COCKERILL TIPS JOHNSTONE TO PROVE HIS WORTH

EDINBURGH head coach Richard Cockerill has backed Scotland sevens star James Johnstone to rise to the occasion when he plays his first game for the club in two years against Leinster in Dublin tonight. Cockerill denied he is taking a risk by starting the 27-year-old centre in such a major fixture, when the easier option might have been to keep Chris Dean in the starting line-up or promote his star summer signing Robbie Fruean from the bench. The Englishman also has the more experienced Junior Rasolea available but has decided to go with Johnstone instead after being impressed by him in training. The Dumfries-born star has only played three times off the bench for the club as far back as 2015 but there is no questioning his sevens pedigree. He has played for his country 40 times, scoring 68 tries, and was part of the squad for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as well as being a regular on the worldwide circuit. Although yet to make an impact in the 15-a-side game, Cockerill believes he will make a smooth transition against a strong Leinster side as Edinburgh seek to avoid a third Pro14 defeat in a row. ‘I’m keen to see how he goes as he’s got a lot about him,’ said the head coach. ‘The combination of him and Phil Burleigh in the centre looks really good. ‘James has a lot of pace and is a top sevens player. I’ve also seen him play at amateur level in the fifteens game and do well. ‘Guys like him need opportunities and this will let us see where he’s at and how he is developing. There is a lot of talent there and he has a lot of potential moving forward.’ Cockerill had initially called in three Scotland sevens players — including Dougie Fife and Jamie Farndale — to make up the numbers in pre-season training but now wants to keep them in the camp for as long as possible. Talks will continue with Scotland sevens head coach John Dalziel to retain their services at least until Christmas when the World Rugby sevens series starts. Cockerill said: ‘Those sevens guys are forcing their way into the starting team or the 23man squad. I’d like to think we can do something to be able to keep them longer.’ Cockerill, meanwhile, is not going to appeal the four-week ban handed down to prop forward Michele Rizzo following his dismissal for a no-arms tackle in the loss to Scarlets last weekend. But he is still keen to extend the Italian’s loan period from Leicester Tigers while he remains short of loose-head props.

Cockerill added: ‘There’s still a chance for Mickey to stay with us and give us more cover in that position.’

LEINSTER: Carberry; McFadden, O’Loughlin, Reid, Kearney; Sexton, Luke McGrath; Jack McGrath, Cronin, Furlong, Toner, Fardy, Ruddock, Murphy, O’Brien. EDINBURGH: Bryce; Brown, Johnstone, Burleigh, Fife; Tovey, Hidalgo-Clyne; Marfo, McInally, Berghan, McKenzie, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson, Du Preez. Referee: Ian Davies (Wales). Kick-off: 7.35pm. LIVE on BBC ALBA.