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Glasgow 'determined to create a bit of history' as Champions Cup clash looms
By Online Editors
The Glasgow Warriors are intent on turning heads and pushing for a Champions Cup semi-finals berth as they prepare to face Saracens this weekend, according to head coach Dave Rennie.
The Scottish Pro14 outfit have never qualified past the quarter-final stage of the European competition, and being tasked to win against the reigning English domestic champions and two-time European title-winners makes Glasgow's aspirations of qualification that much more difficult.
However, Rennie is adamant his side will put up a fight as they go in search of a final four placing.
"We’re not trying to claim an underdog status because we’re going to go down there and throw everything at it," he told The Scrum Magazine.
"We know where our opportunities are and we know where their threats are as well. We’re going to have to be really resilient without the ball and really clinical with it but if we can muster that for a big chunk of 80 minutes, we’ve got a chance.
"We’re certainly not satisfied with just being part of that post-pool place. We’re determined to create a bit of history and get into the semis."
The decision to bench 51-test Scottish lock Johnny Gray a point of interest from a selection perspective by the 55-year-old coach, but he is confident in the ability of starting second rower Scott Cummings, who has been in good form for Glasgow.
“Scott’s done an excellent job calling our line out, he’s a really good athlete and he runs good lines. He’s played really well recently and it’s right to reward that.”
The return of star Scotland fullback Stuart Hogg will have a big impact on the Warriors after a long injury lay-off, while young first-five Adam Hastings is another player Rennie hopes will have a significant influence on the clash in London.
"Obviously he’s [Hogg] lethal with the ball in hand but the quality of his kicking game is really important for us too," Rennie said.
"Adam’s been in really good form for Scotland recently. He’s got a bit of x-factor about him, and a good skill set so we’re confident he’ll steel up for what’s an important encounter."
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Latest Comments
They won’t be rested Ed. Gathie was forced to ditch that practice, by WR, LNR, or whoever, IDK.
It’s very simple and you obviously know this, they do what’s best for the athlete. Galthie is just doing his part in making sure they don’t break, you know, like a team effort.
Just as LNRs teams are.
Bottom lines? The players don’t get a lot of rest as their season is so long, yes, but Galthie can select any player he wants in an International window. You just have to ask yourself does Galthie want to select that player or ensure they are rested? You just need to stop being obtuse, and some French white knight guy, what you say is simply untrue.
Why not just word it properly?
Go to commentsI can see where you are coming from.
The ANZAC myth has been used by sports teams for years. Some to a greater degree e.g. the old Rugby League ANZAC test, some other sports will make passing reference in the advertising or commentary etc.
I don’t think the ANZACs (looking down from heaven) see themselves as sacred cows. I think they would rather see a game of rugby in their honour. What better time to hold a Bledisloe cup match?
ANZAC day is about both remembering the ANZAC’s sacrifice, and their descendants celebrating the freedom we have because of that sacrifice. If a Bledisloe ANZAC test was done in a tasteful way. I see no issue with it.
I don’t think rugby league deserved to host an ANZAC test as rugby league organisations encouraged their players not to go to WWI (Australia didn’t conscript for WWI).
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