“Being back at Scotstoun was our motivation” | Ally Miller

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Warriors' Alex Samuel applauds at full time during a pre-season friendly between Glasgow Warriors and Zebre Parma at Scotstoun Stadium, on September 30, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Ally Miller caught up with glasgowwarriors.org after the game to share his thoughts on how the first game went.

“Being back playing at Scotstoun was our motivation during the week.   We love playing at home so it was great getting a crowd into Scotstoun again.”

With the game being a preseason friendly the full squad reached 26 players, with many of them academy and partnership players.

“It’s brilliant to be able to play alongside so many young talented players.  It shows the connection with the likes of Ayrshire Bulls, obviously Luca (Bardelli) getting his try in the corner was great.  Boys like Corey Tait, who only came into two days ago, being able to pick up information quickly and get into our systems is really positive.

“The guys were taking opportunities and (cliché incoming) there is obviously a lot to learn from each game. But for an initial hit out, I think there were a lot of positives to take out and an exciting brand of rugby was played.”

Speaking on how he felt the game went, Miller said, “Defensively we were really good.  We have worked on that a lot this week.  We were using this game as an end to our week’s training.  We spent a lot of time working on our defensive structures and how to slow down breakdowns.

“Our shape, especially in the first half, we were moving Zebre around and putting them under pressure.  A lot of positives to take into next week’s game.

Despite a wet start when the gates opened and Scotland playing against Romania (Men) and Spain (Women).  The Warrior Nation still showed up to support the team.

“It was brilliant to hear the Warrior Nation.  The weather held off, just about and the Warrior Nation was noisy as ever.  It was great to see all their faces after so long away.  It was great to get them back into Scotstoun and get them cheering for some wonderful tries.”

Glasgow Warriors will travel to Ulster next weekend for their final preseason game before the BKT United Rugby Championship starts on October 22.