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Glasgow Warriors struggled to break down Zebre in Parma [Getty Images]
Glasgow lack strength in depth
The previous week's 52-0 European Champions Cup thrashing by Leinster appeared to be weighing heavily on Glasgow Warriors as they faced Zebre despite head coach Franco Smith freshening up his side with 10 changes to his starting line-up.
The Italian hosts threatened their first-ever win over Warriors as they led 6-0 at half-time and only when Matteo Canali was sent to the sin bin did the tide turn in the visitors' favour.
A lengthy injury list that has stretched Glasgow's squad to its limits was a contributing factor to 120 minutes of rugby without a point, but it was little wonder Smith was visibly angry at their display at half-time in Parma and made more changes to his side soon after.
Win over Bulls now a must
Any kind of victory will have been welcomed at half-time, especially as it secures a home tie in the quarter-finals.
However, the failure to add a bonus point could prove crucial in their head-to-head battle with Bulls to finish second in the table behind runaway leaders Leinster.
The Bulls did likewise in their 16-13 win away to Munster to remain four points behind Glasgow before they visit Scotstoun on Friday in what could be a season-defining game for both in the URC with only three games of the regular campaign remaining.
With Glasgow thereafter facing a difficult trip to face fifth-placed Benetton then finishing off away to imperious Leinster, it is surely a must-win for Smith's side if they are to finish second and secure home advantage in the last four should they reach that far.
Especially so considering Bulls' last two games are the easier on paper - at home to sixth-top Cardiff and bottom-of-the-table Dragons.
Jordan must start
To add to the importance of Friday's game, Bulls will arrive seeking revenge for last season's 21-16 defeat by Glasgow in Pretoria as the visitors secured the URC title.
Smith will no doubt change his starting line-up again and will by praying that some of his injury absentees return, with Zander Fagerson and Huw Jones said to be closest to battle readiness and captain and fellow Scotland international Sione Tuipulotu still not worth a risk.
You imagine that Tom Jordan will also be pencilled in given he helped change the game in Warriors' favour when he replaced Adam Hastings at centre after the break in Parma.
Glasgow did it the hard way last season, winning the semi-final and final away from home, but it would be difficult to see them secure a third title if they have to do the same this time.
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