Matthews’ Euro ambitions trump derby bragging rights

GLASGOW WARRIORS hooker Johnny Matthews insists they will be going all out to beat rivals Edinburgh next weekend and qualify for the Champions Cup.

Warriors go into the second leg of the 1872 Cup clash at Murrayfield on Saturday night with a 30-17 lead after the first meeting.

But Matthews has targeted qualification for the Champions Cup as the ultimate objective for Danny Wilson’s side.

It has been a tough and inconsistent season for

Glasgow, with their away form in particular being a cause for concern.

They will need to rectify that against an Edinburgh side who have European ambitions of their own.

Both teams go into the match knowing that victory will guarantee them qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.

‘First and foremost, we’re looking to win the game,’ said Matthews, who has enjoyed a stellar campaign and is actually Glasgow’s top try scorer despite playing at hooker.

‘I don’t think we’re looking at that 13-point lead. Our objective is to win the game.

‘If we win the game, we win the Scottish-Italian Shield (in the United Rugby Championship) and then that qualifies us for the Champions Cup. So, we’re coming to win the game, not just win the 1872 Cup.

‘I think it would be massive for us (to get into the Champions Cup).

Obviously you want to play in those competitions.

‘This year we showed glimpses. When we come up against those big teams in Europe we can not only compete, but against the likes of Exeter at home we got a really good win.

‘We’re looking to build on that as a squad and take that into next year, hopefully.’

Despite growing up in Liverpool, Matthews qualifies to play for

Scotland through his Mum, who hails from Blantyre.

Given his form this season, he might well be one of the players Gregor Townsend is looking at for the summer tour to Argentina.

‘I’m looking to finish this season as strongly as possible with Glasgow,’ he said. ‘If I get the opportunity to go on the summer tour, then that’s fantastic.

‘But my ambition at the moment is to make sure Glasgow finish in the best possible position.

‘My experience of Glasgow v Edinburgh is it’s always feisty. There are close relationships on and off the pitch — boys are in Scotland together and stuff, so there’s always that added edge.

‘It’s derby day, it’s at Murrayfield, and we’re hoping to bring quite a few supporters over — not just make it a neutral venue but hopefully make it like a home game for us.

‘I think this season has gone pretty well for me. I’ve had a good run of games through one reason or another and I think I’ve taken (my chances).’