Tigers face Leinster at the Royal Dublin Showground, fresh from an EDF Energy Cup win over Cardiff Blues last Saturday which heralded the return of the international contingent, including four players who played in the World Cup Final with England.
"It was a good win in the end last Saturday though it was a little bit frustrating at times," said Cockerill who has held the reins as acting head coach while Tigers awaited this week's arrival of Marcelo Loffreda. "We had a lot of guys coming back, we had to be patient. The physicality across the board was very good, with the ball and at the breakdown, which was very pleasing. Now we have to go to Leinster and hopefully reproduce that sort of form."
Cockerill, though, sees a tough test ahead in Dublin.
"Leinster are a quality side," he said. "Look at their backline, with Whitaker, O'Driscoll, Contepomi, Dempsey, D'Arcy, Horgan. They have got some world-class players. They have strengthened their pack too with Le Roux, Gomez, and of course Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings.
"They are one of the favourites for the tournament, as we are, and we know it will be a big contest."
Tigers have no new injury worries as they finalise the team to go to Dublin.
"There will be some tough calls because there have been some big performances," Cockerill said. "There will be some disappointed guys but you cannot pick everybody."
