Robinson names 24-man squad for Leinster trip

Following last week's opening day defeat against Munster, Robinson has targeted an improved performance from his team and believes the RDS is the ideal setting for that to happen.

Robinson said: "The RDS is a great place to play, especially in front of a sell-out crowd, and we are looking to improve on how we performed last week

"The key objective for us is to focus on ourselves and we have highlighted key areas where we need to improve.

"Last week against Munster we realised that we under-performed and, if we are going to concede two tries, then we are going to struggle to win games."

Meanwhile, wing Roland Reid underwent surgery on his knee last week which rules him out of action for at least a month.

In a heavily congested treatment room, Simon Webster (hip), Alan MacDonald (hip), David Callam (hip), Andrew Easson (head knock), Simon Cross (ribs) and Fraser McKenzie (back) all miss the trip to Dublin.

They are joined by long term casualties Ben Cairns (knee ligament), Ross Rennie (knee), Jim Hamilton (shoulder), John Houston (pelvic) and Matt Dey (shoulder).

As a result, National Academy flanker Chris Fusaro has been promoted into the first team squad for the match in Dublin and the 19-year-old impressed during the back-up match against Leinster at Lasswade on Monday.

Edinburgh (forwards): Allan Jacobsen, Kyle Traynor, Geoff Cross, Gavin Kerr, Ross Ford, Andrew Kelly, Craig Hamilton, Ben Gissing, Steven Turnbull, Matt Mustchin, Allister Hogg, Scott Newlands, Chris Fusaro*.

Edinburgh (backs): Mike Blair (captain), Greig Laidlaw, Ben Meyer, Phil Godman, David Blair, Nick De Luca, Calum MacRae, Mark Robertson, Andrew Turnbull, Chris Paterson, Hugo Southwell.

* denotes National Academy player