Glasgow Warriors revert to type as prediction made over Ulster team

Three of the eight matches in round 18 kick off at 7.45pm on Friday night – Warriors v Ulster at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast, Cardiff v Stormers plus Edinburgh v Connacht. Leinster, who can also still finish top, host Ospreys at 5.15pm on Saturday.

Despite defending top spot ahead of the fixtures, Warriors’ assistant coach Roddy Grant says their approach to match will not change from how they’ve tackled every game so far this season. It doesn't matter who is in first place or what is happening elsewhere, they will aim to win by scoring as many tries as possible on the night.

Glasgow Warriors heading to Belfast to try and win big in final regular season URC fixture

“I think we're all aware of the connotations and I suppose there are two parts.” said Grant. “So one of it is, which has been great and it's genuinely been every game this season, whether it's the first URC game or into Europe having Toulouse here as an example, or Saracens here or Sale away, our approach was win the game, score as many tries as possible which almost takes into account chasing the bonus point win.

“That's been our approach and it's been great seeing that. I suppose that message doesn't change now. It's still the same. Be brave. Let's score as many tries as possible.

“Obviously reduce the opposition. Ideally, don't let them score. So that doesn't change. That doubles down with the fact that we're going after it this game.

“We know the opportunities that are there for us as a team and in the wider sense of community, of getting a home semi or being top, finishing the season as top. So we're aware of it, but our approach hasn't changed.”

Finishing top secures home advantage all the way to the final in the play-offs, while dropping just one place could mean a trip to the likes of Dublin or Cape Town for the showpiece match. Due to Stormers having a superior points difference, it means if they secure a bonus point win in Cardiff and Warriors do not in Belfast, then the South African team would overtake them at the death.

Glasgow Warriors coach expects Ulster may rest players with Challenge Cup final ahead

Ulster themselves still have plenty riding on this match as defeat would give Irish rivals Connacht the chance snatch eighth place and their spot in the play-offs away from Richie Murphy’s side. That would bring an abrupt end to their domestic season - but there is still the matter of the EPCR Challenge Cup final.

The Northern Irish outfit are due to face Montpellier next weekend in that match and Grant feels it could have an impact on their opponents selection to face Warriors. He added: “If I guessed, they'll probably rest a couple, but you never know. I think they're in an interesting position as well.

“Potentially they won't play a couple of the guys but the big thing there is it's potentially their last home game.

“Even if they don't play a couple of the guys, they've done really well with bringing in younger guys this season and the younger guys' home game, last home game. It's a big challenge for them to step up and, you know, they'll be enthusiastic. So it doesn't hugely change things for us, really.”

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