It is not official yet but there could scarcely be a clearer indication that Chris Paterson's illustrious, record-shattering career is drawing to a close than the fact the 109-times-capped full-back has been chosen in the Edinburgh starting XV for tomorrow's essentially meaningless match with struggling Cardiff Blues in the Welsh team's City Stadium.
A week short of their potentially momentous Heineken Cup semi-final against Ulster in Dublin, Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley has delivered on predictions by choosing what is unmistakeably a second-string side – and Paterson's place in it says much about his place in the capital side's current pecking order.
Bradley did hold out hope to some players that they could yet play themselves into next weekend's game, but he clearly is protecting his main men ahead of that match. Not one of the players who started the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse a fortnight ago is listed in the matchday squad of 23.
Bradley said: "Those picked to play Cardiff this weekend know that they could be one performance away from playing a part in a landmark day in the club's history in the Heineken Cup semi-final and, potentially, the final, in three weeks' time.
"Cardiff are a very strong team and our matches this season have been very close, so it's an excellent opportunity for our players to put their hands up for the Heineken Cup squad selection.
"With so much at stake for these players, they will be mentally primed for this clash. With the right application, they are capable for getting the desired result for Edinburgh Rugby."
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