Traynor to make first start against Leinster

Prop Kyle Traynor is poised to make his first ever start for Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup at Leinster at the RDS on Sunday afternoon (25 January, kick off 7.30pm).

Traynor replaces Scotland internationalist Allen Jacobsen (shoulder) in the number one jersey and his promotion is one of six changes to the starting line-up which recorded a bonus point win over Castres last weekend.

Mike Blair is left out completely, so Greig Laidlaw continues at scrum half and Allister Hogg will lead the side.

Chris Paterson replaces Hugo Southwell (shoulder) at full-back while Nick De Luca has recovered from a head knock to form a centre partnership with John Houston in the absence of Ben Cairns (rested).

David Blair has been given the nod to make only his second start of the season and he replaces Phil Godman (hamstring) at stand-off.

EDINBURGH (v Leinster): Chris Paterson; Andrew Turnbull, John Houston, Nick De Luca, Simon Webster; David Blair, Greig Laidlaw; Kyle Traynor, Andrew Kelly, Geoff Cross, Craig Hamilton, Ben Gissing, Scott Newlands, Simon Cross, Allister Hogg (captain).

Replacements: Steve Lawrie, Gavin Kerr, Jim Hamilton, Alan MacDonald, Ben Meyer, Jim Thompson, Roland Reid.