How Franco Smith rationalised Glasgow's painful loss to Ulster

Glasgow head coach Franco Smith believes their tough BKT United Rugby Championship opener against Ulster will stand them in good stead for the season ahead despite suffering last-gasp disappointment.

The champions looked set to begin their title defence with a victory but David Shanahan scored in the 87th minute to earn the hosts a 20-19 win in Belfast on Saturday night.

“We’re disappointed with the result, but overall we’re pleased with the way we went about our business,” Smith told glasgowwarriors.org.

“I can’t fault the effort of the players for a moment. We had 14 players getting their first minutes of the 2024/25 season having not played the pre-season – we’ve always said that the first two or three games still form part of that pre-season programme for us, but the way the boys applied themselves against a very well-organised Ulster team was very pleasing.

“Ulster in Belfast have a hugely proud record, and they will have been identifying this match as their target since we lifted the trophy in Pretoria.

“To have been in a position to win it and then lose it in that way after seven minutes of injury time and a massive defensive effort is disappointing, but we will work hard to put things right ahead of next week.

“If we must lose any games this season, then that is the way we want to lose – the boys gave everything in defence.

“To have that kind of test in round one will stand us in good stead, as that level of defensive effort is something you’d be accustomed to in a final.”

Smith praised Sam Talakai, who made his debut at tighthead prop, and fly-half Adam Hastings, who came off the bench following his return to the club.

He added: “We have always said that to be a great team you must first be a great squad, and the experience and quality that we possess across the field will be so important – the URC is a truly competitive competition, and Benetton will be another tough challenge next weekend that we will need to be at our best to meet.”