Watch VideoBulls handed Murrayfield boost for crucial URC semi-final against Glasgow Warriors

The powerful Bulls forward pack will be a lot more at home on the grass of Murrayfield on Saturday, but that will not be their only advantage in the URC semi-final against nemesis the Glasgow Warriors. Photo: Backpagepix The Bullsknow better than mosthow hard it is to beat the Glasgow Warriors on their own patch. They have travelled to Scotland twice this season and returned home empty-handed, suffering defeat in a URC clash in October before falling agonisingly short in a Champions Cup quarter-final in April.

Yet, as Johan Ackermann’s side prepare for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final, there is a growing sense that this is not quite the same challenge.Glasgow finished top of the regular season log and are one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, but they will not be playing at Scotstoun. Yet, as Johan Ackermann’s side prepare for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final, there is a growing sense that this is not quite the same challenge. Glasgow finished top of the regular season log and are one of the most dangerous teams in the competition, but they will not be playing at Scotstoun.

Instead, the semi-final has been moved to Murrayfield in Edinburgh due to preparations for this year’s Commonwealth Games, taking Glasgow away from the compact stadium that has become one of the URC’s most intimidating venues. While much of the focus has been on the switch from the artificial 4G surface to natural grass – a change widely believed to favour the Bulls’ game – that is not the only advantage the ‘home’ side stand to lose. For years, Scotstoun has been a fortress. Its capacity of just over 7 000 creates an intensity that far outweighs its size, with supporters virtually on top of the action and every turnover, penalty and try amplified by a passionate crowd.It is an environment they thrive in.