'Stuttering Glasgow head to Dublin in hope rather than expectation'
What on earth has happened to Glasgow? Two defeats in a row, just three wins from the past six matches in the URC and dumped out of the Champions Cup by Leinster. If you look at 2025, it's seven wins and five defeats in all competitions. It doesn't make for pretty reading.Is there anyway to justify it? Injuries are one, Glasgow have been without key players throughout the season at different times, with the back row decimated in recent weeks. The second row situation has got better with the return of Scott Cummings and Max Williamson, while Huw Jones returned to the centres for the first time since the Six Nations. Unfortunately, this had zero impact on the way Benetton completely dismantled the Warriors. The centre pairing for the Italians were incredible but it was fly-half Jacob Umaga who controlled the full game. A night to forget for the Warriors and things don't get any easier.Glasgow go to Leinster to close the regular season out. A near must-win if Glasgow are to have any chance of a top-two finish but unfortunately it's looking more likely that a third or even fourth-place finish lies in store. The positive? It's similar to last season.Why though have so many of the top stars dropped off? Glasgow finished last season on 22 June. Two weeks later eight players were involved for Scotland against Canada. The next week, 13 players played the United States. It feels like a few front line players need a break after another long club season.Can Franco Smith and his side get anything from Dublin this weekend? It's going to be tough and likely watched in hope rather than any sort of expectation.
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