LEINSTER’S LAST TRIP to Firhill in September 2010 was Joe Schmidt’s first competitive game in charge. The Kiwi barely had time to get warm in his tracksuit but a 22-19 defeat was enough for some quarters to call for his head.
This Sunday, Schmidt and Leinster return there as Heineken Cup champions and leaders of Pool 2. A win would seal that spot.
Speaking to Leinster TV yesterday, Jonathon Sexton highlighted the importance of Schmidt’s influence in making sure the squad never rest on their laurels.
“Joe’s just told us (Glasgow Warriors) haven’t been beaten at home since September so we will be up against it this weekend. So, hopefully, we can produce a performance that will get us the right result.”
There’s definitely room for improvement. Even though we’ve been getting results, at times, aspects of our performance haven’t been great. The good thing about Joe is that, even though we’re winning, he’s highlighting the flaws in our game and things we need to improve on and that’s great because it keeps us improving.
Leinster have not won in Firhill since a Keith Gleeson try helped them to a 21-18 win in May 2006 and Sexton knows he must regain top form if they are to buck the trend, though that doesn’t always come easy.
“It’s difficult at times; I felt like I was coming into a good bit of form with the two Bath games and then we had the enforced break for a couple of weeks and then it feels like you’re starting the season all over again.
“Hopefully the 60 minutes against Cardiff last week will stand to me and I can get back playing well again for these next two Heineken Cup games.”
