Edinburgh Line-up confirmed for derby cup clash

Head coach Michael Bradley today confirmed the Edinburgh Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors in the opening leg of the 1872 Cup at Scotstoun tomorrow (kick-off 7.35pm) - live on BBC ALBA.

Scotland centre Nick De Luca has not recovered from the injury sustained to his face in training on Tuesday, meaning James King partners Matt Scott in midfield, while Lee Jones (wing) has recovered from his head knock and has been passed fit to play.

The news brings confirmation that the half-back partnership of captain Greig Laidlaw and Piers Francis that finished the club's Heineken Cup loss against Racing Metro in Paris, will start the match against their inter-city rivals.

Bradley said: "It's disappointing to lose a key player like Nick [De Luca] for such a big game, but James [King] has performed very well when given the opportunity this season and is desperate to get out there tomorrow.

"These are huge games for the players and the fans and I'm happy with the balance of the team and the firepower available from the bench going to Scotstoun tomorrow for what will be a hugely physical and intense match with our biggest rivals."

The back-line is completed by ever-present full-back Greig Tonks and returning winger Tim Visser [pictured], who is one score short of equaling the all-time PRO12 record (48) in what will be his 65th appearance for the club in the competition.

Allan Jacobsen and Willem Nel are preferred to John Yapp and Geoff Cross alongside hooker Ross Ford in the front-row, while Heineken Cup tied lock Izak van der Westhuizen returns to partner Grant Gilchrist.

The pack is completed by the back-row of Roddy Grant, Stuart McInally and the returning blind-side flanker David Denton.

The 1872 Cup will be decided in the second leg at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 29 December (kick-off 4.05pm).
Edinburgh Rugby team to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium

The 1872 Cup: Friday 21 August (kick-off 7.35pm) - live on BBC ALBA
15 Greig Tonks

14 Lee Jones
13 Matt Scott
12 James King
11 Tim Visser

10 Piers Francis
9 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Willem Nel
4 Grant Gilchrist
5 Izak van der Westhuizen
6 David Denton
7 Roddy Grant
8 Stuart McInally

Substitutes
16 Andy Titterrell
17 John Yapp
18 Geoff Cross
19 Sean Cox
20 Netani Talei
21 Richie Rees
22 Ben Atiga
23 Dougie Fife

Absent through injury: Tom Brown (knee), Ben Cairns (hamstring strain), Nick De Luca (face), Jamie Farndale (leg), Ross Rennie (shoulder), Steven Turnbull (knee), George Turner (hip).

Players released to RBS Premiership clubs: Harry Leonard, Sep Visser (Boroughmuir), Chris Leck (Currie), Dimitri Basilaia, Alex Black, Lewis Niven (Edinburgh Accies), Steven Lawrie, Perry Parker, Michael Penn (Heriot's) and Alun Walker (Melrose).