Match Preview | Exeter

Glasgow Warriors return to European action with their sights set on the knockout stages this weekend, as Danny Wilson’s men travel to Sandy Park looking to do the double over Exeter Chiefs.

Having turned heads across the Heineken Champions Cup following last month’s dominant 22-7 victory over the English heavyweights at Scotstoun, the Warriors make the trip to Devon knowing that a win would put them within touching distance of a place in the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition.

Level on points with their visitors in Pool A ahead of kick-off, however, the Devonians will be looking to show the quality that saw them crowned European champions just 18 months ago on Saturday evening.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of the clash:

⏪ Last time out against Exeter was a fun one

More of the same this weekend please, lads ?

?️ Don’t forget – tickets in all four stands are available for next weekend’s crucial clash with La Rochelle! https://t.co/X8BxPm294O pic.twitter.com/387VPcE68y
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) January 12, 2022

Previous Encounter

It’s a match that will likely live long in the memory of the Warrior Nation, and not just for the action that unfolded on the field.

With the game having been confirmed just an hour before kick-off due to the heavy fog engulfing Scotstoun, Glasgow turned on the style to earn a comprehensive victory in front of a sold-out Scotstoun.

Five penalties from Ross Thompson had put the Warriors out of reach, before Johnny Matthews crossed with the final play of the match to put the icing on the cake for the home side.

Ones to watch

The dancing feet of Tom O’Flaherty will be a key weapon for the Exeter attack if the winger finds himself selected this weekend, with the former Osprey in flying form this season. With eight tries in all competitions to his name so far this campaign, the 27-year-old has developed into one of the most dangerous wingers in the English game.

A fully-established member of the midfield for both club and country, Henry Slade has returned to something close to his top form in 2021/22 to date. Possessing an excellent distribution game, as well as a cannon of a boot, the man from Plymouth is likely to be at the heart of everything Exeter do in both attack and defence.

Having started two of the three Tests for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa last summer, Luke Cowan-Dickie continues to impress in the middle of the front-row. The hooker’s carrying ability regularly sees his side get over the gain line, whilst he has an uncanny knack of being in the right place in the right time when it comes to scoring tries.

Memorable Moment

A shade over two years have passed since what is arguably the standout clash between Glasgow and Exeter, with the two sides sharing the spoils in a 31-31 thriller at Scotstoun in January 2020.

Tries from Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones and George Horne had sent the Warriors into half-time in front, Niko Matawalu adding a fourth try to secure a bonus-point in the second period.

Exeter responded with four tries of their own, only for Stuart Hogg’s 80^th minute penalty from halfway to cannon back off the crossbar and ensure that both sides took three points out of the encounter.

Match Officials

The experienced figure of Roman Poite will take charge of Saturday evening’s meeting between the two sides, having also refereed the aforementioned 31-31 draw two years ago.

Vincent Blasco Baqué and Stephane Boyer will be his assistants at Sandy Park, with Denis Grenouillet on hand as the Television Match Official if and when required.

Broadcast Information

Supporters can watch the match live on BT Sport 2 this Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm.

Live commentary will also be available on BBC Radio Scotland MW, whilst you can follow all the updates as they happen in our Live Match Centre at glasgowwarriors.org.