Ritchie aiming to take World Cup form into Edinburgh return

IN a World Cup to be remembered for all the wrong reasons by many Scots, at least Jamie Ritchie managed to make a positive impression. After the tournament-ending defeat to Japan, the 23-year-old back-row was presented with a replica Samurai sword by the hosts. It is a Brave Blossom tradition that, win or lose, their captain — in this case Michael Leitch — presents the best opposition player with the award, a moment Ritchie described as ‘humbling’. Now, however, the Edinburgh star must build on such individual plaudits, if both club and country are to be successful in the future. ‘I’m 23 so I’m still pretty young and I don’t think I’ve peaked,’ said Ritchie. ‘I think I’ve got more to offer and there’s bits of my game that I’d like to work on and get better. ‘Overall, the World Cup was an enjoyable experience and, on a personal note, I was reasonably happy with how I played but gutted at the results. We went out there to do something but we did not achieve it, so I was disappointed. ‘I hit a bit of form coming into the World Cup even though I got injured just before we went out and missed the first couple of games. When I was fit enough to play, I think I played well against Samoa. I felt good going into that Japan game so I was glad Gregor (Townsend) put faith in me and hopefully I proved him right. My ambition now I am back at Edinburgh is to play as often and as well as I can. I have set a high standard for myself out in the World Cup and I would like to maintain that. ‘You are only as good as your next game. For me, the World Cup has gone and I am looking forward to the next few weeks with Edinburgh in Europe.’ Ritchie is now turning his attention to club action against Agen in the European Challenge Cup in France tomorrow evening. He goes into the match as first-choice seven, with Hamish Watson out injured, but may have to move to six to accommodate John Barclay in the back row. The French club are second bottom of the Top14, and, after their Pro14 home win over Dragons last weekend, Ritchie and his team will be full of confidence. ‘I’ve only played one game since I’ve been back from the World Cup and I’ve not played two games in a row this season, so I’m keen to play against Agen,’ he said. ‘Any game where I get an opportunity to play, I want to. The guys have been playing well while we’ve been away, so we need to put our hands up for selection for the games coming up. ‘I genuinely have no preference about playing six or seven as I enjoy the challenges facing me in either position. ‘It just depends what is best for the team and who else is involved in the squad. I put my emphasis on my own performance rather than worry about other people.’