“Cammy and Ross both went really well in the pre-season but they never got an opportunity to represent Edinburgh in the first couple of games [so] it is about giving them a run to get everyone in contention and give them an opportunity,” said head coach Everitt.

“I wouldn’t say it is a big call [to name Scott as starting 10]. He has been in the system for two years. He has played a lot of A team rugby and done well. If you remember the game against Zebre last year, he came on and actually turned that game around. He has improved his kicking game and worked incredibly hard on the deficiencies in his game. He commands respect, he is strong defensively and runs the attack really well. I think it’s a great opportunity for him and exciting for us that a young 10 is coming through in Scottish rugby.”

“Ross had his first week back in training this week and came through well, so we thought putting him on the bench would be a good way to integrate him back into rugby.

Everitt added: “I think what’s hampered Charlie over the last few seasons is the lack of consistency, and he certainly has improved in that area, and his kicking game has improved as well.

“We know that he’s got X-factor and he’s a dangerous player as well with ball in hand. We saw that against Connacht when he scored that scintillating try, and he’s really dangerous in open space.

“I just think it’s great that we have a guy like that with the experience that he has, I think he’s racked up 75 caps, if I’m not mistaken [he actually has 76 appearances and 22 starts for Edinburgh since his debut back in January in 2019, having been in the match-day squad 89 times] – so although he might not have had consistent game-time over the years, he’s got an opportunity now to earn that, and that’s great for us to build depth in that position.”

The injury to Muncaster is particularly bad timing as he struggled for consistent game-time last season and could have done with some more minutes against Benetton to push their case for selection to Scotland’s Autumn Test Series training squad which is announced next week.

“Ben won’t make it this week and is probably in doubt for next week,” confirmed Everitt. “We are hopeful for next week but he is in doubt. It is not as serious as it has been in the past, it is just about how quickly he can recover from a bad ankle sprain.

“He just seems to get going and back on the field, then [he’s] off it again. He has struggled with some continuity which is not great for him, but it doesn’t make him a bad rugby player. What he did in the short time he was on the field was impressive. The injury shouldn’t keep him out of all the November Test series, but an extra game or two would have helped him build up some form going into it.

“He hides the disappointment with us but I know he is disappointed deep down. It is what it is. He has had a few experiences of this in the past so he is well aware of what he has to do. I think he is just thankful it is not serious.”

Benetton are currenty seventh in the URC table, having beaten Glasgow Warriors and Lions at home, following an opening weekend loss to Connacht.

Winless Edinburgh are 12th, ahead of Sharks, Dragons, Lions and Scarlets, thanks to the three bonus-points they have managed to pick up.

 

Edinburgh (v Benetton @ Hive Stadium on Friday, 7.45pm kick-off BST – live on Premier Sports): W Goosen; D Graham, P O’Conor, J Lang, D van der Merwe; C Scott, C Shiel; P Schoeman, E Ashman, D Rae, S Skinner, G Gilchrist, L McConnell, D Richardson, M Bradbury ©. Replacements: P Harrison, J Whitcombe, P Hill, G Young, F Douglas, B Vellacott, R Thompson, R McCann.

Unavailable: Ben Muncaster (ankle), Harry Paterson (concussion), Luke Crosbie (hamstring), Charlie McCaig (knee), Rhys Litterick (achilles), Matt Currie (head), Rob Carmichael (wrist), Connor Boyle (knee), Mosese Tuipulotu (knee).