Match Preview | Cardiff [A]
2 Oct 2024The BKT United Rugby Championship returns for Round 3. Glasgow Warriors travel to Cardiff Arms Park to take on the current table-leaders.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 22: Flag bearers during a BKT URC match between Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Rugby at Scotstoun Stadium, on March 22, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group) After defeating Benetton last week with a healthy score of 42-10, the Warriors travel to Cardiff. Currently at the top of the table, Cardiff have won their two opening games against Zebre Parma and Scarlets. Glasgow will be searching for their first away win of the season.
The Warriors’ most recent defeat to a Welsh region was when they visited the Ospreys in October 2022. Glasgow have lost only once to Cardiff since 2016: 28-32 at the Arms Park in March 2022.
Out of the 37 games between the two sides, Glasgow have won 25 of them.
As it stands after Round 2, Glasgow’s statistics demonstrate the side’s good form. Currently fourth in the URC table for attack, Franco Smith’s side have scored nine tries in two games. Cardiff, however, are not far behind having scored eight tries in two games.
Not only has Glasgow’s attack looked sharp in the opening rounds of the 2024/25 season. The defence that helped the Warriors secure the title last season continues to be formidable. Rory Darge currently stands at the top of the URC’s tackle table, with Gregor Hiddleston not far behind.
OPPOSITION LOWDOWN
Cardiff’s 22-17 opening weekend victory over Zebre Parma ended a four-game losing run in all competitions at the Arms Park.
Cardiff’s only loss in their last four BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures was 29-33 to Ospreys at Cardiff City Stadium at ‘Judgement Day’ last June.
Two bonus-point wins in the opening rounds of the URC saw the Welsh side sore to the top of the table. However, Cardiff have lost their last four fixtures against Scottish opponents.
Cardiff has a wealth of great defenders in their side, including Dan Thomas and Mason Grady who have some of the highest turnovers so far this season.
Aled Davies may also prove a threat to the Warriors with his strong kicking game. The scrumhalf has made 26 kicks in play in the first two games of the season, making up 588 kick metres.
The last time the two sides faced each other was at Scotstoun Stadium on the 22 March 2024. Glasgow came on top with a 17-13 win over the Welsh side.
