Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

European Challenge Cup: Franco Smith hails Glasgow defence as first final looms

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Sunday, 30 April 2023 00:28

Head coach Franco Smith hailed Glasgow's defence and problem-solving after the Warriors reached a maiden European final.

A powerful second-half display sank Scarlets 35-17, setting up a Challenge Cup final against Toulon or Benetton.

Glasgow trailed 14-7 at the break, but blew their opponents away with four converted tries thereafter, keeping the Welsh region at bay at the other end.

"Defence wins finals," said Smith, whose side won the second half 28-3.

"Attack puts you in a position to win it, but it's defence which ultimately wins you trophies.

"That is the most important thing for us as a collective. I felt the way we were defending was good enough. It took a really big effort from the guys.

"Solving problems in-game and on the field is something we've been working to all season. It's something I've actually challenged the players on.

"Last week against Connacht, we had a couple of backs off and [back-row] Matt Fagerson playing centre.

"With things like that, you really need to understand the process of what you're doing. Under pressure here, they had to work it out. That was the chat at half-time."

Before the Dublin final on 19 May, Glasgow host Munster in the URC quarter-finals on 6 May.

Scotland and British and Irish Lions lock Richie Gray was a late withdrawal at Parc y Scarlets having been struggling with illness.

The 33-year-old was due to make his 100th Glasgow appearance, but Smith says he should feature against the Irish province, while praising the impact of replacement JP du Preez.

"That's the best I've seen JP play," he said of the 6ft 10in South African.

"I've coached him with the Cheetahs, I've seen him play for Sale, and tonight he was fantastic, absolutely excellent in what he did.

"Richie will definitely be available for Munster. It wouldn't have been the right thing to play him. Hopefully next week at home he gets a chance.

"Munster are lurking, so there's still a lot of work for us to do this week."

Read 161 times

Soccer

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Galaxy hit 6 to rout Loons; Sounders next in West

Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic each scored twice -- with one goal in each half -- a...

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

Amorim: United set for long period of suffering

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim said Manchester United will have to "suffer for a long...

Liverpool player ratings: Salah stars in comeback win at Southampton

Liverpool player ratings: Salah stars in comeback win at Southampton

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool fought back from 2-1 down on Sunday to secure a 3-2 victo...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

Woodward returns to Dodgers as first-base coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Chris Woodward has been named first-base coach by th...

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated