Fired-up Ally Kellock believes Glasgow are on the brink of ripping off their “nearly men” label and ready to take on the mantle of champions.
The Warriors captain issued his verdict as they stepped up preparations for this weekend’s crucial Pro12 derby clash with struggling Edinburgh at Scotstoun.
He reckons his squad-mates have learned their lesson from three semi-final defeats in four years and can go the whole way.
A full haul of points will hoist Glasgow into second slot, with only Treviso and Zebre still to play in the regular league campaign, so a home-turf semi showdown is on the cards.
Kellock insists the Saturday night derby will be a “ferocious” affair, irrespective of what is at stake.
He added: “It always is like that when we take on Edinburgh. So many motivating factors go into the match.
“It will be a special game of rugby with a special atmosphere created by a crowd of 10,000. Losing at the last-four stage can affect you in one of two ways.
“If you end up feeling sorry for yourself, you won’t make the semi-final the following year or get anywhere near it. On the other hand, it can motivate you to make sure you go one better next time.
“We have learnt a lot of harsh lessons from losing those semi-finals.
“You work so hard all season and you give so much only to end up asking yourself: ‘What more could we have done?’
“You look back at a game the previous October or November which you should have won but didn’t. Last season we probably peaked a little early. Now I feel we’re coming into form at the right time.”
Kellock added: “The fans have seen a steady improvement since the time we were bottom of the league eight years ago and competition for places is tougher now than it’s ever been.”