January 10, 2004

We can't give them space - Campbell

Posted by Editor on January 10, 2004 01:49 AM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Hugh Campbell knows Glasgow have a tough game ahead
As he looked ahead to Sunday's Parker Pen Challenge Cup, Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell claimed his team must avoid giving Saracens space to use their quick and powerful runners. "It's about closing them down, pure and simple really," said Campbell.

"We have watched them and studied the video of their last game and we have a very good idea of how they play, and how we feel we can take them on. It certainly won't be easy though. They have a lot of quality players and if you give them any kind of space they will play some very good rugby.

"They have a very strong pack with Springbok veteran Cobus Visagie and experienced Frenchmen Raphael Ibanez there, the Fijian Simon Raiwalui at lock and then former All Black captain Taine Randell at No8.

"Then, there's Kyran Bracken and Thomas Castaignede, and Ben Johnston, a powerful centre, and a very quick and elusive full-back in Richard Haughton, so there is no doubt that if you give them space they have the ability to punish you.

"But that should just focus the mind of our guys this weekend - they have to work hard and concentrate, not just for periods, but for 80 minutes. That is the test at this level. Teams like Saracens only need a few brief spells where the opposition has lot concentration and they will strike, but if we can play as we did against Edinburgh for much of the game last month, and keep it going to the finish, they will make mistakes and will show weaknesses.

"They might not have many, but they do have some weaknesses and we have to then exploit these to take something from this game. The exciting thing is we still have them to play in Glasgow in the second leg, but we have to give ourselves a chance by giving absolutely nothing away this weekend and taking every chance we possibly can."

Jon Petrie was a late injury concern for Glasgow but he has recovered from a back twinge andis fit to play.

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