Ford and Gilchrist return for Scarlets Test

There are eight changes to the starting line-up, Greig Tonks coming off the bench to start at full back with Jack Cuthbert moving to the right wing and Sam Beard moving from the substitutes into the outside centre berth. Rested last weekend, Sean Kennedy starts at scrum half.

In the forwards, Ford returns at hooker and John Andress moves from the bench to tighthead. Ollie Atkins moves up from the bench to partner Anton Bresler in the second row, the latter moving from right to left.

Coming on to the bench and potentially making his Edinburgh Rugby debut, after putting in a shift for the A team earlier this week, is prop Allan Dell and returning from injury is vice captain and lock, Grant Gilchrist.

Gilchrist said: "I'm delighted to be back and can't wait to get out there with the boys on Friday.

"Scarlets will be a tough challenge, they have some top players and are off the back of a big win last weekend."

Edinburgh last overcame the visitors at BT Murrayfield in March 2012 while Scarlets registered their first win of the Guinness PRO12 last Saturday at home to Treviso.

Captain Ross Ford said: "We're expecting Scarlets to want to play a very fast, expansive game. They're a very dangerous team and we need to front up."

While Edinburgh's most recent PRO12 victory came in the season opener, away against Munster at Thomond Park, Scarlets only away victory in 2014 came in February, against Treviso.

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "It is good to have Fordy and Gilcho back in action. They will add a great deal to the team, not only from a playing perspective but also, more importantly, from a leadership perspective.

"We are all looking forward to the game and relish the challenge it presents."

Friday's match against Scarlets is a Student Special - for just £10, students can enjoy the game, a burger and a drink, courtesy of Edinburgh Rugby. Students should bring their matriculation card to prove their status, to gain access to the ground on the night.

Edinburgh team v Scarlets, Friday 26 September, kick-off 7.35pm, BT Murrayfield Stadium

15 Greig Tonks
14 Jack Cuthbert
13 Sam Beard
12 Andries Strauss
11 Tim Visser
10 Tom Heathcote
9 Sean Kennedy

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford (captain)
3 John Andress
4 Anton Bresler
5 Ollie Atkins
6 Tomas Leonardi
7 Hamish Watson
8 Cornell Du Preez

Substitutes
16 James Hilterbrand
17 Allan Dell
18 Willem Nel
19 Grant Gilchrist
20 Roddy Grant
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
22 Phil Burleigh
23 Nick McLennan

Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Assistant referees: Neil Paterson, Stephen Hart
TMO: David Changleng