“Out there it always felt like we were going to come back into the game” | Rory Darge

• 26 Nov 2023

Glasgow Warriors now sit top of the URC table following a 33-20 win over Ulster last night at Scotstoun.  Following Ulster taking an early lead it was all even at half-time and Glasgow Warriors put on a performance in the second half to ensure their winning record at home continues.

Rory Darge, was back in the squad following a few weeks of much needed rest and caught up with glasgowwarriors.org following the victory.

“Ulster started the game really well, it felt like we defended well, but they kept the ball really well and put it through phases and got a couple of scores. But out there it felt like we were always going to come back into the game.

“We were delighted to come back into the half 14 each and then to kick on that second the half and get the win.  Just shows some real character from the boys.”

Ulster were always expected to come out strong by Glasgow, Darge said, “Everyone who has played Ulster before know that they are a tough side to play against.

“They are physical and good on the breakdown, so it’s tough to slow it down.  But I think we did a great job in defence and the forwards really stepped up around the attacking maul.

“Obviously we will how they scored their tries but I think we knew what was coming, and knowing whats coming and dealing with it are two different things, but we dealt with it pretty well tonight.”

The first half saw Ulster take an early lead before Glasgow came back into the game to make it even after the first 40 minutes.  Darge said that their game plan never really changed despite Ulster’s strong start.

“Our game plan never really changed, it was just coming back out and holding on to the ball a bit more and having a bit more patience. We saw that once we started holding on to the ball we were creating opportunities, and I think in the second half we were just much better at taking them.”

Glasgow are away to last years BKT URC winners Munster next weekend, Darge is aware that there are things to learn from this week’s performance.

“I think the discipline and inaccuracies really cost us (in the first half), but that’s a fairly umbrella term and its different things that can cause those issues.  We will look at that a lot this week and see if there are any recurring themes there, why we were giving away penalties, the mistakes in there and if it is stuff that we can control. Then we and fix that and hopefully get a good performance away to Munster next weekend.

Scotstoun was sold out last night with the Warrior Nation out in force, Darge was very appreciative of the support he could hear from the stands.

“It’s awesome.  People here well before the game and people hanging around well after, it totally makes a difference.

“I think it was one of the tries we scored right as we were coming back into the game, they really got behind us. It really does make a difference to us on the pitch and that’s reflected in our pretty good home record and it’s all part of it.”