Dickinson relishing Connacht challenge

Sam Beard moves from centre to right wing while Nick McLennan graduates from the bench to partner him on the left wing.

Meanwhile lock Anton Bresler, scrum half Grayson Hart and centre Joaquin Dominguez come on to the bench.

Head coach Alan Solomons is under no illusions of the task in hand on Friday evening (12 September, kick-off 7.35pm), while underlining the importance of backing up last weekend's performance.

He said: "I've got a lot of respect for Connacht and we know we're going to have to deliver a really good performance.

"Unfortunately neither Tim Visser nor Dougie Fife are available this week but on the positive side, it's good that Anton Bresler has a chance to come off the bench.

"Mike [Coman] took a knock in the game against Munster and wasn't able to train until Thursday so it's prudent that he starts off the bench."

Prop Alasdair Dickinson, who celebrates his 31st birthday today [11 September] and retains his place in the starting side, while encouraged by last weekend's win is fully focused on Friday.

He said: "It was an awesome feeling as it's a tough place to win but we have to put it behind us.

"It's been a tough pre-season but the boys are in incredible shape and we proved that last weekend. The performance was a credit to the staff."

Dickinson is steeling himself for an equally tough encounter come 7.35pm on Friday.

"Connacht are notoriously hard to beat, incredibly physical and never give up. It's our first game of the season at home, we're all looking forward to it and ready for the challenge."

Moving onto the wing from last weekend's centre spot, Sam Beard is eager to run out in front of the home support this Friday.

He said: "Last week's win has given us a boost going into this match - we really appreciate the home support and are hoping to get a good crowd tomorrow night."

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Edinburgh Rugby team v Connact, Friday 12 September, BT Murrayfield, kick-off 7.35pm

15 Jack Cuthbert

14 Sam Beard
13 Phil Burleigh
12 Andries Strauss
11 Nick McLennan

10 Tom Heathcote
9 Sean Kennedy

1 Alasdair Dickinson
2 Ross Ford (Captain)
3 John Andress
4 Fraser McKenzie
5 Ollie Atkins
6 Tomas Leonardi
7 Hamish Watson
8 Cornell Du Preez

Substitutes

16 James Hilterbrand
17 Rory Sutherland
18 W P Nel
19 Anton Bresler
20 Mike Coman
21 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
22 Grayson Hart
23 Joaquin Dominguez