Franco Smith explains Lions sweet spot that gives them 'gold' URC advantage after Glasgow Warriors hiding

In what was just their fourth URC defeat of the season, Franco Smith’s side avoided dropping out of top spot thanks to a surprise victory for Connacht away to second placed Stormers earlier in the day. Warriors head to Cape Town themselves next weekend in what will almost certainly prove a crucial match in shaping the landscape of the play-offs.

Speaking after their defeat at Ellis Park, head coach Smith explained the sweet spot that gives Lions an advantage in the league. He believes having so many players in their ranks that are good enough to play for the Springboks, but are not currently involved with the national team, is a huge advantage.

‘Loaded with good players’ - Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith on facing South African franchises

“The South African franchises are loaded with very good players,” said Smith. “And they've got a lot of players that are knocking on the South African rugby door.

“I think with the South African teams, or the players in your club, that's good enough to be international rugby, but you don't lose them to international teams, they're actually gold. They outperform themselves every week but they don't play international rugby.

“They don't go away from the club that often and that continuity that they give you is massive. We've seen through all my time and my experience in this competition that those are the players that don't break your budget because they are still affordable.

“They're not international level yet, but they play like internationals and they've got a mission to become international. So that is some very quality players that are still in South Africa.”

Glasgow Warriors retain four point lead at top of URC ahead of massive Stormers clash

The Warriors boss did not want to make any excuses for his side’s sub-par performance in the defeat but there were certainly a list of factors, including their own long injury list that is making life harder. Smith, who confirmed that none of the players that were initially left at home are set to fly out and join the squad for next week’s game, believes there is still more than enough left in their tank to finish the regular season strongly.

Next week’s match against the Stormers will give them an immediate change to bounce back. While they certainly don’t need any extra confidence, being the league leaders, seeing their upcoming opponents beaten at home this weekend obviously adds that additional bit of belief.

“It shows that any team can beat any team anywhere on the day,” said Smith. “Through the grace of god nothing's changed on the table, we still have a four-point lead.

“We worked hard during the season to get to this position and it allows us to give game time to some of the young players. So there were other gains for us tonight.

“I know what counts most is the result but I feel we've worked really hard during the season and we came up against a very, very good, well-drilled team. That was just evident.”

Your next rugby read: Glasgow remain top of URC thanks to Connacht upset as free-flowing Lions humble sub-par Warriors