Franco Smith plays down Glasgow Warriors' rivalry with Bulls

McDowall has been a consistent performer for the Warriors this season, but has missed out on big games – he did not feature in their play-off run to the URC title two years ago – when both Jones and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu have been available.  

But his excellent form has earned the 28-year-old a chance alongside Tuipulotu for the Champions Cup last 16 clash.  

"It is tough but it is not,” Smith said of his big selection decision.  

Franco Smith (Image: Shutterstock)

“Stafford has been playing really, really well and Huw is just coming back into our environment.  

“I just felt Stafford has contributed a lot during the Six Nations here for us as well and this allows Huw to get more back on par with what we are doing.” 

The Glasgow boss also confirmed Jones is fully fit and that his omission was purely a selection decision, as he hailed McDowall’s impact.  

"I can't remember when Stafford's had a bad game for us. He's always played well. I think from an international perspective, the 'Huwipulotu' combination is very well known and very well respected. 

“For us as well, and again, it's not just about Stafford, it's how we approach this game that's going to be important. 

“I felt for this specific game, it was important to convert some of those qualities into a good performance.”  

The Warriors boss has also recalled Scotland back-row Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey, while Zander Fagerson will make his first appearance since the Six Nations as he anchors the scrum.  

And there is a timely return for captain Kyle Steyn from an ankle injury.  

“Obviously it is a big positive for the club,” Smith said of the skipper’s return.  

If Glasgow are to reach the last eight, they will need to extend their winning run at home.  

Saturday’s opponents will arrive buoyed by their most recent visit to Scotstoun, when they emerged victorious in a bruising URC clash in April.  

Asked if his squad had discussed April’s reverse, he said: “No, not as much as they would have spoken about us beating them in that [URC] final. 

“The focus was absolutely on the next game.” 

And while Bulls boss Johann Ackermann leaned into the rivalry aspect of the meeting, Smith attempted to play down any such notion.  

"I don't want to make an unnecessary rivalry because it's not,” he said.  

“This is about knockout rugby and delivering the best version of ourselves that we can.” 

Nevertheless, the Warriors boss knows his side will face a stern test if they are to make it into the last eight.  

He said: “By any perspective, they're a good team. They've brought 14 Springboks on tour. They're finding form. They've got a coach that has achieved quite a lot already in his coaching career.” 

And Smith does not believe the arrival of Storm Dave will have any impact on the game.

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for rain, wind and snow across much of Scotland on Saturday, but the Glasgow head coach insists the Bulls have enough experience of inclement weather to cope.

"I hope we will be more used to that.

"Marcel Coetzee [Bulls captain] is used to this part of the world. He played here for a long time [for Ulster].

"Handre Pollard has played on this side of the world, with Leicester the last (few) years. They would know the conditions."