Glasgow driven by Hogg finale
Warriors coach Rennie braced for ‘brutal’ game Leinster delighted to be playing at Celtic Park
If there was a statement of intent ahead of the biggest club game in the history of Scottish rugby, it was delivered by Glasgow Warriors coach Dave Rennie in the lead-up to the Pro14 final at Celtic Park. “We pride ourselves on our brutality,” he said, “and so do they, so there will be some sore bodies.”
When about 50,000 fans sit down to watch the Warriors take on Leinster at a cauldron-like stadium, they will witness a pulsating final that pits the competition’s two best sides against each other.
Despite having different styles, the two teams are so well-matched that Rennie is right to expect fireworks and crunching physicality. After Leinster lost their European crown against Saracens at St James’ Park, this is their shot at redemption, and a barely changed side start as narrow favourites despite having one day less rest and being away from home.
For unchanged Glasgow, who have made the knockout stages in seven years out of eight and are contesting their third final, the desire to claim the silverware on full-back Stuart Hogg’s farewell appearance for the club, and in front of their own fans, is almost palpable. “It’s a massive day for the squad, for the backroom squad and for a hell of a lot of people,” said Rennie. “This is special, we can’t wait for the whistle to roll.
“We have to go out and perform because we have clarity in what we want to do – we don’t want to get caught up in the occasion. We want to play smart footy.”
The excitement levels have been rising all week ahead of this match, and Rennie admitted that at times his main job has been to calm nerves. Hogg, in particular, has been like a cat on a hot tin roof as he awaits his final appearance in a Glasgow shirt. “I’m constantly having a word with Hoggy,” Rennie said. “He’s excitable at the best of times, but it’s infectious. He is tough on himself because he understands the importance he has for us, so he wants to perform well and there couldn’t be a better occasion for him.”
The emotion is not just on the Glasgow side. Leinster coach Leo