The squad from Edinburgh Rugby has been revealed to play Glasgow Warriors in tomorrow’s 1872 Cup final at Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kickoff at 3pm on Saturday, December 30). The match will stream live on Viaplay.

Senior Coach Sean Everitt makes two changes to the squad that played Glasgow Warriors in the first leg of the series last Friday at Scotstoun Stadium. The game is expected to be played in front of a record crowd of well over 33,000, with more than 24 hours of sales remaining.

Jamie Ritchie moves to the openside, and blindside flanker Luke Crosbie takes over for Hamish Watson in the back row. The British & Irish Lion is selected on the bench.

In the backs, Matt Currie moves to inside center while seasoned outside centre Mark Bennett replaces the injured James Lang.

The women’s team of Edinburgh Rugby will play their Glasgow counterparts in Hive Stadium earlier in the day (12 noon), capping up a historic intercity doubleheader in the Scottish capital that includes the men’s derby.

🎆🥳 Get your New Year celebrations started at @MurrayfieldStad this Saturday!

With four live music acts and entertainment for the whole family, your Hogmanay starts at the 1872 Cup decider – 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 🏆

Get tickets 🎟️ https://t.co/T4YjFUPtZc pic.twitter.com/KOdJUzr9XC

— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) December 28, 2023

“We’re excited to give both Luke [Crosbie] and Mark [Bennett] their opportunity tomorrow afternoon,” Everitt stated in reference to his decision. Both of these men are fierce competitors who always give their all for the shirt, so they will be eager to start against Glasgow.

“This is a huge milestone for the team and a crucial game for the upcoming campaign. We are aware of the significance of the intercity derby for our supporters, and the team is eager to represent the city and compete in front of an estimated 33,000 spectators.

“When the game starts, the spectators will be crucial to the outcome. We aim to generate a fracas inside Scottish Gas Murrayfield for what promises to be a classic rivalry between two teams that are well-versed in one another.”

Wes Goosen, the recently re-signed Scotland wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, start at full back in an unchanged back-three.

Currie and Bennett’s combination in the centres means that Ben Healy, a stand-off, and Ali Price, a scrum-half, are again chosen for the half-back position.

Hooker Ewan Ashman leads the front line in scoring, accompanied by WP Nel and Pierre Schoeman as props; Glen Young and captain Grant Gilchrist round up the tight-five.

Viliame Mata, a Fijian international, continues at number eight with flankers Crosbie and Ritchie.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Glasgow Warriors at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in the BKT United Rugby Championship

Saturday 30 December (kick-off 3pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Wes Goosen (20)

14. Darcy Graham (62)
13. Mark Bennett (96)
12. Matt Currie (26)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (82)

10. Ben Healy (9)
9. Ali Price (5)

1. Pierre Schoeman (105)
2. Ewan Ashman (9)
3. WP Nel (194)
4. Glen Young (32)
5. Grant Gilchrist CAPTAIN (195)
6. Luke Crosbie (91)
7. Jamie Ritchie (103)
8. Viliame Mata (124)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (79)
17. Boan Venter (54)
18. D’Arcy Rae (2)
19. Marshall Sykes (51)
20. Hamish Watson (146)
21. Ben Vellacott (47)
22. Cammy Scott (5)
23.Emiliano Boffelli (32)

Unavailable: Luan de Bruin (back), Jake Henry (knee), Jamie Hodgson (ankle), James Lang (shoulder), Ben Muncaster (foot), Harry Paterson (concussion), Javan Sebastian (knee), Scott Steele (hip), Nathan Sweeney (hamstring), Tim Swiel (concussion).