Ritchie and Edinburgh ready to kick on

Last week's victory ended a run of four straight defeats and Edinburgh now their attention turns to league leaders Connacht, who come into the game on a five-game winning streak.

Alan Solomons' side were struggling at half-time against the Scarlets last Sunday, trailing 23-16, but they rallied to win 24-23 and stay fifth in the table.

That was just Ritchie's third GUINNESS PRO12 start and the first time he completed 80 minutes in the competition and the 19-year-old is hungry for more.

"Last week was hugely important," he told Scrum Magazine

"The team spirit was great in the second half as we knew we had to get out there and win the match, there was nothing else for it to keep our top six and top four hopes alive.

"A lot of the young boys are now in the team, but we don't really feel inexperienced we just enjoy getting out there and playing for Edinburgh."

The win will give Edinburgh's young guns a confidence boost for the visit of a Connacht side who have been unbeaten since their 21-18 defeat in Brive on January 16.

Connacht's record against Edinburgh also provides ominous reading, with the Irish province winning on two of their last three visits to BT Murrayfield.

But whilst Ritchie acknowledges Connacht's quality, he is going into the fixture brimming with confidence.

He added: "They are the leaders and a very good side and it will be a hard game but we have taken belief from last week and are looking forward to another home match."

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