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November 30, 2011

Warriors must stay focused

Posted by Editor on November 30, 2011 01:35 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Tom Ryder says the Warriors must stay focused
Glasgow's Tom Ryder has warned his fellow Warriors that they must treat Sunday’s trip to Newport Gwent Dragons just like any other league game.

An away win for the Warriors in the RaboDirect Pro12 game would equal their record six-win league run, set in season 2007/08 when Glasgow went on to make the play-offs.

But the big lock played down all talk of records, telling the Evening Times: “We know all about what Sunday means in terms of equalling our best-ever run, but we have to stay focused on just getting the job done. When you start talking about records and such like, it is inevitable you will lose some focus and we are determined not to do that.

“We are really pleased we provided a response to our Heineken Cup defeat at Leinster by getting the win over Ulster, and all we want to do is build on that. The target is to make the play-offs and, to do that, we must be consistent.”

Tom started for Glasgow in last Friday's win over Ulster and hopes he can retain his second-row place for the trip to Rodney Parade.

If Tom gets the nod ahead of Richie Gray or skipper Alastair Kellock that would send a statement to national coach Andy Robinson in the countdown to the Six Nations.

Tom said: “All my focus has got to be on doing well for Glasgow. Obviously I can play for Scotland, and if I am in the Glasgow starting XV then I must be doing something right. But there is a long way ahead before the Six Nations.

“What is most important for us is that we have the depth now to allow Sean Lineen to rotate things a bit and give players a break when they need one. That is maybe something we did not have last season and we struggled to cope.

“The level of competition for places at lock – like many other areas of the team – is only going to benefit the guys fighting for jerseys.”

Tom also praised the outstanding form of Duncan Weir, who is top points scorer in the RaboDirect Pro12 with 128 and an outstanding 82% success rate for his kicking.

He said: “It is hard to believe Duncy is just 20. He has really matured into the role and has been outstanding for us in what is obviously a key position. With Ruaridh Jackson almost fit again, we are very lucky at Glasgow to have two such fine young No.10s.”

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