EDINBURGH head coach Rob Moffat wants his players to match the performances produced against Ulster and Munster in the final match before the Magners League’s Autumn break.

Following defeats at the Ospreys and Stade Francais, Edinburgh bounced back to win against Ulster and Munster - thanks to improvements at the breakdown area and increased levels of physicality.

Now head coach Moffat acknowledges that same level of progress needs to continue against a Newport Gwent Dragons side that Edinburgh have only beaten once in the past two years.

Moffat said: “The Dragons are a tough nut to crack. They are a very physical side, but they play some good rugby as well.

“The main challenge for our team is maintaining consistency levels in key areas of our game. That is what we will be looking to do again this week and not allowing our performance to drop off.

“During our last two wins, physically we have been good and our work at the breakdown has been good. We are aiming to continue that this week and hopefully play some more rugby as well.”

Moffat has delayed announcing his final starting line-up with a couple of members of the first team squad carrying knocks.

Club captain Simon Cross is still recovering from a serious knee injury and joins long term absentees, Ross Rennie (knee) and David Callam (hip) in the treatment room.

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is out with a knee injury.

Edinburgh squad: Forwards: Allan Jacobsen, Kyle Traynor, Ross Ford, Andrew Kelly, Geoff Cross, Scott MacLeod, Craig Hamilton, Steve Turnbull, Alan MacDonald, Fraser McKenzie, Roddy Grant, Allister Hogg, Scott Newlands.

Backs: Mike Blair, Greig Laidlaw, Phil Godman, Tim Visser, Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca, John Houston, Andrew Turnbull, Steve Jones, Mark Robertson, Chris Paterson.