Munster forward Billy Holland insists his side are poised to right the wrongs of the GUINNESS PRO12’s opening day when they face Edinburgh on Saturday. Edinburgh began the season with a surprise 14-13 victory over Munster at Thomond Park, in what was head coach Anthony Foley’s first game in charge. That victory ended the Scottish team’s run of five successive defeats to the Munstermen and they enter the rematch at BT Murrayfield on a three-game winning streak in all competitions. Lock Holland played all 80 minutes of September’s defeat and concedes they were outgunned by their fired-up opponents. “Last time out at Thomond Park they blew us away. They were more physical and accurate than us,” explained Holland. “We felt that we left ourselves down on that day and we’ll be looking to rectify that on Saturday. “We had a new coaching staff so it was that extra bit disappointing to lose at home in Thomond Park. They were more physical than us, they dominated us in the contact area. “It was very disappointing when you had a new all Irish coaching staff and we the players let ourselves down that weekend. “You don’t talk about revenge or anything like that, that word is bandied about a bit too much, but we are certainly looking to rectify a few things we got wrong in the first game of the season.” Foley has made six changes to the side that defeated Connacht a fortnight ago including an all new front row of Dave Kilcoyne, BJ Botha and Duncan Casey. International trio Paul O’Connell, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray also earn a place in the starting XV as Munster look to continue the form that has seen them lose just one of their last six GUINNESS PRO12 games. Meanwhile, Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons keeps faith with the XV that beat London Irish in such dramatic circumstances a week ago. That means Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, who won man of the match for a third week in succession, retains his place at scrum-half and Greig Tonks continues at full-back as Jack Cuthbert battles a groin injury. Edinburgh still have designs on a top-six finish, which would secure automatic European qualification, while Munster are in a battle for the top four and Solomons is expecting a game full of blood and thunder. He said: “Munster come to BT Murrayfield at full strength, well rested, on the back of a great Six Nations for Ireland and being out of Europe, they only have the PRO12 play-offs on their mind. “So we are all fully aware of what Saturday brings. The players are looking forward to what will be a big match and know that only their best will do.” At BT Murrayfield, 7.30pm Live on BBC ALBA/TG4 Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 29th competition game) Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Andy Macmenemy (both SRU) Citing Commissioner: Douglas Hunter (SRU) TMO: Iain Ramage (SRU)
