News

Preview: Edinburgh v Wasps

December 03 2008

Edinburgh Head Coach Andy Robinson has made one change to the starting line-up to play Wasps in the Heineken Cup Pool Two match at Murrayfield on Friday.

Following their win over the Ospreys last week Friday, lock Jim Hamilton replaces Ben Gissing in the second row.

Hamilton's return after being rested boosts the number of Scotland internationalists in Edinburgh's starting line-up to twelve, with outside centre Ben Cairns given the all-clear to play after recovering from a dead leg.

As a result, Cairns will make his 50th appearance for Edinburgh - a remarkable feat considering it is still only his third season as a professional.

Veteran full-back Chris Paterson admits the highlight of his first 50 Heineken Cup games was captaining Edinburgh to victory over London Wasps three years ago, and says he would love to replicate the achievement come kick-off this weekend.

The 30-year-old became the first Scot to reach the half-century mark in European appearances during Edinburgh's win at Castres last month.

And Paterson says the stand-out memory so far was when he led Edinburgh to victory over Wasps on home soil in October 2005 - something he is aiming to repeat.

"That win against Wasps was definitely the highlight of my Heineken Cup career so far - everything just went brilliantly," said Paterson.

"Wasps went into that game as favourites, but we just made good decisions on the day. We kicked well, put them under pressure and, as the game went on, we just grew in stature.

"Webbo (Simon Webster) scoring the winning try with about two minutes to go made it a very special day.

"This time it is another very big game and it is almost a Test fixture with both teams being full of internationals. But if we can get our decision making right and play with confidence then there is no reason why we can't win again."

Ian McGeechan has made eight changes and two positional switches to his Wasps side following victory over Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

Leading the side, Phil Vickery takes the captaincy reigns for this fixture with Raphaël Ibañez ruled out following a knock to the head.

Vickery is one of six England internationals returning to the side with Paul Sackey, Riki Flutey, Danny Cipriani, Tom Rees and James Haskell all named in the starting line-up.

Also returning to action for Friday's clash is centre Dominic Waldouck, following recovery from a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

"It's good to have our internationals playing back at the club, despite a short turn around for some of our players," McGeechan said.

"It is a big challenge going to Edinburgh, they are a side who are playing well and who are well coached and it will be a big game for both sides."

Form: Wasps and Edinburgh are equal on points in the Pool Two standings. Edinburgh lost their opening match against Leinster, but will do everything possible to topple Wasps in the Scottish capital. Andy Robinson's team beat Leicester Tigers last year and the former England coach will be seeking to beat another English club at Murrayfield. London Wasps, the double title winners who are in trouble in the English Premiership, must win this match if they want to maintain their chances of qualifying.

The teams:

Edinburgh: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Mark Robertson, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Simon Webster, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (c), 8 Allister Hogg, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Alan MacDonald, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Craig Hamilton, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen

Replacements: 16 Andrew Kelly, 17 Gavin Kerr, 18 Matt Mustchin, 19 Scott Newlands, 20 Greig Laidlaw, 21 David Blair, 22 Hugo Southwell.

London Wasps: 15 Mark Van Gisbergen, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Dominic Waldouck, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Josh Lewsey, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 James Haskell, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Serge Betsen, 5 Richard Birkett, 4 George Skivington, 3 Phil Vickery (c), 2 Rob Webber, 1 Tim Payne.

Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Tom French, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 John Hart, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Dave Walder, 22 Lachlan Mitchell.

Date: Friday, 5 December

Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Kick-off: 19:30 GMT

Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)