Rugby: Moffat will let his entire squad take a dip against Bath

Edinburgh Rugby coach Rob Moffat has confirmed that all 25 players in the squad for Saturday's opening pre-season friendly at Bath will play a part.

Among those travelling are a host of new recruits as well as Chris Paterson, who is making his comeback after kidney damage while Craig Hamilton returns after a neck injury. Debuts beckon for Netani Talei, Jack Gilding, Lee Jones, James King, David Denton, Alex Blair and Alex Grove but Esteban Lozada is resting a back knock. Similarly, Scotland lock Scott Macleod has a rib problem and no chances are being taken.

Aware that Bath have already won at Ulster (26-14) after losing at Aix (24-29) Moffat said: "This will be their third game. We want to involve as many players as we can.

"We will take a lot of players off at half-time and they will know beforehand they will be playing for 40 minutes.

"We want to win but we are gearing outself for Cardiff and the first Magners League game. It will be the same against London Irish (27 August). This is important as is London Irish but you don't get points for beating them."

Squad:

Backs: Tim Visser, Lee Jones, Chris Paterson, Andrew Turbull, Alex Grove, Ben Cairns, John Houston, James King, David Blair, Alex Blair, Mike Blair, Greig Laidlaw.

Forwards: Allan Jacobsen, Kyle Traynor, Geoff Cross, Jack Gilding, Ross Ford, Andrew Kelly, Craig Hamilton, Steven Turbull, Fraser McKenzie, David Denton, Scott Newlands, Roddy Grant, Netani Talei.