RaboDirect PRO12
Glasgow primed for tough Leinster test
May 6, 2012
Glasgow's Richie Gray braces for impact, Glasgow v Connacht, RaboDirect PRO12, Firhill Arena, Glasgow, Scotland, May 5, 2012
Glasgow's Richie Gray braces for impact during his side's PRO12 victory over Connacht © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Sean Lineen
Tournaments/Tours: RaboDirect PRO12

Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen is relishing the chance to pitch his side against Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12 semi-finals.

The Warriors secured their place in the play-offs with a 24-3 victory over Connacht at Firhill on Saturday in their last game at the ground ahead of a move to a re-developed Scotstoun Stadium next season.

They were rewarded with a showdown against leaders Leinster in Dublin in the final four and while Lineen accepts his side face a tough ask to upset the odds, he is still looking forward to tackling a team he considers the "best in Europe".

"The expectation is high," Lineen told BBC Scotland. "The players will be positive - this is our cup final. They're the best team in Europe and the most consistent, which is what you measure yourself against.

"Leinster are very good at squeezing games - they have 15 decision-makers in the game - they're tough to play against," added Lineen. "But it's a massive highlight for me this season, to look at the players and see that they're more consistent, at another level - it's all about what they want to do now."

Reflecting on an outstanding season, Lineen, who will leave the club at the end of the season to become Scottish Rugby's head of player acquisition, said: "We've been favourite more often than not, which is something new for the players to learn, to have that tag and deliver on it.

"As the head coach, you learn to rotate the squad and trust the players, but to be in the play-offs, it's a massive achievement for the club. When you think about where we are in terms of the league table, finance - we punch above our weight.

"But momentum is coming, and it's going to be great next season when we move to Scotstoun, but for now, it's all about the next two games."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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