Sam Hidalgo-Clyne will make his 50th Edinburgh appearance in their GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday and the scrum-half admits victory is imperative to their top-six hopes.

Edinburgh's only victory in their last six matches in all tournaments was 24-23 at home to Scarlets on 28 February, whilst the Scotsman's only away victory in the GUINNESS PRO12 since round 2 came when they beat Glasgow 14-11 on 2 January in a fixture which Glasgow were forced to move to BT Murrayfield.

But they have only lost once to the Dragons in their last seven clashes and Hidalgo-Clyne is confident ahead of the match-up.

"It's a great milestone for me but the biggest thing this weekend is not about me, it's about the team and the position we're in.

"We're obviously look at a top six finish and will be going all out to get the result in Newport."

Looking back over his preceding 49 caps, Hidalgo-Clyne highlighted the visit of Dragons to BT Murrayfield a year ago, in Edinburgh's European Cup semi-final win, as an outstanding moment.

"It'll be good play against Dragons again this week and hopefully repeat that performance.

"We're growing as a club, we've got a good base, increasing depth and will be looking to attract even more supporters.”

There are five changes to the starting XV from the capital club's last league encounter, at home against table-toppers Connacht on 4 March.

Teenage talent Blair Kinghorn retains his place at fullback while Damien Hoyland and Tom Brown continue to occupy the wing berths. Michael Allen returns from injury at outside centre and Sam Beard takes the 12 jersey, with Matt Scott sidelined following injury.

The half-back pairing of Phil Burleigh at stand-off and Hidalgo-Clyne at scrum half is retained.

An all-new front row sees the return of Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford and WP Nel. Anton Bresler and Ben Toolis remain in the second row with Jamie Ritchie again on the blindside, Hamish Watson at openside and Cornell Du Preez in the No.8 shirt.

Newport Gwent Dragons have lost their last five GUINNESS PRO12 fixtures since beating Leinster 23-13 at Rodney Parade in round 13.

And director of rugby Lyn Jones makes a total of five changes and one positional change to the Dragons team that faced Munster a few weeks ago.

The back three remain unchanged as fullback Carl Meyer gets the nod alongside wings Ashton Hewitt and Hallam Amos.

The centre partnership has one change made to it as Welsh International Tyler Morgan returns from injury to play his second GUINNESS PRO12 match of the season. The 20-year-old is partnered with Adam Warren.

Fly-half Dorian Jones also makes his return from injury and is joined in the half-backs by Sarel Pretorius.
The front row remains unchanged as props Phil Price and Brok Harris are named alongside hooker and Dragons skipper Thomas Rhys Thomas.

The second row sees the inclusion of Rynard Landman and young lock Cory Hill. The back row sees versatile forward Lewis Evans at flanker along with Nic Cudd, as Taulupe Faletau returns to pull on the No.8 jersey.

On making his return to the field, centre Morgan commented: "It's such a good feeling being back in the environment and getting ready for a game again.

“I don't mind how long I play, I just want to get on the field and get the ball back in my hands.

"The lungs will be burning but it will be good to get out there against Edinburgh. I've only had 20 minutes against Connacht (this season) so I have a point to prove."

At Rodney Parade, 2.30pm. Live on S4C and BBC Alba
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU, 79th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Simon Rees (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU)
TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)