Ulster travel to Glasgow, with the intention of building upon two successive victories in the BKT URC, after wins against Munster and Emirates Lions. The two sides competing this weekend will both be feeling confident in their form, with both making strong starts to the season.
Glasgow sit in second place in the table on 20 points after 5 rounds, behind leaders Leinster on points difference. Ulster are directly behind the Scots, in third place with 18 points on the board.
Morale is high in the Ulster camp, as returning Ireland internationals have been reintegrated back into the squad, to compliment the young talent that is performing at a high level.
Players such as Scott Wilson, Reuben Crothers, Joe Hopes and Lorcan McLoughlin have all made their senior debuts in recent weeks, showing the promising talent coming through.
Established players such as Jacob Stockdale, James Hume and David McCann have also made good starts to the campaign.
Glasgow have a number of players who are in-form heading into the fixture.
Round 5's impressive home win against the previously only unbeaten side, Benetton, was a reminder of how tough it is to beat the Glaswegians on their home ground.
A 26-12 bonus point win, showcased the number of attacking threats the Warriors have, with standout performances from Josh McKay, Sebastian Cancelliere and George Horne on the night.
Franco Smith's side are strong at set pieces, ranking third in the league for lineout success and have a dynamic attacking threat, topping the league for defenders beaten and clean breaks so far.
Glasgow have also welcomed back a number of their Scotland international players back into the fold, with George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Ollie Smith, Sione Tuipulotu and Richie Gray all returning to action.
How It Stands
Match Details
🏟️ Scotstoun Stadium
📅 Sat 25th November
🕰️ 7.35pm
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 6
📺 ViaPlay, URC.tv
📻 BBC Sport NI
Last Time Out
Ulster's last trip to Glasgow was an unsuccessful one, with the home side winning by a six point margin at 17-11.
It was a diffiuclt night for the kickers in awful weather conditions, although a last minute John Cooney penalty ensured Dan McFarland's side left with a losing bonus point.
Ulster fans may remember the match for Academy player, Harry Sheridan, marking his progress with a maiden try for his province.
Two tries in the second half from Jack Dempsey and Fraser Brown made the difference for the home side, who kept their unbeaten run at home ongoing.
Players to Watch
Glasgow Warriors captain, 25 year-old, Stafford McDowall, is leading from the front for Franco Smith's men, winning 9 matches out of the ten he has captained so far.
McDowall is a powerful centre, who carries well and is an all-rounder. A 50:22 in last week's win over Benetton, showed many that he is also capable of a good kicking game when under pressure.
Sebastian Cancelliere had one of the assists of the season so far in Round 5, weaving and ducking his way under contact to set up a well-worked try for Kyle Rowe. The winger was also on the scoresheet in the second half, with some quick thinking on the touchline and inter-changing passes with George Horne to sprint clear. The argentine winger is a fast, skilful player and carries a threat down the right wing for Franco Smith's side.
Sione Tuipulotu is a strong centre, who was also part of the Scotland Rugby World Cup side. The international caused problems for many BKT URC sides last season with his carrying and he will be one to look out for as a big player in the Warriors side.
Did you know?
- Glasgow Warriors’ only loss in the first five rounds of the BKT United was 26-34 at Connacht in Round 2
- The Warriors solitary Championship defeat at Scotstoun since October 2021 was to Munster in last season's quarter final.
- Ulster’s only defeat so far was also inflicted by Connacht 20-22 in Galway in Round 3.
- The Ulstermen’s only defeat to a Scottish opponent since the 2019 semi-final was 11-17 against Glasgow on their most recent visit to Scotstoun last February.
- Ulster have won only twice at Scotstoun in the Championship, 22-17 in 2016 and 19-13 in 2021.