Solomons backs Toolis and fellow young-guns at Edinburgh

The South African has revealed that Scotland captain Grant Gilchrist is likely to remain out of action until after the Six Nations concludes in March, but insists the blow has been softened by the form of Ben Toolis.

The 22-year-old lock, a former Australian international volleyball player, has missed only 15 minutes of rugby since Gilchrist broke his arm in October and was rewarded with a 12-month contract extension on Thursday.

"It will probably be about mid-March when Grant is back," he told the Scotsman. "That's a guesstimate but the thing has got to be completely right.

"But Ben has got his opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. That was a top level derby game he played against Glasgow last weekend and he did exceptionally well,

"A massive plus for me this season has been four youngsters coming through, including Ben.

"I know Alasdair Dickinson is back and playing superbly, and Allan Dell is out injured, but we mustn't take anything away from Rory Sutherland.

"He has had a very, very good season. He's come straight from club rugby and done incredibly well this season. He is a really fine prospect.

"Hamish Watson was playing terrifically well prior to his injury and its great now having him back, and I think Sammy Clyne grows game by game.

"So, to have four youngsters come through like that is fantastic."

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