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Glasgow 'own goal' could come back to haunt them: Thinus Delport
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Former Springbok international and Premier Sports pundit Thinus Delport believes the Bulls have every chance of causing an upset when they take on Glasgow in the semi-finals of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Murrayfield this Saturday.
The match has been switched from Scotstoun to Scottish Rugby’s HQ because work is being carried at their usual home base to transform it to a venue for the Commonwealth Games. And Delport believes that could have played right into the Bulls’ hands.
“The move to Murrayfield could suit the Bulls. South African teams are more used to traditional grass surfaces is and with potentially wet, windy conditions and a powerful set-piece game, it all points towards the type of match they want to play. If Bulls can slow Glasgow down and impose themselves physically, they’ll be dangerous,” said Delport.
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“The Bulls blueprint is effective: a strong, dominant set-piece, gain-line momentum and powerful ball carriers. When they get going forward, they’re tough to stop.
“These two teams are a great match-up and that’s what makes this such a fascinating semi-final – it’s become one of the URC’s genuine rivalries. There’s history between these two and it’s fast becoming like a URC derby match. It’s going to be another big clash.”
Overall, Glasgow have appeared in 12 URC semi-final, losing just twice at home, while the Bulls have won all three of their previous last-four encounters.
The two clubs have met seven times in all competitions since the South African sides joined the URC, with Glasgow edging the head-to-head 4-3, including a 21-16 win in the URC final.
Former Scotland international Chris Paterson, who is also working on the match for Premier Sports, believes Glasgow’s tempo, structure and energy across the team could prove decisive against a Bulls side determined to win the trophy after three final losses in four years.
“When big moments arrive, someone in this Glasgow team always seems to step up. One of Glasgow’s biggest strengths is that they have match-winners from across the squad. It isn’t always the same player, but when the game demands a big contribution, somebody finds a way to deliver,” said Paterson.
Paterson expects a fascinating contrast in styles between two teams capable of winning in very different ways.
“The Bulls have that physicality, particularly at scrum time, that can obliterate teams. They have that collective power that when they need it, they can just dictate games. But it’s a fascinating contest because both sides can win in different ways. The Bulls are finding balance in their game, and Glasgow have the power game when they need it, as well as their headline attacking threats.”
Leinster take on The Stormers in the second semi-final at the Aviva Stadium.
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