Denton returns against Cardiff

In the back row, David Denton returns to start at no 8 while captain Mike Coman moves from there to blindside and Roddy Grant across to openside, with Hamish Watson announced on the bench for Scotland against Italy this weekend.

With fellow potential new Scotland cap Ben Toolis also named in the national team replacements, there's a change in the locks with Ollie Atkins moving up from the bench to take the number four shirt and Anton Bresler to five.

The backs remain largely similar to last week, the only change being stand-off Jade Te Rure's move from the bench to the XV.

Last week's defeat to Ulster was a disappointment in what had been a sustained period of progress for the club and everyone is determined to redress the balance in Wales this weekend.

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "We are really disappointed with last week's loss. We have only ourselves to blame.

"We are determined to put it right this week but are appreciative of the challenge we face in Cardiff."

Edinburgh team to play Cardiff Blues, BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Sunday 1 March, kick-off 12.45pm

15 Jack CUTHBERT
14 Dougie FIFE
13 Sam BEARD
12 Phil BURLEIGH
11 Tim VISSER
10 Jade TE RURE
9 Grayson HART

1 Rory SUTHERLAND
2 Neil COCHRANE
3 WP NEL
4 Ollie ATKINS
5 Anton BRESLER
6 Mike COMAN (captain)
7 Roddy GRANT
8 David DENTON

Replacements
16 Stuart McINALLY
17 Grant SHIELLS
18 John ANDRESS
19 Fraser McKENZIE
20 Hugh BLAKE
21 Nathan FOWLES
22 Tom HEATHCOTE
23 Andries STRAUSS


Brett Thompson

After signing to Edinburgh Rugby on a one-year deal last summer, Brett Thompson has left the club to return to the USA to continue his injury rehab programme.

Persistent shoulder issues meant the 24-year-old winger never pulled on the black and red jersey during his time in the capital.

Everyone at the club wishes Brett well in his recovery and for the future.