EDINBURGH’S BLAIR GAME
STORMERS v EDINBURGH TODAY, 1PM
MIKE BLAIR has backed Blair Kinghorn to hold his nerve and get his kicks against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
The playmaker will make his first start of the season for Edinburgh after missing last weekend’s clash against the Vodacom Bulls through illness.
In his absence Edinburgh passed up a couple of golden opportunities to secure a famous victory in Pretoria with two late penalties off target.
Edinburgh will have to capitalise on every opportunity which comes their way if they are to bounce back from that disappointment today against the reigning URC champions.
And their head coach is in no doubt that Kinghorn’s involvement is a major boost to their chances of causing an upset.
He said: “The job that Jaco van der Walt did in the first 10 minutes of last week’s game before getting injured was excellent. Then Charlie Savala coped with going from not being in the matchday 23 to playing 70 minutes in a really composed and skilful way.
“But having Blair back, who is an international 10, with the skill-set and belief that he brings to the group, is crucially important for us.”
Four other Scotland internationalists have also been added to Edinburgh’s starting XV, with hooker Stuart McInally, flanker Hamish Watson, No.8 Nick Haining and scrum-half Ben Vellacott all looking to make a big impact.
Fijian No.8 Viliame Mata has been rested but will be available next weekend.