Al Kellock and Gregor Townsend, captain and coach of Glasgow Warriors, believe that victory over Leinster in today's RaboDirect PRO12 final in Dublin would be a massive shot in the arm for Scottish rugby.
Speaking before he boarded a charter flight to Ireland yesterday afternoon, Kellock said that he and his fellow players would not be distracted by the emotional backdrop as Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's greatest player, takes part in his final game.
"This has to be about Glasgow Warriors," said Kellock. "It has to be about what we have done and what this could do for this club, rugby in this city and this country. There are enough motivating factors without focusing on any others."
With the Warriors playing in their first major final since rugby turned professional 19 years ago, Townsend echoed Kellock's sentiments. "I think it would be a huge boost for Scottish rugby," he said.
Glasgow reached the final with a battling 16-15 victory over Munster at Scotstoun a fortnight ago, and Kellock said that the whole side could draw inspiration and strength from that performance. "Against Munster we had to go to some really dark places," he said. "Some incredible effort was needed. I feel we are a stronger team because of that. We have learned the lessons and we know how to win games."
Kellock, who has captained Glasgow for eight seasons, also revealed that he had never known the city to be so excited about rugby as it has been in recent weeks. "This has been my life, my family's life," he said. "This would be enormous not just for me, but enormous for the 23 guys who get the opportunity to play, for the guys who are sitting in the stand, everybody involved in the club and everybody who works for the club and for rugby in Glasgow and Scotland.
"Fathers who I played with are now taking their sons over. The interest and the level that we are at is something I have never experienced, and that is before a ball has been kicked. So if we can bring that trophy home it would take it to a level we have not seen before."
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