Du Preez hits 50 and McInally returns against Treviso

There is just one change in the backs, as Greig Tonks comes in at stand-off in place of Saturday's try scorer, Phil Burleigh, who has taken a knock to his neck. Jack Cuthbert is retained at fullback, with Dougie Fife and Damien Hoyland on the wings. Michael Allen and Matt Scott, meanwhile, continue their centre partnership and scrum half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne stays to partner Tonks in the half backs.

Rory Sutherland and WP Nel remain at loosehead and tighthead with Neil Cochrane moving up from the bench to complete the front row, in place of Ross Ford who sustained a rib injury last week.

Alex Toolis moves up from the bench to partner Anton Bresler in the second row, in place of brother Ben who is not considered due to a knock to his elbow, while captain Mike Coman and John Hardie remain at blindside and openside.

Retaining the no 8 shirt is Cornell Du Preez, who will run on to the pitch ahead of his team mates this week to mark his 50th cap for the club.

Coming on to the bench this week, and returning from injury just prior to the Rugby World Cup, is hooker Stuart McInally, whose last outing in the black and red jersey was in the European Cup semi final win over Dragons last season, which he marked with a try.

Head coach Alan Solomons says: "It is great to have Stuart McInally back for what is another important PRO12 game. Also, congratulations to Cornell on his 50th cap. His contribution has been immense."

Players not considered due to injury: Tom Brown (shoulder), Alasdair Dickinson (calf), Ross Ford (rib), Grant Gilchrist (groin), Will Helu (shoulder), Nasi Manu (neck), Fraser McKenzie (neck), Phil Burleigh (neck), Jade Te Rure (knee), Ben Toolis (elbow), Hamish Watson (knee).

After the record-breaking turnout to encourage Edinburgh to victory in the opening leg of the 1872 Scottish Cup at BT Murrayfield the club are determined to give supporters more to cheer about by putting in a performance against the Italians.

Tickets for the Treviso encounter are on sale now - with a special adult ticket price starting at £15 (increases to £20 on match day). Seniors and students are just £10 while under-18s are £5 - purchase now and cheer on the champions.

Edinburgh Rugby v Treviso
Friday 8 January 2016, kick-off 7.30

15 Jack Cuthbert
14 Dougie Fife
13 Michael Allen
12 Matt Scott
11 Damien Hoyland
10 Greig Tonks
9 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne

1 Rory Sutherland
2 Neil Cochrane
3 W P Nel
4 Anton Bresler
5 Alex Toolis
6 Mike Coman (captain)
7 John Hardie
8 Cornell Du Preez

16 Stuart McInally
17 Allan Dell
18 John Andress
19 Jamie Ritchie
20 Magnus Bradbury
21 Sean Kennedy
22 Blair Kinghorn
23 Andries Strauss