Benetton Treviso have a new man in charge and lock Tom Palmer is eager to ensure the GUINNESS PRO12’s basement club turn over a new leaf, starting on Friday night. After back-to-back defeats at the hands of Zebre, taking their losing run to 22 in all competitions, Treviso parted company with head coach Umberto Casellato and replaced him with Marius Goosen this week. Their first test of the new era is a trip to BT Murrayfield, a venue where only one Italian side has ever tasted victory – Treviso in the GUINNESS PRO12 in October 2012. Goosen’s first starting XV sees Luke McLean, Andrea Pratichetti and Simone Ragusi in the back three, with Sam Christie and Alberto Sgarbi partnered in the centres and Chris Smylie and James Ambrosini linking up at half-back. Matteo Zanusso, Roberto Santamaria and Salesi Manu make up the front row, with Filo Paulo and Jeff Montauriol behind them and a back row of Marco Barbini, Alessandro Zanni and Robert Barbieri. And Palmer, who will start from the replacements’ bench, believes it is a side capable of challenging in-form Edinburgh. “It has been a tough time at the club since I joined in the summer, but the guys are all working hard and we have stuck together,” he said. “We have picked up a number of losing bonus points and pushed teams close, but we just haven’t got that elusive win. “Edinburgh have really been improving under Alan Solomons and will be on a high after the wins over Glasgow, but we will be trying to make it as tough for them as possible.” Edinburgh have won their last three matches in all competitions, most recently recording back-to-back victories over Glasgow Warriors to retain the 1872 Cup. The Scotsmen have also only lost one of their last eight encounters at BT Murrayfield – 16-14 to Munster in the GUINNESS PRO12 on November 7. There is just one change to the back line that saw off Glasgow last time out, as Greig Tonks comes in at stand-off in place of try scorer, Phil Burleigh, who has taken a knock to his neck. Jack Cuthbert is retained at full-back, with Dougie Fife and Damien Hoyland on the wings. Michael Allen and Matt Scott continue their centre partnership and scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne stays to partner Tonks. Hooker Neil Cochrane replaces Ross Ford, who sustained a rib injury last week, to join Rory Sutherland and WP Nel in the front row. 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. Cornell Du Preez, who will win his 50th cap for the club, is at No.8 while hooker Stuart McInally is named among the replacements after returning from a long-term injury. Solomons said: "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.” To buy tickets for the GUINNESS PRO12 Grand Final click here. Also follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12. At BT Murrayfield, 7.30pm Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 20th competition game) Assistant Referees: Mike Adamson, Stephen Hart (both SRU) Citing Commissioner: John Kirk (SRU)
