This is the first game under new head coach Lynn Howells who took over from interim coach Henry Edwards on Monday although the two coaches have worked together this week ahead of meeting Connacht. The interim assistants Rob Moffat and Iain Paxton confirmed their long-term future with Edinburgh Gunners on Tuesday, after being appointed coach for the backs and forwards respectively.
Speaking ahead of his first game with Edinburgh, Lynn Howells said: "It's great to have Simon Webster back as he's a quality player, is exciting and has the ability to break down defences. Ben Cairns' preferred position is centre although he played on the wing last week, and he's been selected because he's the on-form centre at the moment.
"Steven Turnbull has been selected as, looking to the future, we have to develop young players. If we don't give them game time now, they won't be ready to do the job when asked to do so.
"This week we're looking to take things forward from the last twenty minutes of the Ulster game where we fought hard for possession and the result. Michael Bradley has already stated Connacht's intentions, but we'll go and play rugby to the best of our abilities."
Unavailable due to injury: Simon Taylor (knee), Craig Smith (calf)
Edinburgh Gunners team:
15 Hugo Southwell
14 Chris Paterson (captain)
13 Ben Cairns
12 Rob Dewey
11 Simon Webster
10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair
1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Dougie Hall
3 Alasdair Dickinson
4 Matt Mustchin
5 Scott Murray
6 Alasdair Strokosch
8 Allister Hogg
7 Ross Rennie
Substitutes
16 Andrew Kelly
17 Dave Hewett
18 Steven Turnbull
19 David Callam
20 Greig Laidlaw
21 Duncan Hodge
22 Marcus Di Rollo
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