Zebre v Glasgow Warriors, 27 September

Zebre v Glasgow Warriors
 
Friday 27 September 2013, KO 19:30
Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma
 
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 37th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini, Filippo Bertolli (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Marco Cordelli (FIR)
TMO: Alan Falzone (FIR)
 
LIVE on BBC ALBA and Mediaset
 
A. Teams:
 
I. Zebre  
15 Ruggero TREVISAN
14 David ODIETE
13 Kameli RATUVOU
12 Matteo PRATICHETTI
11 Leonardo SARTO
10 Luciano ORQUERA
9 Brendon LEONARD

8 Samuela VUNISA
7 Andries VAN SCHALKWYK
6 Mauro BERGAMASCO
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (cap)
4 George BIAGI
3 Dario CHISTOLINI
2 Andrea MANICI
1 Salvatore PERUGINI

Replacements :
16 Tommaso D'APICE
17 Matias AGUERO
18 Carlo FAZZARI
19 Emiliano CAFFINI
20 Filippo CRISTIANO
21 Alberto CHILLON
22 Tommaso IANNONE
23 Giovanbattista VENDITTI
 
II. Glasgow
15. Sean Maitland
14. Tommy Seymour
13. Gabriel Ascarate
12. Alex Dunbar
11. Byron McGuigan
10. Ruaridh Jackson
9. Henry Pyrgos
 
1. Gordon Reid
2. Dougie Hall
3. Jon Welsh
4. Rob Harley
5. Al Kellock (Captain)
6. James Eddie
7. Chris Fusaro
8. Josh Strauss
 
16. Fraser Brown
17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa
18. Moray Low
19. Jonny Gray
20. Tyrone Holmes
21. Richie Vernon
22. Niko Matawalu
23. Scott Wight
 
 
B. Form - head to head:
 
2 Played 2
0 Wins 2
2 Losses 0
0 Draws 0
3 Tries 8
3 Conversions 6
6 Penalties 2
0 Drop Goals 0
39 Points 58
26 Avg. Age 25
 
C. Form - last season:
 
Friday 28 September 2012, 19:35: Scotstoun
Glasgow Warriors 22 - 19 Zebre
 
Sunday 10 February 2013, 15:05: Stadio XXV Aprile
Zebre 20 - 36 Glasgow Warriors
 
D. Glasgow fans lexicon:
 
Time on these boards has demonstrated that Glasgow fans use an uncommonly broad selection of nicknames and slang to describe the various members of their team.
 
For those unfamiliar with this gibberish:
 
Alphabetty Spaghetti - D.T.H. van der Merwe, wing
Angel - Gabriel Ascarate, centre
Angela - Jon Welsh, prop
Barry - Byron McGuigan, wing
Big Boab - (see Ginger Tackle Monster, the)
Big Mike - (see Coo, the)
Big Naka - Leone Nakarawa, lock/loosie
Bluto - Josh Strauss, loosie/no.8
Centre, the - (see Lesser Messiah, the)
Coo, the - Michael Cusack, prop
Cooseetah - (see Cus)
Cus - Chris Cusiter, scrum half
DTH - (see Alphabetty Spaghetti)
Flippy - (see Toonie)
Fozzy - Christopher Fusaro, loosie
Furra Lineeeee - Peter Horne, centre
Ginger Tackle Monster, the - Rob Harley, loosie
Guns - Tim Swinson, lock
Henners - Henry Pyrgos, scrum half
Hoggy - Stuart Hogg, full back/wing/centre
Ickle Jon - Jonny Gray, lock
Jedi - James Eddie, loosie
Lesser Messiah, the - Richie Vernon, loosie/no.8
Mark of Nazareth - (see Messiah, the)
Meatball, the - Duncan Weir, fly half
Messiah, the/  - Mark Bennett, centre
Niko - Nikola Matawalu, scrum half
Niko's Mate - Jerry Yanuyanutawa, prop
No Maits - Sean Maitland, wing
Rhubarb - Ruaridh Jackson, fly half
Ruck Inspector, the - Alastair Kellock, lock
Schlong - Sean Lamont, centre/wing
Sherlock - Tyrone Holmes, loosie
Shrek - Gordon Reid, prop
Toonie - Gregor Peter John Townsend MBE, head coach
Wee P - Pat MacArthur, hooker
Weegie from Fiji, the - (see Niko)

What might not have looked like a desperately exciting fixture before the season started, now could be a cracker - Zebre will want to kick on after posting their first win and will be gunning for an unbeaten Glasgow; the Weege will be v keen to retain their top of the table spot and flawless record, plus a trip to Italy is never that easy

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:What might not have looked like a desperately exciting fixture before the season started, now could be a cracker - Zebre will want to kick on after posting their first win and will be gunning for an unbeaten Glasgow; the Weege will be v keen to retain their top of the table spot and flawless record, plus a trip to Italy is never that easy

Except on the eye. Have you seen the girls in Parma?

No disrespect to Zebre, but if the weegies are planning to top last seasons league success, then they need to look at putting a bonus point victory passed Zebre here!

Glasgow have by far the better backline, its going to be up to the weegie forwards to give them decent ball!

Think after last week this becomes an interesting one but i think Glasgow are too workman like to slip up. Plus zebre can't bully them upfront.

Glasgow by 7 but no TBP

As anyone seen the size of the Zebre 9 - He looks more like an 8  

munkian wrote:As anyone seen the size of the Zebre 9 - He looks more like an 8  

Isn't that leonard a former AB. ABs are general all big and strong regardless of position.

Brendan wrote:

munkian wrote:As anyone seen the size of the Zebre 9 - He looks more like an 8  

Isn't that leonard a former AB.  ABs are general all big and strong regardless of position.

Piri Weepu ? Daag ?

Brendan wrote:

munkian wrote:As anyone seen the size of the Zebre 9 - He looks more like an 8  

Isn't that leonard a former AB.  ABs are general all big and strong regardless of position.

Yes, a 17 cap All Black. Bugger me - that was a good signing for them. He's 6 feet tall and 14 and a half stones. Or approximately half of 1 Mike Phillips.

munkian wrote:

Brendan wrote:

munkian wrote:As anyone seen the size of the Zebre 9 - He looks more like an 8  

Isn't that leonard a former AB.  ABs are general all big and strong regardless of position.

Piri Weepu ? Daag ?

Well i think many new zealanders aren't impressed with weepu who was dropped so he could drop his fat.

Daag, well every rule has exceptions

Hmmm... I always thoughtthe ABs are more skillfull than large

I agree that if Glasgow have table topping aspirations, then they need to open up this game and secure a 5 pointer.

They've demonstrated some excellent defensive grit in the last couple of games, now they need to get the likes of Bennett, DTH and Hogg into some space and score some tries.

funnyExiledScot wrote:I agree that if Glasgow have table topping aspirations, then they need to open up this game and secure a 5 pointer.

They've demonstrated some excellent defensive grit in the last couple of games, now they need to get the likes of Bennett, DTH and Hogg into some space and score some tries.

He's converted  

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:I agree that if Glasgow have table topping aspirations, then they need to open up this game and secure a 5 pointer.

They've demonstrated some excellent defensive grit in the last couple of games, now they need to get the likes of Bennett, DTH and Hogg into some space and score some tries.

He's converted  

It's just a shame he didn't break into the side a few years ago....  

Glasgow need to stop their baldy Mike Phillips-esque 9 - he was a rampaging beast against the Blues and gave them so much momentum.

Stop him, and give their stand off that looks about 87 years old no room to breathe, and Glasgow will get the BP.

Also need to front up in the forwards - the Zebre pack are a lot more competitive this year.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:I agree that if Glasgow have table topping aspirations, then they need to open up this game and secure a 5 pointer.

They've demonstrated some excellent defensive grit in the last couple of games, now they need to get the likes of Bennett, DTH and Hogg into some space and score some tries.

He's converted  

It's just a shame he didn't break into the side a few years ago....  

  

Nice stat in the official Rabo preview that Glasgow haven't conceded a try in nearly 300 consecutive minutes of matchplay now.

George Carlin wrote:Nice stat in the official Rabo preview that Glasgow haven't conceded a try in nearly 300 consecutive minutes of matchplay now.

Wait until December. Visser will OWN Maitland.

Visser will own Maitland as long as the MFL have the ball. Which , let's face it will be about as long as I would last in an all in baby oil wrestling match with my three favourite female leads from Game of Thrones.

jimbopip wrote:Visser will own Maitland as long as the MFL have the ball. Which , let's face it will be about as long as I would last in an all in baby oil wrestling match with my three favourite female leads from Game of Thrones.

 

I have a lot of time for Game of Thrones - I'm surprised you can narrow it down to three favourites!!

Which Visser - Tim or Sep ? Does Sean Maitland owe him/them money ? Otherwise, in rugby playing terms, once any of SM, Schlong, DTH, Hoggy,  or even worse (for Visser) Bob Harley or Bluto catch Visser they will most likely vaporise him.

Team for Friday :-
1. Reid
2. Hall
3. (Angela) Welsh
4. Big Naka
5. Swinson
6. Harley
7. Fusaro
8. (Bluto) Strauss
9 Cuister
10 Jackson
11 DTH VDM
12 Dunbar
13  
14 Schlong
15 Maitland

Ascarte apparently looked very classy for Stirling County - DW needs more game time as he played at full back  

Good to see maitland at 15, always feel he is better suited there, used to play there in super 15 and played well there on one of the lions games I saw so will be good to see how it goes

Very good team. Interested to hear how the new lock gets on. Reid deserves a game as well. I've been impressed with his progress.

Is that the actual team? Not seen an announcement..

I think that this is perhaps more Schiz's'personal choice rather than any team named by Toonie.

Good team though!

Hey folks, I'm alive and well after my 20 mile jaunt through the big smoke. Walk went well, apart from what looks like a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal on my left foot suffered at some point on the Strand. I can walk on it fairly well with a bit of bandaging and a comedy pirate captain's limp.

Anyway, to business. It's a right pain that we have to face Zebre this week because i) their blood will be up; ii) I was so bloody happy to see them win last week, and I don't appreciate thinking of the as 'them on the other team' this week; iii) I really was hoping to use this tie to blood some of the newbies in a competitive match - I'm thinking particularly of Big Naka, Ali Price, my mate's sister, and reintroducing No Maits. Unfortunately, I'm just a wee nit nervous about this one now...

Zebre are not a bad side but last season, they had no luck whatsoever and so didn't win a game.

The Weej should win this but can't afford to rest too many of their front line players. A good attitude (something sadly lacking for Edinburgh) should see you home easily enough

Did someone say on another thread that Coo was out for the season?

I think His Cooness was going to be out until at least the new year, which means he'll be fresh and raring to go against Clermont in the HC semis...

jimbopip wrote:Visser will own Maitland as long as the MFL have the ball. Which , let's face it will be about as long as I would last in an all in baby oil wrestling match with my three favourite female leads from Game of Thrones.

Again, Mental Image of the Week Award goes to Jimbo.

George Carlin wrote:I think that this is perhaps more Schiz's'personal choice rather than any team named by Toonie.

Good team though!

Correct but I think they could do a job for us. Me and the Toonster interchangeable huh? Well I'm blooming well going to tell hime next time he is in the Scout Hut BTW  

I'd go for:

1. Grant
2. MacArthur
3. Welsh
4. Gray
5. Swinson
6. Harley
7. Fusaro
8. Strauss
9. Cusiter
10. Jackson
11. VDM
12. Dunbar
13. Bennett
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Reid
17. Low
18. Hall
19. Nakarawa
20. Holmes
21. Pyrgos
22. Weir
23. Ascarate

I'd go for most of that, numbers, with some changes:

Angel to start ahead of Messiah - I've been impressed by Ascarate so far this season. As well as his obvious skills and positional variability, I've also been impressed by his rugby brain. Just like No Maits, he is always looking to link with others, and searching for the offload. Bennett has lived up to a lot of the hype, and goes my first choice 13. Quite simply, I want him rested. Barry McGuigan to the bench.

Ali Price on the bench for Pyrgos - the young man deserves a 20 minute run on the strength of his pre-season firm. Henry isn't really cutting it for me.

Your Mate's Sister on the bench for Meatball - it's too early for Weir to play a pro game, and I gather he was played at fullback for Stirling County (how would that even work?). I would originally have picked Finn Russell to start this match, but with Zebre's resurgence, I've relegated him to the bench.

I think Ali Price might be injured. I heard he'd done his knee in training. Looks a good player though

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_8942339,00.html

Baron Gregor von Townsend stating that Big Al and Niko are both fit and will definitely feature against Zebre.

9 changes according to the tw@tter feed - hope that's not too many and that they're taking Zebre seriously. Would be happy to see young Gray, Cus and Bob Harley get a rest tho

Is Bennett dropped already??

funnyExiledScot wrote:Is Bennett dropped already??

Erm, being rested after sterling, top-of-the-drawer service, actually!

Glasgow Warriors team to play Zebre, RaboDirect PRO12, Stadio XXV Aprile, Friday 27 September (kick-off 7.30pm local time):



15. Sean Maitland

14. Tommy Seymour

13. Gabriel Ascarate

12. Alex Dunbar

11. Byron McGuigan

10. Ruaridh Jackson

9. Henry Pyrgos



1. Gordon Reid

2. Dougie Hall

3. Jon Welsh

4. Rob Harley

5. Al Kellock (Captain)

6. James Eddie

7. Chris Fusaro

8. Josh Strauss



16. Fraser Brown

17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa

18. Moray Low

19. Jonny Gray

20. Tyrone Holmes

21. Richie Vernon

22. Niko Matawalu

23. Scott Wight



Not available due to injury: Mike Cusack (shoulder), Stuart Hogg (wrist), Peter Horne (knee), Peter Murchie (shoulder), Tom Ryder (head), DTH van der Merwe (illness) and Ryan Wilson (shoulder).

Fantastic to see Maitland and Niko back in the team. Strong front row, backrow, centre-paring and back three. Not entirely sure about Pyrgos at 9, or about Harley and Kellock paired at lock.

I wouldn't just focus on last weeks result lads, Zebre have played well all season an had a few good games last year.

Would have preferred to have seen the new Fijian lock get a chance alongside Kellock.

Is Vernon covering centre?

reallybored wrote:Would have preferred to have seen the new Fijian lock get a chance alongside Kellock.

Is Vernon covering centre?

fES will love that!

Not a fan of Harley at lock, I'd have given J Gray an extended run due to good form. Otherwise typically strong line-up from Glasgow. Seymour very much deserving of a shot on the wing and McGuigan is probably owed a game due to strong early season form.

Pretty sensible lineup really, with Harley at lock my only real quibble.

Bonus point win coming right up.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

reallybored wrote:Would have preferred to have seen the new Fijian lock get a chance alongside Kellock.

Is Vernon covering centre?

fES will love that!

I'm delighted to see it. I love players being used out of position. At least Vernon has that killer pace that is so lacking in the other options at 13......

They're going to be looking after johnny gray this season - there'll be limits on the number of consecutive games he can play and this us a good one to bench him.

I don't think this is going to be easy, and that team is lacking spark.

With that pack, a midfield of Jackson, Dunbar and Ascarate really should be enough spark to win this one, particularly with strike runners like Maitland and Seymour at the back (both good counter-attacking players as well).

There's also real impact on the bench in the form of Matawalu, Vernon and Holmes - Glasgow could really open things up in the final quarter.

I'd say the big concern is goal kicking. Can Jackson maintain a good enough kicking % to get the scoreboard moving in Glasgow's favour? If Glasgow get a 9+ point lead I can see things openning up nicely.

No disrepsect intended to Zebre (afterall they are above Edinburgh in the league), but this is a 5 pointer for Glasgow.

I'm fairly happy with the team (and yes, I know I say that every week) - there are no bad players in that team, no one who you look at thinking "hmm... Not sure if he's up to this".

A couple of concerns lie with Harley at lock (does he have the bulk? Will he be tempted into playing as a third flanker?), and Pyrgos starting (if Williams can replicate his form of last week, we'll have a game on our hands). Ascarate is an unknown, but I'm not worried - he has shown enough up to now.

We haven't rotated our squad to any great extent thus far, so the nine changes were probably inevitable, more so with Scarlets coming up next week. Considering that Scarlets were the one team we came nowhere near competing with last year, next week for me is a bigger test than the Leinster and Ulster matches. So, I want a full, fit, battle-hardened XV to line up next week, and the squad for Zebre , despite its faults, will allow that to happen.

Due respect FES but I am never comfortable with predictions of 5 pointers. We made pretty hard work of putting away the Blues at Scotstoun and they in turn were beaten by Zebre in Cardiff. A win in Italy would be great but Zebre don't strike me as mugs and it wasn't that long ago they nearly turned us over at Firhill if I recall. Looking forward to it and great that is being shown on Alba.

luvtotup wrote:Due respect FES but I am never comfortable with predictions of 5 pointers. We made pretty hard work of putting away the Blues at Scotstoun and they in turn were beaten by Zebre in Cardiff. A win in Italy would be great but Zebre don't strike me as mugs and it wasn't that long ago they nearly turned us over at Firhill if I recall.

No need to recall - I put it in the OP. Hey. Wait. Does anyone actually ever read the original post?
 
Happy with that team. Nice to see Shrek get a start and Dougie hasn't played that much either so I'm expecting a good game from him. Would rather Jedi swap shirts with Harley, obviously, but Ickle Jon will get on at some point. I don't fancy Henners chances at getting more game time this season if he doesn't have a Very Large Game on Friday - Cus has been playing well and I've heard that this Fijian scrum half of ours has got a bit of game.
 
Our lineout was gash last time so nice to see the Chief Inspector of Rucks is back to bring order where there was chaos. I expect Maitland to be rusty as hell and, mathematically speaking, there is no better team to blow off the cobwebs against. Another chance for Barry to prove that he was criminally overlooked last season.

George Carlin wrote:Another chance for Barry to prove that he was criminally overlooked last season.

I still think McGuigan is a bit of a weak link for Glasgow, despite improved form this season. Comfortably behind Maitland, DTH, Seymour and Lamont in my view. Edinburgh don't seem to rate Farndale (probably the same guy who ditched Grant and Maitland), so he'd be a good poach for Glasgow.