Glasgow Warriors to face Connacht in the final league game of BKT United Rugby Championship. Game kicks off at 7:35pm on Saturday.
Glasgow Warriors are set to host Connacht in the upcoming BKT United Rugby Championship match. The two teams have a long-standing history, having faced each other 37 times in the past. Glasgow has come out on top in 24 matches, while Connacht has won 10 matches, with three ending in a draw.
Where do Connacht stand?
Connacht get a bonus point victory and they will 99% secure Champions Cup next season and probably 6th place in the league. Click here for full breakdown of different scenarios for Connacht finishing position.Â
Impressive Home Record for Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors have an impressive record at home, having not suffered a defeat in the BKT United Rugby Championship since October 2021 when they faced Leinster. The team will be hoping to continue this run and secure another victory at Scotstoun.
Recent Form of Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors have been in good form in recent months, having lost only one match in any competition since the end of November. Their only defeat came at the hands of Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on 25 February. Additionally, the team has won their last two fixtures against Irish provinces, following a loss to Leinster at the RDS Arena in November of last year.
Connacht’s Winning Streak
Connacht are currently on a six-match winning streak in the BKT United Rugby Championship, and they will be hoping to extend this run in their upcoming match against Glasgow. Another victory would see them set a new record for the competition.
Connacht’s Recent Win Over Edinburgh and CardiffÂ
Connacht’s victory over Edinburgh in Round 16 was an impressive one, with the team scoring 41 points in the process. However, they have not managed to beat both Scottish opponents in the same campaign since 2020/21. The team will be hoping to rectify this and secure a win against Glasgow.
Head-to-Head Record between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht
Connacht has only managed to beat Glasgow once in their last eight encounters, with that win coming in Galway in the opening round of the 2020/21 season. Additionally, the team has not been successful on Glasgow soil since their victory at the Firhill Arena in September 2010.
Team news for Glasgow Warriors v Connacht RugbyÂ
Glasgow Warriors
An all-international front-row sees Argentinian prop Lucio Sordoni start at tight-head, joining Scotland pair Allan Dell and Fraser Brown at the coal face.
Scott Cummings and Richie Gray start in the second-row, the pair having made an impact off the bench in last Friday’s win over the Scarlets.
Sione Vailanu shifts to the openside to accommodate the returning Jack Dempsey at number eight, Rory Darge completing the back-row by slotting in on the blindside flank.
The half-backs are unchanged from last Friday’s win, meaning Ali Price and Tom Jordan once again combine in the nine and 10 jerseys.
Sam Johnson starts alongside skipper McDowall in the midfield, the pair having shut down the Scarlets attack to good effect in the driving rain at Scotstoun.
Jamie Dobie is the only alteration to the backline in the week in which he put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club, replacing club captain Kyle Steyn on the wing in a back-three completed by Cole Forbes and Huw Jones.
After his Player of the Match-winning display last time out, Zander Fagerson rotates to the bench to join Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews as the front-row cover.
JP du Preez and Lewis Bean do likewise after starting against the Scarlets, with Matt Fagerson covering the back-row in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.
George Horne comes into the matchday squad after being rested last time out, whilst Domingo Miotti wears the number 23 jersey to complete the cohort of replacements.
Connacht Rugby
John Porch returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, replacing Diarmuid Kilgallen who has picked up a hamstring strain. The absence of Jarrad Butler from injury means OisÃn Dowling starts in the second row, with Josh Murphy moving to blindside flanker and and Cian Prendergast to number 8.
Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki unfortunately miss out due to illness, which means there are starts for Byron Ralston – his first since an ankle injury in January – and Cathal Forde.
Connacht head into the game knowing a win would guarantee at least a 6th place finish regardless of results elsewhere, which effectively ensures Heineken Champions Cup rugby next season.
A win would also be Connacht’s 7th straight in the United Rugby Championship, which would be an all-time record for the club in the 20+ year history of the competition.
Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said:
“Enormous credit must go to the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff that we currently find ourselves in this position. Our backs were against the wall after the start we had, so to produce six straight wins – with each game more important than the last – speaks volumes of the character of the group. We can’t wait for the playoffs but for now it’s all about finishing as high as we can and bringing Champions Cup rugby back to The Sportsground next season.
There’ll be plenty of external noise as the results come in tomorrow, but for us the objective won’t change regardless of what happens elsewhere. We know a win gives us at least 6th which would be enough for qualification, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Conclusion and Prediction
The upcoming match between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht promises to be an intriguing encounter. Glasgow will be looking to maintain their impressive home record, but may rest their usual starters.
Connacht will be hoping to continue their winning streak and secure a victory over their Scottish opponents and secure Champions Cup rugby for 2023.
Glasgow still have very little to play for against Connacht. The loss of Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen is big, but Id hope Connacht can still secure a win.
