The Scottish side will without a number of internationals – including impressive No.8 Billy Mata who has been selected by Fiji this weekend – but Cockerill insists if they have play-off hopes they must claim a win.
“We had a few days off after the win over Scarlets, but Dragons this weekend is a really big game for us,” Cockerel told edinburghrugby.org.
“There’s a lot of noise that it’s a really important game for them, but it’s a really important game for us too.
“With Scarlets playing Ulster, they’ll knock each other off, so If we can get the right result at Dragons then it puts us right in the mix for the playoffs. It’s an important part of the year for us.”
“We’ll lose a number of players to Scotland and they’ll lose about the same to Wales – so we’ll see what happens with regards to players being released,” he added.
“But if we can perform like we did against Scarlets with the players we had available, minus Bill Mata – who is a loss for any team – then there’s every chance we can go there and win. I’ve got no qualms about that.
“We’ll know later this week which Scotland players will get released back. You’d expect to get back Murray McCallum. Matt Scott is still struggling with HIA at the moment, but we’ve just to make sure we win to keep ourselves in the chase. We just need to go about business as usual and perform with the players we’ve got.
“Lewis Carmichael will come back in at some point, whilst Fraser McKenzie is obviously still missing. These are important guys for the team, but younger players have been getting vital experience.
“Callum Hunter-Hill, Jamie Hodgson and Ally Miller have been doing really well and these are positives to take in the long run.”
Dragons are back on home soil this Sunday as they face Edinburgh Rugby at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.30pm). To buy online click HERE or visit the Rodney Parade Ticket Office during office hours.
