With seven senior players on Six Nations duty and a lengthy injury list, particularly among the forwards, Cockerill has called up youngsters to follow in the footsteps of Academy graduates Matt Smith and Dan Cole who have established themselves in the senior squad this season.
Ben Youngs and Ben Pienaar were joined on the pitch on Saturday by Dan Hemingway and Calum Green who both made their senior home debuts in the 46-16 win over Saracens.
“We had some good young lads out there and I am happy with the squad and the effort they put in,” Cockerill said after a win which took Tigers back to the top of the table.
“The young lads have come into a good side and they have not been fazed by it. Calum Green would have been playing for the Academy but he came on to the bench, Dan has been with us for the last few weeks, and they have not been fazed by it. Ben Pienaar and Ben Youngs have not been fazed by it.
“We could have put another senior prop on the bench or changed things around, but we chose to put those young guys in and I’m delighted for them.
“We had a good win on Saturday and it shows that if you believe in the people you are working with, work hard with them and not worry about their inexperience, they can front up and play.”
