The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Glasgow relish cup opener with holders
GREGOR TOWNSEND was licking his lips in anticipation last night after Glasgow were put on collision course with Euro rugby champions Toulon.
The Warriors will launch their Heineken Cup glory quest against Johnny Wilkinson and co in France.
Coach Townsend declared: “It will be a fantastic occasion.
“Facing the holders on their own turf is a massively exciting prospect for everyone involved with the club.”
The Pool 2 tussle will be played at Stade Mayol on October 13 and will be beamed live on Sky.
Edinburgh also face a daunting task as they bid to make amends for last season’s tournament whitewash.
They are up against former winners Munster at Murrayfield in Pool 6.
A fter the Toulon showdown, Townsend’s men will take on ambitious Exeter Chiefs at Scotstoun just five days later before the back-to-back encounters with Cardiff Blues in December.
Townsend said: “Like every Heineken Cup match, Exeter will be difficult, but we hope our fans will pack Scotstoun to play their part.
“Obviously we know Cardiff very well and we will also be squaring up to them on the opening day of the Pro12 season.
The Heineken Cup is the pinnacle of European rugby and last season we underperformed. We’re determined to do better.
“There are no easy games and it will be extremely tough to progress but the players will be up for the challenge.”
On the task facing Edinburgh, caretaker chief Steve Scott said: “It will be crucial to get off to a good start and win your home games — and it doesn’t get much tougher than facing Munster.
“They pride themselves on their Heineken Cup history.
“However, playing in front of our own fans is important.
“We then travel to Perpignan where we’ll face something completely different, which is the beauty of this competition.
“A fter that it is Gloucester home and away in quick succession, another huge challenge.
“They are consistently a middle to top team in the English Premiership and so will undoubtedly be another giant test for the squad.”