“We showed our defensive toughness” | Sione Tuipulotu

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Glasgow Warriors George Horne celebrates his second half try with Sione Tuipulotu during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Benetton Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 18, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Sione Tuipulotu was very proud of the Warriors for their ‘defensive toughness’.  He said, “I was really proud of our defensive performance.  It’s another shut-out at Scostoun against a really good team with a lot of good test players involved.

“It was a really gritty win.  We are kind of making it a habit of ourselves getting these gritty wins.  I’m really proud of the boys.

“I was really proud of our defensive performance.  I’m most proud of our defensive performance tonight.”

When asked about what the Warriors were expecting from the Benetton side, Tuipulotu was quick to praise the strength of the team.

“We know this is a different Benetton team from in the past, they’ve obviously made strides in the competition.  Going back a couple of years now, I know a lot of names on the team sheet when they come here at Scotstoun.  A lot of them are playing test rugby.

“It was nice to shut them out tonight and get that home win.  We like to keep our home record.  We were all focused on ourselves this week and keeping our home record clean. I think the boys showed that through our defensive toughness.

Looking ahead to next week, where the Warriors will be facing Ulster in the URC, Tuipulotu is keen that the squad takes that defensive toughness and drive into the game.

“We have to take our defensive toughness into next week.  Ulster are a top quality team with very good players.

“We have just got to get better every week, we have been doing and we have been getting better every week.  It’s a cliched thing to say but we have to take it week by week and attack next week with full throttle.”

Finally, Tuipulotu was full of praise for the Warrior Nation who once again showed up loudly at Scotstoun.

“It’s such a good atmosphere our there at the moment. Especially when we get turnovers on our line you can hear and feel the crowd behind us.

“I feel like the boys play with their hearts on our sleeves when we can hear the Warrior fans.  It’s great! Hope you can all come next week!”

• Glasgow Warriors next home game is against Ulster on Saturday 25 November, 7.35pm. More details on ticketing and other information can be found here.