Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons believes his side’s growing strength in depth will be evident when they face Newport Gwent Dragons in the RaboDirect PRO12 on Sunday.

Edinburgh play away from home in the RaboDirect PRO12 for the first time since November 22, when they lost to Ulster 17-41.

The Scotsmen's only away win in the PRO12 in their last ten contests since early December 2012 was 9-7 against Zebre in Parma on March 29.

Edinburgh have not been victorious in Wales since they visited the Arms Park and beat the Blues on 7 September 2012.

The last three encounters between the two sides have been won by the home side on the day, whilst Edinburgh's most recent victory at Rodney Parade was 37-11 on May 13, 2006.

But despite missing six Scotland internationals, as well as injured duo Tim Visser (ankle) and Greig Tonks (shoulder), Solomons is confident his side can cope at Rodney Parade.

"I think that we have, over the course of the season, been able to improve our strength and depth, and I think that is reflected in the team that we are able to select”, said Solomons

"This will be no easy task. Dragons are very tough opponents, especially at home, and are two places above us in the table.”

Scotland caps Nick De Luca (centre), Jack Cuthbert (full-back) and Tom Brown (wing) are joined by A-capped wing Dougie Fife and scrum-half Grayson Hart, who makes his second start since arriving in the summer.

The back division is completed by new arrivals Carl Bezuidenhout (stand-off) and Andries Strauss (centre), who will make their first start and club debut respectively.

The club also welcome the return of lock Grant Gilchrist from Scotland duty.

Lock Rob Sidoli captains the Dragons while Hallam Amos makes the move from wing to fullback and is joined in the back three by Matthew Pewtner who returns from injury and Will Harries who has moved from open side to blindside.

Pat Leach and Ashley Smith are the centres while Jason Tovey gets the nod as fly-half and Wales international Richie Rees takes his place as scrum-half.

At Rodney Parade, 1.05pm. Live on S4C/BBC ALBA
Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU, 63rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Davies, Simon Rees (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)