Watsonians and Bulls welcome back key men for top-of-the-table clash

The top two in the FOSROC Super6 meet at Myreside this afternoon, with both Watsonians and the Ayrshire Bulls boosted by the availability of key men.

The two sides met on 21 December at Millbrae and the hosts won that one to go level with Sonians on 23 points, the Edinburgh side only remaining top on points difference.

As a result this rematch in the capital (3pm) should be a hard-fought affair and Watsonians are pleased to have tighthead prop Jack Stanley back.

He has not played for them since the opening day at the Southern Knights having suffered a shoulder injury, while fellow front-row Sam Grahamslaw should make a competitive debut from the bench.

The Bulls are without Scotland cap Gordon Reid, but centre Stafford Mcdowall, pictured, and winger Lee Jones have been released by Glasgow

Warriors to start. Club stalwart Grant Anderson returns from long-term injury and could get an outing from the bench.

“Our focus ahead of this one has been very much on ourselves and the areas where we need to improve,” Watsonians head coach Fergus Pringle said.

“It’s up to us to turn up and put in a performance at Myreside against a strong and well-drilled Bulls team.”

His opposite number Pete Murchie said: “We are looking forward to the game against Watsonians.

“Our game at Millbrae was a tough contest that we managed to come out the right side of. Watsonians away is a real challenge – and one that we will really need to rise to and produce a performance.” Elsewhere this afternoon, Stirling County take on Heriot’s at 4pm.

County are bottom of the table, but Josh Henderson returns from injury at standoff to form an exciting looking half-back partnership with Sean Kennedy.

Connor Gordon, brother of Tom who was called up by Scotland this week, starts in the No 7 jersey.

Skipper Iain Wilson returns from holiday for Heriot’s in the back-row with Chris Keen getting a start in his preferred loosehead prop position.

The Super6 weekend continues tomorrow when the Southern Knights host the Boroughmuir Bears (2pm, live on Scottish Rugby TV).

LAST NIGHT European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 1:

TODAY

European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 1:

Pool 2:

Pool 3:

European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 2:

Pool 3:

Pool 4:

Pool 5:

TOMORROW

European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4:

Pool 5: