Plenty on the line at Meggetland as Muir take on Currie

Edinburgh's Jamie Ritchie has been called up by Boroughmuir, as well as Nathan Fowles

The hosts need points to pull clear of the relegation zone, while their opponents are equally focused on achieving a victory that will keep them in the hunt for the one remaining play-off spot.

Muir include Edinburgh’s Nathan Fowles and Jamie Ritchie in the starting line-up and coach Peter Wright, who has several players on Scotland Under-20 duty, is relishing the challenge but has questioned the wisdom of playing vital matches at this time of the year.

“They all seem to be huge games at the moment and this one is no different,” said Wright. “With a number of important players from all teams unavailable it seems like the season needs to end before the Six Nations starts or put it on hold and play the last two games after it has finished.”

Currie coach Ben Cairns also has a clutch of rising stars absent with the Scotland Under-20 squad, but still expects a top-class contest.

“This is a must-win match for both sides and we would expect the standard of play to reflect that,” said Cairns. Defeat for Cairns’ side without a bonus point and a win for Heriot’s at home to table-toppers Melrose will see the Goldenacre men bag the fourth spot and prolong their title defence.

The title holders have Edinburgh professionals George Turner and Junior Rosalea on the bench, with coach Phil Smith insisting his men are ready for a tough finale to the league programme.

“The players are fully aware of the importance of the final two games of the regular season and having to play the league leaders, I hope, will focus the mind,” he said.

Improved recent form means Watsonians go into their fixture at home to Stirling County knowing that a win will guarantee top flight survival.

Coach Marcus Di Rollo, who welcomes flanker Euan Dods back from injury, said: “We still need points over these last two weeks to stay away from the relegation play-off spot.”