Scotland internationals Mike Blair and Nick De Luca make their first starts of the season for Edinburgh in Saturday’s clash with Heineken Cup champions Leinster.

Blair – the Scotland skipper – resumes the club captaincy duties as young scrum-half Greig Laidlaw drops to the bench after an impressive start to the season.

He is joined by John Houston who makes way for inside centre De Luca and Edinburgh boss Rob Moffat insists the whole side – boasting the Magners League’s only 100per cent record – will be lifted by the pair’s selection.

Moffat said: “Greig Laidlaw has played very well so far this season and we are pleased with him.

“But Mike came on last Friday and made an impact — he is our captain and everybody knows just how good he is.

“He has had his pre-season later than others, so in many respects he is still getting into the season.

“Nick did well off the bench and we thought it was time he started. John Houston has played very well and probably played his best game last Friday night, but we thought the time was right for Nick to start this week.”