Tigers return to Aviva Premiership duties with a home fixture against London Irish this Saturday on the back of two successive victories in the LV= Cup over Ospreys and Worcester Warriors.
The squad that earned a bonus-point win over the Ospreys included two debutants and three home debutants alongside some more senior figures and a similar line-up secured a 21-18 win at Worcester on Friday.
“It was important we came back with a couple of good performances after the defeats by Wasps and Harlequins in the league and the team have done that in two cup fixtures,” said director of rugby Cockerill.
“We wanted to have a look at some of those younger guys and they have stood up well.
“Those guys will come back into work on Monday feeling good about themselves and we’ve got the England guys to come back and the guys who have been rested over these two weeks. This group of players have put a spring back in the club’s step.
“The club should be proud of this group of lads and the Academy who have showed again that they can keep producing guys to play in the first team. It is difficult for them because to play in the first team here you have to be exceptionally good and I’m delighted for all of them.”
Tigers had to bounce back from an early 10-point deficit at Worcester on Friday but Cockerill says handling those situations will play an important part in the players’ development.
“It was one thing playing at home and winning last week but it was important they showed they could back that up,” said Cockerill.
“Now they’ve had to come away and had a tougher time and they will be better for the experience.
“It’s all about us trying to win and using the squad and getting combinations working together as well. All the players can take a lot out of the experience and learn from it.
“Javiah Pohe, Harry Thacker, Joe Cain, Henry Purdy, Harry Wells, Tom Price, George Catchpole, Pasqualle Dunn, Perry Humphreys, all those young players have gained some experience. I’m delighted for them all.
“We know what they can do and they’ve now played in games that have been important for their development.
“And it was also important to get game-time for some other guys. Jamie Gibson was all action, Seb de Chaves ran the lineout against a Test lock, Tom Bristow came in, Michael Noone did really well, that’s what it is all about.”
Cockerill selected a senior core to a young line-up in both cup matches, with Boris Stankovich enjoying his role as captain in both wins, and the likes of Jordan Crane, Thomas Waldrom and Scott Hamilton adding a calming influence too.
“That sprinkling of senior guys helps, just for the younger guys to look at when you’re standing beneath the posts after conceding two tries,” said Cockerill.
“To recover from 10 points down at Worcester was important and those players will take encouragement from that. You can have a poor start but believe in what you are doing and get yourself back into the game.
“I’m pleased for the guys across the board. We wanted to see some of those younger guys come in and play under pressure and they’ve stepped up and shown what they can do.”
Tigers’ remaining games in the pool stages of the LV= Cup are away to Harlequins and at home to Bath during January and February.
