LONDON IRISH HOLD NO FEAR FOR McINALLY

EDINBURGH hooker Stuart McInally believes his side go into their opening European Challenge Cup game against London Irish in good shape under Richard Cockerill.

Although the Scottish international, who ran in a try from 50 metres out in the 16-15 league win over Zebre, does not think there is a ‘quick fix’ under Cockerill, they are getting better with every game.

‘It’s been a tough opening in the league with three wins and three losses,’ said McInally.

‘We’ve shown some good stuff and I feel we’re moving in the right direction. It was never going to be a quick fix but we’ve had decent wins over Cardiff, Dragons and now Zebre.

‘London Irish spent a year in the English Championship before being promoted to the Premiership when they threw the ball around, scoring a lot of tries. Certainly Zebre did a lot of that against us, so that’s great preparation for our match against Irish next week.

‘We’ve got to be realistic in where we are at the moment. We’re in the Challenge Cup and we’re in a rebuilding phase and, for me, that’s really exciting because we’ve got so much room for improvement and can look forward to taking on London Irish.’

McInally had his best game of the season against Zebre, scoring a great try and also helping his side dominate at the scrum. His game has improved under Cockerill, who won 27 caps for England at hooker, and has been pushing him hard in training.

‘I’m playing more and if I play more I think I’ll improve,’ said the 27-year-old hooker who has nine Scotland caps. ‘Richard puts a lot of pressure on me at training on my throwing. If I don’t nail one, he’s at me and he wants me to throw it again and again until I get it, so it’s good.

‘I think the line-outs were good against Zebre, so I’m definitely improving.’