Rob Moffat admits he wants to see a spirited response from his players when Edinburgh visit Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday (18 April, kick off 5.05pm, live on S4C) with the visitors aiming to end a winless run at Rodney Parade which stretches back almost four years.
Edinburgh last defeated the Dragons on Welsh soil in May 2006 – a convincing 37-11 win – and there are eight survivors from that victory named in Sunday’s squad; Allan Jacobsen, David Callam, Phil Godman, Mike Blair, Ross Rennie, Andrew Kelly, Kyle Traynor and Simon Webster.
Now head coach Moffat has made two changes to the side which narrowly lost to Connacht two weeks ago with Ross Ford returning at hooker and Ross Rennie reclaiming the number seven jersey.
As a result, Moffat says he wants to see an improved collective team performance at Newport
Moffat said: “Our record at Newport has not been good over recent seasons, but it is now up to the players to rise to the occasion and put that right.
“Everybody realises how tight the play-off positions are at the moment – every point counts. Nobody was satisfied with what happened at Connacht, but that is now in the past.
“We have to move on and deliver the right response. At this stage of the season, every game is like a cup final and we need to make sure we win because it will make a big difference.”
Ford has been given a starting berth and Moffat explains that the selection decision involving the British and Irish Lions front row forward and fellow hooker Andrew Kelly was a close call.
He added: “There is a lot of competition for the hooker position between Ross and Andy Kelly.
“It has been a long season for Ross taking into consideration the fact he was on the Lions tour and has since played in the Autumn Tests and Six Nations.
“He looks refreshed and played in the second half at Connacht. We are looking for a big performance from Ross and we are looking for a big display from everybody involved.”
Scotland internationalist Rennie last played during the home win over Scarlets in March and Moffat believes the dynamic openside will reinvigorate the back row.
He said: “The situation with Ross is well documented with the need to carefully manage his knee.
“It is three weeks since he last played and we are looking forward to seeing what he will add to the team on his return. Roddy Grant has been outstanding on a consistent basis this season, but we felt it was the right decision to make.”
Vice captain Allister Hogg has now resumed competitive action – after representing Watsonians at the Melrose 7s last weekend – and the Scotland flanker is expected to continue his comeback from hip surgery for the Myreside-based club at the Greenyards on Saturday.
Long term casualty Simon Cross is still out with a knee injury along with Andrew Easson (knee).
Top points scorer Chris Paterson (damaged kidney) is still recovering from the injury set-back he suffered in February while on RBS 6 Nations duties with Scotland.
Lock Craig Hamilton is sidelined with a head knock while Ross Samson (broken arm) will miss the rest of the season and Nick De Luca (groin) is unavailable for selection.
Edinburgh Rugby Club team to play Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magners League at Rodney Parade (Sunday 18 April, kick off 5.05pm, live on S4C)
15 Jim Thompson
14 Mark Robertson
13 Ben Cairns
12 John Houston
11 Tim Visser
10 Phil Godman
9 Mike Blair (captain)
1 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
3 Geoff Cross
4 Scott MacLeod
5 Jim Hamilton
6 Alan MacDonald
7 Ross Rennie
8 David Callam
Substitutes: Andrew Kelly, Kyle Traynor, Steve Turnbull/Fraser McKenzie, Scott Newlands/Roddy Grant, Greig Laidlaw, David Blair, Simon Webster/Andrew Turnbull.
