Duncan Hodge upbeat about Edinburgh's European clash against La Rochelle

Edinburgh interim head coach Duncan Hodge is hoping that his team can carry on their momentum in the upcoming European Challenge Cup quarter-final clash against La Rochelle on Friday.

The Pro 12 side are currently on a 11-match winning streak at Murrayfield Stadium which includes wins against six Top 14 teams - Stade Francais, Grenoble, Agen, Lyon, Bordeaux and Perpignan.

Hodge stated that the squad is excited with the challenge ahead and is hoping to create another upset on Friday.

"Games don't come much bigger than a European quarter-final and there is no more thrilling an occasion than knockout rugby, so there's a real feeling of excitement in camp.

"We've taken some big scalps in this year's competition and we're confident in our ability to take another.

"We've played some exceptional rugby to finish top of a tough Challenge Cup pool and we'll look to carry that form into the knockout stages.

"La Rochelle come to BT Murrayfield sitting at the top of the French league but this is a different competition and the first meeting of the clubs, so we're looking forward to taking them on."

The 42-year-old has made four changes to his team with Grant Gilchrist and Hamish Watson returning back. Jason Tovey and Murray McCallum will replace Duncan Weir and injured Allan Dell respectively.