Edinburgh turn to their young hookers

Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS

Edinburgh have lost six players to injury ahead of their Pro14 encounter with Dragons on Sunday in Wales.

Richard Cockerill is without Charlie Savala and Damien Hoyland from his backs and Boan Venter, Mike Willemse, Andrew Davidson and Viliame Mata from the pack.

Scotland internationals Jaco van der Walt, Henry Pyrgos and Mark Bennett come into the back line along with Chris Dean and Jack Blain, while Magnus Bradbury returns to the back row.

Cockerill, the Edinburgh coach, said team selection was “pretty easy. We just picked the ones that were fit”.

He is particularly short at hooker. Sam Kitchen is making only his second appearance while substitute hooker Patrick Harrison is in line for a debut.

Cockerill said of the 18-year-old: “He’s worked really hard and he’s a good young player. He’s played for Peebles and he’s had some game time in the A team.

“He’s a good kid and I wouldn’t put him out there if I didn’t think he was ready.”