Muir returns as old rivals gear up for Cup semi-final

Stand-off Zander Muir returns to the starting line-up to boost Edinburgh Academy ahead of this afternoon's Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Cup semi-final against Merchiston Castle at Murrayfield's 4G pitch (noon), after the fixture was switched from waterlogged New Field.

Muir's return allows Matthew Zegleman to return to his favoured position in the centre.

Speaking ahead of the latest playing of the oldest continuous fixture in the world, Edinburgh Academy coach Mark Appleson said: "The boys are very excited about the match and have been on good form this week. We know we are in for a tough task as we were well beaten in the regular fixture earlier in the season.

"The cup does have the tendency to surprise, though, so we are in a very positive frame of mind. We know that we have the capability to win if we can compete up front."

Merchiston won 18-0 back in October, but their current coach believes that result will have no bearing on today's encounter.

James Boyd said: "It promises to be a tight game as both sides have performed well this season and have played some excellent rugby. Discipline and intelligence are going to be the keys to success."

Edinburgh Academy: S Heaney; J Farndale, C Dean, M Zegleman, F Smith; Z Muir, A Glashan; J Haining, T Normand, D Falkner, A Inwood, D Forbes, C Thomson, C Simpson, J McLean. Subs: A Lutton, C Allan, R Seydak, O Cradock, T Zulu, A McLean, D November.

Merchiston Castle (from): D Scott, B Milne, M Flett, J Barton, F Schneider-Gogan, J Nutton, C Millee, S Hidalgo-Clyne, S Steele, A Webb, N Wright, B Jardine, T Pasquali, J Fisher, A Morris, T Bonfield, A Paterson, J Jones, A White, P Baker, R Dickson, A Kerr, H Ogilvie.

• Last night's scheduled semi-final between George Watson's and Stewart's-Melville was postponed and will now be played at Myreside on Monday night (7pm kick-off). The quest for victory in the National Youth League Cup will be closer for many Scottish clubs after this weekend's fixtures as teams go head-to-head in the under-18 and under-16 quarter finals.

Current under-18 champions Currie didn't qualify for this year's competition, allowing Boroughmuir and Musselburgh a chance to fight for the title. Last year's runners-up, Dumfries, will be taking on a rampant Kelso squad today who defeated Dundee Eagles 62-0 in the first round. In the under-16 competition, trophy holders Stirling County will be facing a strong Currie side who defeated Biggar 48-5 in the first round. Last year's under-16 Bowl winners, North Berwick, are will play either Dalziel or Deeside in the quarters, once the result of that match is known. After beating Aberdeen Grammar, West of Scotland will be looking for a similar performance tomorrow when they take on Selkirk.