South African Carl Bezuidenhout ready to start for Edinburgh

South African Carl Bezuidenhout will make his big-stage debut for Edinburgh in their make-or-break Euro showdown with Perpignan.

The sides go into battle at Murrayfield on Saturday and anything other than a win will spell the end of Edinburgh’s Heineken Cup campaign.

Coach Alan Solomons is hoping the experience and guile of new midfield signing Bezuidenhout can tip the balance in his side’s favour against the French giants.

Bezuidenhout was added to Edinburgh’s official tournament squad in place of injured South African compatriot Piers Francis.

Solomons confirmed Tony Fenner has been released by Edinburgh after his month-long loan period.

Harry Leonard will launch his comeback from a thigh injury on Saturday with an outing for Gala in their home British and Irish Cup tussle with Leeds.

Scotland pack star Ally Strokosch has been left out of Perpignan’s plans for the Murrayfield encounter. He is being rested as part of the club’s rotational selection policy.