Strauss: Resilience is key for Glasgow Warriors

Warriors went down 19-11 away from home, and then 12-9 at Scotstoun last weekend to leave them on the brink of European elimination.

But with another massive game in the GUINNESS PRO12 on the horizon - as they host leaders Munster on Saturday - back row Strauss is calling on his teammates to not be deflated by the defeats.

"The atmosphere is just about back to normal after the Toulouse games," he told the Scottish Daily Record.

"In this profession you learn to get over things quickly because if you dwell on them it only eats into your preparation for subsequent matches.

"All the games we're playing at the moment seem must-win. They are but this match against Munster is vitally important as they're league leaders.

"We also want to build momentum towards our remaining two European pool games early next year.

"It's unlikely Toulouse will lose two games but rugby is a sport of 'what ifs' and you never know what might happen if things go our way in the matches we play, especially if we secure bonus points."

South African Strauss admits the Scottish winter can cause him to cast his mind back to his days with the Golden Lions in Super Rugby.

The 28-year-old was used to sunning himself on the beach in December before he made his switch to Scotstoun in 2012, but insists life is good in Glasgow.

He added: "It's the end of the rugby season in the southern hemisphere so we usually have four weeks off at this time which allows me to spend it at our house on the beach with family and friends in Cape Town.

"Do I miss it? Heck yes, but there are things about Christmas in Glasgow I also love and this experience is standing me in good stead for my rugby career.

"I've already enjoyed my first white Christmas and there are so many different cultures as part of the mix at the Warriors. The boys and the club really go out of the way to make everyone feel welcomed.

"There's a friendly, light-hearted atmosphere around the place and my partner and I have already joined with the others to enjoy Christmas dinners.

"However, we also have a string of important games over the festive period and nothing can detract from that."

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