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January 15, 2011

Warriors ready for big test

Posted by Editor on January 15, 2011 12:30 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Peter Murchie has impressed Sean Lineen
Glasgow Warriors take on London Wasps at Firhill on Sunday in a match where the visitors start as overwhelming favourites.

Injury and unavailability means Glasgow go into the game with a less than familiar look but Sean Lineen says his players have what it takes to cause an upset over the star-studded Premiership outfit.

Sean told the Scotsman: "This is a game that provides opportunities for other players. Hefin has been out with a calf injury, which is unusual for him, and he is looking forward to marking the likes of Varndell, Lemi or Haughton, which is a real challenge out wide.

"Peter Murchie has done an outstanding job at 12, in only his second year as a pro, and he's really impressed me with his attitude. He's developing into a bit of a leader, which is really important, and Freddie (Arambaru] is raring to go as well, and what bigger stage is there than Europe?

"You look at Wasps and see six or seven British Lions, they are incredibly physical up front and have dangerous counter-attackers out wide, with pace in guys like Varndell, Lemi, van Gisbergen, Flutey, Jacobs, Simpson - these guys are a handful. But our training session today was outstanding, the attitude is good, we're at home and our last home game against Edinburgh had a really good feeling.

"This is the third European champion that we'll have played in a month, and I don't think we disgraced ourselves against Toulouse or Munster - we should have beaten Munster - but now we need to go one step further. It's important to win your home games in the Heineken Cup to get credibility."

The Warriors are already out of this season's competition but with the Six Nations around the corner and new contracts to be secured, players shouldn't be lacking motivation.

International considerations no longer apply to Bernie Stortoni but like a true pro the full-back has his own motivation. He told the Scotsman: "Just to be playing in the Heineken Cup and against one of the best teams in Europe is motivation for me, and the team.

"And you always want to beat English teams and also it's important for us to show we can do that and get ourselves back on track. It was frustrating for everyone to lose at Munster because we put in a good performance, and the problem this season has been us playing well for one game and then having two bad games, and then again good. It's been very inconsistent."

Welsh referee James Jones will be in charge of Sunday's match. Jones was a central figure in last week's controversial defeat to Munster and will receive a warm reception from the Firhill faithful. Bernie, who was shown the yellow card by him, said: "In a game you have to just say 'yes' and accept it; the referee is like your mum at that time. We need to focus on our game and not talk about anyone; just play our game."

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