RUGBY: WP Nel retains confidence in Edinburgh's ability

Edinburgh prop WP Nel insisted a couple of bad weeks is not enough to derail their campaign.

Successive defeats in arguably two of their most important games this season - against Cardiff and Ulster - have seen the pressure ramp up on the squad as they look to secure a European Champions Cup spot for the next campaign.

Edinburgh know a win in either of their last two games will be enough to secure a top-three spot and a place in the play-offs of the Guinness PRO14 as well as European rugby.

But their sudden drop off in form at this crucial stage of the season has led to people questioning their mentality and ability to perform under pressure.

But Nel, a Scotland international, said the last two weeks have not damaged the group after what has been a hugely impressive first campaign under Richard Cockerill.

Everybody has built a lot of confidence through the campaign, and we know if we are in the game at the end we can pull through,'' said Nel.

All that confidence that the players had built up through the season I think is there and we must keep it and we know we can still pull through.''

He added: We know how to play the game and we know what we want to do out on the pitch.

It's up to us to go out there and do it again.''

It does not get any easier for Edinburgh, with reigning champions Scarlets up next at BT Murrayfield on Saturday and in fine form after beating Glasgow and reaching the last four of the Champions Cup.

Nel is aware of what they are up against: They were the champions just last year, so they they are definitely a good team and we know we must be at our best if we want to turn them over.

I know the boys are ready to go out there.'