Fagerson ready for Stormers challenge

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Warriors Zander fagerson and Willie Engelbrecht during a BKT URC match between Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 03, 2023, in Scotstoun, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

With a place in the final four on the line under the Saturday night lights, Franco Smith’s men welcome the back-to-back finalists to Scotstoun in a fixture that already has both the Warrior Nation and neutral observers anticipating fireworks.

Bring the noise, Warrior Nation🏟️

General sale for our massive @URCOfficial quarter-final against @THESTORMERS this Saturday is now open!

Book your tickets now and help us make Scotstoun a sell-out! https://t.co/pGDedJLdpp#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/VPdD5onoPp

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) June 4, 2024

“It’s awesome,” said Fagerson.

“It’s the culmination of a season of working hard to get this opportunity, so we’re determined to go out and take it with both hands.

“To play at home in any match is a special chance, and we’re really looking forward to it. The supporters have been phenomenal all year and we want to give them a performance that they can be proud of.”

Friday night’s 38-26 bonus-point win over Zebre Parma in front of a sold-out Scotstoun highlighted the impact the Warrior Nation can have upon their team, as Smith’s men drew upon the fervent crowd to overcome a spirited resistance from the visitors.

It’s the prospect of running out into that atmosphere that Fagerson is relishing ahead of Saturday night, with both of Glasgow’s previous clashes with the Stormers having been played out in front of an electric atmosphere.

“There’s been a lot of chat about how much the crowd helps us through, and it’s definitely true,” said the tight-head.

“You saw that on Friday night – the boys were problem-solving on the pitch against a very determined Zebre outfit, and the supporters fully got behind us.

“Representing this club, this city and our clubs is something we’re all massively proud to do and we can’t wait for another opportunity this Saturday.”

The Scotland international is under no illusions when it comes to the challenge presented by the visitors this weekend, however, as John Dobson’s Stormers outfit travel to Scotstoun for their first-ever away playoff in the BKT URC.

Champions in the competition’s inaugural season and beaten finalists in 2022/23, the men from Cape Town present a threat almost unique across the league – something of which Fagerson and co are all too aware.

“The Stormers love to play, and we know they’re going to chuck the ball around and have a go,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if you play a South African team at club level or at international level, they pride themselves on their physicality, and we’re looking forward to the challenge this weekend.

“They’ve got threats across the park, but we know that if we play our own game and stick to our processes we’ve got the capability to overcome that challenge.”

Fagerson also called upon the squad to enjoy the occasion, as the Warriors bring knockout rugby back to Scotstoun for the second successive campaign.

“A season’s worth of hard work has got us here, and you have to enjoy these kind of matches when you get to them,” said the prop.

“Some players never get the opportunity to play in big matches, so we’re going to take it with both hands.

“Everyone’s in good spirits and buzzing around the place and we can’t wait to get stuck in this weekend.”