Match Preview | Zebre Parma (H)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Tom Gordon in action for Glasgow during a BKT United Rugby Championship match between Glasgow Warriors and Ulster at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 17, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Glasgow are undefeated at home since January 2022 totalling 12 games.  Keen to extend this streak, Glasgow will have some Scotland players released back into the mix bringing with them experience of international training and competition.  Simon Berghan, Jamie Bhatti, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, George Horne, Stafford McDowall, Ollie Smith have all returned to training this week with Glasgow which will be aiding in the strength of the squad.

Zebre are currently sitting in last position in the URC table with Glasgow sitting in fourth following recent form.  Zebre have yet to win a fixture, with their last win being in April 2022.

Of the previous 20 matches played between Glasgow and Zebre, Glasgow have won every one.  This should be comforting going into Friday’s game but as always it doesn’t mean that Zebre won’t come out hard.  Points in this game will also be gained toward the Scottish Italian shield.  A win for Glasgow would put them in a strong position for winning it at the end of the season.

The most recent fixture between the two sides was at the start of December, which saw Glasgow beat Zebre 45-17.  Tries from Jonny Matthews, Sebastian Cancelliere, Domingo Miotti, Stafford McDowall and Sintu Manjaezi and successful kicking from George Horne, saw the Warriors beat the host side in spectacular fashion.

Stats wise for the URC, only one try separates the top scorers from both sides.  Sebastian Cancelliere has seven and Zebre’s Simon Gesi has six.  With Cancelliere out due to injury it would only take a moment for Gesi to equalize on the board.

On another interesting note, Franco Smith Jr plays for the Zebre side so there is always the potential that he could play against the side his dad coaches.

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Busby
Assistant Referee 1: Jonny Perriam
Assistant Referee 2: Sam O’Neil
Television Match Official: Brain MacNeice

Match Details

Friday 3 March 2023, Scotstoun Stadium, 7:35pm kick-off

There are still tickets available for this week’s game.  More information can be found here.