Franco Smith backs Glasgow to learn from Ulster draw

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith believes his side will take valuable lessons from their dramatic 33-33 draw with Ulster at Scotstoun, despite admitting the result initially felt more like a defeat.

Franco Smith reflects on dramatic Ulster draw

Glasgow recovered from a 26-14 deficit to move 33-26 ahead before Rory Darge and Sam Talakai were both shown yellow cards in the closing stages.

With Glasgow reduced to 13 players, Juarno Augustus crossed for Ulster before Nathan Doak converted to level the scores.

George Horne then had an opportunity to win the match, but his late penalty struck the upright.

“It feels like a loss but it’s definitely not a loss,” Smith said. “We’ve got enough points out of this and enough lessons learned that will serve us very well in what needs to happen next.”

Smith targets better game management

Smith identified game management as one of Glasgow’s main areas for improvement and accepted some responsibility for encouraging his players to challenge Ulster from deeper positions.

“Game management is the first thing,” he said. “Part of that is down to me. I asked the boys to ask questions a little bit further out. So I’ll take responsibility for that.”

Smith also defended Horne after the scrum-half missed the late penalty, stressing that Glasgow should have done more earlier to prevent Ulster accumulating 33 points.

Glasgow remain unbeaten in URC

Glasgow scored five tries through Josh McKay, Jamie Dobie, Sam Talakai and a Kyle Rowe double, earning one attacking bonus point in addition to the two match points awarded for the draw.

Smith’s side opened their 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign with a 26-20 bonus-point victory over Munster at Thomond Park.