Lineen relishing Murrayfield factor
Jealous friends: Lineen says Kiwis crave HEC atmosphere and intensity
Glasgow coach Sean Lineen claims the Heineken Cup has become the envy of the southern hemisphere countries - and admits he would love to be involved in next year's Murrayfield final.
Lineen, who was born and raised in Auckland, and whose father played for the New Zealand All Blacks between 1957 and 1960, became the original 'kilted Kiwi' when he made his international debut for Scotland in 1989.
"All my friends and family down in New Zealand are so jealous of the Heineken Cup," he explained.
"They are trying so many things now in the Super 14 to get that tournament up to speed because they realise how fantastic the Heineken Cup is.
"They look at the crowds and the atmosphere and the intensity that it's played at, and they know it is as close as you'll get to international rugby.
"It's because there is a reason for it, it's not just a case of throwing fourteen teams into a competition and letting them get on with it, the players know what they are playing for and they love it."
Lineen was speaking at Edinburgh Castle after it had been announced that the 2009 Heineken Cup final will be played in the Scottish capital.
He claimed home advantage could be an important motivating factor for the nation's professional teams next year, as Glasgow and Edinburgh try to establish themselves among the elite clubs in European rugby.
"It is a fantastic achievement for Scotland and the SRU to have got the final coming here next year because it is a magnificent event," Lineen said.
"And from a Scottish point of view, having it on our doorstep will obviously add a little bit more bite to next season for us.
"We've made some progress at Edinburgh and Glasgow this year - not a huge amount because we want to be right at the top - but as long as we keep going in the right direction and we get that respect, then that is what is important.
"I'm a realist and the only team that has less money than us in the Magners League is Connacht.
"You look at the quality of players being signed by our rival clubs at the moment - for example, Kees Meeuws is apparently going to the Scarlets - and we don't have the ability to recruit like that.
"But what we do have is Scottish pride, we're well-organised and the players have the belief now, so hopefully we can start to show the consistency we need week-in and week-out. That's what we need to be serious contenders.
"We came close to making it through a tough pool last season, so hopefully we can go one better this year."