Edinburgh will welcome back three of their Scotland internationalists for the Italian job at Benetton Treviso on Saturday.
The Rabodirect PRO12 returns of David Denton, Matt Scott and Alasdair Dickinson are three of four changes to the team defeated 9-3 by Ulster on the last game on the old Murrayfield pitch last Friday, although the former Dundee HSFP prop was originally listed for that game.
Last week’s captain Mike Coman is ruled out with a neck strain, while Dougie Fife is out for the rest of the season with a hand injury.
Sam Beard and Wicus Blaauw drop out with Scott partnering new captain Andries Strauss preferred for the job over Ross Ford or Roddy Grant in the centre but lining up outside.
“Matt has played 13 before,” said head coach Alan Solomons. “He’s an explosive and powerful player and has all the attributes to do well there.
“I feel that he and Andries will form a really effective patnership.”
The injury to Fife prompts a reshuffle of the backline with Jack Cuthbert going to the wing, Carl Bezuidenhout to full-back and Harry Leonard coming in at fly-half.
Denton slots into his accustomed No 8 position with Cornell Du Preez going to blindside flanker.
“After a week’s break following a rigorous 6 Nations, the Scotland players have come back fresh and full of vigour, and are really looking forward to the game,” continued Solomons.
“It’s great to have them back as they are excellent players and I expect them to make a big contribution on Saturday.”