James Eddie reckons Glasgow Warriors will win the Guinness Pro12 because of the heartbreak they suffered in last season's play-off final.

Gregor Townsend's men were beaten 34-12 by Leinster in May in the league championship decider but they get an early chance of revenge on Saturday when the Irish cracks arrive at Scotstoun for the opening game in this term's campaign.

Eddie said: "It really was heartbreaking to lose in the final after getting to the semi-final in each of the two previous seasons. We know we need to go one better.

"It was gutting, not just for the guys who played but for the whole squad.

"Having Leinster first in this season's campaign is the perfect time to get them - and hopefully we'll get a bit of revenge.

"They have been one of the best teams in Europe over the past few seasons but we know if we do the wee things well we have a great chance of beating them.

"There is 100% confidence that we can win the Pro12. There would be a problem if there wasn't a belief there.

"We've all been talking for the last two months about our first game of the season and needing to start well. Winning becomes a culture and we want that to start again on Saturday."

Eddie reckons Glasgow has never been in better shape to do just that.

The big flank forward said: "I would say this is about the best a Glasgow side has ever looked at this stage. We were ready for Harlequins in our first game - it was their third and we only lost by a point.

"We're the fittest we have ever been. We lost a few big guys last season but since then we have recruited really well.

"It's the biggest Glasgow squad I've been involved in and we have real strength in depth all over."

Eddie has seen some dramatic changes at Warriors since he first joined the club in 2006.

He said: "It's been unbelievable how the club has grown. When I was first at Glasgow it was a 33-man squad, we had two physios. We spent half the day in the car travelling to and from venues because it was so spread out.

"But now you just arrive at Scotstoun and you are there all day. Everything has just gone up so many levels, we all strive to be the best. It's fantastic to be a part of it."