Edinburgh v Wasps: Teams
Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson has made one change for the visit of a Wasps side boosted by the return of their England players.
Last Updated: 06/12/08 9:37am
Edinburgh coach Andy Robinson has made one change to the starting line-up to play Wasps in the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield.
Following their win over the Ospreys, Scotland 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 12, with outside centre Ben Cairns given the all-clear to play after recovering from a dead leg.
And veteran full-back Chris Paterson is hoping to repeat the European victory over London Wasps from three years ago.
"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."
Out
Ian McGeechan has made eight changes and two positional switches to his Wasps side following victory over Newcastle Falcons last weekend.
England prop 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 after he recovered 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.
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.