Franco Smith turned and rested players long before he did badly in rugby circles.
While the Saracens’ decision to leave aside many of their stars from England for their equality of the Champions Cup in Toulon was a hot topic this week, Smith has the luxury of appointing the strongest range at its disposal for the own European clasgow confrontation at home of Leicester Tigers this evening.
The South African quickly pointed out that various circumstances affect English teams – including the threat of potential relegation of the Premiership.
In truth, however, it was his meticulous planning and his commitment to build a real team depth in a certain number of years that allowed him to align a team filled with Scottish internationals and several other experienced personalities.
Only injuries to Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Jack Dempsey, Scott Cummings and Josh McKay denied Smith the opportunity to name what would be largely considered to be his strongest range, while his Leicester counterpart, Michael Cheika, opted for more than one mixed bag.
Traveling north for the very first draw of the Champions Cup which will be held in Scotstoun will be Handdre Pollard, Dan Cole, Freddie Steward and Scotland Pair Will Hurd and Cameron Henderson – Although Julian Montoya, Tommy Reffell and Ollie Chessum will remain behind.
Chief coach Franco Smith hopes Glasgow to a direct elimination victory for the Champions Cup Cup
Scotstoun is a closed window for the last meeting against Leicester tigers tonight
Matt Fagerson played a key role in the victory of Glasgow Pool A on Racing 92 in January
Smith is too diplomatic to comment on how other clubs choose to work, but it is obvious that Glasgow gives the Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship for equality of billing.
“This is an important competition,” said head coach of the Warriors. “I cannot talk about anyone else, but obviously, everyone in the club is looking forward to being involved in this game. So it goes without saying that they are the best players. Well, not the best players… We have 45 very good players here.
“I think there could be discussions on the decision (Saracens” to rest the players) after the match. But burning your candle at both ends is really, really difficult.
“It is difficult to be competitive in these two competitions and to manage everyone’s expectation to win.
“It is understandable that there is more at stake for them. After spending a relegated year, they know what it is to be there. I cannot speak on their behalf but I can understand what their thought is.
This is an important step for the Warriors as they seek to track down a very first victory for direct elimination of the Champions Cup and take their place in the quarter -finals.
They have shown an appetite to adapt to the challenge of facing the South African and Irish opposition in the URC, but Leicester, which is third in the first, will provide another severe test of their references, in particular in advance in the physical battle.
If Glasgow can win this competition to provide a regular quick ball to an explosive back line, then a revolutionary victory in front of a closed windows at closed windows may not exceed them.
George Horne scored in the convincing victory of Urc last week against the Emirates Lions
“The progression in Europe depends on the possibility of adapting to different styles of rugby, whether French or the Prime Minister,” added Smith.
“I know that there is a lot of investment in the set-piece in the Premierhip, from a technical and financial point of view. Ditto with France: all the major signatures are in the first five. It is important to go up to this level now.
“We know what it takes to get involved in a game like this. Having it at home is a real distinction and a compliment to the whole environment that worked hard to put us in this position. This is an important step, but I hope it motivates the players to make the next step here.
“We have just treated it as a normal week. He doesn’t need to be different. There is already enough waiting around this game. You should not fill an already complete cup too much.
The injuries of Jones (Achille) and Tuipulotu (pectoral) remain a concern. Smith will give them every chance to present before the end of the regular season to increase their chances of traveling with the British and Irish Lions in Australia in summer.
When asked if Jones could still play for the Lions, Smith replied: “Certainly. Ditto with Sione. We are dream donors, not dream takers. We know how much they want to contribute and how much they want to prepare in case they are selected.
“It is therefore good timing. Currently, they are progressing well and they will be an integral part of the last part of the season. But we are progressing with caution regarding their participation.
Smith was linked as a potential successor to the head coach of Leicester Michael Cheika
Another intriguing element of this match is that Smith was appointed potential successor to Cheika as a chief coach when the Australian moves away from Welford Road in summer.
As with the vacancy of Wales, with which he was also linked, Smith did not pay cold water on speculation – beyond saying that it was not the right time to discuss it.
“I fully focus on what will happen on Saturday evening. It is certainly not something that I want to comment at this stage, “he said.
“I am sincere when I say that my mind is here at the moment and I am absolutely focusing on what should happen (the rest) this season. This kind of discussion for the moment is dead and buried.