One of the downsides of knockout sport is that the end can come rushing up to meet you before you’re ready for it.
There is an added finality about these United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs, a loss resulting in an immediate end to the season, the vanquished left to brood over what might have been for the remainder of a long summer.
OIi Kebble hopes Saturday’s quarter-final tie against the Stormers won’t be a last outing for both him and Glasgow. The Scotland prop is preparing to move on from Scotstoun after seven years, his next destination yet to be revealed.
The South African-born forward is remaining coy about his future plans but given his gripes about the Scottish weather, it is fair to surmise he won’t be joining teammates Ali Price and Ross Thompson by signing for Edinburgh. A return to South Africa or a stint in France seem more likely.
“It came out last week [that he was leaving] but I knew for a while,” says the 31-year-old.
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“I don’t want to say anything more than that. I think we have to wait for it to be released by whoever’s releasing it. It will come out eventually. I’ll worry about leaving after [the end of the season]. I’m very much focused on performing well for this team until then.”
There is added poignancy this weekend for Kebble with his former club lining up in opposition. Warriors faltered at this stage a year ago, going down to eventual champions Munster, but Kebble senses a desire to make amends as he looks to bow out on a high.
“Yeah, 100%. Missing out in that [Pro14] final in 2019, losing a few [other play-off games] - I don’t really count the Challenge Cup, because that’s a one-off – but the amount of times we have done well in the league and not finished with a trophy at the end of it…it would be nice to leave with some silverware. That’s the plan.
“It’s making sure we peak at the right time. I don’t know if Franco [Smith] would agree with me but I’m quite happy we didn’t play well against Zebre [last weekend] and we are saving our best rugby for the finals.
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“It would be the worst thing ever if we had pumped Zebre 80-0 and then lost in the quarter-finals. Hopefully we are peaking at the right time, saving a few things for those games to come and end off by winning the competition.”
Much is made about the logistical and other challenges that face every European team heading to play in South Africa. But does the same apply in reverse?
“I think so - the travel is pretty difficult for either side,” confirms Kebble. “I don’t know what day the Stormers are flying over, but it will make it difficult for them. We had a bit of it in Super Rugby when I was there. You find out quite late and then all of a sudden you have to fly to New Zealand.
“They will be used to that sort of thing but it’s obviously not an advantage to be travelling this far. But we are taking them extremely seriously. They are a really good side and we need to be 10 out of 10 to beat them.”
Kebble’s exit perhaps isn’t a huge surprise with Glasgow well stocked at loosehead, with Jamie Bhatti and Nathan McBeth under contract and former British Lion Rory Sutherland arriving in the summer to provide another option.
Kebble has long accepted a new challenge awaits and believes it gives him the mental space to play with a bit of freedom in this quarter-final and, hopefully beyond. This is likely Glasgow’s final home game of the season regardless of how it goes and the prop wants to make the most of it.
“I think I’m playing with a bit more freedom now, just because it’s out there in public that I’m leaving and there’s not something to hide about anymore,” he adds.
“I can just go out and enjoy it and not get too stressed that it’s potentially your last ever game at Scotstoun, but just make sure you enjoy every minute out there. That’s what I’ll be doing. Most likely a semi-final will be away from home so if selected, it’s about enjoying the moment.”
And when the time comes what will he miss most about Glasgow?
“The good weather!” he adds sarcastically. “Just the people…the staff, players, commercial team, everyone.
"It will be tough not to see everyone every day. That will definitely be the toughest part about leaving. I’ve had a couple nights out here too…it’s been pretty good. But if I’m honest, I won’t miss the p******* rain in January.”
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