Cockerill: Ben & Jamie can help us have the final say
BOSS Richard Cockerill has backed his big Gunners to come back with a bang – and fire Edinburgh to their first Pro14 title showdown.
Cockers and Co go into battle with Ulster in tonight’s semi at Murrayfield.
And he reckons tough-guy duo Ben Toolis and Jamie Ritchie will emerge as key figures on their first outings since shutdown.
Toolis, who has recovered from shoulder surgery, lines up at lock.
Breakaway Ritchie will be an impact sub in the tie’s decisive phase.
Cockerill said: “For a match as huge as this we must pick our best players and these two are fit after injury.
“There is a bit of risk and reward here – but needs must.
“They haven’t played a single minute since the season re- started but no one has actually played enough minutes in the circumstances and every team is in the same boat.
“Ben has been coming back quite conservatively as we knew we would want him back for the semi-final.
“We did not rush him back last week because there was no point. He is such good quality you have to pick him if he is available for selection.
“He is not as match fit as we would have liked but he has worked hard and is desperate to play.
“Ben will be hugely valuable and have a huge impact on the game. He is a world-class player and a cut above most second rows.”
The coach added: “Jamie is in the same bracket, his quality is so great you have to look to get him involved.
“He’s got that bit of devil and steel about him that shows you why he is doing what he’s doing at Test level.”