Johnson remaining grounded during unbeaten run

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 10: Sam Johnson during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun Stadium, on January 10, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The centre was at the heart of the action at Rodney Parade as Franco Smith’s men ran in six tries to put the Dragons to the sword, coming away from Newport with a bonus-point 42-28 victory that sees the Warriors keep pace at the top end of the table.

“It’s obviously good to get five points away from home,” Johnson told glasgowwarriors.org post-match.

“We wanted to keep building the momentum that we’ve generated over the last 10-week block. We know that there were elements that we were happy with, and elements that we know were below our standards.

“We got the job done, though, and we’ll move onto the next one.”

Having returned from injury in the victory away to Perpignan earlier this month, Johnson’s performance saw the centre remind the Warrior Nation of exactly what he brings to the Glasgow midfield.

A clinical line break just a minute into the match saw the Scotland international put Cole Forbes away for the game’s opening try, whilst a similarly energetic burst in the second half almost saw him send Duncan Weir under the posts.

“I’ve worked pretty hard over the last 12 to 14 weeks on the road back from injury, and you’ve seen in recent weeks that the competition in the midfield is something else,” said Johnson.

“Everyone’s bringing the best out of each other and if you’re not performing and keeping up with everyone else, then you’re in danger of being left behind.

“I’m just glad I could do my bit for the team today and we’re pleased we got the result we wanted.”

With no fixtures for the next fortnight, the Warriors will now either head into international camp with Scotland ahead of the Guinness Six Nations, or head off for two weeks of well-earned rest and recuperation.

The visit of Ulster to Scotstoun on Friday 17 February marks the next test on the agenda for Smith’s men, yet Johnson is confident in his team’s ability to recharge and refocus ahead of an action-packed run-in to the domestic campaign.

“Ulster have had a couple of good results in the last couple of weeks, so we know exactly how strong a test they’ll be,” said Johnson.

“It’ll be a really tough test for us, because we’re both pushing for the top four.

“The mood in the squad is really strong at the moment. We realise that we’ve got a long way to go, though, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves in the slightest. We’re just trying to keep building and taking it week by week.

“We’ll take the chance to chill just now, and then we’re going to be coming back into Scotstoun with all eyes on Ulster and showing what we can do in front of the Warrior Nation.”