Cockerill gambles on Blair at No.10

RICHARD Cockerill believes starting Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn at No.10 is “worth the risk”.

Regular stand-off Jaco van der Walt is only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Cockerill has put his faith in Kinghorn to spearhead Edinburgh’s attack even though the 24-yearold has barely played the position since school.

“We’ve picked what is pretty much our best XV available,” said Cockerill, who has recalled his seven Scotland stars who featured in last week’s win over France in Paris. The headline is probably Blair at 10, which I thought was the best selection for this week to really take the game to Racing.

“He’s played tiny bits at 10 since I’ve been here but probably not since his school days. But ball in hand he’s a threat, he’s very off-the-cuff and creates opportunities because he’s naturally instinctive and very quick.

“The game control side is lacking a bit because it’s not his natural position.

But I thought it was the right decision for this week. It’s a bold selection but one that’s very much worth the risk.”

Racing have also been forced into a change at 10, with Finn Russell banned after his red card last week. Antoine Gibert will take the reins for last year’s beaten finalists.

“Finn is a wonderful player, one of the best in the world,” Cockerill said. “I’m happy he’s not playing because he makes them tick and can create something from nothing.

“They are still a very good side though and will be a huge threat to us.”