There are just two changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s Guinness PRO12 fixture with Zebre in Parma (kick-off 4pm local) from the side which defeated Cardiff Blues at BT Murrayfield on Sunday.
Ford said: “The team winning on Sunday against Cardiff meant when I came back to train on Tuesday, the boys were upbeat and looking forward to the match this weekend.
“Zebre have shown some good form at home this year so we’ll have to execute well and play to the best of our ability to get a good result.”
Returning from injury to the pack for Sunday’s win, flanker Roddy Grant added: “They’re big physically, they’ve got a big forward pack and have some strong runners in the back line.
“It’s a big challenge to front up physically and that’s an aspect of the game we enjoy, as a pack.”
The capital crew travel to Italy having won four out of their last five Guinness PRO12 matches and have defeated Zebre on three of the last four meetings between the teams. Although the hosts have lost their last four league fixtures, they posted a 13-6 win at home over Ulster, earlier in the tournament.
Head coach Alan Solomons said: “It is great to have Fordy and Viss back. Fordy has played terrific rugby in the viagogo Autumn internationals and will add huge value to the team. Zebre at home are a tough proposition and we will need to perform really well to get a result.”
Edinburgh Rugby team v Zebre, Stadio XXV Aprile, Saturday 29 November (k/o 4pm local, 3pm UK)
15. Nick McLENNAN
14. Dougie FIFE
13. Matt SCOTT
12. Andries STRAUSS
11. Tim VISSER
10. Tom HEATHCOTE
9. Sam HIDALGO-CLYNE
1. Rory SUTHERLAND
2. Ross FORD
3. Willem NEL
4. Ollie ATKINS
5. Ben TOOLIS
6. Mike COMAN (Captain)
7. Roddy GRANT
8. David DENTON
Substitutes
16. James HILTERBRAND
17. Grant SHIELLS
18. John ANDRESS
19. Fraser McKENZIE
20. Tomas LEONARDI
21. Grayson HART
22. Greig TONKS
23. Sam BEARD
