Fagerson proud of team performance

• 13 Jan 2024
• Reaction

Zander Fagerson expressed his pride at a Glasgow Warriors performance that almost yielded a famous victory at Sandy Park yesterday afternoon, with only a late TMO intervention denying the men in black from picking up an invaluable win on the road in the Investec Champions Cup.

A losing bonus-point provided scant consolation for Fagerson and company as Exeter Chiefs edged a 19-17 win in Devon, the travelling contingent of the Warrior Nation inside Sandy Park staying behind long after the full-time whistle to acclaim their side’s efforts.

It was an effort that Fagerson himself was also quick to highlight post-match, the tight-head admitting that while the result stung, the performance will set the standard for the remainder of the season.

“I’m really proud of the boys after that one,” the Scotland prop told glasgowwarriors.org.

“It’s a tough decision to take right at the end and it’s tough not to come away with the win, but that performance showed what Glasgow Warriors rugby is all about. Some of those defensive sets were superb, and I’m proud of the boys for digging in.

“That’s the standard of performance we want to set right at the start of 2024, and if we turn that level in week in, week out then we’ll be in a good place.”

Tries from Kyle Rowe and Sione Tuipulotu also highlighted the threat Glasgow possessed with ball in hand, as Franco Smith’s men battled for the full 80 minutes against the Gallagher Premiership high-flyers.

Time and again the Warriors would resist an Exeter onslaught with ball in hand, with Fagerson pleased with how his team held up in the face of repeat

“We spoke about starting well defensively, and I thought we did that well today,” he said.

“It was probably those small margins that cost us in the end, Exeter are a good team who will punish you if you give them any opportunities.

“We showed what we can do in attack today, too, so now we need to go out and back that up against Toulon again next weekend.”

In amongst the Warriors who gave everything in both attack and defence was hooker Gregor Hiddleston, the 22-year-old turning in an eye-catching, all-action display on his professional debut.

Fagerson’s pride at the performance of his front-row colleague was plain to see, Hiddleston adding to the cohort of young prospects to have impressed when given their opportunity by Head Coach Smith.

“I’m so proud of Gregor,” said Fagerson.

“Ever since he joined the club, he’s given 100% to everything and always takes on board feedback from coaches and team-mates. I thought he gave a superb account of himself today – he hit his lineouts, made himself a presence around the park, and he showed exactly what he’s all about as a player. “

“He’s one for the future, as is Alex [Samuel] and as is Euan [Ferrie], amongst a number of others we’ve got at the club. All of our young boys are stepping up and showing what it means to be a Warrior, and it’s a brilliant thing for the future of this club as well as the present.”

The qualification picture for Glasgow Warriors has become crystal clear following Saturday’s action in Pool Three, with a victory over Toulon at Scotstoun this Friday guaranteeing Smith’s men a place in the last 16.

It’s a fixture that Fagerson is already relishing, the prop calling on the Warrior Nation to make themselves heard when the French outfit come to town this weekend.

“Friday night lights at Scotstoun – there’s nothing like it,” he said.

“We can’t wait. The support has been amazing all season, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone there.

“We’ll be raring to go and can’t wait to get stuck in next Friday.”