Fagerson aiming for home improvements

• 15 Nov 2023
• Interviews

Matt Fagerson believes there is still more to come from Glasgow Warriors as the BKT United Rugby Championship season continues to gather pace, beginning with Saturday night’s Scottish-Italian Shield clash with Benetton at Scotstoun.

Despite sitting joint top of the standings after the opening four rounds of fixtures, the Scotland back-rower was keen to underline that the Warriors have yet to hit top gear in the 2023/24 campaign.

“We went down to Swansea [to play the Ospreys] with the goal of getting the win and – ideally – the full five points, as we knew that we’d left a bonus-point out there against the Stormers the week before,” Fagerson told glasgowwarriors.org.

“It was probably a game for the purists, which in a way was actually quite satisfying – being able to grind it out and win in a different way shows that we’re capable of finding ways to get the right result. We’re pleased to have got the job done, but we know there’s plenty to work on ahead of this weekend.

“In wet conditions and against a defence as well-drilled as the Ospreys defence, we knew it would be tough, but we know we still need to find ways to get our attack clicking.

“Towards the end of the match we found our way into gear, but knowing we need to find that full 80-minute performance is probably our biggest takeaway from the weekend.”

Next up for Franco Smith’s squad is a test against the only unbeaten team remaining in the BKT URC, with Benetton boasting a record of three wins and a draw from their four outings to date.

Fagerson, like the rest of his team-mates, is under no illusion as to the stature of the test that lies in store under the floodlights this Saturday.

“Benetton have improved so much over the last four or five years,” he said.

“Half of their squad was at the Rugby World Cup and as a team, they’ve really progressed over recent seasons.

“They’ll pose a lot of threats and they’re unbeaten in the league for a reason, but we’re looking forward to the challenge that lies in store.”

Key to overcoming that challenge will be the noise of the Warrior Nation, as the Scotstoun faithful settle in for the first act of a home double-header for their team.

It’s a noise that in no way goes unnoticed by the 23 players selected to compete on the field, with Fagerson already relishing the prospect of hearing the Scotstoun roar if selected for Saturday’s clash.

“It’s going to be a huge night,” grinned the back-rower.

“The supporters bring such a brilliant energy to every match here, and the boys love it.

“They say there’s no place like home and Scotstoun definitely backs that up when the Warrior Nation comes out in full force.”