EVER since he took over as acting head coach at Edinburgh, Duncan Hodge always knew today's game against Harlequins in the European Challenge Cup would be his first serious challenge. So he has gone back to the tried and tested as he aims for the win that would set his team up as serious contenders against last season's losing finalists.
The biggest boost for his side is the return of WP Nel at tighthead prop after a couple of weeks recovering from a neck strain he picked up in training, not only boosting his club team's hopes but laying to bed any fears that the injury knight last into the November Tests and affect Scotland.
"He has played exceptionally well for us. They have got a strong front row and it is great that he is back. Look at their team; it will be a great test for us," Hodge said.
Despite his return, the club have moved to strengthen in that area by signing a young Argentine prop, Felipe Arregui, who won his first cap in his country's only win in the Rugby Championship when he came off the bench in the victory over South Africa.
"“Everyone has welcomed me to the club and I love the city," was his first reaction. “I really like the way the squad and coaches work to improve each day. All the groups work well together to achieve the same goal.”
Hodge wasted no time registering him in the European squad – Kevin Bryce, who was injured six minutes into his only pro game at tighthead, drops out – and he could make his debut off the bench.
On the downside, neither of the Scots at Harlequins make the travelling party. Tim Visser, an old favourite and record try scorer at Edinburgh, has had a slight relapse in a long-standing knee problem, while Ruaridh Jackson fails to make the 23 as Nick Evans returns at fly half.
For Hodge, the successes since he took over had to be tempered with the knowledge that their opponents did not amount to much, even if Timisoara Saracens did give Stade Francais a run for their money on Thursday evening.
"It has been great the last two weeks we have seen most of the squad play. Everybody has had lots of rugby and there has been some positive stuff in there. It is good for the squad and made selection for this week hard. We have a strong team out," he said.
Mostly the side picks itself, though Hamish Watson does come in for John Hardie at flanker with Hodge certain Watson is ready for a return to the Scotland squad if asked next week. In the centre, where competition is acute, Chris Dean and Phil Burleigh win the selection fight.
TEAMS
Edinburgh: B Kinghorn; D Hoyland, C Dean, P Burleigh, T Brown; J Tovey, S Kennedy; R Sutherland, R Ford, WP Nel, B Toolis, G Gilchrist (C), M Bradbury, H Watson, N Manu. Replacements: S McInally, A Dell, F Arregui, F McKenzie, V Mata, S Hidalgo-Clyne, M Allen, G Bryce.
Harlequins: M Brown; M Yarde, J Marchant, J Roberts, C Walker; N Evans, K Dickson; J Marler, R Buchanan, K Sinckler, S Twomey, J Horwill (C), C Robshaw, L Wallace, J Chisholm. Replacements: J Gray, M Lambert, W Collier, C Matthews, M Luamanu, D Care, T Swiel, A Alofa.
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
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