RENNIE’S GIVEN US THE BRUTE
Johnson thrilled by coach’s methods
SAM JOHNSON last night revealed new Glasgow Warriors chief Dave Rennie has turned him into a brute.
It is a big chance for us to make a statement on the European stage SAM JOHNSON
And the Aussie centre reckons it will take a massive display of power for the Scots to slap down English superstars Exeter.
Johnson and Co square up to the Chiefs in their Champions Cup opener on Saturday and he can’t wait to throw down the gauntlet at Sandy Park.
He said: “Dave Rennie and his colleagues in our new coaching set-up have instilled a bit of brutality.
“So before every match there are three words I keep thinking about: opportunity, accuracy – and now brutality.”
Johnson believes it was that mindset that propelled Glasgow to glory against the Cheetahs in South Africa last weekend.
The Warriors will need the same again to inflict damage on the Chiefs and he said: “It won’t be any easier against the English champions.
“We know they will come at us with a massive degree of intent and we must go out there and match them, even beat them in the first 20 minutes.
“Everyone in the squad is buzzing for it and it is a big chance for us to make a statement on the European stage. The brutality will be needed in the tackle area and accuracy will be key in attack.
“Dave has only been in charge for six weeks and he is still getting his message across. We have to respond by performing at a high pace throughout.”
Glasgow coach Mike Blair expects a “step up” in opposition when the Champions Cup starts this weekend.
Warriors have made a perfect start to the season, winning all six of their opening matches including four bonus-point wins.
The visit to Sandy Park comes on the back of the tough trip to Bloemfontein last weekend and Blair is under no illusions how big a challenge it will be.
The former Scotland international said: “This is going to be a step up for us.
“We’ve had some tough games in the Pro14 no doubt but Exeter on their home patch is definitely a step up. I think they are 11 games winning at home? It’s a really big challenge for us but one the guys are hugely looking forward to.
“This is a group that loves those challenges. There’s no moaning behind the scenes and facing such a good side adds to the occasion.
“It’s backs to the wall stuff playing Exeter away from home after a tough travel day but these guys are keen and ready to go.”
Warriors travel to Exeter before hosting Leinster at Scotstoun next week but it is the clash with the English champions Blair is focusing on. And he has praised their steady rise since promotion to the top flight in 2009.
When asked for their strengths the Glasgow skills coach said: “They bond a team really well.
“They have players who have come in, Olly Woodburn for example, who has come in on the wing but didn’t really play much for Bath but is excelling for Exeter now.
“There are other bit-part players who have come in and gelled magnificently and are playing brilliant rugby there.
“They’ve worked their way up through the leagues, slowly up position wise as well and now they’re a really competitive outfit and there’s belief in the team and that goes a long way.”
Full-back Stuart Hogg is nearing a return to fitness after a shoulder op in the summer and took part in training on Tuesday.
Blair added: “He’s looking fit and he is keen to get back.”