How Franco Smith plans to resurrect Glasgow's season
For most armchair pundits it would appear to be a calamity of apocalyptical proportions.
Yet, Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith has taken a rather philosophical view of the team’s three successive defeats.
His team was knocked off top spot in the United Rugby Championship this Saturday, when they lost 12-48 to the Stormers in Cape Town.
But they clung on to second place after Leinster suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Benetton later that evening.
That was preceded by a loss to the Lions (12-54) and the Champions Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of Toulon.
The Stormers are now top of the URC standings on 56 points, one clear of Glasgow.
Then come the Lions and Leinster on 53, Munster on 51, Cardiff on 50, the Bulls on 49 and Ulster on 47.
Connacht are outside the all-important top eight on 44 points, but could still force their way in.
While rest and recuperation are high on the agenda back in Glasgow this week, the return of some of their most influential players are the ingredient needed to revive the Warriors’ season.
Smith, who was cautious to make excuses for the post-Euro slump, has identified areas where the Warriors need to be better.
The Glasgow coach also knows the absence of some key players has hurt them.
Along with a series of high-intensity matches in Europe and South Africa, as well as travelling, they are keen to revive their energy levels.
“We’ll get back some fresh legs,” he said, adding: “George Horne, Jamie Dobie, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, to name but a few, are all returning.
“Those are boys who will bring some new energy to it.
“I think it goes without saying that the boys will be on it now to make sure that we don’t slip again.”
Those players were rested with a view to a potential Champions Cup semifinal this coming week, but the loss to Toulon put the proverbial ‘spanner in the works’.
(Franco Smith explains his plans ahead of the URC play-offs ….)
“It [the back-to-back losses] happened at the right time for us,” he added.
He felt that the break and the last two rounds of league action – Cardiff at home and Ulster away – were enough time to reverse the trend that saw them ship 102 points and score just 24.
The Warriors know that finishing in the top four or top two will ensure at least a home quarterfinal at Scotstoun.
After that, it gets interesting.
A top-two finish would give them the right to also host the semifinal, but Scotstoun would be out of action by then as it is readied for the Commonwealth Games.
Murrayfield would be the likely venue if a home semifinal is what transpires.
The Final will be played at the highest-ranked qualifier’s home venue.
“I think we need cold and rain,” he quipped about the sun-kissed tour to the Republic.
“We are looking forward to getting back to Scotstoun.
“The changing room is hurting.
“These South African teams are good. We weren’t allowed to play our way in the last two weeks.”
He said they will ‘rip the bandaid off’ and have some honest conversations back home.
With stats favouring his team – the most carry metres, the quickest breakdown speed, best tackle completion and biggest points differed before the SA tour and scored the most maul tries – Smith believes the foundation for a successful season is in place.
“It is about getting back our focus, spending a bit more time in the gym and the recovery arena, making a mental shift and focusing on recovery.
“Our approach will be different.”
With the Stormers heading out on a two-match tour that will see them face Ulster and Cardiff on uncomfortable 4G pitches, Smith is adamant that his team can reclaim the top spot on the standings.
“I will remind everyone, including myself, that the log leaders have never won the [URC] tournament.”
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