Franco Smith insists there are no easy URC games as the Glasgow Warriors set out on a mission to make amends for their disappointing end to last season.
After topping the table following the regular campaign, Glasgow suffered a 22-21 defeat at home to the Bulls in the semi-finals.
They will be using that narrow loss as motivation as they embark on another quest for silverware, with Saturday’s trip to Limerick to take on Munster providing the opening challenge.
“There’s not one easy game in this competition,” said Smith. “All the teams are working to get themselves in a better position and produce a better product.
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“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. We know what’s coming,” the head coach added.
As for their hopes of repeating their 2024 title triumph, Smith said: “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.
“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.
“They are all proud Warriors. I am really proud that everybody is eager and ready to go.”
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It’s been a summer of change at Glasgow, with Huw Jones, Jack Dempsey, Johnny Matthews, Adam Hastings and Jamie Bhatti moving on, while Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie has joined from Perpignan with fellow loose forward Ruwald van der Merwe coming on board from South Africa.
Turning to the Thomond Park clash, it will be a big day for the versatile Jamie Dobie as he makes his 100th appearance having been selected on the wing.
“He’s an impressive man and a true warrior,” Smith said. “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 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.”
Photo: INPHO/Geraint Nicholas
The post Franco’s Warriors fuelled by heartbreak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Franco Smith insists there are no easy URC games as the Glasgow Warriors set out on a mission to make amends for their disappointing end to last season.
The post Franco’s Warriors fuelled by heartbreak appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
