DAD’S ARMY
Veteran Corey reckons his Warriors kids can rise to challenge and shock champs
There is no reason why we can’t have a crack at them ... we have nothing to lose COREY FLYNN
COREY FLYNN hopes his wealth of experience can guide Glasgow’s young guns through their daunting Champions Cup quarter-final clash against Saracens.
The 36-year-old former All Black already has a 2011 Rugby World Cup winners’ medal and is hungry for more success as he prepares for the biggest club match in Scottish history.
Despite facing an Allianz Park side who are unbeaten in Europe for two years, the hooker is relishing the challenge of proving that being labelled underdogs means little this Sunday.
And Flynn plans to use all the lessons learned throughout his career to help the younger players in Gregor Townsend’s squad.
He said: “In terms of the underdog tag we have no pressure, that’s cool. We can go out there and have some fun. We can smack into these guys and what will be will be.
“We will get out and throw it about then we’ll walk off with our heads held high no matter what. It is awesome, especially when you get to play-off matches and winner takes all. It is a one-off game and pretty cool.
“I am 36 and still playing because there is a competitive itch I want to scratch. That keeps me going. This is why you play rugby.
“You can see some of the younger ones becoming more apprehensive as the week gets through. If you are experienced and see someone who is a bit uptight you can pull them back and have a word. That’s a part of things I enjoy as I’ve been there and done that.”
Saracens will name a side littered with England internationals who have just claimed the Six Nations crown but Flynn believes Glasgow have special weapons of their own.
He said: “We need to get the set-piece right as Saracens have a fairly good attack. Then we need to get our defensive set-piece right and not allow them to play.
“They are big boys so our first tackles will be really important. They have a big aggressive pack and no doubt they’ll be coming down our channel.
“Being focused is vital, keeping a lid on it through the week. You can get hyped up too much and by the time kick-off comes fizzle out. It is about keeping yourself on the edge and holding it back at the same time.”
Glasgow’s rise as a contender on the Euro scene has taken them into uncharted territory against the English champions and Flynn believes this is the perfect chance to boost their profile further.
He added: “If you can get up in Europe other teams take notice. We cleared the first hurdle in the pool stages. It is going to be bittersweet if we can’t get through.
“It’s a mammoth task. But if we can get our ducks in a row there is no reason why we can’t have a crack at them.
“We are the team with nothing to lose. Saracens are defending champions, unbeaten in Europe the last two years. We are just the team going in there to try to knock them off their perch.”