“We demand more of ourselves and that starts this week” | Thompson

Yesterday’s defeat away to 2020 champions Exeter Chiefs means that victory over La Rochelle at Scotstoun is now paramount for the Warriors, with a place in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition remaining within the grasp of Danny Wilson’s squad.

“We didn’t control the game well enough,” a frustrated Thompson told glasgowwarriors.org in the aftermath of the defeat at Sandy Park.

“There were a couple of key moments that shifted the momentum in their favour and they took advantage. We stayed in the match for 50 minutes without really playing that well, but that last half an hour was nowhere near good enough from us.

“From a personal angle, we didn’t play the game in the right areas throughout the game. That’s one that we as half-backs should be controlling, and that’s something that I’ll hold my hand up and accept responsibility for.

“As a team, we know that performance wasn’t reflective of who we are as a group. We demand more of ourselves and that starts this week.”

A year into his professional career, the young fly-half is already well-versed in the ups and downs of top-flight rugby. One constant remains for Thompson, however – the trust in his team to come back swinging next weekend.

“We’re a team that pride ourselves on reacting well,” said Thompson.

“We’ve had these blips in the last year as we grow and develop as a squad, and we always go away, work on what we need to work on and come back stronger.

“We know we can turn it around, and I have no doubt we’re capable of turning it around again.”

In what is set to be the biggest match of Thompson’s club career to date, the visit of La Rochelle to Scotstoun next Saturday night now becomes all-important for the Warriors. Victory over the French side should be enough to secure a place in the last 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup, with the full qualification picture to be revealed following the conclusion of round three later today.

With the Warrior Nation set to return to the stands following the lifting of Scottish Government restrictions from tomorrow, Thompson knows just what a difference a sold-out Scotstoun can make.

“The Warrior Nation are going to be huge for us next week, as they always are,” said the fly-half.

“Their support gives us that extra lift in the key moments, and it’s a match that is going to hinge on those key moments.

“Next weekend is a massive match for us. We know a place in the last 16 is still within our control, so we want to go out there and get the win that will get us through if results go our way.

“They just got the better of us over there, so it’s a chance for us to bring them over to Scotstoun and have a real crack at them.”