'It wasn't our mission to be top of the league'

Franco Smith insists there is more improvement to come from Glasgow Warriors after steering them to the top of the URC.

The South African, in his second season at the helm, has Warriors four points clear with three fixtures of the regular season to go, starting with Saturday's meeting with Bulls in Pretoria.

"It wasn't our mission to be on top of the league," said Smith. "It was all about us improving, getting better, understanding the conditions this time around.

"We're still growing and there's a lot of experience to be gained in that regard. For us it is to say 'let's be a better team going back home regardless of the result.'

"The boys have worked hard the whole season and I think that gives them confidence in the plan and the approach for this week."

Smith insists his side's focus hasn't changed as a result of topping the table.

"We still have a long journey," he added. "We didn't allow us to be distracted by being the league leaders and that this was secondary to anything we've tried to achieve."

Scotland prop Murphy Walker makes his comeback from a long injury lay-off for Glasgow in South Africa this weekend.

"He's an eager guy and he wants to contribute," Smith said.

"He's already played for Scotland more than the club which means he was really eager to come and start his journey with us again. It was important to channel the energy and also the expectation.

"The compliment sits in how hard he's worked when he was not able to play. His physical development was really an emphasis, he's worked hard at it and I think he's ready to come and play now on the big stage."