Franco Smith heads into Friday’s URC quarter‑final at Scotstoun knowing his Warriors face the hottest form team. Connacht arrive on an eight‑win run in nine matches, including a recent victory in Galway that sparked their surge. The venue saga – a possible final at Murrayfield rather than Scotstoun, Celtic Park or Hampden – has added pressure on Smith. Coaches know a single mistake could swing the tie.

Smith refuses to be distracted by the off‑field drama, insisting his squad will focus on the 24‑minute battle. Glasgow return to form with scrum‑half George Horne back, ending a three‑match losing streak, while lock Scott Cummings re‑joins after the Six Nations. Injuries still bite – Gregor Brown still remains out and Huw Jones is unavailable – but the core still remains intact.

Connacht coach Stuart Lancaster will point to Glasgow’s pre‑match chatter as motivation, but the Irish side sit without several key contributors – number eight Sean Jansen, back‑row Harry West and fly‑half Jack Carty among them. If the Glasgow Warriors secure a win, they keep a home‑country final within reach; a loss sends both clubs back to the drawing board.