Lynn Howells, the Edinburgh coach, expressed his delight at the performance of the international players who featured in last night's impressive win over Magners League strugglers Connacht which keeps his side in the title race.

Howells believes, however, that next weekend's Calcutta Cup clash will come too soon for Ally Hogg and Simon Webster. Both performed well on their return from injury as the home side ran in six tries, with Webster claiming two. Howells said: "In my opinion I don't think they are ready yet but it's not my opinion that counts. I think they need a little more game time, especially Ally."

Of the other players likely to come into consideration by Frank Hadden, the Scotland coach, Rob Dewey marked his second game since returning from injury with two well-taken tries, while Scott Murray, who had surprisingly been made available for the game, earned particular praise from Howells. "Scott had a fine game. Although he wasn't the captain, he led by example."

Edinburgh had to come from behind after Conor McPhillips touched down for a seventh- minute try and Paul Warwick converted. The home side hit back seven minutes later when Dewey raced over and Duncan Hodge converted and then took the lead when Ally Strokosch collected a careless Connacht throw-in at a lineout and forced his way over.

Hodge converted and did so again after Dewey had darted over for his second score.

Between those tries, Warwick had landed a penalty for the visitors and he was again on target with the conversion after McPhillips dragged the visitors back into the game with his second touchdown.

Hodge banged over a penalty to give Edinburgh a 24-17 lead at the break and converted John Senio's bonus point try before slotting another penalty. Webster showed his pace as he gathered a wayward clearance kick and sprinted in for the first of his two scores. Hodge again converted to give Edinburgh a 41-17 advantage entering the final quarter.

With the game won, the home side eased off and allowed Daniel Riordan to break through for a converted try. Webster then raced over for his second score but the Irishmen responded with a converted bonus-point try from David Gannon, although Edinburgh had the final word when Phil Godman slotted a penalty.