Title-chasing Glasgow using last season’s heartbreak as motivation
Franco Smith insists there are no easy games in the United Rugby Championship as his Glasgow Warriors team set out on a mission to make amends for their disappointing end to last season.
After topping the table following the regular campaign, they then suffered a heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at home to the Vodacom Bulls in the play-off semi-finals.
They will be using that narrow loss as motivation as they embark on another quest for silverware, with Saturday’s testing trip to Limerick to take on Munster Rugby providing the opening challenge.
“There’s not one easy game in this competition,” said head coach Smith.
“All the teams are working to get themselves in a better position and produce a better product.
“It’s year six of the BKT URC and teams’ expectations, sponsorship, strategy and tactics will always change for the better.
“We are not oblivious of the fact that all teams would like to be at the top of the table at the back end of the season.
“We have been there and we will have a target on our back, I have no doubt about that. We know what’s coming.
“For now, we focus on playing one minute at a time, on getting our process going and making the most of our time in the competition.”
As for their hopes of repeating their 2024 title triumph, Smith said: “That’s always the mission.
“Nobody thought at the start of that season that we would win it.
“Nobody thought we would be top of the log last season after we lost the two games in South Africa.
“We are determined to be the best version of ourselves. We know what we need to do and that’s what we are focusing on.”
Smith added: “We had a disappointing final game last season.
“There’s just one way to use that disappointment and that’s as motivation.
“There is a lot of energy and excitement and motivation to get the show on the road again.
“We have got the determination as always.
“They are all proud Warriors. I am really proud that everybody is eager and ready to go.”
It’s been a summer of change at Glasgow, with the likes of Huw Jones, Jack Dempsey, Johnny Matthews, Adam Hastings and Jamie Bhatti moving on, while Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie has joined from Perpignan with fellow back row Ruwald van der Merwe coming on board from South Africa.
Turning to the opener against Munster, it will be a big day for the versatile Jamie Dobie as he makes his 100th appearance having been selected on the wing.
Smith said: “He’s an impressive man and a true warrior.
“It doesn’t matter what number is on his back, he is always contributing. He is a very good example for the young players coming through. He’s very positive at training and has a big influence in the club.
“He’s a fantastic player and an excellent person to have in the team. To have him in his 100th game is brilliant and he’s still young.”
As for Munster, new front row signings Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes are both set to make their debuts in the big Thomond Park clash.
SATURDAY
Munster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors @ Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 5.30pm IRE & UK/6.30pm ITA & SA
Referee: Morné Ferreira (SARU, 24th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Padraic Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
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