Glasgow Warriors | 'Massive effort' needed to complete derby double
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December 26, 2012

'Massive effort' needed to complete derby double

Posted by Editor on December 26, 2012 12:57 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Alastair Kellock says It will take a massive effort to complete a derby double
Skipper Alastair Kellock says it will require a massive effort if Glasgow are to complete the derby double over Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Glasgow took the first leg 23-14 at Scotstoun last Friday and Al says a solid start will be pivotal to hopes of a similar outcome in Edinburgh.

Al told the Evening Times: "We know Edinburgh will be like a wounded animal. Their pride is on the line, this is on their turf and in front of their fans, and they will be determined to come out on top.

"I think we can expect them to throw everything at us early doors and it will be vital we come out and try and repeat the way we started in the first leg. But it would be fantastic to record our first win in the capital in three years, and that is what we will be trying to achieve.

"It is going to take a massive effort, but after the way we played in the opening game, we will be heading East full of belief and confidence."

Ruaridh Jackson and Nikola Matawalu at half-back prompted Glasgow's quick-fire start last week. Al said: "What really pleased me as a forward was the way our backs really scanned the Edinburgh defence and took the right option.

"Both Ruaridh and Niko had great games and DTH van der Merwe demonstrated just what a great finisher he is with his two tries.

"We were very clinical in how we played and, when we get opportunities on Saturday, we must repeat that. But looking back at the first game I just felt we controlled proceedings very well.

"We knew Edinburgh would come back at us after the interval and they certainly did that, but we held firm and weathered that storm and ultimately it was us who were pushing for the bonus point try at the death. But we are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be."

Friday's victory ended a four-game losing streak in domestic and European competition and restored Glasgow to the play-off positions for the first time in a month. A double over Edinburgh would give the Warriors a good platform into the second half of the season.

Al added: "These games are always huge in that if you can come out on top they just give you such a boost for the rest of the season.

"We have Treviso coming to Scotstoun a week on Friday and it would be great to be going into that on the back of a double over Edinburgh.

"But we know there are still things we can improve on from the first leg – and know we will need to as Edinburgh will lift their performance level."