Wilson ready for winner-takes-all clash

In his 12 years with Glasgow Warriors, Ryan Wilson has played in his fair share of big games.

From tense playoff fixtures to massive European moments, the 32-year-old has seen almost everything in Glasgow colours, wearing his heart on his sleeve throughout it all.

? Here is your Glasgow Warriors team to take on @EdinburghRugby at BT Murrayfield tomorrow night in the 1872 Cup decider, brought to you by @MackenzieConstr

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— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) May 20, 2022

The club co-captain will be leading from the front in Edinburgh once more when he runs out onto the BT Murrayfield pitch tomorrow night, as the Warriors go head-to-head with their hosts in a winner-takes-all encounter in the United Rugby Championship.

“We know exactly how much is at stake tomorrow,” Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org.

“There’s the 1872 Cup, the Scottish-Italian Shield and European qualification all on the line, and that’s before you get to the fact that we want to finish as high up the league as we possibly can to improve our knockout seeding.

“We’ve been firmly pushing the derby aspect this week The message has been clear – we’re firmly in that derby mindset, because we know what getting the win means to this club.”

Wilson and company travel eastwards in the box seat as they look to retain the 1872 Cup, having earned a 30-17 victory over Edinburgh at Scotstoun back in March.

With a physical defensive shift having been blended with clinical attack, the Warriors have set their own standard ahead of tomorrow night’s clash.

“That game in March was one of our best performances this season, without question,” said Wilson.

Starting off 1872 Cup week in the best way ?

Remind yourself of what happened in the first leg, as we claimed a 30-17 victory over Edinburgh at Scotstoun.#WhateverItTakes ⚔️?️ pic.twitter.com/229AOdJy5C
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) May 16, 2022

“It was a game that saw us kick on and take control of the game in the second half – drawing after 50 minutes, we showed what we’re capable of and went on to win the game pretty confidently.

“The bench came on and made a big impact, and we know that’s the level we’re going to need to be at once again.”

In a match normally decided by tight margins, each area of the field is set to be a hotly-contested battleground when the whistle blows for kick-off tomorrow night.

The back-row is no exception, and it’s a battle that Wilson is relishing.

“I can’t wait to be honest with you,” said the captain.

“The back-row battle is going to be pretty physical, but our lads have been going really well this season. Even with guys like Rory Darge and Matt Fagerson injured at the moment, we really back ourselves.

“Thomas Gordon had an outstanding game last time we played Edinburgh with his two tries and just generally being everywhere, so we’re excited about the challenge tomorrow.”

The travelling Warrior Nation could make all the difference at BT Murrayfield come kick-off, as thousands of supporters are set to make the journey eastwards to roar on their team.

Whilst no extra motivation is needed for Wilson and his team-mates ahead of tomorrow night, repaying the faith of the fanbase is high on the agenda for the Glasgow skipper.

“We know we’re going to have a good following travelling through tomorrow, which all the boys are buzzing about,” said Wilson.

“Our fans have been outstanding this season wherever we’ve played, and we want to put our best foot forward for them at Murrayfield tomorrow evening.”