Edinburgh up for physical battle against Treviso

DEFENCE coach Peter Wilkins says Edinburgh will have to meet force with force when they take on heavyweight Italians Treviso.
Alan Solomons' side made a winning start against Leinster. Picture: TSPLAlan Solomons' side made a winning start against Leinster. Picture: TSPL
Alan Solomons' side made a winning start against Leinster. Picture: TSPL

The capital club are looking to start a Guinness PRO12 season with back-to-back wins for only the second time in six years following last Friday’s win over Leinster.

The last time Alan Solomons’ side visited Stadio Monigo they recorded a 29-8 win.

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But Wilkins believes Edinburgh will have to be prepared to match Treviso physically if they are to repeat that feat on their travels this Saturday.

He said: “It was really important to get off to a winning start and the boys will take a lot of confidence from that into this week’s game.

“Like all Italian teams Treviso will front up physically and look to generate momentum, coming at us very direct to start with.

“Looking at Treviso’s opening game against Munster they played with width so they’ll look to dominate us and stretch us.

“It’s important that we match that physicality and front up with a direct attack, but equally be aware that they’ll want to play with the ball and get into the space as well.”

Solomons makes just three changes to the starting XV for the trip to northern Italy.

Greig Tonks moves up from the bench to full-back, while Dougie Fife and last week’s double try scorer, Damien Hoyland, retain their berths at right and left wing respectively.

Meanwhile, the half-back pairing sees Phil Burleigh remain at stand-off, this time partnered by scrum-half Sean Kennedy, who moves up from the bench.

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The remaining change comes in the second row with Fraser McKenzie moving up from the bench in place of Anton Bresler - currently recovering from a shoulder knock sustained last Friday - to partner Ben Toolis.

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