Pierre Schoeman and Hamish Watson absences explained as Edinburgh chase Euro semi-final

In trying to reach their first European semi-final in seven years Edinburgh have put faith in their wider squad to overcome Wasps.

Hamish Watson will sit this one out and Pierre Schoeman is on the bench as Mike Blair tries to manage his resources through the climactic weeks of a long and gruelling season.

Both Scotland men have been huge contributors in recent weeks, Schoeman in particular putting in massive shifts in Edinburgh’s progression to the last eight of the Challenge Cup and the United Rugby Championship.

Connor Boyle steps in for Watson at openside flanker against Wasps while Kiwi loosehead Harrison Courtney starts ahead of Schoeman as Edinburgh look to return to winning ways at the DAM Health Stadium after last week’s narrow home defeat by Ulster.

“Hamish has played three in a row, and last week he had a huge amount of output - a lot of carries, a lot of contacts,” said Blair. “But also Connor Boyle has been excellent for us whilst Hamish has been away with the Six Nations or rested, and we feel it’s a good opportunity to bring Connor in and show the progress that he’s made.

“So part of it is management of Mish, and part of it is the chance to bring someone in who’s really enthusiastic, given a lot to the jersey, and worthy of a chance to play in a game like this.

“Pierre has played a huge amount of rugby for us since coming back from the Six Nations. He played 80 minutes at the weekend there when he had 24 ball carries which is pretty unprecedented for a prop. He’s putting a huge amount of work in.

“We want to look after him. We are a little bit light in that area going through to the end of the season. When Harrison has had opportunities with us he’s done really well. He’s one of the most professional guys