Edinburgh Rugby: Philipps Returns for Back-to-Back Thunder Clash
Edinburgh Rugby travel to Parc y Scarlets this Saturday to “right the wrongs” of their narrow 14-7 defeat to Brython Thunder just two weeks ago, as Head Coach, Claire Cruikshank noted. Despite a solid scrum and late try from captain Hannah Walker, Edinburgh fell to a clinical Welsh side at the Hive last time out.
However, Edinburgh have been boosted by the return of Scotland international centre Rachel Philipps, who missed the previous meeting through injury. She joins fellow international Hannah Ramsay in a reinforced midfield, while Emily Love comes in to start at scrum-half. In the pack, Catriona Moody is the sole change, coming in at number eight to join Natasha Logan and Alex Stewart.
Cruikshank has been vocal about the importance of this fixture: “We’re into the business end of the season now, so it’s crucial we start picking up points in the lead-up to the play-offs.”
Brython Thunder v Edinburgh Rugby Saturday 14 February | 12.30pm | Parc y Scarlets | Live on BBC Sport
Glasgow Warriors: Six Changes for Wolfhounds Encounter
On Sunday, the focus shifts to Scotstoun as Glasgow Warriors host the unbeaten Wolfhounds. Head Coach Lindsey Smith has made six changes to a side that has shown grit in recent rounds, notably so in a high-scoring battle against the Clovers where they claimed a vital four-try bonus point despite a 31-38 defeat.
The lineup sees Millie Warren and Briar McNamara continue their promising midfield partnership, while Aicha Sutcliffe moves to loosehead prop in a reshuffled front row that welcomes Megan Hyland at hooker. The back-three features a new look with Scotland U20’s Emily Norval and Claudia McLaren promoted to the wings. Smith is looking for her side to match the clinical edge shown by the Irish leaders: “Wolfhounds have been on an impressive winning streak, but we showed in Cork that we can challenge them. We need to ensure we come out firing in the first half.”
Glasgow Warriors v Wolfhounds Sunday 15 February | 2.00pm | Scotstoun Stadium | Live on YouTube
The Play-off Push
This weekend serves as a vital test for both Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors as the race for the post-season intensifies. With every point now critical for seeding, these cross-border clashes are important in deciding who earns the right to compete in the final at Hive Stadium this March.
