David Denton: Named in Edinburgh squad

Edinburgh have named two members of Scotland's Six Nations squad in their side for their RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Cardiff Blues on Friday.

Back-row David Denton and prop Geoff Cross both featured as as second-half replacements during the national side's 34-10 win over Italy and now return to club duty for Friday's encounter at Murrayfield.

Scotland's interim head coach Scott Johnson has also been boosted with the news Nick de Luca - who was expected to miss the entire Championship with an eye-socket injury - has returned earlier than expected and will start at centre for the capital club.

Edinburgh have already enjoyed an away win over their Welsh opponents, courtesy of a last minute drop-goal from captain Greig Laidlaw, making tomorrow's match the first chance for a home and away double this season.

Head coach Michael Bradley, who found out this week that his contract will not be extended when it ends in the summer. said: "Our position in the league (ninth) puts a finer point on the need for us to perform well and win this match at home.

"We have some key players back with us from injury and from the Scotland camp, which will undoubtedly help our efforts to relive the success we enjoyed over Cardiff at the beginning of the season.

"Cardiff are currently six points and two places above us in the Pro12, so it's plain to see the value of a home win as we look to climb the table in the end-of-season run in.

"Despite the returning trio, the club are without four notable absentees. Matt Scott, Ross Ford, Tim Visser and Laidlaw, all remain in the international camp.