The stars are aligning for URC title-chasing Glasgow with key duo due to return

Nigel Carolan senses things aligning nicely for Glasgow as key duo Jamie Dobie and Huw Jones come back into contention for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against Bulls at Murrayfield.

The assistant coach is heartened by Warriors’ recent form and the fact their injuries are clearing up at the key stage of their bid for a second title in three seasons.

“I said this when we got to the final two years ago, it comes down to two things: momentum and a full deck,” Carolan said at a press conference on Monday.

“I think what we’ve built over the last three games is that little bit of momentum. Even our game there in the quarter-final against Connacht, it was a really good opportunity for us to get battle-hardened.

“The second thing is a full deck. We’ve got guys coming back at a crucial time. Scott Cummings was back on the field last week, Jamie Dobie is very close to a return and Huw Jones is back training again.

“We got away with not too many injuries out of the Connacht game so it puts us in a really good position.”

Asked if scrum-half Dobie and centre Jones have a chance of featuring against the South Africans on Saturday, Carolan said: “Definitely. There are one or two boxes that still need to be ticked off. Maybe that won’t be done today but maybe as we progress through the week.”

The return of Dobie would be particularly timely as fellow scrum-half George Horne is a slight doubt with a hand injury sustained in Friday’s win over Connacht.

“I’d say if George lost his two arms and one of his legs, he’d still want to play at the weekend,” said Carolan. “George is still fighting. He won’t train today, he’s just a little bit bruised but we’re going to give him every chance to get back for Saturday.

“He’s doing alright, he’s just a little bit tender. At the moment we’re preparing and planning that he’s available.

“When you’ve got George on the field and Jamie Dobie, they’re two of the best at what they do. To have one or both of them on the field with us will give us the best chance of success.

“We’re close to a full deck bar the long-term guys, Gregor Brown and Alex Craig.”