Fijian forward Viliame Mata made his first start in nine months when Edinburgh open their BKT United Rugby Championship season against the Dragons in the Scottish capital last night.
The number eight returned from a knee injury off the bench during last weekend’s pre-season friendly defeat by Benetton in Treviso.
Summer signing Sam Skinner could make his debut as a replacement.
The former Exeter lock is named on an experienced bench which features a further seven Scotland internationals who have made a combined 652 appearances for Edinburgh.
Head coach Mike Blair said: “The squad have all put in the hard yards throughout pre-season, gearing up for round one of the competition, and now it’s time to represent the city and show what it means to play for this great club.
“We know Dragons will travel north with confidence. They’ve made some savvy signings over the summer and have restructured their coaching team — they’ll feel rejuvenated as a squad, so we need be focussed and ready to take them on from the first whistle.
“The season opener is always exciting for everyone — players, staff, sponsors and supporters.
“It’s a chance to get your journey off to the best possible start, and that’s what we intend to do on Saturday night.”
Wes Goosen, Jake Henry and Mesu Kunavula are the only players who are not available for Blair.
