Glasgow unfazed by Connacht challenge - Pat MacArthur
Pat McArthur admits Glasgow Warriors will have to improve when they take on Connacht in Galway this Saturday
©Press Association
Glasgow Warriors hooker Pat MacArthur is confident of overcoming the challenge that will be posed by Connacht when the two teams take on each other in the semi-final of Pro12 on Saturday.
Connacht has been in top form after finishing second in the table, a position above Glasgow and are heading into the play-off with a six match unbeaten streak at the Sportground.
In the current season, Connacht have defeated Glasgow on both occasions while managing a four-match winning streaking heading into the game on Saturday.
MacArthur, who has represented Scotland in six Tests stated that the challenge of playing the game in Connacht home ground, Sportground, motivates Glasgow to do well.
"The Sportsground is a great place to play. But does it intimidate us? Not at all.
"I'd say the opposite. I love going to play in grounds that are loud, with plenty of passion coming down from the stands, because it gives you a buzz.
"It is a fun environment to play in. If we can get on top, you hear that hush descend and then you can start to hear your own supporters come through. That's what I enjoy.
"We've got a great travelling support and they are usually loud and proud. It's always an amazing feeling when you hear the Glasgow supporters coming through louder than the home fans because we're on top."
Despite, their impressive run of form in this season, Connacht have never made to the semi-final previously in the history of Pro12 since 2004 with their best finish in the group stage has been seventh.
On the other hand, Glasgow are the defending champions of the tournament after claiming the title in 2014/15 and are currently making their fifth consecutive appearance in the play-offs.
Although, Connacht lack big match experience, MacArthur has urged his team not to take the Irish side lightly considering their rich vein of form this season.
"We've analysed last week's game and we've come up with a few more ideas," he said.
"We're going to be up against the majority of the same players and we have put a lot of work into how we need to approach it.
"But really it's about us being better this time than we were last time out.
"We've been in these semi-finals before and we know what is required to get through.
“Connacht have been at the top of the table all season. That is a hard thing to do because when you're up there, everyone is gunning for you. So they have had big games, although not the semis and finals we have experienced."
