Wilson confident in squad’s potential

• 22 Aug 2020

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Danny Wilson believes there is more to come from his side over the next few weeks and months, following this evening’s 30-15 defeat to Edinburgh in the 1872 Cup decider at BT Murrayfield.

The first rugby match to be held in Scotland for six months following the Guinness PRO14’s suspension, the Warriors were unable to convert a half-time lead into a victory as Edinburgh ultimately emerged victorious.

“There was a lot of scrappy play from both sides, really,” said Wilson.

“We came off second-best in terms of discipline, and some big calls around the contact area didn’t go our way. Credit to Edinburgh, they put us under pressure in that area early on. There were then a couple of key moments where we didn’t get out of our half well enough, and they came away with points.

“Those were pivotal moments in the game and it went their way.”

Despite the defeat, however, Wilson underlined his belief in his squad’s potential as he continues to impress his vision for club on his players.

“There was a fair bit of error from both sides compared to a normal game, and errors led to some scrappy rugby,” he said.

“We just didn’t build well enough when we got possession.

It’s getting unsurprisingly feisty out there ?@Petehorne72 crosses for the first try of the game for @GlasgowWarriors before the handbags came out ?

Will @EdinburghRugby hit back?

?? Watch Live Now on @PremierSportsTV
?? Watch Live Now on @eirSport#GuinnessPRO14 #EDIvGLA pic.twitter.com/qQklM9v40d
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) August 22, 2020

“When we did hold on to the ball, I thought we showed promise – the second try we scored showed what we can do when we build phases in the opposition 22, we just didn’t do that often enough.”

The two sides will do it all again in just six days’ time at BT Murrayfield, as Edinburgh’s designated home tie completes the double-header. With his side now out of contention for a place in the semi-finals, the match nonetheless provides the latest opportunity for Wilson to fine-tune as preparations continue for the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign.

“It’ll take a fair bit of time to build to the standard we want to reach, as it will for everyone after the six-month layoff,” said Wilson.

“We want to play with speed and tempo, and whilst we did that at times it ended in error on too many occasions. I’m confident it’ll get better and better as the boys get back into more and more action, though – remember this is their first hit-out for a long time.

“For a first hit-out, though, there were definitely positives there for us to work on. It was the first chance for me to look at players and combination in a live situation. We’ve got a short turnaround now, and we’ll look to work on some things before Friday.”