Edinburgh have failed to back up their opening-day victory at Munster in each of their last two games – but Andries Strauss insists panic has not set in ahead of their clash with Scarlets.

Alan Solomons’ men will be boosted by the return of captain Ross Ford and fellow Scotland international Grant Gilchrist as they search for their second win in nine GUINNESS PRO12 matches.

The backs have also been mixed up with Greig Tonks starting at full-back and Sam Beard emerging from the bench to start at outside centre.

Firepower may be exactly what Edinburgh need as they have not topped 14 points in each of their last five league matches, and are looking to win at the first time at Murrayfield since December.

One person to have made an impact this season is Strauss – who captained the club in their sobering 62-13 defeat to Ospreys last time out – and he is determined to wipe the slate clean.

“I think the worst thing to do is shout and scream,” said the centre.

“Everyone knows what the mistakes were. I think it’s quite clear that we didn’t pitch up physically, showed very little character out there, and the boys are as disappointed as the fans would be.

“The most important things for us as a team at the moment is to have a look at it and make sure we stick together as a side and remain positive.

“We’ve got a home game against Scarlets on the weekend and we have to make sure we’re ready for that.”

Edinburgh could well find solace in the visit of Scarlets, as the Welsh region have won just once on their PRO12 travels since last November.

Wayne Pivac and company have had the steadiest of starts this year – won one, drawn one, lost one – but will also reinforce their starting XV with prop Samson Lee, who is available after suspension.

Rob McCusker also packs down at No.8 while the only change to the backline is Aled Davies at scrum-half.

Unlike Edinburgh, Scarlets are on something of an upwards curve after racking up 43 points against Benetton Treviso last week – and Pivac expects the team to continue to build on a disappointing round two loss to Leinster.

“What we have learned is if, for whatever reason, you are a couple of per cent off mentally, sides are making you pay,” said Pivac.

“The attitude you bring to the game is important.

“The challenge for all the players is to take the same attitude we had on the weekend against Treviso into the game at Edinburgh. We want to perform well on the road as well as at home.”

At BT Murrayfield, 7.35pm. Live on BBC ALBA/BBC WALES
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU, 38th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Stephen Hart (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Kirk (SRU)
TMO: David Changleng (SRU)