Representing the city: Why civic pride is a big driver in Glasgow Warriors' history bid

The Warriors have home advantage for Saturday’s quarter-final and host Toulon at Scotstoun, a venue at which they are unbeaten this season.

The French visitors are three-time winners of club rugby’s blue riband tournament but are struggling domestically and sit 11th in the Top 14.

It is a huge opportunity for Glasgow and the reward if they win is a semi-final against either Leinster or Sale at Murrayfield on the first weekend of May.

Smith, the Glasgow head coach, called for cool heads and stressed the importance of the home supporters as they bid to make history.

“I think we're already emotionally charged for this one,” said Smith. “I think the crowd is going to play a massive role to remind us the whole time we’re on the pitch that there's a big purpose in what's happening in the game.”

In terms of sporting profile, the Warriors live in the shadow of Celtic and Rangers but with both halves of the Old Firm having a mediocre season they have a chance to take the spotlight in the city.

“Part of the motivation is to represent Glasgow Warriors, the city of Glasgow, the Warrior Nation as we call them,” added Smith.

“The fact that we're at home and we believed in this from the first day and now that it's happened. Last year we learned a hard lesson in the quarter-final away from home [losing heavily to Leinster in Dublin] and therefore we know how much it means to have home advantage. And hopefully we can get the benefit of that with the support for the players. That's the motivation.”