John Barclay believes Glasgow Warriors will not be able to go under the radar for much longer as they plan a full-scale assault on the Investec Champions Cup. The Warriors have two wins from two ahead of the next round of pool matches, which begins with an away trip to Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.
A stunning comeback victory against much-fancied Toulouse was the perfect note to kickstart their campaign in December, and former Warriors back row Barclay believes there is no reason why the Scotstoun side cannot mount a serious challenge for the title. “If they can be pool leaders, there’s no reason why they can’t push on in the knockout stages,” said Barclay, who will be part of the Premier Sports punditry team providing coverage of all Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup matches this weekend.
Barclay added: “Glasgow have shown time and time again they are prepared to punch above their weight. I think we saw last year, if you don’t finish high up the pool you just end up with an absolute stinker of a game in the round of 16. I look at Northampton last year; no one was particularly talking about them but they did well in the pool, got an easier run and then needed one big game against Leinster. That’s probably the example I would expect Glasgow to follow. They’ve put themselves in pole position in their pool.”
Glasgow travel to France brimming with confidence, having backed up their 28-21 victory over Toulouse with three straight victories in the URC to sit second in the table. That included back-to-back victories over rivals Edinburgh, and Barclay believes the positive mood in camp will make a difference on their trip to Clermont and when they welcome Saracens to Scotstoun a week later. “Glasgow are such a good team to watch,” he added. “The way they understand how they’re trying to play but also how to stick to their guns. They are so confident, so comfortable in what they are trying to achieve and there seems to be a really good buzz about them. I don’t think they are a team that will be fazed at all about going to Clermont, they will probably relish it.”
Barclay also highlighted the form of Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn, suggesting they could cause selection headaches for Scotland boss Gregor Townsend ahead of next month’s Six Nations. “I love watching Jamie play. It typifies what Glasgow is about; all-action, both sides of the ball, loves playing the game,” he said. “He is good in the air, good on the floor. I have been so impressed. Kyle Steyn on the other wing too – they are the two best wingers in Scotland right now on form.”
