Match Preview | Lyon

Glasgow Warriors stand just 80 minutes away from a first-ever European semi-final as they return to EPCR Challenge Cup action, with Danny Wilson’s men travelling to top seeds Lyon this weekend.

After booking their place in the last-eight with a confident 27-17 win away to Newcastle Falcons, the Warriors make the trip to Matmut Stade Gerland knowing that victory would secure them a piece of club history and a place in the final four.

The Top14 side have been in impressive form in domestic action this season, as well as securing the top seeding after breezing their way through the Challenge Cup pool stages.

It will be just the second time that Glasgow Warriors have made the trip to Lyon, with Wilson’s men looking to maintain an unbeaten record against the French side.

Here’s how the match is shaping up:

Previous Encounter

The Warriors hold the upper hand from their previous match-ups against Lyon, doing the double over their hosts back in the 2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup pool stages.

A Niko Matawalu brace proved the difference on the second of those meetings, the Fijian flyer’s first try still jointly holding the record for the fastest score in club history.

Adam Hastings also chipped in with 11 points from the tee, with the December sleet making running rugby a challenge in a 21-10 victory for the Warriors.

Ones to watch

They don’t call Josua Tuisova ‘The Bus’ for nothing, with the Fijian winger having earned a reputation as one of the most destructive runners in world rugby. A gold medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games with the Fijian 7s squad, his blend of pace and power makes him a fearsome prospect for any defender.

One of the quiet workhorses of the French national side, Dylan Cretin has developed into one of the most effective back-rowers available to Les Bleus. The 24-year-old’s ability at the set-piece, in addition to his work rate, saw him included in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations squad, helping his country to a first Grand Slam in 12 years.

Still just 24 himself, Demba Bamba remains one of the most highly-rated front-rowers in French rugby. A U20 World Cup winner, the prop’s dynamism with ball in hand has already seen him rack up 23 caps for the French senior setup.

Memorable Moment

The Warrior Nation will be hoping for a repeat of their last visit to the Stade Gerland, as a Dave Rennie-led Glasgow side put on an attacking clinic to earn a 42-22 victory over their hosts in December 2018.

Adam Ashe scored the first and last try of the game in a powerful performance at the base of the scrum, with George Horne, Huw Jones and Stuart Hogg also crossing the whitewash for the visitors.

Hastings added 17 points with the boot, in a result that ultimately helped Glasgow reach the Champions Cup quarter-finals that season.

Match officials

Matthew Carley will be the referee for Saturday night’s clash in Lyon, the Englishman having also taken charge of Glasgow’s visit to La Rochelle back in December.

Nika Amashukeli – who took charge of last week’s meeting with the Vodacom Bulls – and Anthony Woodthorpe will be his assistants, with Ian Tempest on hand as the Television Match Official.

Broadcast Information

The match is live on BT Sport 2, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time on Saturday night.

You can also follow all the action as it happens in our Live Match Centre – head to glasgowwarriors.org from roughly an hour before kick-off for all the build-up and updates from Lyon.