Player Ratings - Glasgow Warriors
OPINION: Glasgow Warriors defied the odds to beat the Bulls and lift the URC Final trophy in a thrilling win at Loftus Versfeld.
Displaying remarkable resilience, the Warriors overcame the physicality and intensity of the Bulls to roar back into the second half, before taking the lead as the home side ran out of steam.
It was by no means a perfect performance, but by god the guts!
Here’s how Ian Cameron rated the Glasgow Warriors players:
1. Jamie Bhatti – 5
Like Leinster’s front row a week earlier, he was under serious pressure at scrum time but for the most part, survived before being taken off just after halftime.
2. Johnny Matthews – 5
A dreadful start as an accidental dummy throw cost Glasgow a vital attacking platform. His presence in open play was limited, and he struggled to make an impact. Uncharacteristic after a great season for the hooker.
3. Zander Fagerson – 6.5
Was beasted at times against Bulls loosehead Gerhard Steenekamp but did his best to adjust as the game wore on. Made some serious hits in defence but winning a late scrum penalty on Steenekamp was the sort of top-draw effort you’d expect from the British & Irish Lion.
4. Scott Cummings – 7
Kept the visitors in the game when he forced his way over the line just seconds before halftime and stayed in the fight.
5. Richie Gray – 5
The 6’10, 126kg second row clearly struggled at times with both the pace of the game and the altitude. Maybe the wrong horse for this course as Gregor Brown was a noticeable improvement.
6. Matt Fagerson – 9
One of Glasgow’s standout performers, making numerous tackles and bullocking carries. Consistently put his hand up for the hard yards and refused to shirk the physical challenge the Bulls posed.
7. Rory Darge – 7.5
Did brilliantly to foil the 126kg Wilco Louw at the try line in the 23rd minute, but was one of a number of players whose discipline let them down. Maybe felt he had to play on the edge to slow down the Bulls’ ball-hogging.
8. Jack Dempsey – 8.5
Strong in his ball carries and committed in defence. Maintained his intensity throughout the match despite the thin air and devastatingly had his 50-metre intercept try disallowed. Glasgow certainly won the battle of the back rows.
9. George Horne – 8
Lively around the fringes and provided quick service. Found it hard to maintain the tempo on the back foot against the Bulls’ robust defence. Very nearly an immaculate kicking performance from the tee.
10. Tom Jordan – 6
A decidedly mixed bag from Jordan, who had plenty of bright moments in the attack but also a few too many messy moments when forced to play sweeper. A lovely dab on in the lead-up to Huw Jones’ try was first class. Needs to look at his tackling form as he came in very upright and not just for his yellow card offence in the 77th minute.
11. Kyle Steyn – 7.5
Gave away a kickable penalty due to over-eagerness with just a minute on the clock. Recovered well and did a fine of job of managing the referee. Instrumental in the lead-up to Jones’ try.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7
Not his finest performance but strong in defence and carried well when given the chance. Couldn’t find the space to create significant attacking opportunities but never gave an inch.
13. Huw Jones – 5
An early fumble hurt his confidence but scrambled well in defence in the face of the Bulls’ onslaught. Fairly anonymous in attack until scoring his try and made questionable decisions. Showed plenty of guts – especially at the breakdown – even if was an off day at the office for the centre.
14. Sebastian Cancelliere – 8
The Puma made the most of his limited opportunities, posing a constant threat on the wing. Defensively reliable and added value in attack. Lost his feet on occasion, suggesting he might to take a look at his stubs.
15. Josh McKay – 8.5
Like with Cancelliere, was excellent on the ball, even when living off scraps of possession. Repeatedly made things happen in attack when Glasgow needed an X-factor injection.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. George Turner – 6
Losing a lineout after he came on wasn’t the brightest start but he managed to get on the end of a 5-pointer for a fine maul try at 53 minutes.
17. Nathan McBeth – 6
Brought some stability to the scrum and made a few significant contributions in open play.
18. Oli Kebble -NA
Did not feature.
19. Gregor Brown – 7.5
Impressive in the lineout and physical in defence. Made significant contributions in both set-pieces and open play.
20. Euan Ferrie – NA
Not used.
21. Henco Venter – 8.5
Injected much-needed physicality and aggression into the game. Made several crucial tackles and interventions.
22. Jamie Dobie – 7.5
Added energy and speed, putting the Bulls’ defense under pressure. Made several incisive runs and smart decisions.
23. Duncan Weir – NA
Not used.
