United Rugby Championship: Will Glasgow take advantage of Leinster’s “performance anxiety”?

Glasgow revisited the scene of their Champions Cup humbling three weeks ago and, while they were unable to exact any revenge, the 13-5 URC defeat in the Aviva Stadium was far more competitive. They had to show, to themselves as much as Leinster, they can go toe-to-toe with their Irish rivals.

Leinster are still heavy favourites, for the semi-final and the tournament, but this tie no longer has the look of the mismatch that might have been predicted a few short weeks ago.

Warriors have got their talisman, Sione Tuipulotu, back and the Scotland centre looks to be firing on all cylinders despite his lengthy injury absence. If anything, he looks refreshed from the break.

Flanker Henco Venter returned from his suspension to deliver a towering display against the Stormers, with the likes of Rory Darge and Tom Jordan stepping up with big performances.

“I was very impressed with Glasgow on Friday night,” Jackman said.

“I watched that and I just thought to myself, ‘Wow, Franco Smith and his coaching staff have just got this team peaking at the end again’.

“They’re full of energy and fight and fun and they’re just enjoying themselves.

“Scarlets came to Leinster at the weekend and they weren’t afraid. I’ve absolutely no doubt Glasgow will be even more confident because they have a trophy in their locker.

“They have just had a performance that I think gives them momentum into this weekend. And they have some players who are absolutely bang on form.

“I think it’s fascinating. It’s going to be an unbelievable game.”