Glasgow Warriors vs Connacht Predictions - Glasgow to send Connacht packing in URC quarter-final clash

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 58 minutes ago

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Brad Newcomb 58 minutes ago

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Glasgow Warriors are unbeaten at home with 9 consecutive league wins.
Connacht have a 10-game losing streak away to Glasgow.
Glasgow Warriors are favoured to cover the -12.5 handicap in the quarter-final.

Glasgow Warriors are undefeated at home in the URC this season (Getty Images)

The Glasgow Warriors have been in outstanding form at home in the Premiership this season, winning all their matches. Connacht have produced inconsistent results on the road during their campaign and are on a losing streak against Glasgow away from home.

Glasgow Warriors have won 9 consecutive home fixtures (PREM).
Glasgow Warriors have won 10 consecutive home games against Connacht.
Connacht have lost 5 of their last 9 away fixtures (PREM).

Head to Head

The Glasgow Warriors have the advantage with 19 wins to eight over Connacht, including two draws in 29 meetings.

Glasgow Warriors Form

The Glasgow Warriors finished top of the United Rugby Championship standings after a strong campaign, winning 13 of their 18 matches and losing five.

They ended the regular season in first place with 65 points, securing a home quarter-final for their efforts.

Franco Smith's side did all their damage at home during their URC campaign. They defeated the Sharks 35-19, the Dragons 49-0, the Bulls 21-12, Edinburgh 24-12, Zebre 47-10, Munster 31-22, Leinster 38-17, Benetton 31-10, and Cardiff 40-17.

The Glasgow Warriors will fancy their chances of winning their quarter-final, as they have made their home ground a fortress this season, winning nine consecutive league matches, and they have a superb home winning record against Connacht.

Connacht Form

Connacht secured the final quarter-final place in the United Rugby Championship after a late surge in form during the closing stages of their campaign.

The Galway-based side placed eighth in the standings with 54 points from 18 matches, registering 10 victories and eight defeats.

The Westerners have had mixed results away from home in the URC this season. They lost 14-8 to Cardiff, 17-15 to Munster, 48-28 to the Dragons, and 52-17 to Leinster, defeated Zebre 31-15, Ulster 26-19, and the Stormers 33-24, and lost 33-21 to the Lions before defeating Edinburgh 26-5.

Connacht have a tough assignment ahead to emerge victorious in their quarter-final match against the Warriors, as they have lost ten in a row in Glasgow, and their hosts have yet to suffer a defeat on home soil in the Premiership this season.

Team News

Glasgow Warriors

Scott Cummings and Jamie Dobie are expected to return from injury and feature against Connacht, alongside Matt Fagerson.

Gregor Brown is out with a calf injury, while Huw Jones remains unavailable due to a foot injury.

Connacht

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has stated that a victory in the quarter-final will be difficult: “Glasgow have threats in all positions. They’ll be at their very best. Scotstoun is a very difficult place to go and win.

“We need to defend well, there’s no doubt. But equally, I do think our attack, even with limited opportunities against Edinburgh, was good enough to get four tries. So we’ve got that as well. Obviously, one of the key differentials for Glasgow is their driving maul.”

Caolin Blade, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finn Treacy have returned to training and could feature.

Dave Heffernan, Darragh Murray, Sean Jansen, and Harry West are still being assessed, with a decision on their availability expected later this week.

Verdict

Glasgow Warriors v Connacht

The Glasgow Warriors have been in tremendous touch at home this season and are tipped to cover the -12.5 handicap in their URC quarter-final match against Connacht.