO12 points is the priority for the visitors, the Warriors edge the aggregate 1872 Cup encounter following their 20-16 Boxing Day win at Murrayfield Stadium.

The visitors therefore need not only to win, but win by five points, if they are to prise the silverware from the west this weekend, as an aggregate draw would see it retained by the hosts.

Solomons added: "They [Glasgow] are good side and have generated a lot of confidence in the last few weeks with a lot of fantastic wins, including beating Munster away and Ulster at home.

"They are fighting for a home semi-final in the PRO12 and will come out all guns blazing, let alone that this is a derby.

"There's 140 years of tradition in this match, so there's no doubt it's a game for which our players are always excited and look forward to.

"We will give absolutely everything to ensure we produce a good performance."

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium this Saturday (26 April, kick-off 7.05pm) - live on BBC ALBA

15 Jack Cuthbert

14 Tom Brown
13 Matt Scott
12 Andries Strauss
11 Tim Visser

10 Carl Bezuidenhout
9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford
3 Willem Nel
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 Mike Coman
7 Cornell Du Preez
8 David Denton

Substitutes
16 James Hilterbrand
17 Wicus Blaauw
18 Simon Berghan
19 Ben Toolis
20 Tomas Leonardi
21 Grayson Hart
22 Piers Francis
23 Sam Beard