Bradley likes underdog tag for clash

Edinburgh RUGBY coach Michael Bradley believes the team can consign to history an indifferent start to the Rabo Direct Pro 12 league with one stirring 80-minute performance at home to champions Munster tonight.

While some teams might blanche at facing opposition on a record 14-match unbeaten league run Bradley says it is the ideal assignment from which Edinburgh can draw the confidence to kick-start their campaign.

“It’s a good match to have and a great match to have if we win it,” said Bradley who alluded to traditional Scottish backs-to-the-wall qualities. “Potentially they will go out as favourites on the basis of reputation so it is always a good match to get yourself up for.”

Bradley has used insight on what makes Munster tick based on his experiences as a former Connacht and Irish tour coach in shaping Edinburgh while taking into account last week’s disappointing defeat at Aironi.

Back comes Matt Scott, a substitute in Italy, in the centre with Jim Thompson going to full back while Lewis Niven and Grant Gilchrist are introduced to the pack.

Bradley added: “Munster have a very strong kicking game and Jim would have more experience than Tom (Brown) in the back three.

“That is potentially why he is there.

“We didn’t have a great day in first phase against Aironi so we have made a couple of changes there but we continually change the side anyway.”

On Munster, he said: They have quality players such as Ronan, Mafi, Stringer, Hayes, the list goes on, but our job is to win for Edinburgh.”