Cockerill on Solving Leicester’s Loosehead Problems
We are days away from the start of the European Champions Cup 2015/16, and with excitement growing across Europe, Leicester Tigers have been preparing extensively for their first game against current Top 14 Champions, Stade Francais. Spoilt for choice, Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill says there is “good competition” for players to contend for a starting place in Friday’s match day squad, stating that he is going to field his “fittest, best side for obvious reasons” against the visitors to Welford Road. However, with Logovi’i Munipola and Michele Rizzo both out with injuries, an experienced loosehead prop is required to compete with Stade’s physical front row. Traditional tighthead Fraser Balmain has appeared on the left hand side of the scrum in recent weeks, and 21 year-old Riccardo Brugnara has come off the bench to replace him. But Cockerill admits there is a need for a “long-term” front-rower who has a wealth of knowledge.
“Balmain is doing us a favour in playing loosehead when he is a tighthead, so he is third or fourth choice. Brugnara is a young man learning his trade so he is probably fifth choice. That’s no disrespect to them, but we got punished for it at the weekend [versus Exeter Chiefs] and you have to take that into consideration.”
Meanwhile, Brugnara is propositioned by disciplinary action after kicking Jack Yeandle during last weekend’s defeat to Exeter. The hearing, to take place on Wednesday (11th November), could see the youngster be suspended and ensure his exclusion from the side. Cockerill seemed unphased by this though, already aware of his strategy for Friday’s game.
“Ghiraldini back in the mix, I think, is really important. Putting Fraser back at tighthead is really important. We’re in the process of really strengthening that loosehead side as well.”
And the ‘strengthening’ that Cockerill talks of looks to be Italian prop Matias Aguero, who’s solid performance in the World Cup could see him move from current club Zebre.
“We’re trying to tie some loose ends up before the weekend to have someone on the bench and in the squad for the game.”
“I’m just looking forward to a great Friday night game of rugby.”
The reinstatement of Marcos Ayerza in the team after his hamstring injury would mean a possible bench start for whoever Tigers sign. Canadian international Djustice Sears-Duru continues his month trial at Tigers, meaning if the 21 year-old has impressed enough, we could also see him providing cover in the number one shirt in the future. As far as facing Stade Francais goes, though, seasoned Argentinian powerhouse Ayerza looks sure to be first choice. Making this his first game back after a positive World Cup campaign, he calls this a “fascinating game to start” :
“Stade are a momentum based team. We know how to have a big start with them. But even if we break them from the start, they are a very competitive side now and they are really strong. If they fight back it will be a very tough night for us.”
Recognising that the travelling side are current Top 14 Champions, fan favourite Ayerza was confident in the capabilities of Leicester’s dominance upfront.
“Tigers is Tigers, we pride ourselves on our forward pack. We have to be a great forward pack.
“They don’t have the better start [this season] but it’s Europe and it’s bigger than club rugby, so I’m just looking forward to a great Friday night game of rugby.”
With both coach and could-be-captain assured by Leicester’s strength in depth and physical impact on the game, Friday night’s fixture is sure to get the weekend of Champions Cup Rugby off to a sterling start. A home win would place Cockerill’s squad in prime position to travel to Italy the following Saturday to face Benetton Treviso where they’d hope to make it two from two.
Leicester Tigers v Stade Francais
November 13th 2015
7.45pm KO at Welford Road
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