Friday Knight Lights wrote:[quote="joe soap"
I suppose the happy clappy view is job done, Lineout was SteveWalsh last week, need Gilco and big Ben, this week another excuse.
that win was always there for the taking against the poorest least interested team in France. Cockerill put out a very strong team, and learned zilch - unless of course we count leaning that first picks in the main did not step up again for bread and butter stuff. Mental failing, again.
Of course put out a few more players dying for a chance to prove a point either gives same outcome or we learn they ain't up to scratch. In a meaningless competition.
Instead Cockerill risked injuries and missed opportunity, He might be a very good forwards coach, Maybe be even a head coach. But he lacks a wider vision is a SteveWalsh Director of Rugby- and for Edinburgh he is both
I don't think you can call comfortably getting the job done a mental failing. It was just boring.
I think he has a vision, he turned the club around and continues that process slowly. The club is clearly a hard nosed proposition. He's playing a more expansive rugby. It really is very disappointing that he isn't giving young players enough of a shot. I really think Shiel and a few others could've injected some energy and enthusiasm into that performance.[/quote]
if you think that being unable to motivate players who should be considered and considering themselves as first team squad to perform is acceptable, fair play to you but I think that's jamesmatthew.
A different coach might have played more fringe players, mainly those who we think will step up given the chance. Told them it was their chance. Told he older guys he would pick on form and the youngsters were being given a chance to take their places. Made it obvious their was real competition for places. Instead we got his Leicester approach, minimal rotation outside his "favourites"
This was never ever going to be a result in doubt with that team or anything close as if it mattered more than prepping for the league anyway. We learned zilch. On your terms we leaned that Cockerill is a hard nosed DavePearson for whom a short term vanity win (a BP win) figured above developing players and making a challenge for the league. I honestly cannot see that as vision, and I can foretell the whinge when he pleads inexperience late in the season.
Edinburgh are playing a more expansive game much against his instinct. He will revert at the first opportunity to blame the attacking instincts. Just as he failed to adapt at Leicester