Bennett to hit 100 against Ospreys

Centre Mark Bennett will become the club’s 41st centurion when he makes his 100th Edinburgh Rugby appearance against Ospreys at Hive Stadium tomorrow night (Friday 1 March, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay.

Head Coach Sean Everitt has handed the former Cumnock man the start on the landmark night as one of four changes made to the starting XV that claimed a win against Zebre Parma a fortnight ago.

Scrum-half Ben Vellacott – who skippers the side – starts in place of Ali Price, with the British & Irish Lion selected among the replacements.

Scotland lock Sam Skinner gets the nod in the second-row ahead of Marshall Sykes – also named on the bench – as Tom Dodd comes into the back-row for Jamie Ritchie.

Ahead of the home encounter, Everitt said: “We’re excited to be back home at Hive Stadium for what is a hugely important fixture for the club.

“With the log so tight and teams around us playing each other this weekend, a win is imperative in maintaining our push for a top-eight finish.

“Ospreys are playing with no fear, and they’ll travel north with plenty of confidence, but we’re at home where we love to play under the lights. It’s Friday night and the Edinburgh supporters will be out in full force – it’s set to be a brilliant occasion.”

He continued: “We’re delighted to see Mark [Bennett] make his 100^th appearance for the club. He’s been a brilliant servant to Edinburgh Rugby and thoroughly deserves a start on a special night for him personally.”

An unchanged back-three sees Argentine star Emiliano Boffelli continue at full-back alongside wingers Chris Dean and Harry Paterson.

Centres Bennett and Matt Currie link up in the capital midfield with Vellacott and stand-off Ben Healy named at half-back.

Hooker Dave Cherry once again packs down alongside props Boan Venter and WP Nel, as Scotland locks Glen Young and Skinner complete the tight-five.

Fijian number 8 Viliame Mata anchors a back-row featuring Dodd and British & Irish Lion, Hamish Watson.

The capital side are further boosted by the return to fitness of back-row Ben Muncaster and wing Wes Goosen, who are both named among the replacements.

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Ospreys at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 1 March (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Emiliano Boffelli (36)

14. Harry Paterson (9)
13. Mark Bennett (99)
12. Matt Currie (30)
11. Chris Dean (143)

10. Ben Healy (13)
9. Ben Vellacott (51) CAPTAIN

1. Boan Venter (57)
2. Dave Cherry (83)
3. WP Nel (198)
4. Sam Skinner (16)
5. Glen Young (36)
6. Tom Dodd (7)
7. Hamish Watson (150)
8. Viliame Mata (128)

Replacements

16. Patrick Harrison (13)
17. Luan de Bruin (22)
18. Javan Sebastian (9)
19. Marshall Sykes (54)
20. Ben Muncaster (28)
21. Ali Price (9)
22. James Lang (48)
23. Wes Goosen (22)

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie (shoulder), Darcy Graham (groin), Robin Hislop (knee), Mikey Jones (hamstring), Scott Steele (hip).

International selection: Ewan Ashman, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Duhan van der Merwe.