GLASGOW WARRIORS have got themselves into quite a pickle this season.
In recent season, they have gotten used to reaching the turn of the year in a comfortable position to reach the Pro14 play-offs, but not this season.
As 2019 came to a close, Warriors’ fifth league defeat of the season against Edinburgh last weekend saw them celebrate the new year in fourth place in their conference, and knowing that a run of wins is necessary of they are wanting to grab a play-off spot once again.
Getting something out of this weekend’s game against Benetton in Treviso is something of a necessity now.
And while the sense of desperation for points amongst the Warriors’ fans may be growing, loose-head prop Aki Seiuli insists he and his teammates are concentrating on performances rather than results and they are feeling positive about the task that lies ahead.
“It would have been good to have got the win against Edinburgh but we know that each game is going to be crucial for us so I guess that as a team, we’ve just got to take it step by step and focus on what we can get better on and control the controllables,” the New Zealander said.
“We’ve just got to take it week by week and focus on this weekend coming up. I guess it’s challenging but the boys will look forward to that challenge and I’m sure we’ll step up to the challenge.”
Glasgow’s downfall at Murrayfield last weekend was their unforced errors and their inability to take their chances when they arose. And so if Dave Rennie’s men are to rescue their season, there are a number of thins that must be improved.
“Being clinical in crucial moments,” said Seiuli, when asked what his side must improve upon.
“There was some harsh decisions (in Edinburgh game) and so I think we need to be better with our discipline and executing our game plan.”
Warriors’ early season form has ensured that Seiuli has not has an easy ride to the start of his career at Scotstoun, after signing for Glasgow last summer from Super Rugby side, Highlanders.
The style of play in the UK is, he admits, quite different from what he is used to, but he is settling into his new home nicely and is relishing the challenge of adapting to a new style of rugby.
“There’s a lot of set pieces (here), back home, we love our set piece but we look to get the ball out quick and play some fast, running rugby,” he said.
“I like to play fast and have the ball in hand.
“It’s a challenge getting my set piece up to pace so I have found it challenging but I’m enjoying it and I’m getting better week by week.”
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