Glasgow Warriors won't be 'intimidated' by South Africa test

Glasgow have returned to the nation of their most famous triumph in their history after winning the URC title against the Bulls in June.

Franco Smith's men's reputation in the South Hemisphere was bolstered after their triumph but they'll face tough tests against the Sharks and the Stormers in their last two fixtures before the break for the Autumn internationals.

The South African public gave the Warriors little chance in that encounter but Horne won’t be intimidated by facing the Sharks on Saturday despite their Springbok internationals returning. 

Glasgow are back in South Africa for the first time since winning the United Rugby Championship in June (Image: Getty)

“No, we won’t feel intimidated,” Horne admitted. “We’ll respect the fact that these teams are bloody good at home, they’re hard to beat, but we’ll go in with every confidence that if we put out our best performance it’s going to be good enough.

"It’s always a huge challenge going over there. They are four of the best teams in the league, especially at home - not many teams beat them out there.” 

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On gaining confidence from their URC win in South Africa, Horne added: “ I think it’s got to give us some belief. We can do it in front of a packed house in the final, so why can’t we do it now in the regular season?

"It’s something we’ve struggled to do in the last few years, so we’re going to have to bring that kind of performance again if we’re going to get anything from the games. 

George Horne is looking forward to facing South African opposition over the next two weeks (Image: SNS)

“We can’t play loose, can’t turn over the ball, because these guys will punish you. So we’ve got to be pretty disciplined in our game plan. I guess we’re more familiar with the teams. 

"We’ve played them four or five teams - previewed them, reviewed them now as well. So you are more familiar with them, but it doesn’t stop the prospect of being a massive challenge.

"I’m sure they’ll have a handful of Springboks back in their squads when they play us, so they’re going to be bolstered by those guys.”