Ollie Smith reacts after opening game of Champions Cup

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 08: Warriors' Ollie SMith and Northampton's Tarek Haffar in action during an Investec Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and Northampton Saints at Scotstoun Stadium, on December 08, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Despite a spectacular interception and subsequent try from Sebastian Cancelliere in the opening five minutes, Glasgow Warriors fell behind and were unable to match the score. Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Ollie Smith shares his thoughts on the game.

“We are obviously disappointed to come away with no points at home.  We pride ourselves on playing at home, and we really let ourselves down.

“Especially in defence and especially in the first half.  It gave us a lot to come back to in the second half and unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done.”

This was only the first game of the Champions Cup, with the second round being away next weekend in France.  Smith says the focus will be on the Glasgow side getting that good start away from home.

“For the last three or four weeks now, we have started games poorly and it’s let us down the rest of the game.

Look at Ulster, we went two tries down in ten minutes and had to come back from that and then it was the same again in Munster and now again this week.  We give up scores early and then cant come back from it, so a lot of focus on how we start games.

“Especially away from home, it’s going to be hard to get momentum but it’s going to have to come from within us and we are going to have to stay tight to ourselves this week and build that up.”

Ollie Smith also scored a try during the game after a break from Josh McKay and his own kick chase.

“Any contribution I can give to the team is massive.  We want to play a good brand of rugby that’s fun to watch for the fans.  At the end of that game, we were beginning to play some good rugby but that’s what we want to be doing for the full 80 minutes and not just the final half hour.”

Finally, the Warrior Nation, as ever were out in force.  The noise was as loud as ever, especially as the second half of the game went on.  Smith is keen that the squad repay the fans for their support.

“It’s absolutely massive, we try to build off that energy as a player.  It really does spur you on as a player and makes you want to perform better and go that little extra yard for the fans.

“To hear them loud, it’s late, it’s wet and it’s cold but they are still coming out in their thousands.  It’s great for us but we really need to start paying them back by putting on some good performances and winning games.”