ULSTER'S REVIVAL under new coach Matt Williams means Connacht simply must win tonight's game in Scotland. Militating against an upset of the formbook is the Irish province's recent form, which has seen them lose their last three games in all competitions.
They haven't beaten Edinburgh for three years, although that victory in March 2005 did come at tonight's venue (16-13). Coach Michael Bradley has made three changes to the team, including the promotion of former Leinster and Lansdowne loosehead prop John Lyne. Andrew Browne joins captain Andrew Farley in the secondrow, while Tim Donnelly takes over from Andrew Dunne at outhalf. Bradley's decision to opt for a 5-2 split on the bench means there are only two players covering the backline, the versatile Conor McPhillips and Connemara's New Zealander Troy Nathan.
Edinburgh have struggled a little recently but with their Scottish internationals back in harness should be a tougher prospect. There is plenty of pace in a backline that contains Hugo Southwell, Nick de Luca and Simon Webster. while former Leinster lock Ben Gissing is included in an athletic pack.
It's difficult to see how Connacht can sneak a victory. It'll require a monumental effort from the pack and the ruthless exploitation of every opportunity, whether with the placed ball or try-scoring chances. It's an unlikely prospect and provided Edinburgh muster the correct attitude they should have a little bit too much for the visitors.
Edinburgh v Connacht
Venue: Murrayfield Kick-off: 7.30 On TV: Setanta Sports 1
EDINBURGH:H Southwell; S Webster, B Cairns, N De Luca, J Houston; P Godman, M Blair; G Kerr, A Kelly, C Smith; C Hamilton, B Gissing; A Hogg (capt), R Rennie, D Callam. Replacements: A Allori, S Lawrie, S Cross, M Mustchin, B Meyer, C MacRae, A Turnbull.
CONNACHT:G Duffy; K Matthews, M Mostyn, M Deane, A Wynne; T Donnelly, C O'Loughlin; J Lyne, A Flavin, R Morris; A Browne, A Farley; J Muldoon, J O'Connor, C Rigney. Replacements: J Merrigan, B Wilkinson, R Loughney, D Gannon, M McCarthy, C McPhillips, T Nathan.
Referee:James Jones (Wales).
Last meeting:Connacht 14 Edinburgh 14.
Leading points scorers:Edinburgh - Phil Godman 67; Connacht - Tim Donnelly 74.
Leading try scorers:Edinburgh - Ben Cairns 2; Connacht - Robbie Morris 2.
Verdict:Edinburgh to win.
