Franco Smith says the Glasgow Warriors won’t linger on their statement win over Toulouse, with back-to-back Vodacom URC derbies against Edinburgh now firmly in focus.
The Warriors’ come-from-behind 28-21 victory at a raucous Scotstoun has injected confidence into the squad, but Smith insists the real test lies in how his side harnesses that momentum when the intensity rises again in domestic combat.
“It does give us confidence, but it also creates expectation – and expectation can blame one,” Smith told the BBC. “For now, we’re just going to focus on the next job, the process, and use the confidence to grow and progress.”
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Glasgow moved top of Pool 1 in the Investec Champions Cup, having beaten Sale in the opening round last weekend, while Toulouse are third.
Smith believes the emotional and physical lift provided by the Toulouse performance can be a powerful springboard, provided Glasgow remain disciplined in how they approach the twin Edinburgh clashes.
“Momentum in this game is everything,” he said. “We identified it, we acted on it, but we stayed in the process, which for me is more important.”
That emphasis on process, rather than emotion, is central to how Smith wants his side to approach the URC derbies. He acknowledged Glasgow had to fight through difficult passages against Toulouse, particularly when possession was scarce, but views that resilience as a positive sign heading into derby rugby.
“We knew that if we get the ball in our hands, if we get a bit of territory, we can ask questions,” Smith said. “I was confident that we will score points.”
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The South African coach also highlighted the growing belief within his squad.
“The physical application was fantastic,” Smith said. “They believed in the plan and the way they acted on their belief. I’m really proud of that.”
“There’s confidence there. Now it’s about using it the right way.”
Photo: Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images
The post Franco eyes Edinburgh after Toulouse statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Franco Smith says the Glasgow Warriors won’t linger on their statement win over Toulouse, with back-to-back Vodacom URC derbies against Edinburgh now firmly in focus.
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