KYLE Traynor believes Edinburgh will need to roll their sleeves up and graft against Newport Gwent Dragons at Murrayfield on Sunday in order to climb back up to the Magners League summit.

Edinburgh, with prop Traynor impressing, overpowered champions Munster on Friday in order to clinch top, albeit temporarily with Ulster and Leinster now above them in the table.

Traynor says the key ingredient behind the result was the team’s energy levels and desire to compete physically – something he is aiming to continue against the Dragons.

Paul Turner’s side were thrashed 43-3 at Murrayfield in May but won 13-9 in the Scottish capital in October 2007, a result that has earned the respect of the Gunners.

Traynor said: “We stopped Munster from playing. There was a period when they were on our line, but we really fronted up and stopped them.

“In the previous week, we looked at how we were going to defend against their pick-and-go tactics and it worked.

“There was a real physical edge about our guys and that was pleasing to see. The hard work is paying off and I thought in the latter stages the guys were blowing rucks with real aggression.

“We realise just how tough the Dragons match is going to be. They have a good record against Edinburgh and we will be working harder than ever to make sure we finish on a high note before the Magners League break.”

Another reason behind the team’s early season success is the intense competition for places running throughout the line-up.

Traynor, challenging with Allan Jacobsen for the number one jersey, believes the fight for starting spots has made everyone raise their standards.

He added: “It is a real squad effort. There are a lot of younger guys in the squad who are putting their hands up this season and taking their opportunities.

“The guys who have come in have not just made up the numbers, but helped the team to win.

“We have experienced a couple of tough weeks, but we have ground out two good results in the process.

“I think to get an opportunity to start in the past couple of games has been great.

“But I know that if I don’t play well then ‘Chunk’ (Jacobsen) will start. We’re at the stage where it is a tight call and the coaches have to make that decision.

“We are both trying to improve each other with our performances. If we do keep working away then it can only be good for Edinburgh.”

Off the pitch, Edinburgh are continuing to grow and the club has averaged a 5,000 crowd from their opening four home matches – a thousand more than last season’s average attendance.