Taylor sets sights on Azzurri clash

Scotland international Simon Taylor is hoping his first start in a year for Edinburgh Gunners can catapult him into Matt Williams’ team for the RBS 6 Nations game against Italy next week.

The 26-year-old suffered knee ligament damage in the final game of last year’s tournament against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in March.

But after 11 months on the sidelines, Taylor will start at number eight for Edinburgh in the Celtic League clash against Leinster at Murrayfield tomorrow.

Scotland coach Williams will be keeping his fingers crossed that Taylor comes through the game unscathed.

Taylor said: “It is great to be back in the Edinburgh shirt.

“I am hoping all goes well and I can help Edinburgh win another game.”

But Edinburgh coach Frank Hadden is merely hoping the presence of his star man can inspire his team to a fourth successive win.

He added: “We have won three games in a row and, although there has been a bit of a gap between games, we definitely feel that we are making progress.

“We want to finish the season on a high and we are delighted to have someone of Simon’s pedigree available for selection this week.”

For Scotland, the return of Taylor would be a massive boost ahead of the Murrayfield clash with the Italians.

Few are expecting England to remain without a win in the Six Nations after defeats to Wales and France, which would leave the Scots battling next week’s opponents to avoid the wooden spoon.

Taylor played on a week-long loan with Zurich Premiership side Saracens, where he picked up a shoulder injury recently.

But the Edinburgh University-educated player has shrugged off that problem to take his place in the Gunners’ starting XV.

Taylor played 20 minutes against Northampton Saints before making a 40-minute appearance in a friendly against South African team The Cats.

Hadden and Williams will not be the only coaches looking at the progress Taylor makes on his return from long-term injury.

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward will also be assessing the number eight ahead of the tour to New Zealand in the summer.