Murray gives verdict on defeat

Backs supremo takes stock ahead of crucial clash with Munster

Kenny Murray has rubbished the notion Glasgow psyched themselves out of Europe.

The Warriors backs supremo insisted his men believed they could beat holders Saracens to claim a Champions Cup semifinal slot.

But he admitted they failed to play at the level they planned. Murray issued his verdict as he stepped up preparations for yet another massive tussle.

Glasgow must beat mighty Munster in Cork on Saturday to keep alive their bid to regain the Pro12 title.

They will find out today if skipper Jonny Gray has passed a concussion check.

On the Sarries aftermath, Murray said: “It has been suggested that Glasgow could never be expected to beat a club that can field an international select like them.

“But I just don’t buy into that. It is only an excuse. Ultimately it is about performance, 15 against 15, and excuses will be thrown around. We have superstars as well . . . we’ve got Jonny Gray and Stuart Hogg.

“The fact is we had to be at our best against Saracens, but we weren’t. That has been reflected by the coaches taking 48 hours to analyse where we went wrong,” he said.

“We’d been meticulous with our preparations, having known for two months who our opponents would be. We focused on stamping our imprint on the contest in the first 20 or 30 minutes, but that didn’t come about.

“Now we are up against another top team in Munster, and the players know again that a big performance is required, both physically and mentally.”

“One positive from the game of sheer brutality in London was that – other than Jonny – we didn’t suffer too badly injury wise.”

Picture: Getty Images. Glasgow players applaud the travelling fans after their European dream was ended by defending champions Saracens last Sunday.