Warriors edge Munster to cement top-two spot
MATCH REPORT: Glasgow, despite being off-colour, managed to cement their place in the top two of the United Rugby Championship.
The defending champions edge a willing Munster 28-25 at Scotstoun on Friday.
Despite missing key Scotland internationals like Huw Jones, Rory Darge and Zander Fagerson – following their Six Nations exertions – the Warriors welcomed back captain Kyle Steyn from injury for his first appearance in two months, while Tonga back row forward Sione Vailanu returned for his first outing in 15 months.
Glasgow improved in the second half following the half-time introductions of Gregor Brown, Matt Fagerson and Duncan Weir off the bench as the hosts came from 11 points behind with 15 minutes remaining to win the match.
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Match Summary
Munster got off to a strong start dominating possession. Academy fullback Ben O’Connor won an aerial battle using some beautiful footwork to get close to the line. Munster continued to put on pressure in the first 10 minutes but Glasgow’s defence held firm.
The visitors were reduced to 14 men after Fineen Wycherley received a yellow card following an illegal lift on Alex Samuel.
A superb passage of play starting with a break by O’Brien gave Munster a chance. Tom Farrell and Andrew Smith all played their part before Butler’s crossfield kick found O’Connor, who passed inside for Hodnett to get the first five points of the game. Butler added a further two from the tee to put Munster in the lead, 0-7.
Munster continued attacking patiently with Gavin Coombes making a huge charge up the left wing. The ball was spun out to the blindside and O’Brien wove round three defenders stretching to score superbly. Butler’s touchline conversion was off target, 12-0.
Glasgow kept the ball alive, with a number of offloads, with George Horne bringing the home side back into the game. Adam Hastings converted bringing the score to 7-12.
A Butler penalty extended Munster’s lead by a further three points after 30 minutes, 15-7.
Recently returned from injury and Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn narrowed the gap with five minutes left of the first half, scoring a breakaway try. The try was converted and Munster led by one point at half-time, 15-14.
Stafford McDowell was penalised for not rolling away allowing Butler to slot a second penalty. Munster had the first points of the second half and led, 14-18.
Playing a penalty advantage off the scrum, Munster kept the ball alive, Farrell offloaded for O’Brien to score his second try in an outstanding Munster attack. Rory Scannell converted to get the two points, 25-14.
The hosts came back instantly with a try from substitute Matt Fagerson. The conversion was good by Hastings, keeping Glasgow within touching distance, 21-25.
With four minutes on the clock Nathan McBeth scored Glasgow’s fourth and bonus point try from short range, the score was converted putting them in front 28-25, ultimately securing the win.
The scorers
For Glasgow Warriors
Tries: G Horne, Steyn, Fagerson, McBeth
Cons: Hastings 4
For Munster
Tries: Hodnett, O’Brien 2
Cons: Butler, R Scannell
Pens: Butler 2
Yellow card: Fineen Wycherley (Munster, 8 – foul play, dangerous tackle)
Teams:
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Sebastian Cancelliere, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Stafford McDowall, 11 Kyle Steyn (captain), 10 Adam Hastings, 9 George Horne, 8 Jack Mann, 7 Sione Vailanu, 6 Euan Ferrie, 5 Alex Samuel, 4 Jare Oguntibeju, 3 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Johnny Matthews, 1 Jamie Bhatti
Replacements: 16 Grant Stewart, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Matt Fagerson, 22 Ben Afshar, 23 Duncan Weir.
Munster: 15 Ben O’Connor, 14 Seán O’Brien, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Andrew Smith, 10 Tony Butler, 9 Paddy Patterson, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Alex Kendellen, 5 Tom Ahern, 4 Fineen Wycherley, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Diarmuid Barron (captain), 1 Jeremy Loughman.
Replacements: 16 Danny Sheahan, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 John Ryan, 19 Brian Gleeson, 20 Ruadhán Quinn, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 Gordon Wood, 23 Rory Scannell.
Referee: Morné Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: David Sutherland (Scotland), Finlay Brown (Scotland)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Sources: @GlasgowWarriors & @Munsterrugby
United Rugby Championship
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