Warriors ready for 'war'
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:18
Glasgow Warriors, who continue their pre-season preparations when they face Guinness Premiership side Bristol at Firhill Arena on Friday, will be looking to build on the successes of their French expedition.
Follwoing the successful tour to the South of France - where they won the XV Challenge Vaquerin, following victories over Castres and Beziers - Warriors assistant coach Gary Mercer is looking forward to seeing his side face a big test on home soil.
"France was very beneficial for us as a group, especially because we got a chance to play under the new ELVs [Experimental Law Variations]," said the 22-times capped New Zealand Rugby League international.
"Defensively, I was over the moon with the players’ attitude which was first-class over the two games. The whole tour was very productive.
"We also got the chance to do a bit of team bonding which helped the new guys like Tim Barker and Mark McMillan settle back into the squad."
On Friday's game Mercer added: "Bristol are a very big side with a lot of experienced players. They are very direct but I think we are ready and we have enough class in our backs to win."
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Ruaridh Jackson, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Max Evans, 12 Andrew Henderson, 11 Thom Evans, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Dan Turner, 4 Opeta Palepoi, 3 Moray Low, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Ed Kalman.
Replacements - from: Eric Milligan, Gary Strain (Glasgow Hawks & Scottish Rugby's National Academy), Alastair Kellock, Richie Gray, Calum Forrester, John Beattie, Colin Gregor, Daryl Gibson, Hefin O'Hare, Chris Kinloch.
Date: Friday, August 22
Venue: Firhill Arena, Glasgow
Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 GMT)
