Thomas the Tank rolls into Edinburgh
Springbok Thomas du Toit, under the guidance of Johann van Graan, headlines the South African heavyweights set to feature in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals this weekend.
Bath’s formidable pack features World Cup winner Thomas du Toit anchoring the scrum at tighthead for Saturday’s knockout clash against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium.
South African lock Quinn Roux, who scored in last week’s Premiership rout of Newcastle, partners Charlie Ewels in the second row.
Van Graan’s side, already holders of the Premiership Rugby Cup, include additional SA reinforcements on the bench with prop Francois van Wyk and scrumhalf Louis Schreuder ready to make an impact in a 6-2 split.
Scotsman Finn Russell calls the shots at flyhalf with captain Ben Spencer returning at scrumhalf as Bath seek revenge for their 2022 Challenge Cup defeat at the same venue.
Scotland international Pierre Schoeman returns to Edinburgh’s starting XV against treble-chasing Bath. The powerful loosehead prop regains his place as fellow South African Boan Venter moves to the bench.
Boss Sean Everitt welcomes back six Scotland internationals, with captain Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie and Ewan Ashman all returning to the starting XV. Wes Goosen, previously an ever-present this season before missing two matches with a back problem, is declared fit to start at fullback.
Edinburgh seek their first final appearance since 2015, while Bath aim to reach the showpiece for the first time since 2014.
ALSO: Van Graan has Bath ready to win trophies – Heyneke
Sunday’s all-French semi-final sees Lyon host Racing 92 with veteran loose forward Arno Botha packing down at No 8 for the hosts. The two-Test Springbok, who has regularly captained Lyon this season, cedes leadership duties to scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud.
Racing 92 counter with former England skipper Owen Farrell leading the team from inside centre – his first appearance in the 12 jersey after 16 outings at flyhalf. The Parisians deploy former Stormers prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko in their front row alongside Diego Escobar and Eddy Ben Arous.
The 2022 Challenge Cup winners Lyon have lost just once in this season’s competition, while Racing 92 are chasing their first European trophy after three unsuccessful Champions Cup final appearances.
The winners will advance to the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff on Friday, 23 May.
Photo: Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
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