Match Preview | Dragons

2 Dec 2021

Glasgow Warriors return to Scotstoun for the first time in six weeks on Saturday night, as Danny Wilson’s men play host to the Dragons in round seven of the United Rugby Championship.

Having suffered a last-minute defeat to Benetton in Treviso last time out, the home side will be looking to bounce back with a statement-making performance in front of the Warrior Nation.

With a Dragons squad packed with young, Welsh talent in search of a victory of its own, however, the task is set to be one that will require a Glasgow side on top form under the floodlights in Glasgow’s west end.

So what should you expect ahead of the match?

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Previous Encounter

It’s Wilson’s men who currently hold bragging rights over the Newport-based franchise, having earned a bonus-point 27-16 victory over the Dragons back in May.

Played at Cardiff City Stadium due to pitch work at Rodney Parade, the Warriors came back from Aneurin Owen’s early try to lead at half-time thanks to scores from Kyle Steyn and Ross Thompson.

Further tries in the second half from George Turner and Kiran McDonald – with the last play of the game – secured all five points for the visitors, who also had three further tries ruled out by the Television Match Official.

Ones to Watch

Now firmly established as part of the Wales setup, Aaron Wainwright has steadily grown into one of the sharpest back-row options in the principality. Capable of playing on either flank in addition to number eight, his footballing ability and rugby intelligence has seen him hailed as a catalyst for the Dragons by Head Coach Dean Ryan.

Often at the heart of all that goes well for the Dragons, Sam Davies is the man that makes Ryan’s team tick. The fly-half’s tally of 57 points sees him trail only Connacht’s Jack Carty in the URC scoring charts, capable of punishing any indiscretions from opposition defencs.

Welsh international winger Jonah Holmes has started the season in fine form for the Dragons, providing a cutting edge to his side’s attack. The flyer sits fourth in the URC standings for clean breaks with five, with his tally of 15 defenders beaten also good enough for a place in the top 10 of that particular category.

Memorable Moment

For Jamie Dobie, the Dragons will always be associated with a particularly special memory after the scrum-half announced himself to the wider rugby public back in February 2020.

On his first start in professional rugby, the then-teenage number nine turned in a virtuoso performance in front of the Warrior Nation, walking away with the Player of the Match award after impressing the Premier Sports punditry team.

A double from Grant Stewart – allied to tries from Tim Swinson, Huw Jones and Mesu Dolokoto – ultimately sealed all five points for the Warriors, as the hosts earned a 34-19 victory over the men from South Wales.

Match officials

Irish referee Frank Murphy will be the man in the middle for Saturday night’s clash, as the former Connacht scrum-half takes charge of his 54^th match in the URC.

Ben Blain and Dunx McClement will be on the touchlines as his assistants, whilst Brian MacNeice will be on hand if, as and when required as Television Match Official.