Why Glasgow Warriors are not intimidated by SA challenge

10/17/2024 03:11 AM

SPOTLIGHT: Glasgow Warriors scrumhalf George Horne says their victory over the Bulls in last season's URC Final in Pretoria will help the squad's confidence levels on their tour in South Africa.

Franco Smith's side will face the Sharks in Durban this weekend before they head to Cape Town for a match against the Stormers.

They are back in South Africa four months after one of the most famous days in their history when they fought back from being 0-13 down to beat the Bulls 21-16 at Loftus Versfeld to claim last season's United Rugby Championship title.

The Warriors are currently in second place in the standings heading into Saturday's clash in Durban after three wins from four matches in the 2024/2025 season.

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"It's always a huge challenge going over there [South Africa]," Horne told Scottish media.

"They are four of the best teams in the league, especially at home – not many teams beat them out there. So, it will be a huge challenge for us and two massive games before we hit a break for the autumn [November internationals].

"[Winning the Final] definitely instilled a sense of belief in the squad, going away to one of the hardest club grounds in the world and winning there," Horne continued.

"We can do it in front of a packed house in the Final, so why can't we do it now in the regular season?

"It's something we've struggled to do in the last few years, so we're going to have to bring that kind of performance again if we're going to get anything from the games.

"We can't play loose, can't turn over the ball, because these guys will punish you. So, we've got to be pretty disciplined in our game plan."

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Horne knows how important points on the road will be in the race for play-off positions later this season.

"It's easy to get up for a final, especially in front of 55,000 supporters," he added.

"It probably won't be the same the next two weeks – it will be big stadiums but not many supporters. It will be hot.

"It's a regular-season game, so we've got to bring our own intensity, bring our own energy, treat it as if it is a final. Because two wins for us will be massive for the season."

Source: The Offside Line

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