John Barclay believes Glasgow could regret slipping from first to fourth towards the end of the BKT United Rugby Championship season.

The Warriors looked in good shape to claim home advantage right through the playoffs until suffering two defeats in South Africa to the Bulls and Lions.

Franco Smith’s side now face a tricky home quarter-final tie against the Stormers on Saturday night, with the former champions arriving at Scotstoun in a rich vein of form.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Glasgow's Player of the Year Josh McKay wants to win more

And Barclay believes it makes it almost impossible to pick a winner.

“I think it’s the tie of the round and probably the tightest one to call,” said the former Scotland captain, who will be commentating on the game for Premier Sports.

“Glasgow’s form has arguably dipped a little bit whereas the Stormers seem to be hitting their straps at the right time, as they always seem to do under John Dobson.

“Glasgow were first or second in the table for pretty much the whole season and they were there for a reason.

John Barclay believes Glasgow may rue not having the Scotstoun crowd if they progress to the semi-finals and other results go as expectedBarclay believes Glasgow may rue not having the Scotstoun crowd if they progress to the semi-finals and other results go as expected (Image: SNS)

"I thought they were going to have home advantage all the way through the play-offs. It feels like a huge opportunity missed and they face a harder challenge now.

“They have got to hit their straps this weekend because I think the Stormers will come to play and hit their best game. It could be a tough day.

“We all love the way the Stormers play when it works. At times this season, they’ve been a little bit careless and sloppy with the ball.

“But of all the teams below the top four, they are the most dangerous and the most capable of upsetting the quarter-final draw if they get it right, with the players they have, the style of rugby they play, their handling, their power and physicality.

“So, that’s the hardest one to call. I still think the Glasgow lads have got it in them to iron out the creases in their game.”

John Barclay is part of the Premier Sports team bringing every game live from across the BKT United Rugby Championship throughout the season, including all the drama from the play-offs and the URC Grand Final on 22 June.

Premier Sports will also be showing every URC game live throughout next season 2024/25.