Scotland will face England this weekend without a single Edinburgh starter for the first time in 28 years, ending one of the most remarkable selection streaks in international rugby.
According to Scottish stats provider Kevin Millar, at least one Edinburgh player had started in each of Scotland’s last 303 tests dating back to 1998. That run comes to an abrupt halt for Saturday’s Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield.
The shift reflects a dramatic imbalance between Scotland’s two professional clubs. Glasgow, currently leading the United Rugby Championship, dominates the lineup with 10 starters and four more players on the bench. Edinburgh, meanwhile, languishing 13th in the 16-team table, has just two replacements in the matchday squad.
Townsend Rings the Changes Up Front
Head coach Gregor Townsend responded to Scotland’s dispiriting 18–15 defeat to Italy national rugby union team in Rome with four changes—all in the forward pack.
Loosehead prop Nathan McBeth will make his Six Nations debut, joining hooker George Turner, lock Gregor Brown, and former captain Jamie Ritchie in the starting XV. They replace Pierre Schoeman, injured hooker Ewan Ashman, Grant Gilchrist, and Matt Fagerson.
Despite Scotland’s attacking struggles at the Stadio Olimpico, Townsend resisted overhauling his backline. He retained the back three of Kyle Steyn, Jamie Dobie, and Tom Jordan, while leaving prolific try-scorer Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham on the bench. Blair Kinghorn was unavailable after returning to French club duties with Toulouse.
“There are reasons we selected that backline and the bench going into Italy and it’s the same reasons going into England,” Townsend said. “What the back three did in the kicking battle was excellent and how they have been training is superb so we’ve backed them again this week.”
Tactical Gamble Remains
Townsend also stuck with a 5–3 bench split, resisting calls for a heavier forward presence against England’s physical pack.
“There are gambles going 6–2 with limited cover,” he explained. “We think the weather is going to be dry so there is more opportunity for backs coming on to have an influence.”
The decision drew scrutiny after Scotland’s loss in Rome, particularly when backup flyhalf Adam Hastings remained unused.
Calcutta Cup Still Defines Scotland’s Season
Despite inconsistent form, Scotland have enjoyed recent success against England national rugby union team, narrowly missing out on a fifth straight win last year when Finn Russell’s late conversion attempt drifted wide at Twickenham.
Townsend made clear the magnitude of Saturday’s clash.
“It’s our biggest game of the season and it always has been,” he said. “It’s even more important on the back of a disappointing defeat.”
Now, Scotland enter Murrayfield carrying not just the weight of expectation—but the symbolic end of a 28-year Edinburgh presence in their starting lineup.
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