Cockerill seeks ‘big reaction’ against champs

Richard Cockerill is “sort of pleased” champions Scarlets are fielding their best possible XV for the visit of his Edinburgh side tonight.

The last winners of the PRO12 recall Lions Jonathan Davies, Ken Owens and Gareth Davies with Lee Halfpenny already well established at full-back, after only the late lengthof-the-field try ended their unbeaten record at Ulster last week.

Cockerill has made seven changes from the team that suffered a shock loss at home to Benetton last week and is welcoming the challenge.

“I’m sort of pleased they put their best side out because it focuses our minds and shows they have respect for us as a team,” he said.

“I think they’ll know that if they’re not on it and we are on it, then we’re a side capable of getting a result.

“The closer we get to the Autumn Internationals, when their Welsh contingent will go, I’m assuming they’ll pick their best side as they are available.

“There’s no getting away from the fact that last week was pretty disappointing and it can’t help with confidence to be 14-0 up and end up losing. What I want from the team this week is for them to show some character, I want them to show what they’re about as individuals.

“We have to show some character, some spirit and some minerals to put ourselves out there mentally and physically because if we don’t, it’s the champions and their best team, and it’s going to be an uncomfortable evening.”

Only two players come in from outwith the squad – Tom Brown on the wing and Phil Burleigh at centre – who have not played so far this season, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, WP Nel and Hamish Watson return to the starting line-up.

“It’s pretty simple; if you are in the side and you don’t take your opportunity and play how you can then there is always the chance someone else will get theirs,” continued Cockerill.

“Everyone’s competing for spots. I want competition, nobody will be picked on reputation, I’ll pick from what I see in form and what is best for trying to win the next game.”

That counts for young skipper Magnus Bradbury, who suffered his first major setback ion charge last week.

“Magnus is learning after a poor performance that we all have to review and have some harsh words and he’s learning how to manage that within the group,” continued the coach.

“I’m helping him with that. For me it was more to take a lead around making sure the players understood their responsibilities and what they need to do.

“Clearly we were up for the games against Cardiff and Dragons but we let ourselves down last week. Magnus is part of that as well.”

Edinburgh will be “starting a conversation toward keeping Michele Rizzo at the club for a little longer than the six-week loan spell from Leicester Tigers, added Cockerill.

Allan Dell is expected back for some gametime in two weeks, Rory Sutherland should return in November while Al Dickinson may not be back until nearer New Year.

Edinburgh vs Scarlets (Guinness PRO14, Parc y Scarlets, tonight ko 7.35pm, live on S4C)

Blair Kinghorn; Tom Brown, Chris Dean, Phil Burleigh, Jason Harries; Duncan Weir, Nathan Fowles; Michele Rizzo, Stuart McInally, WP Nel; Ben Toolis, Grant Gilchrist; Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury (capt). Replacements: Ross Ford, Darryl Marfo, Fraser McKenzie, John Hardie, San Hidalgo-Clyne, Jason Tovey, Robbie Fruean.