Exeter Chiefs
Warriors v Chiefs preview
black-otter
By black_otter
October 18 2013
black_otter born in Glasgow but hoping for a Chiefs win looks forward to what should be cracking match
Away but also at Home
Well I personally can't wait for this fixture - blessed to have been born in Glasgow, and fortunate enough to live in Devon, does it get any better? OK, I will be a little torn over who I want to win, but my colours are nailed to the Exe mast. If the Chiefs can play as they did in the first half on Sunday against the Blues, and the Warriors put in something similar to their second half performance against reigning Heino champions, Toulon, then we are in for one cracker of a match.
So, what of the Warriors? We've met them twice now in pre-season, with honours evenly split. They have never shown much in Europe, apart from securing the odd one-off giant-slaying victory (Toulouse January 2009 anyone?), but they have been consistently top 4 in the Celtic league for most of the last handful of seasons. Gregor Townsend inherited a squad from Sean Lineen that were masters of defence and with excellent team spirit, but also one that wasn't the prettiest to watch. Some canny recruiting in the last couple of years (Maitland, Matawalu, Strauss, etc.), plus a handful of upcoming talented youngsters (junior Gray, Dunbar and Bennett for example) allied to improved confidence and a more attacking gameplan, have seen the Warriors move much closer to the complete package. Their two semi-final narrow losses to Leinster in the Rabo have shown what type of performance they are capable of, and the selection of the 3 Warriors for the B&I Lions illustrates the calibre of players that they have at their disposal (altho, as the Blues game demonstrated, that doesn't automatically count for anything).
In their opening Heino match away to Toulon (an international team in all but name when reading down the teamsheet), Glasgow were simply blown away in the opening half. However, with a couple of changes at half-time (Matawalu off the wing and in to scrumhalf, DTH van der Merwe on at wing) and no doubt a stern talking to from Gregor Townsend and the coaching staff, the Warriors looked like a different team in the second period. They won't be pleased with the result nor their first 40min display, but will not be unhappy with a 4 try bonus point.
As expected its a slightly altered team for our visit to Scotstoun, with Toonie and co not making the same selection choices at scrumhalf and blindside flanker again (Matawalu to start at 9, and a genuine no6 at blindside in the ginger tackle monster, Wrecking Rob Harley). Sean Lamont, Stuart Hogg and Peter Murchie remain on the sidelines injured, which comes as a relief, but the back three are not short of attacking options with B&I Lion Maitland, Canadian international DTH vd Merwe, and Tommy Seymour. Inside centre Alex Dunbar has not recovered from his knock, and is replaced by Argentine Gabriel Ascarate who slots in to the midfield alongside Byron McGuigan, a former 7s star, replacing young talent, Mark Dunbar. I’m slightly surprised at this change, because although Barry McG has been in excellent try-scoring form in the Rabo (mostly from the wing), his defensive frailties have equally been in evidence. Little brother of Richie, Jonny Gray, resorts to the bench to make room for Swinson alongside Al Kellock in the boiler room, with Harley completing a backrow alongside Holmes (replacing Fusaro) and Strauss. In the front row, Jon Welsh who had a torrid time at the hands of the Toulon monster and Dougie Hall give way to Pat MacArthur and Ed Kalman – to my mind that weakens the package slightly with Welsh the better scrummager. The choice of Matawalu at scrumhalf indicates what type of game Townsend wants his side to play, with unpredictability and attacking intent the order of the day - the mere presence of the Weegie from Fiji keep opposing backrows firmly on their toes and less free to roam.
It sounds like we'll have a significant travelling posse, and it'll be wonderful to hear the noise of the chop around Scotstoun - I'm expecting a sell out crowd of not far off capacity of 8,500 for this one. Also expect some good banter with our hosts in the bars before and afterwards 
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18/10/2013 17:28
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I can feel the excitement building for this game. really wish I could have been there and what a shame it's not on the box 
Quote:As in, "he's got it in-fer-me"!GlasgowBawbag
Aaah Mr Otter - your infamy transcends many posts !
I know how much this one will mean to you
I trust you have a superb day (with an X win )
Wow oh o wow oh o
"The Chiefs are coming but The Warriors are ready for a fight"
" blessed to have been born in Glasgow, and fortunate enough to live in Devon, does it get any better? "
Have you been reading my mail ?
