News

Preview: Dragons v Edinburgh

September 23 2008

Allan Jacobsen will make his 200th appearance for Edinburgh on Friday, when they take on the Dragons at Rodney Parade in the Magners League.

Having made his debut back in 1997, the 30-year-old prop has seen many changes at Murrayfield and is now looking forward to reach the milestone.

"It is difficult to put into words what playing for Edinburgh means to me; I just love being able to represent my city," he said.

"Obviously a lot has changed since I was first involved with Edinburgh, but I have enjoyed every minute of it so far and I'm looking forward to many more years here at the club.

"Reaching my 200th appearance is definitely a big thing for me and my family, but at the end of the day it is just a number.

"With so many hungry young players in the squad I know I have to keep playing well in order to keep my place."

Edinburgh will be without Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair as coach Andy Robinson looks to rest a few players in a bid to keep his squad fresh.

Former Leicester lock Jim Hamilton will make his run-on debut having come off the bench in last week's victory over the Scarlets.

Paul Turner has made just one change to the side that beat Ulster last week, as Shaun Connor comes in at fly-half for the injured James Arlidge.

Arlidge picked up a minor shoulder injury in training this week and will not be risked for Edinburgh's visit.

"Injuries will always happen but I am pleased to say that we have a quality player in Shaun Connor to replace James," Turner said.

"I am delighted to have Shaun back in the region and he will be looking to put pressure on James for his starting position.

"Similarly Jason Tovey is a great prospect for the region who will be working hard to compete for the fly-half spot."

Form: The Dragons opened their account in the Magners League this season with a 16-14 victory in Ulster last Friday. The Dragons have not beaten a Scottish team at Rodney Parade since Glasgow were the visitors on 2 March 2007. Edinburgh also won their first match of the season on Friday with a 32-12 defeat of the Scarlets at Murrayfield. Edinburgh have now won their last three games against teams from Wales, and have not lost in the Principality since a 17-42 reversal against the Scarlets at Stradey Park on 29 April 2007. Last season the two teams drew 10-all at Rodney Parade, whilst Edinburgh have won just twice in Newport in ten previous visits in all competitions.

Prediction: This should be a tight contest, both sides with wins under their belts and some fresh confidence. We are going with the Dragons to make it two in a row though. Dragons by 6.

The Teams:

Dragons: 15 Phillip Dollman, 14 Gareth Wyatt, 13 Rory Sidey, 12 Ashley Smith, 11 Richard Fussell, 10 Shaun Connor, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Grant Webb, 7 Richard Parks, 6 Joe Bearman, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Rhys M. Thomas, 2 Tom Willis (c), 1 Adam Black.

Replacements: 16 Steve Jones, 17 Hugh Gustafson, 18 Andrew Hall, 19 Jamie Ringer, 20 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 21 Jason Tovey, 22 Thomas Isaacs.

Edinburgh: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Andrew Turnbull, 13 Hugo Southwell, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Mark Robertson, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Greig Laidlaw, 8 Allister Hogg (c), 7 Alan MacDonald, 6 Matt Mustchin, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Craig Hamilton, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Kelly, 17 Gavin Kerr, 18 Ben Gissing, 19 Scott Newlands, 20 Ben Meyer, 21 David Blair, 22 Jim Thompson.

Date: Friday, September 26

Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport

Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 GMT)

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)

Touch judges: Phil Fear (Wales), Simon Harris (Wales)