Richard Cockerill defends resting players against Bath
Director of rugby at Leicester Richard Cockerill has defended his strategy of resting players during their final group stage game against Bath on 7th May at the Recreation Ground.
After securing a spot in the play-offs, Leicester rested Telusa Veainu, Niki Goneva, Marcos Ayerza, Dan Cole, Lachlan McCaffrey, Opeti Fonua and Graham Kitchener, which was capitalised by Bath as they went on to win the game by 38-27.
Having won the championship four times and finishing as runners-up five times, Leicester are strong contenders to win the Premiership this season and Cockerill believes it is important to have the players fresh for the knockout game against an in-form Saracens.
The 45-year-old is also wary about the challenges that might come their way while taking on Saracens, who are fresh from their European Champions Cup title victory.
"We had to make sure we rested guys and looked after guys for the semi," said Cockerill.
"We had to look after our squad and be sensible. We need to make sure we get it right for the semi and try to win the competition.
"We would have liked to win (at Bath) but it was not about egos, it was about getting out of it what we wanted and, by and large, I thought we did.
"A lot of the boys have had a rest, so they'll be fresh. All of us coaches had done our preparation by then and it is important that we are not cramming stuff in the week before the game and getting them to learn too much.
"At this late stage of the season, fresh minds and fresh legs are crucial. Some of our lads will not have played any competitive rugby for three weeks ahead of this weekend but, in this season more than any, that is a good thing.
"They have been able to rest and regenerate their bodies. It has been a long season and the lads have played a lot of rugby and it has been tough for everyone, including the medical staff and conditioning coaches.
"Overall, we are in good shape injury-wise and there have been some tough selection choices this week. We all know we need to be at our very best to beat Saracens.”
Despite, Saracens having a strong hold over their play-off opponent after defeating them in the last three occasions, Cockerill is confident of success against Mark McCall's men.
“Saracens traditionally don't lose at home very often but one-off rugby is a different kettle of fish, with all the pressure on both sides that defeat ends your season.
''We still have an opportunity to win a competition and will do our best to do so, and we will be putting everything on the line."
Flanker Brendon O'Connor, centre Manu Tuilagi and lock Mike Fitzgerald have been declared fit to face Saracens on Saturday.
