Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Franco Smith says his Glasgow Warriors side must travel to Dublin with absolute belief they can pull off a huge upset against Leinster in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup.

Warriors swept aside Leicester Tigers at Scotstoun to book their place in the last eight, while the Irish side underlined their credentials as one of the tournament favourites with a ruthless 10-try destruction of Harlequins at Aviva Stadium.

Smith concedes Glasgow will go in as big underdogs but believes the URC champions can spring a shock.

"Leinster are top of the log in the URC, they've got a squad with huge depth," Smith told BBC Scotland.

"They are probably the most talked about team in world rugby at the moment, so it will be probably the toughest task we've had in a very long time.

"Of course you must go there with a mindset that you can achieve on the day. Looking forward to a big challenge, but they are definitely the favourites."

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Assistant coach Nigel Carolan is demanding to see the best version of Glasgow Warriors in Friday's Champions Cup quarter-final.

Glasgow overcame Leicester with a 43-19 victory to set up Friday's last-eight tie against a Leinster side who thrashed Harlequins 62-0 in their previous match.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for us," Carolan said of the quarter-final.

"If we can just get the best version of our game on the pitch, I think we can ask questions of any team. I think the confidence is there in the group. The belief is definitely there.

"I think they're characteristics that are extremely powerful. When you put that with a skillset and that ability to be brave and how we try and play, it's a dangerous combination if it clicks.

"Leinster are going to bring this rushed defence where teams get bothered by it. Teams get a little bit flustered. I think it's really important we stay calm and composed."

Sandy Smith
Fan writer

Welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Wes Goosen appreciation society.

The winger turned fullback earned his 50th cap against Lions at the weekend in some style.

He scored the opening try, one that will definitely be a contender for try of the season, and his contribution for the second, finished by Ben Vellacott, was crucial and the footwork worthy of a place on the next season of Strictly.

And that was all in the first 10 minutes. He continued in that vein, making breaks, beating defenders, catching high balls, linking up with Darcy Graham and Ross McCann and just generally making a nuisance of himself to Lions' detriment.

If you'd predicted such a display from this player back in the 2022-2023 season, I'd have laughed in your face. I recall asking a friend who lived in New Zealand what kind of player we had acquired when his transfer was announced and was told we had got a gem. His highlights reel gave the same message. But in that first season, punctuated by injury, we saw none of that.

On Friday night you could see what it meant to him to completely obliterate that memory, continue his 100% playing record this season and earn yet another player of the match award.

He was the spark that lit the team and led Edinburgh to somewhat redress the loss in October.

It wasn't perfect, we should have had at least two more tries if different decisions had been made and the principles of knockout rugby may just have escaped the team when we failed to take an easy three points in the wake of the break by Javan Sebastian which would have given us a three score lead at HT. However I'm indulging in hindsight and nit-picking when all that matters is the win.

A quarter-final against Bulls awaits. We have a 100% win record against them at the Hive and if the same attitude and application is applied this weekend I'm confident we can take a place in the semi final.

The place of course being at the Hive. If everyone is fit, same team again.

Grant Young
Fan writer

A rampant Glasgow booked their place in the quarter-finals of this season's Champions Cup.

The defending URC champs went full gas as they rounded off 42-19 victory. Leicester may have scored first but after that it was all Glasgow, who took advantage of Leicester's poor discipline to score their first two scores.

The Warriors dominated throughout and largely kept the Tigers rooted inside their own half. If Glasgow had been more clinical in the final 10 metres the score could have been more.

The back row for Glasgow really stood up to be counted. Two tries apiece for Sione Valianu and Henco Venter in which both players got themselves around the park.

It does look however that Venter could be missing a few games. The South African looks to be cited for a similar eye gouge that Stafford McDowall was earlier in the season. Potentially the only negative thing to come from a brilliant game.

Glasgow were free flowing throughout with quick play from George Horne and Adam Hastings who were able to unlock a struggling Leicester defence. Leicester did score two late tries before Glasgow answered back to put the game away.

Champions Cup just brings a different more intense atmosphere than a URC game, a Scotland vs England match-up and the noise inside Scotstoun was phenomenal. How Glasgow could do with their own enhanced stadium!

Champions Cup quarter-final awaits. Is it the match up we probably least wanted? A trip on Friday evening across the sea to play Leinster in Dublin. Themselves on Saturday completely destroyed Harlequins. The score 62-0 looked and felt as comfortable as it was.

A team littered with Irish internationals and world class players in Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman, they really do have a world class squad. There is zero pressure on Glasgow and the Warriors squad will travel brimming with confidence.

Will there be any returnees to play for Franco Smith? Players like Hugh Jones or even Scott Cummings at second row? We will just need to wait and see.

A big moment for Glasgow as they have the potential to reach the final four in the Champions Cup for the first time.

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Henco Venter is a doubt for Glasgow Warriors' Champions Cup quarter-final at Leinster on Friday after being cited for alleged eye-gouging against Leicester Tigers.

The experienced South African loose forward scored two tries in the 43-19 win over Leicester at Scotstoun on Saturday in a player-of-the-match display.

The complaint suggests Venter made the illegal contact with Dan Cole in the second minute of the match just before the visitors scored the opening try.

No action was taken at the time.

Glasgow attack coach Nigel Carolan called Venter "a gentleman", insisting "whatever happened was an accident".

On the prospect of losing a key player for such an important game in Dublin, Carolan added: "It would be unfortunate because he's such a good-natured person. It's not in his intention to hurt anyone or to cause harm, especially with all the cameras that are around. It's kind of silly, but it was just unfortunate and something that we'll just have to deal with."

As usual on a Monday, we're giving you the chance to put your burning questions about the game to our rugby reporter Andy Burke.

Send your questions via this link and they will be answered on this page later in the week.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Goose cuts loose

With a number of Edinburgh's key players unavailable in recent times, either due to injury or international duties with Scotland, Wes Goosen has become one of the most important players in the team.

He was voted the club's players' player of the year last season, a testament to his consistently high level of performance.

His conversion from wing to full-back has been impressive. Against Lions on his 50th Edinburgh appearance, he set the tone with an early try and looked dangerous every time he got his hands on ball.

Having signed a new deal with the club, Goosen will qualify to play for Scotland on residency grounds in 2027. While there may be dismay in some quarters at the prospect of yet another non-Scottish player coming into the fold, if Goosen maintains this form he will be very hard for the national selectors to ignore.

Vellacott brings the tempo

Edinburgh brought a tempo in the first half Lions could not live with and much of that can be traced back to the work of Ben Vellacott.

The scrum-half was buzzing around everywhere, getting the ball away from the breakdown quickly to maintain the attacking momentum.

He was quick to spot a gap to dart through for his try and was at the heart of most of Edinburgh's best stuff.

Vellacott has never managed to convince Gregor Townsend he is worthy of competing for the Scotland nine jersey, but he has rarely let Edinburgh down.

Freddy ready for more game time

Freddy Douglas is the most exciting talent in Scottish rugby and it's time to take off the L plates and let him motor.

He did not get a huge amount of time to do his thing against Lions, but his very first involvement was a crucial turnover just when the South African side looked like they might be about to work their way back into the game.

Sean Everitt identified Douglas' maturity in identifying which rucks to compete at and which to leave well alone, and that turnover was a perfect example.

The back-row enjoyed a terrific U20 Six Nations and, having made his full Test debut in the autumn, now is the time for Everitt to throw him in to start some matches.

Douglas is going to be a key player for club and country for years and more exposure to top level rugby can only accelerate his development.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Venter the man for the big occasion

Henco Venter has been the bedrock of Glasgow Warriors' success in recent times.

The big number eight was immense against Leicester, his two tries merely the cherry on top of a phenomenal all round, man of the match display.

Speaking to the South African after the match, it was clear what a wrench it is for him to be leaving Glasgow at the end of the season to join Brive.

He wants to go out with a bang, speaking about winning both the URC and Champions Cup before he exits. His winner's mentality and leadership will be missed.

Venter arrived as a journeyman whose signing was questioned by many. No matter how the remainder of his final season pans out, he will depart Scotstoun as a hero.

Vailanu brings the power

Sione Vailanu is a big weapon in the Glasgow back-row. The problem has been keeping him fit long enough to properly make his mark.

He showed against Leicester what he brings to the party. His ball-carrying was outstanding, blasting over the gain-line time and again to get Warriors on the front foot.

The Tongan's two tries either side of half-time were crucial in shaking off a Tigers side who were desperately trying to stay in the fight.

With Jack Dempsey facing a race against time to recover from injury to play any further part this season, Vailanu could have a big role to play in what could be an exciting finale to Warriors campaign.

Hastings getting back to his best

After such a horrendous time with injuries, it's so good to see Adam Hastings healthy and starting to get back to something approaching top form.

You could see the Scotland fly-half growing in confidence as the game progressed, taking the ball a little flatter to the line each time and getting more zip into his passes.

His goalkicking was near flawless, nailing six from seven attempts, and the one he missed from out wide into the wind was desperately unlucky to drop just short.

With Tom Jordan departing at the end of the season for Bristol, Hastings is going to be a key player for Glasgow moving forward. It's encouraging to see him getting back to the level we know he can operate at.

We asked for your views on Glasgow and Edinburgh's weekend action.

Here's what some of you had to say:

GLASGOW WARRIORS

Anthony: Another good performance by Warriors, keeping the penalty count relatively low. Leicester got on the wrong side of the referee early on and gave away far too many penalties. Pleasantly surprised to see Warriors dominate the scrums, against an experienced Leicester pack. Some of the interplay and ball handling between forwards and backs was a joy to watch. Warriors will have to ramp up their performance a few more notches, to lay a glove on Leinster next weekend. They also need to be a bit more pragmatic at times and take the three points from penalties, to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Kenny: Gregor Brown is getting better each game. Always breaking the gain line. Zander Fagerson had a masterclass in the front row of the scrum. Hastings could have got his deck chair out. Easy ride at 10 just sending players through gaps. TJ class act as always. Next week is a tall order but we have got to beat them sometime.

Stuart: Very brave display from the Warriors. Huge credit to the lads. Du Preez, Vilanu and Venter had outstanding games with Venter deserving player of the match. Need to cut out errors and manage mauling and line outs better against Leinster next week for a result.

EDINBURGH

Hopey: Felt this was the most complete performance I have seen from Edinburgh recently, built on a solid defence, with Wes Goosen and Darcy Graham excellent in attack at getting in behind the Lions defence. It was a game played with tempo, which seemed to help Edinburgh as they were connected and had a flow to their game. Fingers crossed this continues, looks promising.

Mark: Edinburgh scored some great tries but all too often came away from the opponents 22 with nothing. If they want to compete at the highest level they must consistently turn territory and possession into points.

Steve: I've bashed Edinburgh plenty recently, and they probably deserved it, but that was a pretty complete performance and the type of rugby I think they have been trying to play since the start of the season. The difference was no real drop off and better game management, but credit to the Lions for coming back in to the game, and for some fantastic last-ditch tackles. Keep it up Burgh and you never know where you could end up.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Henco Venter wants to bring the curtain down on his Glasgow Warriors career by delivering a URC and Champions Cup double.

The South African number eight is leaving Scotstoun at the end of the season to join French side Brive.

Venter, 32, produced a player of the match display against Leicester, including two tries, to help his side into the Champions Cup quarter-finals.

They now head to Dublin for a showdown with Leinster, who destroyed Harlequins 62-0 to book their spot in the last eight.

The Irish side are one of the tournament favourites and will be overwhelming favourites to reach the semi-finals, but Venter says Glasgow are chasing their own Champions Cup ambitions.

"We're here to win the thing," Venter told BBC Scotland.

"I think Leinster's performance against Harlequins was next level and all kudos to them. We'll meet them next week and we'll definitely take the confidence [from beating Leicester] and be up for it.

"I'm also gutted [to be leaving]. I love this place, I love the Scots, I love Glasgow. It's just a privilege to wear this shirt every day.

"It's two cups to win for me and just to give everything for this club that's given so much to me."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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James Lang says Edinburgh need to be more ruthless as they target a run deep into the European Challenge Cup.

The capital side beat Lions 24-12 at Hive Stadium to set up a home quarter-final against South African outfit Bulls.

Edinburgh led 17-0 at the break before Lions crossed for two second-half tries and Lang says his side must learn to keep their foot on the throttle when they get on top of teams.

"I'm happy with the performance," Lang told BBC Scotland. "I think the first half was very impressive.

"We took the foot off a little bit in the second half. They came out firing, which we knew they would. It was a tough encounter against a very strong line side, but ecstatic with the win.

"I guess the growth in this team now is how we can sustain that pressure, be relentless with it and then start fast again that second half.

"I guess it's a mentality thing. I think we're on a nice run now and there's a lot of belief in the squad and we've just got to be a bit more ruthless in those situations.

"We want to win silverware, but we don't want to look too far ahead. It's next week mentality, so we've just got to focus on the positives from today, but there's a good few things we can improve on to get better as a team and take that into next week."

Glasgow fans, what did you make of your side's performance as they swept aside Leicester to reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals?

Who stood out for you and do you fancy Warriors' chances against Leinster in the last eight?

Have your say.

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith tells Premier Sports: "I still feel we made a lot of errors, a lot of mistakes, which is down to nerves. Some tries left out there but I'm happy with the result.

"We're getting better as a group and we didn't want to disappoint.

"Leinster pose a completely different challenge. They know how to handle strategic moments in the game. They've got the complete package, a good rush defence - they put you under pressure.

"It's going to be difficult with guys coming back in the next few weeks. We'll see how we approach this week. The boys out there tonight played well, but one or two fresh players might add value."

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Edinburgh will host Bulls at Hive Stadium next weekend in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Sean Everitt's side secured a home quarter with a gritty 24-12 win over Lions in Edinburgh on Friday night.

Their opponents were confirmed on Saturday after the South African side beat Bayonne in the southwest of France.

If Edinburgh were to be successful, they would face a home semi-final against either Gloucester or Finn Russell's Bath.

The capital club have not reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup since the 2014-15 season, when they lost to Gloucester in the final.

Edinburgh fans, what did you make of your side's display as they beat Lions to reach the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup?

Have your say on the game.

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Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt tells Premier Sports: "The guys put in a tremendous amount of effort in the first half and played some scintillating rugby.

"Probably could have scored some more tries if we're being picky, but pleased with how we defended.

"It was a good performance all-round. We've created opportunities in the past and not finished them off.

"[Freddy Douglas] is an incredible talent. He's just going to get better with more time on the pitch.

"It's a massive opportunity [in the quarter-finals]. For us, it's back to work on Monday and trying to improve on this performance."

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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has made three changes from the URC win against Lions last weekend for Saturday's Champions Cup last-16 tie against Leicester Tigers.

All three tweaks come in the forward pack, with Johnny Matthews and Zander Fagerson coming into the front row to join Nathan McBeth and Matt Fagerson replacing Euan Ferrie at blindside flanker.

George Horne continues at scrum-half, having become the club's all-time leading try scorer last week, while Tom Jordan and Stafford McDowall combine again in the centres.

Smith has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, going with Ben Afshar and Sebastian Cancelliere as the back-line replacements.

"We know Leicester will be up for it," Smith said. "We know what their threats are and we will have to be at our best.

"Our home support means a lot and we're looking forward to making them proud."

Glasgow XV to face Leicester: Rowe, Dobie, McDowall, Jordan, Steyn, Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Matthews, Z Fagerson, Brown, Du Preez, M Fagerson, Vailanu, Venter.

Replacements: Stewart, Bhatti, Talakai, Samuel, Ferrie, Darge, Afshar, Cancelliere.

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Head coach Gregor Townsend is ready for a "unique and special experience" this summer after Scotland confirmed tour matches against Maori All Blacks, Fiji and Samoa.

The South Pacific tour marks Scotland's first matches in New Zealand for 25 years and kicks off against the Maori All Blacks - who edged the sides' previous meeting 18-15 in 2000 - on 5 July in Whangarei.

Then comes a game against Fiji in Suva on 12 July, followed by a return to New Zealand to take on Samoa in Auckland six days later.

As the trip coincides with the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia, Townsend will be deprived of some key players, but he still expects to have an "experienced group".

"It's the first time since 2000 that we've been to New Zealand and spending time in a country with such a deep rugby culture is a unique and special experience," Townsend said.

"Playing against the Maori All Blacks will be a proper introduction to New Zealand rugby and they will provide a strong test, especially in the contact area.

"Fiji have shown over the past few seasons that they are a rising force in world rugby and will relish the chance of playing a Six Nations country at home.

"Samoa are one of the most physical teams in world rugby with how hard they hit in the tackle. They were very competitive at the World Cup in 2023 and secured an impressive win over Italy last summer."

Scotland announced in February they will host USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga in their autumn series.