Scotland prop Marfo returns for Connacht encounter

Mar 22 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 1015 Views • Comments Off on Scotland prop Marfo returns for Connacht encounter

Scotland international Darryl Marfo will make his long-awaited return from injury as Edinburgh travel to face Connacht in tomorrow night’s crucial Guinness PRO14 encounter (Friday 23 March, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.

The inclusion of the loose-head is one of five changes made to the side that defeated Munster at BT Murrayfield last weekend as Edinburgh search for their sixth consecutive league victory.

Scotland star Blair Kinghorn returns to the starting XV following his scoring exploits in the NatWest 6 Nations. The fullback is joined in the back-three by Dougie Fife and Duhan van der Merwe – with the latter grabbing a brace in last weekend’s win.

An unchanged midfield sees Chris Dean and Mark Bennett continue their burgeoning partnership, whilst at half-back, South African stand-off Jaco van der Walt is joined by Nathan Fowles.

Hooker Neil Cochrane packs down in a revamped front row alongside Scotland internationalists Marfo and Simon Berghan, while Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis are named at lock.

The industrious trio of Magnus Bradbury, John Hardie and Bill Mata are all named in an unchanged back-row.

Elsewhere, Scotland international Cornell du Preez is named amongst the replacements and if involved the six-times Scotland capped number eight will make his 100th appearance for the club.

On his team selection, Head Coach Richard Cockerill, said: “We’re taking steps in the right direction. We’re working as hard as we can.

“Last week against Munster, I just wanted the boys to go out there and play as well as they could. The effort was just unbelievable, it’s where we want to be.

“We know how tough an opponent Connacht are – especially at home, where conditions aren’t always brilliant. But, we’re going there full of confidence that we can get a positive result.”

Edinburgh team to face Connacht in the Guinness PRO14 at The Sportsground on Friday 23 March (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.
15. Blair Kinghorn (59)

14. Dougie Fife (101)
13. Mark Bennett (6)
12. Chris Dean (61)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (12)
10. Jaco van der Walt (12)
9. Nathan Fowles (54)
1. Darryl Marfo (9)
2. Neil Cochrane (70)
3. Simon Berghan (43)
4. Ben Toolis (83)
5. Grant Gilchrist (114) CAPTAIN
6. Magnus Bradbury (47)
7. John Hardie (28)
8. Bill Mata (32)

Replacements: 16. Cameron Fenton (10); 17. Jordan Lay (6); 18. WP Nel (111); 19. Lewis Carmichael (27); 20. Cornell du Preez (99); 21 Sean Kennedy (58); 22. Duncan Weir (29); 23. Phil Burleigh (69)