Edinburgh head to Italy in need of a boost for Heineken Cup

Michael Bradley’s side performed well for large spells in their last outing against Leinster, but the concession of frequent penalties ultimately cost them victory at Murrayfield. In September they suffered a 25-19 defeat to Aironi, who are a fast-improving team but still the weaker of the Italian sides.

Treviso currently sit fifth in the Rabo Direct Pro 12, just a point above Glasgow, with four wins from seven games and a morale-rocketing 50-point win over the Dragons last week. Edinburgh are nine points back in tenth, having claimed just two victories so far, and though still less than halfway through the season this result could play a key part in determining whether the Scottish side can make the top four play-offs.

Rennie replaces Roddy Grant, who drops out of the squad, and Blair comes in for skipper Greig Laidlaw, who drops on the bench and hands over the captaincy to hooker Ross Ford, in two of the six changes to the side for today’s game in the Stadio Monigo. Jim Thompson replaces Chris Paterson, who has a groin injury, while Lee Jones returns from a groin injury and takes over from Simon Webster on the wing.

Harry Leonard keeps the fly-half position with Matt Scott and Nick de Luca in the centres, and up front Grant Gilchrist replaces Stevie Turnbull at lock and Netani Talei makes his first start after captaining Fiji in the World Cup, coming in at No 8 for youngster Stuart McInally. The changes allow Bradley to rest a few players who have performed well and regularly for Edinburgh this season, but also to reintroduce key combinations, particularly in the forward pack, a week from the launch of the 2011-12 Heineken Cup competition.

Bradley acknowledged: “This is another big game for us in the context of the Rabo Direct PRO12 championship and the opportunity to reintroduce key players successfully ahead of a crucial 12-game phase of the season.”

But he admitted that he has called on the players to tighten up their defensive abilities in what is expected to be a ferocious bid by Treviso to claim another of what they perceive to be the weaker scalps in the competition.

“Edinburgh Rugby’s ability to score tries and to play an expansive and exciting game is well-documented,” Bradley added, “but we must be as clinical in the execution of our defensive structures.

“Treviso are on a high a the moment after a series of good results, none more so than their recent 50-point win over the Dragons. A confident Italian side at home is a very tough prospect indeed, but we have faith in our ability to put points on the board and, with a greater concentration and commitment to our defence, we can come home with a win this weekend.”

Treviso’s growth from a team radically changed on admittance to the Celtic League last year to one that is a serious contender for the top four is underlined not only by their form this season but by the fact that Brendan Williams has made his 200th game and Italy scrum-half Fabio Semenzato, who starts from the bench today, will make his 100th appearance if he plays, and the experience that now exists through the Italian squad.

Treviso have stuck with most of the side that defeated the Dragons, but rewarded Tobias Botes for his try-scoring display off the bench by handing him the No 9 jersey. Italy wing Luke McLean returns for Williams and Franco Sbaraglini is back at hooker. Benjamin Vermaak and Manoa Vosawai, the powerful Italy ball-carrier, come onto the bench for Azzurri forwards Valerio Bernabò and Robert Barbieri, and prop Ignacio Fernandez Rouyet makes his return to the squad from hip surgery last May.

Edinburgh also have strength in depth, however, with Chris Leck back in the squad and Laidlaw covering stand-off as well, while Turnbull and McInally are primed for second half runs and the chance to improve on last week’s displays.

With the gap between Edinburgh and the top four currently ten points, a first victory of the season in Italy is vital to get the capital side back on track and build some confidence before a two-week break for the Heineken Cup, and tougher games with London Irish and Racing Metro 92. But with Glasgow also in Italy it is a crucial weekend for Scottish rugby in striving to keep their heads above the threat now being stepped up by Italian rugby.