Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons insists his side must brace themselves for a completely different Treviso this weekend, who no doubt will be out for revenge after an early-season humbling. The Scottish outfit recorded their most handsome GUINNESS PRO12 victory of the season to date against the Italians back in December, running in six tries to seal a 48-0 victory at BT Murrayfield. Consecutive GUINNESS PRO12 defeats however have seen Edinburgh lose ground in the race for not only a top-four finish but also the final European Champions Cup spot. Just eight point separate them from Scarlets and Connacht as things stand and a win over Treviso will go some way to keeping up the pressure on their rivals. But Solomons knows his players cannot take anything for granted at the Stadio Monigo, with their opponents proving much stiffer competition on their home patch. “We all appreciate the significance of this game and are aware of just how tough it’s going to be as Treviso are a completely different kettle of fish at home,” said Solomons. “There’s a real thread of determination and we are all looking forward to Saturday evening.” Solomons has made eight changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s game as he welcomes back a few international stars in Matt Scott, Greig Tonks and Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Ben Toolis and Hamish Watson. Phil Burleigh, who picked up an injury last weekend, is replaced at inside centre by Andries Strauss, Anton Bresler moves to the other side of the second row and there is also a first start at hooker for Stuart McInally. Hosts Treviso may be coming off a heavy loss to Connacht last time out but head coach Umberto Casellato has decided to keep the faith with the back-line. The pack however sees four changes as up front Salesi Manu and Marco Barbini come in, while in the second row captain Antonio Pavanello and Marco Fuser start. Centre Andrea Pratichetti will win his 50th cap for the club as they look to close the gap on Newport Gwent Dragons, who are tenth in the table. Solomons is right to fear Treviso’s home form – the Italians have been defeated at home just once in 2015, that being a 20-24 loss at the hands of Ulster in January. Edinburgh’s from away from home isn’t particularly inspiring either – they have won just one of their last seven away trips in the GUINNESS PRO12 and their only previous victory at the Stadio Monigo came back in 2011. At Stadio Monigo, 7pm local time (6pm UK & Ireland). Live on Nuvolari & BBC Alba Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 120th competition game) Assistant Referees: Guiseppe Vivarini, Claudio Blessano (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Stefano Marrama (FIR) TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)
