Glasgow Warriors’ Franco Smith moving on after tour to forget in South Africa
Glasgow Warriors’ coach Franco Smith reflects on a challenging South African tour, highlighting positives in key metrics and preparing his team for an upcoming URC showdown against Cardiff at Scotstoun Stadium. Picture: ROBERT PERRY / AFP
Image: ROBERT PERRY / AFP
It was not quite the homecoming Franco Smith had probably envisioned when he returned to South Africa as coach of Glasgow Warriors, as his side was outclassed in both outings in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Just over two weeks ago, Glasgow were hammered 54-12 by a resurgent Lions side in Johannesburg.
A week later, it didn’t go much better as the Stormers trounced Glasgow 48-12 in Cape Town.
The two defeats allowed the Stormers to regain top spot on the log with 56 points, while Glasgow are now second with 55 and the Lions hold third with 53.
Smith Reflects on South African Tour and Prepares Glasgow for URC Showdown Against Cardiff
“The South African tour has passed, it is what it is,” Smith told SportsBoom.co.za.
“It’s better to close that door.”
Despite the forgettable results, there were a number of positives, insisted the former Free State Cheetahs coach.
“We’ve led key metrics, carrying metres, defence, tackle completion, points difference. The foundation is there. Now it’s about recovery and refocus.”
“The changing room is hurting, and that’s not a bad thing. We’ll have a different mental approach next week.”
Since leaving the Free State in 2019, Smith spent two years with the Italy national team. A switch to Glasgow followed in 2022, with Smith’s most notable achievement being their URC title victory in the 2024/2024 season, beating the Bulls on their home turf at Loftus Versfeld.
Next for Glasgow though, is a clash against sixth-placed Cardiff on Friday as they welcome the Welsh outfit to Scotstoun Stadium.
It will be the penultimate round of fixtures in the URC before the competition moves to the quarterfinal stage.