Cockerill takes back-to-basics approach

Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill has told his players to go back to basics to prove they have the mentality to cope with the pressure of tonight’s key Guinness Pro14 encounter with Ulster.

Cockerill’s side will seal a place in the expanded Pro14 play-offs if they beat the visitors, who are 13 points behind third-placed Edinburgh in Conference B.

Edinburgh have watched Glasgow become regulars in the end-of-season knockout stages in recent years but have never experienced the highprofile arena themselves.

Ahead of the BT Murrayfield clash, Cockerill said: “There is no doubt we are capable of winning these games.

“We just need to get it right and go back to our basics around both our physicality and mentality.”

He makes six changes, with half-back pairing Sam Hidalgo-clyne and Duncan Weir stepping in following European Challenge Cup defeat by Cardiff.

Centre Phil Burleigh makes his first start since January, while Simon Berghan, Ben Toolis and James Ritchie come into the pack.

Meanwhile Edinburgh secured the signing of a second prop this week after finalising a deal to bring in former South Africa U20 international Pierre Schoeman.

The 23-year-old loosehead follows Italy tighthead Pietro Ceccarelli in committing himself to the Guinness Pro14 club from the start of next season.

Schoeman has agreed a three-year contract and will join from Pretoria-based Blue Bulls when their Super Rugby season ends in early August.