mmu_huddle

MMU rugby look ahead to Glasgow away

  • MMU 1st XV travel to Glagow on Weds 16th Feb
  • MMU Looking to rectify last weeks loss and get back in form
  • Glagow have a point to prove after their defeat at Platt Lane

MMU Rugby Union 1st XV back on the bus – this time heading North.

On Wednesday 16th February the team are crossing state lines as they face Glasgow University for the second time in as many months. A classic physical English v Scottish grudge match can be guaranteed. The game is being played at the historic West of Scotland Football Club with a 1:45pm Kick Off.

One thing Manchester and Glasgow seem to have in common is horrific weather, as the forecast is issuing amber weather warnings for wind, as storm Darcy makes herself viciously know. Fortunately, the accompanying rain shouldn’t be too much of an issue as the match is to be played on artificial grass.

It’s the second away game in a row for the Blue and Orange after last week saw a tough 45-16 against a formidable Loughborough. This week Man Met will be looking to rectify things up in sunny Scotland.

The last time the two sides met, Manchester came out on top following an impressive display resulting in a 43-14 victory at Platt Lane.

Despite last week’s result, MMU are in a decent run of form and sitting at third in the league following a turbulent start to the season. However Wednesdays foe, Glasgow, have won just two games so far this season and are camped at the bottom of the league, sadly destined for relegation.

Glasgow have the home advantage and First Team Coach, James Wade, said he was “expecting a close game, especially with the travel.” Although he did add that “We find that when teams come up they’re well prepared” and also that the weather will likely even the playing field.

Despite being on home soil (or AstroTurf), Wade did conclude that to his men; “once you get onto the pitch it’s just a game” and any feelings of advantages would quickly be scuppered to the back of players minds.

GURFC are missing some key players, two wingers, two props and their 10 are all out due to a variety of injuries. However, Wade was quick to shine a potential positive on this, with the lack of pressure due to confirmed relegation and the absence of some regular squad members, the opportunity has arisen to bring in some new faces:

“We’ve got some new players coming in and I am really keen to see what they can do.

“We’ve a club of 150 players and getting selection right can sometimes be hard…sometimes these players come up from the 2s and 3s and you think ‘oh bloody hell maybe we’ve looked at you in the wrong way’.”

Wade seemed particularly interested in new winger Adam Fowlie, stating he’s “keen to see what he can do.” Overall the coach felt that the lads are looking to “right a few wrongs and just show we’re not as fragile as some of the teams maybe perceive us to be.”

MMU appear in much better form than their opposition, having won three out of the last four league games.

First XV Coach, Rob Jones, felt that last week the team “didn’t perform as well as we have done” but despite this, “we should go to Glasgow with tonnes of confidence.”

Jones felt like “since November we’ve been a different team” and that whilst acknowledging the big bus journey, his team aren’t deterred by it, and thanks to more convenient KO times it’s the nicer trip compared to last week’s journey.

Despite what Jones described as an average first third and good middle third, he felt “the Job isn’t done yet” and the team are “not safe” in such a tight league. 

Jones was full of confidence in his side and boldly claimed “my belief is we are the 2nd best team in this league” which could be reinforced on Wednesday if his side can bag a ‘W’ on foreign territory.

After two substitutions for injury last week, both players concerned Captain Will Connor and number 8 Ryan Wolfenden, are fit and ready for this weeks clash.

Both coaches placed an emphasis on letting their teams focus on their own strengths and what they do well as well as stressing that university is an environment for young players to learn and improve.

Best of luck to both teams, and to any spectators, don’t forget your rain mac because it’s going to be wet!