Glasgow Warriors v Zebre, 10 May

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Glasgow Warriors v Zebre

Saturday 10 May 2014, KO 18:30
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow

Live on BBC ALBA/Sport Mediaset

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU, 65th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Graeme Marshall (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Paul Minto (SRU)
TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)

A. Teams:

I. Glasgow

15. Stuart Hogg
14. Sean Lamont
13. Alex Dunbar
12. Peter Horne
11. Niko Matawalu
10. Duncan Weir
09. Henry Pyrgos

01. Ryan Grant
02. Pat MacArthur
03. Moray Low
04. Tim Swinson
05. Al Kellock (Captain)
06. James Eddie
07. Chris Fusaro
08. Leone Nakarawa

16. Dougie Hall
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Geoff Cross
19. Rob Harley
20. Tyrone Holmes
21. Ruaridh Jackson
22. Lee Jones
23. Peter Murchie

II. Zebre

15 David ODIETE
14 Giulio TONIOLATTI
13 Gonzalo GARCIA
12 Giovanbattista VENDITTI
11 Dion BERRYMAN
10 Tommaso IANNONE
09 Guglielmo PALAZZANI

08 Samuela VUNISA
07 Andries VAN SCHALKWYK
06 Mauro BERGAMASCO
05 Marco BORTOLAMI (cap)
04 Quintin GELDENHUYS
03 Dario CHISTOLINI
02 Davide GIAZZON
01 Salvatore PERUGINI

16 Tommaso D’APICE
17 Matias AGUERO
18 Dave RYAN
19 George BIAGI
20 Emiliano CAFFINI
21 Alberto CHILLON
22 Filippo FERRARINI
23 Filippo CRISTIANO

B. Form - head to head:

3 Played 3
3 Wins 0
0 Losses 0
0 Draws 0
11 Tries 5
9 Conversions 5
3 Penalties 7
0 Drop Goals
82 Points 56
24 Avg. Age 27

C. Form - this season & last:

Fri 28 September 2012, 19:35
Glasgow Warriors 22 - 19 Zebre
Scotstoun

Sun 10 February 2013, 15:05
Zebre 20 - 36 Glasgow Warriors
Stadio XXV Aprile

Fri 27 Sepember 2013, 19:30
Zebre 17 - 24 Glasgow Warriors
Stadio XXV Aprile

George Carlin wrote:Rabo website has usually updated to 'preview' status now for each fixtures, which lists the referees used, gives a short preview and confirms TV rights. They're a bit slow this week.

I think they're a bit tired. It must have been tough work coming up with that dream team...

OP updated. The gorgeous Msr Alain Rolland presiding.

Msr. Rolland huh ! Stop - start game then ! Look at me! I must be the centre of attraction ! I am more attractive than Steve Walsh ! Msr Rolland

George Carlin wrote:OP updated. The gorgeous Msr Alain Rolland presiding.

This will be for his linguistic capabilities. Rumour has it he speaks fluent Ned.

Glasgow : Whatever It Takes (Except For Soap and Elocution Lessons)

Well just remember he is retiring at the end of this season so we won't need to deal with him for long   

However, this is one of his last games so he may be looking to make sure everyone remembers him once he is gone  

Hogg, the mindless thug with a bad attitude, better watch out. Rolland has been known to brandish a red card in big matches before. He won't shy away from punishing loutish behaviour.

couple of points worth noting!

1 - You cannot call Edinburgh the pretty ladies! Have you not seen Nel?
2 - Glasgow need a home semi more than they need rested players. Do not take Zebre lightly. They have run the weegies close and have ecently beaten Edinburgh (no laughing back there)
3 - I can see Al Kellock playing in this game as not only may it be his last game of the season, it may be his last game ever

Play-off arrangement s confirmed

http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/news/14/05/07/important-play-ticketing-information

It will be at scotstoun, with a 10000 capacity.

Have Glasgow qualified for a home semi-final?

Shades of England pre-printing those 2011 grand slam T-shirts if you ask me.....

To be fair there's lots of caveats in there about having to wait until after the game to see what happens!

FES, first you call us Welsh, now you call us English (twice)... 

Crikey - Edinburgh fan bitterness just seems to be oozing through these posts. I've slipped on it twice already and just had to open a window to let that acrid smell of sour grapes out.

Either that or a bottle of FES' Puligny Montrachet is corked.

Hey I've not said anything bad!

RDW_Scotland wrote:To be fair there's lots of caveats in there about having to wait until after the game to see what happens!

I chose to ignore those.

There is something a bit "Sir Clive Woodward" about this Glasgow set-up. I can't quite put my finger on it.....

George Carlin wrote:Crikey - Edinburgh fan bitterness just seems to be oozing through these posts. I've slipped on it twice already and just had to open a window to let that acrid smell of sour grapes out.

Either that or a bottle of FES' Puligny Montrachet is corked.

Hmmm, on a Scots law firm salary it's more likely to be Oyster Bay.....

  

Yes indeed 'the rugby establishment ' just can't get it yet can they ? Blah ha ha   

Fingers crossed we get the home semi - as will be a massive boost to our chances of making the final.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Crikey - Edinburgh fan bitterness just seems to be oozing through these posts. I've slipped on it twice already and just had to open a window to let that acrid smell of sour grapes out.

Either that or a bottle of FES' Puligny Montrachet is corked.

Hmmm, on a Scots law firm salary it's more likely to be Oyster Bay.....

  

What's wrong wi Chateau Bucky 2014?

jerry yanayanu signs on for a year - must mean Mike the Coo is gubbed big time - or am I on the wrong side here ?   

Yep Jerry is a loosehead but the lack of news about the Coo is very worrying..

Covers on at Scotstoun - heavy rain forecast overnight !  

Very very happy with that team as key players are being rested and this is still a strong team out.
Toonies's surprise of the day is Nakarawa at 8! really looking forward to this now.

Looks a decent team and should be strong enough to squeeze past Zebre.  It does look like Russel and Cus will be the starting half backs in the semi which is very pleasing. Low is given a send off as I am sure Welsh will be given the 3 jersey next week. Overall a decent team with a little bit of Toonie madness with Naka starting at 8!!

A strong enough team, but in most positions it almost a 2nd XV.

Nakawara at 8 could be amazing. Can't wait to see that.

Good selection, those who needed a rest get a rest, Strauss, Gray Welsh and Russell in particular. Those that need some game time, Hoggy, Lamont, Dunbar and Horne are playing.

This team should be strong enough to see off the Italians, even if the weather is likely to even things up a little bit. Expect Niko to come into SH in the second half and Big Naka probably back into the second row when Kellock tires and Rob Harley comes on.

It probably is not our strongest team, but what is? An awful lot of those players will still fancy their chances of playing in the playoffs and will be very keen to put down a marker. This competition for places has really driven the team on this year. Toonie was a man with a plan and most of us doubted it at times this year. It seems to have worked though!

Zebre team:

15 David ODIETE*
14 Giulio TONIOLATTI
13 Gonzalo GARCIA
12 Giovanbattista VENDITTI*
11 Dion BERRYMAN
10 Tommaso IANNONE*
9 Guglielmo PALAZZANI
8 Samuela VUNISA
7 Andries VAN SCHALKWYK
6 Mauro BERGAMASCO
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (cap)
4 Quintin GELDENHUYS
3 Dario CHISTOLINI
2 Davide GIAZZON
1 Salvatore PERUGINI

16 Tommaso D’APICE*
17 Matias AGUERO
18 Dave RYAN
19 George BIAGI
20 Emiliano CAFFINI
21 Alberto CHILLON
22 Filippo FERRARINI*
23 Filippo CRISTIANO

I think this is the first time i ever see a team with a 7-1 forwards split on the bench   

It'll be good to see Naka given some space to run a bit - always impressive when he gets the chance.

I'm worried at the lack of dedicated centre cover on the bench, as the likely replacements of Hogg, Lamont, Murchie or Jackson not specialists by any means. Still, I don't suppose it'll matter too much this week, and giving Bennett and Russell a rest is absolutely vital.

Very happy with that team. The backline really looks superb, all things considered.

Should be enough to put away Zebre, but Weir needs to kick his goals on what should be a pretty stinky night. I presume that this is why Jackson is not playing. I agree that it looks like the semi final hinge will be Cus and either Russell or Jackson, which is fine.

jimbopip wrote:It's a tricky one Dot. Glasgow need to win but they also need everyone match fit for the following week.
If Shlong is fit, and Toonie seemed to be saying he was then he needs to start. Maitland and Seymour are on great form and can be rested to keep them fresh. Horne probably needs more game time, so Dunbar-Horne in the centres.
So,
15. Hogg
14.Shlong
13. Horne
12. Dunbar
11.Niko (does Isles get into the 23? If not now then why sign him?)
10. Weir/ Jacko
This set of backs should be too good for Zebre.

Interestingly , this leaves the Messiah in limbo.   However I'm certain he'll feature in the semi.
For the play offs we then can begin to consider
Murchie
Maitland
Vernon
Bennett,
Seymour
Russell
and Lee Jones and George Carlin Isles.
If we don't score tries with those players to choose from then grits ain't groceries and Mona Lisa was a man. As they say.

Boy, that Toonie sure knows how to pick a set of backs.  
This team should hammer Zebre, but the interesting thing is the players "rested". They will be desperate to play in the semi, while the starters tomorrow will be playing for their places.
I think the Muppetometer can be taken to the next Antiques Roadshow along with FES's programme from the MFL's last famous win (over Lord Kitchener's Domestic Staff XV).

Obviously good strength in depth in the Glasgow squad but I'd be interested in hearing Warriors fan's opinions of which, if any, positions they could do to sign more options for before next season?

MacKnocked, for me we need to recruit at scrum half and tighthead.

Re-signing Big Jerry is good news, but if The Mighty Coo isn't fit for next season we'll have to look for a replacement.

Losing Sean Kennedy and Cusiter in the space of a year does rather limit our options there. An awful lot of pressure will be placed on Allie Price, so I'd like to see a solid third-place option brought in to compete. I honestly know who would be our first choice out of Henry and Niko.

IanBru wrote:Dot, for me we need to recruit at scrum half and tighthead.

Re-signing Big Jerry is good news, but if The Mighty Coo isn't fit for next season we'll have to look for a replacement.

Losing Sean Kennedy and Cusiter in the space of a year does rather limit our options there. An awful lot of pressure will be placed on Allie Price, so I'd like to see a solid third-place option brought in to compete. I honestly know who would be our first choice out of Henry and Niko.

Cusiter going is a big loss I would say, it would be great if Glasgow could maintain the largely SQ make up of their squad with whoever they need to sign. Alex Allan has obviously signed as a tighthead and has played for Scotland A already so I guess he's going to feature a bit next year. Wonder if another lock might be needed also as Kellock must be close to calling it a day.

I'd say let's not get too carried away with this one - it's by no means in the bag until that final whistle is blown

And the prize for "Most clichés in one posting while simultaneously painting a white line on the A414" goes to ...

I'm finished on the 414 for today, buddy, and am now on Rayley Lane

MacKnocked-on wrote:Wonder if another lock might be needed also as Kellock must be close to calling it a day.

Jaysis. Fecker is only a teenager in lock terms. Brad Thorn was already PLAYING rugby when he was born.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

MacKnocked-on wrote:Wonder if another lock might be needed also as Kellock must be close to calling it a day.

Jaysis. Fecker is only a teenager in lock terms. Brad Thorn was already PLAYING rugby when he was born.

Young lad over at the MFLs showing some potential that we could have - Gilchrist. Wasted in the east

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

MacKnocked-on wrote:Wonder if another lock might be needed also as Kellock must be close to calling it a day.

Jaysis. Fecker is only a teenager in lock terms. Brad Thorn was already PLAYING rugby when he was born.

Young lad over at the MFLs showing some potential that we could have - Gilchrist.  Wasted in the east

they are a feeder club for us....

Anyone know where Ryan Wilson is - he is not shown as injured and was beginning to play well ?

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Anyone know where Ryan Wilson is - he is not shown as injured and was beginning to play well ?

He is injured. I am sure he was listed as such earlier today.

Yes, listed as injured, which is why Big Naka is playing at 8

Re positions that we may need to cover- think a big bruiser that plays 6/8 would be needed . At the moment we have only Harley and Eddie at 6 , Strauss and Wilson at 8.couple of injuries or Scotland call ups and we are pretty exposed also as MacKnocked pointed out, we could have the same situation at lock soon. In a perfect world someone who could cover 4,5, 6 and 8 !

luvtotup wrote:In a perfect world someone who could cover 4,5, 6 and 8 !

Two words: De Luca

I don't see Kellock retiring this year. He will play on for at least another season and still be a very influential figure in the club, we just won't see him in the best available 23 any more. There is still plenty of scope for him as a squad player though. In the second row we have Ryder as well who has had a lot of injuries this but is still a decent player. He made the Rabo dream team a couple of years ago remember and got capped. I doubt that will happen again, but still a very good fill in.

I don't think we are that short in the 6/8 department either as Strauss, Wilson, Eddie and Harley can all mix and match a bit. It looks like we can chuck Big Naka into that mix as well. Hopefully Ashe will come back from NZ a much better player as well.

Where we are potentially short is at TH. It is not clear if Coo or Kalman (this is his second back op I think) are going to be fit again. Welsh I really can see coming into the Scotland reckoning, which is great but will take him away for plenty of the season. Could Murray be on his way back, I would not say no to that, he needs to keep in the shop window if he wants to play one last world cup.

We may or may not be short at SH as well. I guess it depends on how confident we are about Price (who remains an unknown quantity because of his injury) and McConnell to back up Henry and Niko. If we bring in another established player then it means the kids are not going to get any game time, which may not be the best option in the longer term.

You could argue that we need another FH as well. With Jacko and I imagine Wight being released it only leaves Russell and Weir, both of whom may have some international commitments. Horne can fill in, but it not where he should play. Maybe this means Hoggy will get to move up and have a bash. We have proved we can live without him at FB so it is an option or maybe someone else has been lined up. Perhaps Heathcote will end up playing for Glasgow not Edinburgh next year, it would certainly be a better career move for him.

We don't really need to add all that much for next year!

luvtotup wrote:Re positions that we may need to cover- think a big bruiser that plays 6/8 would be needed .

I know of a baldy feller called Strokosch who would fit the bill.

Regardless of what happens during the rest of the season Glasgow need to be targeting success both Domestically and in Europe next year so any players we sign should be young, Scottish or full of potential and high quality players who will push us forward like Ruan Piennar not, with all due respect, squad filling mercenaries like Andries Strauss at Edinburgh, who would have absolutely no impact on Glasgow's squad at all. If Glasgow need a scrum-half they need to to target a marquee signing who can dictate a game and or put all their faith in Pyrgos, Matawalu and a young Scottish scrum half. I think the same in the second-row if Kellock goes, I know from a reliable source that even he has all but given up on his international career at least, an older reliable Second-row who can mentor Gray, and partner Ryder or Nakarawa during international periods.

At SH we have just given Murray McConnell a contract from Ayr. Pretty well covered there. I know he is hardly a Cusiter replacement but we have 4 9s on the books Niko, Pyrgos, Price and McConnell. Bringing local lad (well Paisley tbh) Stroker back from Perpignan would be good. His belligerent style would fit in with The Warriors but with Harley playing out his skin, Strauss and Jedi (also a good season while used sparingly) all 6s too maybe we are well covered there. Harley will tour with Scotland and should be in the team for the AIs as Cotter is not a complete idiot like Johnson .

From Friday's Evening Times :-

Speaking in today's Evening Times, Moray said: "All good things come to an end and you reach a point, no matter how much you have enjoyed yourself at a club, when it is time to freshen things up.

"But while I am looking forward to joining up with Exeter, I am channelling all my energies into doing everything I can to help us go all the way in the PRO12.

"The competition for places is just so intense, but at Glasgow we have a fantastic team spirit and when you are not in the side you do everything you can to back the boys who are playing and support them.

"Pro rugby is all about having the best depth you can because the attrition rate is so high in the modern game, and everyone in the Glasgow squad has played his part this season.

"But there is still a lot of rugby to be played, starting with Zebre tonight, and we can't be looking further forward than them.

"Traditionally, Italian sides are very good at scrummaging and Zebre are very strong in the set-piece.

"They also have an excellent driving-maul and I really rate their scrum-half Brendon Leonard who, in my opinion, does everything a good scrum-half should and makes a real pain of himself around the scrum.

"So we know they will look to take us on up front and really try and get a shove on.

"But the one thing we can't let them do is get the better of the early battles in contact."

After eight years with Glasgow, Moray is in the perfect position to see how the club has developed on and off the pitch, saying: "When I look around at Scotstoun and think back to our days at Hughenden it just leaves me shaking my head.

"We have come so far during my spell with the club. When I arrived here we were competitive at home, but nobody expected anything on the road.

"Sean Lineen changed that, though, and now here we are on the cusp of our first-ever home play-off semi-final and we have a game at Scotstoun to get there.

"So this is the chance we have waited for all these years, and it is vital that we leave nothing in the locker as we try to get over the line. The fact that to do so we can set a new club record of eight consecutive victories in the process is another huge incentive. But, believe me, motivation won't be a problem."