Dougie Fife returns to the Edinburgh starting XV for this weekend’s GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons and the winger admits he is itching to make up for lost time.

Fife is one of four changes made by Alan Solomons to the side that slipped to a 30-0 defeat against Ulster last time out.

Tom Heathcote comes in at fly-half while Alasdair Dickinson returns at loosehead and Hamish Watson is at openside flanker.

And Fife is ready for the physical challenge that the Dragons will bring to BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

“It's been very frustrating having to watch the last four games and training from the sidelines,” he said. “Now I just can't wait to get back out with the team and help them get back to winning ways.

“Like all Welsh sides the Dragons are a very physical team. We're looking forward to the challenge of the physicality they'll bring on Saturday.”

The visiting Dragons have secured one win so far in this season's tournament, at home in round four over Benetton Treviso, while their only victory on the road since February 2013 came in their most recent visit north of the border when they beat Glasgow Warriors 23-8 at Scotstoun last season.

Captain Lee Byrne returns to the starting XV for the Welsh region as he has recovered from the back strain he suffered against the Scarlets last time out.

Alongside Byrne, Lyn Jones has made seven changes to the team that faced the Scarlets last weekend.
The full-back is joined in the back three by Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing takes on the form of Tom Prydie and Ashley Smith while both half-backs, Jason Tovey and Jonathan Evans, get the nod and retain their places.

One change has been made to the front row alongside Boris Stankovich and Dan Way, as Elliot Dee replaces hooker T. Rhys Thomas who moves to the bench. The second row also has one change as Andrew Coombs, who returns from a three week ban, replaces Ian Gough.

The back row has one change and one positional change made to it as Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd pull on the flanker jerseys and Andy Powell is named as No.8.

And Jones is looking for a response from his troops when battle commences north of the border.

“The forwards and the scrum went well (against Scarlets) and we have to try and find the positives because we have to kick on and go for Edinburgh away,” he said.

“We've got to believe that we can go there and get the win, they are in the same boat as us and it will be tough, but we are up for the challenge.”

At BT Murrayfield, 2.40pm. Live on Sky Sports
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU, 60th competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Changleng, Bob Nevins (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Douglas Hunter (SRU)
TMO: Iain Ramage (SRU)