Warriors warned on Saracen pressure points
DON’T let the pressure get to you. That is a common message from coaches to players before big games, and it will be a particularly vital one on Sunday, when Glasgow Warriors take on Saracens in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup.
The match itself – the Warriors’ first time in the last eight - will be a daunting occasion. But assistant coach Dan McFarland reckons the real pressure will come from defending champi- ons Saracens, who are especially good at harassing their opponents into making mistakes right from kick-off.
“They base their game on pressure,” McFarland said. “They have the ability to play with width and tempo and play attacking rugby, but it isn’t the primary issue you have to deal with.
“You have to deal with the pressure game first – because it can be stifling. You can find yourself on the back foot, having points chipped off you.We can’t afford to let that happen.
“We have to match them in the areas where they’re strong, which is around their set-piece and their kicking game. We think we’re a pretty decent attacking side, so we’d like to think we’ll see that.”
Glasgow will find out tomorrow if Tim Swinson is free to play in Sunday’s match as the lock forward has an appeal hearing into the red card he was shown for a dangerous tackle in the PRO12 win against Connacht last Saturday.
But if the Scotland lock is banned, McFarland is confident that the fast-improving Brian Alainu’uese can take over and partner Jonny Gray.
“When Brian came he was effectively a part-time player. You also have to remember he’s only 23 years of age. But when he came he was clearly a naturally gifted rugby player. He’s an extraordinary athletic specimen, because he’s actually quite light on his feet for such a big guy and the professional training has added so much more for him.”
Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that if Glasgow win on Sunday, their semi-final will be played at Murrayfield. The Warriors had hoped to find a suitable Glasgow venue for the match, but none was available.