See you, Ricky. . . the joke’s on Cockerill
Edinburgh coach lost bet with his staff over Calcutta Cup result
CHEST-THUMPING Englishman Richard Cockerill had his loyalties tested as Scotland claimed a rare Calcutta Cup win on Saturday.
But Edinburgh’s head coach admitted the joke was on him after an attempt to wind-up his backroom staff.
“I lost a bet,” he said, explaining the ‘See you, Jimmy’ hat he was sporting. “Scotland played really well. I don’t think anybody saw that coming. I watched the game back on Saturday night as I couldn’t quite believe that actually happened.
“I have been giving Hodgey (Duncan Hodge), Kitty (Calum MacRae) and Roddy (Grant) a bit of stick, but it saved them the embarrassment of coming in today wearing their England shirts. Me with my wee Jimmy hat on was great. We got what we deserved us English (but) I would like to think some of the Edinburgh boys helped influence the result.”
The success of Warriors and Edinburgh’s steady improvement have had a big impact on Scotland’s recent upturn in fortunes says Cockerill.
“Glasgow have been strong for five or six years now and we are getting stronger,” he said. “Gregor sticks to his guns. After week one everybody was questioning where we were at. After week three it is all very positive. Gregor is realistic. He is realistic and knows we are doing some really good things. Did I say we? Scotland are doing some really good things,” he said, laughing.
The more serious message is the renewed emphasis on helping players to understand better what is required of them.
“I was pleased for the Edinburgh boys it showed we have created an environment for guys to play at that level.
“Guys like (Simon) Berghan, (Stuart) McInally and (Grant) Gilchrist have been back from long time injured. Blair (Kinghorn) getting his first cap, it is good to see Hamish (Watson) on really good form and (John) Barclay, who will be an Edinburgh player, was outstanding.
“Of course there’s satisfaction because we’ve spent a lot of time and effort with guys like (Simon) Berghan who last year struggled at the set-piece and has proved in the last couple of weeks that he’s started to mature and come of age there.
“Stu has had bit part opportunities with the national team, but the way he’s playing is first class and Gilco’s had a really tough time with injuries since the World Cup, so there’s a lot of satisfaction there.”
Cockerill said he was able to sit back and relax as he watched the match unfold.
“For me Test weekends it’s great to almost be a neutral because whatever happens it’s not your fault as a coach.
“England looked devoid of ideas once they got past the physical part. Scotland rode their luck, but they made their own luck and they deserved their win.”