FIVE OF ENERGY
RUGBY PRO 14 Richard rings changes for Gunners but tells new boys to match intensity of Cardiff win
EDINBURGH boss Richard Cockerill will demand a display of “total energy” when his men bid to tame the Dragons.
The sides square up at Myreside tonight, with the Gunners aiming to build on their Pro14 opening-day triumph at Cardiff Blues.
Despite that victory Cockerill, below, has made five changes to the line-up – and wants those coming in to match the commitment and fight from last week.
He said: “We have to keep chipping away and keep building that confidence, culture and identity in what we’re doing.
“It was a good start but we need to get it right again to make sure we keep collecting as many points as we can, as early as we can. The guys who have come in have worked hard to get their chance.
“We have a strong squad and options in a lot of positions so I want them to bring us total energy.
“I also want them to fight to keep their spot.
“Our fans should leave Myreside knowing their team put 100 per cent commitment into the Edinburgh shirt.”
Centre Robbie Fruean will make his debut, replacing Junior Rasolea, while Damien Hoyland is back for the injured Dougie Fife.
Italy prop Michele Rizzo ousts Darryl Marfo and Ben Toolis returns in place of Anton Bresler, packing down alongside Grant Gilchrist in his 100th appearance. In the back row, Hamish Watson is in for John Hardie. Dragons star Harrison Keddie is out for revenge after a 24-20 Myreside loss last term. He said: “Last season we were in the lead, only to let Edinburgh steal it in the dying seconds. It’s one of those defeats that still annoys you. “They are in a new era and will want to lay down a marker in their first home game. “We must match them in the first 20-30 minutes when they will come all guns blazing. “Then we’ve just got to execute our game plan, doing what we’ve been coached to do and have prepared for.”