“I want to be playing as much as possible” | Darge eyes Cardiff selection

“I want to be playing as much as possible” | Darge eyes Cardiff selection

  • 21 Sep 2022

Rory Darge is anticipating an intense and physical match-up against Cardiff Rugby on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm), when Glasgow Warriors play their first home game at Scotstoun Stadium for more than five months.

 

The prospect of playing in front of the Warrior Nation is one that the flanker and his team-mates are looking forward to, as they prepare to welcome a Cardiff side who overturned Munster in Round One of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

He told glasgowwarriors.org: “Cardiff have a really good team, their back row in particular are very physical with James Botham, and Taulupe Faletau who brings a lot of skill, and also Thomas Young, they all complement each other really well. That back row battle will be important.

“When you’re playing against Faletau and the rest of those back row guys and Josh Turnbull who is in the second row, but who has played a lot at the back and who is their skipper, you have to be aware of the threats they bring.

“As well as that they always have good set piece plays, so trying to contain that threat is vital.

“Off the back of last week there has been a reaction in training and the intensity has been high. Our focus this week has been on ourselves and making improvements that will deal with what Cardiff have to offer.”

For Darge maintaining that focus on the team and getting the basics right is imperative.

He continued: “For the first few games of the season you must focus on yourself, particularly with a new coach and a new way of thinking about the game. You must focus on getting your own game right.

“I am getting on well with Franco. He is very passionate and will tell you exactly what he thinks. He speaks from his heart. You have got to respect that because you will always know where you stand with him. He knows so much about the game and I’m learning a lot through him and his philosophy on the game.”

The prospect of playing back on home soil is a key motivating factor for Darge this week, after coming off the bench against Benetton in last week’s season opener.

He said “I am excited. The intensity has been high in every training session. I am looking forward to putting all the things I’ve been working on out on the pitch in front of the home fans.

“I’m massively looking forward to the fans being back – it’s a Friday night game as well which makes a big difference, and my family will be there. I hope we can bring a product the fans can get behind and they can complement with the the energy they always bring. I’m looking forward to it!

“When you work so hard in the pre-season you just want to get to games, I’m at the stage now I want to be playing as much as possible.”

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