Blair returns with Hogg to skipper Edinburgh

Blair and Hogg are also joined by Simon Webster, Hugo Southwell and Craig Smith, all of whom featured during Scotland's final RBS 6 Nations match last weekend, but prop Allan Jacobsen misses out after suffering a groin injury.

Scotland hooker Ross Ford is also ruled out because of ankle ligament damage, but Edinburgh head coach Andy Robinson admits he is pleased with the overall strength of the side he has selected.

Robinson said: "We are extremely pleased to be able to welcome back the Scotland contingent immediately after the 6 Nations.

"Friday's home match against Connacht is the first of our final six matches in the Magners League and it is important we produce a good performance.

"We realise that Connacht is going to be a difficult test and, after assessing their recent performances, we are under no illusions they will prove to be tough opponents.

"But we are expecting a decent crowd for this match and it would be ideal if we could mark the Easter weekend with a home win."

Centre Nick De Luca returns to midfield action after recovering from an ankle injury while David Callam has also been handed a starting berth after a spell sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Winger Andrew Turnbull has been given permission from Scotland's 7's head coach Stephen Gemmell to replace Roland Reid in the Edinburgh squad after the former Scotland internationalist was forced to pull out with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Greig Laidlaw, Ali Warnock and Scott Newlands were all not available for selection after being called up for Scotland's 7's squad for the forthcoming tournament in Hong Kong.

Edinburgh Rugby Club squad to play Connacht at Murrayfield

15 Hugo Southwell
14 Simon Webster
13 Ben Cairns
12 Nick De Luca
11 John Houston
10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair

1 Gavin Kerr
2 Andrew Kelly
3 Craig Smith
4 Craig Hamilton
5 Ben Gissing
6 Allister Hogg (captain)
7 Ross Rennie
8 David Callam

Substitutes: Augusto Allori, Steve Lawrie, Simon Cross, Matt Mustchin, Ben Meyer, Calum MacRae, Andrew Turnbull.