Taylor returns for Edinburgh

The double British Lion and Scotland No 8 has been out since injuring his left knee in the game against Connacht on 5 May. He underwent a successful reconstruction of the medial ligament the same month. Since then he has since been working with the club's physiotherapists, with one-to-one support from specialist staff at the Scottish Institute of Sport, in particular Scott Crawford, who has worked closely with Edinburgh's physio Stephen Mutch and fitness coach Neill Potts.

Speaking on Taylor's return, head coach Lynn Howells said: "Simon returned to full training this week and as a result, we have named him in the back row in our starting fifteen. We have so many players on international duty so it's good to have him back, and a gradual return to training and contact work has allowed Simon to train fully with Edinburgh this week."

Edinburgh's recent signing Chris Bentley and Currie's Alastair Warnock have been named on the bench, with five apprentice players in the 22. Duncan Hodge will captain the side.

Unavailable due to injury: Matt Dey (leg), Allister Hogg (knee)

Edinburgh team v Newport Gwent Dragons, Rodney Parade, Friday 10 November, kick off 7.10pm

15 Ander Monro
14 Mike Pyke
13 Andrew Easson
12 Ben Cairns
11 David McCall
10 Duncan Hodge (captain)
9 Greig Laidlaw

1 Dave Hewett
2 Andrew Kelly
3 Alasdair Dickinson
4 Matt Mustchin
5 Steven Turnbull
6 Alasdair Strokosch
7 Alan MacDonald
8 Simon Taylor

Substitutes

16 Steven Lawrie
17 Kyle Traynor
18 Chris Bentley
19 Ross Rennie
20 Simon Cross
21 Alastair Warnock (Currie RFC)
22 AN OTHER