Tigers ended the league programme with five tries in a 32-20 victory over London Irish in Round 22 to earn a home semi-final against Harlequins next Saturday.
Director of rugby Cockerill said: “We had to be on our guard because we still needed a win to get a home semi-final. It was a bit loose at times and we knew Irish would come and throw the ball around because they had nothing to lose.
“The win was important, it was good to play some decent rugby and get the five points and we picked up no injuries, so it has been a good day.”
“We’ve kicked the cobwebs off after having a week off and it was a case of ‘job done’ on the day. Now we have to refocus our efforts for a semi-final and we have to be ready for next Saturday.”
Tom Croft, Ben Youngs, Mathew Tait, Vereniki Goneva and Toby Flood shared the tries as Tigers ended the season in second place in the table and lined up a semi-final against defending champions Quins at Welford Road. Saracens finished top of the table and will host Northampton Saints in the other semi-final.
“We’re into one-off games and we have to be right for next week,” said Cockerill.
“We wanted to be at home, this is a hard place to come and we’ll have another big crowd in. But Quins have had a good record here in the last few years which will make for an interesting contest.
“We look forward to it. It will be a huge game.”
Tickets for the semi-final are on general sale now. Book at the Tigers ticket office or phone 0844 856 1880. The offie is open all day Bank Holiday Monday - and you can buy tickets from Tigers in John Lewis High Cross today.
Or book online.
