Glasgow Warriors 35 – 19 Hollywood Bet Sharks

Tries: Rowe, McDowall, Darge, Dobie, Penalty Try.

Con: Horne (4)

Tries: Van Der Merwe, Tshituka, Am.

Con: Hendrikse (2)

The URC is back, and Glasgow Warriors opened their campaign with a well-earned victory over a determined Sharks side at Scotstoun.

The Warriors’ game plan suffered a setback even before kick-off, with powerful ball-carrier Jack Dempsey forced out after picking up an injury in the warm-up. They were also disrupted early on when fly-half Lancaster was replaced briefly for a blood injury, with Adam Hastings stepping in to cover.

Despite the disruptions, the contest did not disappoint. It was a game full of big collisions, frantic passages of play, and plenty of mauls. Many had written off the Sharks before kick-off, with the South African side missing a host of internationals preparing for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina tomorrow. And with Scotstoun being something of a fortress, few expected them to trouble the Warriors.

From the start, though, it was a physical contest. Debutant centre Kerr Yule wasted no time in making his mark, winning an early turnover with a thunderous tackle – setting the tone for the evening.

It was the Sharks who struck first, winger Edwill van der Merwe finishing off a sharp midfield move. He still had plenty to do, showing strength to ground the ball under pressure. Glasgow hit back swiftly through Kyle Rowe, with George Horne adding the extras to give the home side a 7–5 lead after 14 minutes.

Both teams traded blows in attack, but it was the defences that often came out on top, forcing errors and turnovers. Fan favourite Johnny Matthews twice crossed the whitewash, only to be denied both times by the TMO. With 48 tries already in a Glasgow shirt, he underlined once again his eye for the try line.

The pressure eventually told when Matt Fagerson powered over after Glasgow stretched the Sharks’ defence touchline to touchline, before sheer strength drove the back-rower across the line. The Sharks responded just before half-time, with captain Vincent Tshituka crashing over to narrow the gap to 14–12 at the break.

The second half brought more of the same – frantic play, fierce hits, long passes, interceptions, and hurried kicks keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Glasgow extended their lead nine minutes in, with Rory Darge crossing to give his side valuable breathing space.

A clever kicking game and strong control of territory helped the Warriors manage the match, though their scrum came under pressure, handing the Sharks a foothold. That pressure told when a cross-field kick found Van der Merwe, who passed inside to Lukhanyo Am to score, cutting Glasgow’s lead once more.

A missed tackle from a pick-and-go allowed Dobie to create space and get a pass away to Horne. Using his dangerous pace, Horne burst through the midfield and opened up more space before returning the ball to Dobie, who dived under the posts.

The Sharks’ hopes faded late on with two yellow cards in quick succession. Replacement forward Tino Mavesere was binned on 75 minutes, before Lee-Marvin Mazibuko followed two minutes later, his infringement at the maul conceding a penalty try.

Down to 13 men, the Sharks gamely ran the ball from their own try line in search of a fourth try and a bonus point, but Glasgow’s defence held firm. The match closed with the Warriors claiming a deserved 35–19 win.

Next week, Glasgow travel to Italy to take on Benetton. They will look to build on the positives from this performance while tightening up in key areas, particularly their midfield defence and scrum.

Line-ups

Glasgow: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall (capt), Kerr Yule, Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Jamie Bhatti, Jonny Matthews, Fin Richardson, Jare Orguntibeju, Alex Samuel, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.

Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakal, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Euan Ferrie, Jamie Dobie, Adam Hastings.

Sharks: Yaw Penxe, Edwil van der Merwe, Lukhanyo Am, Francois Venter, Christie Grobbelaar, Jaden Henrikse, Ross Braude; Simphiwe Matanzima, Fez Mbatha, Ruan Dreyer, Deon Slabbert, Marvin Orie, Phepsi Buthelezi, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka.

Replacements: Eduan Swart, Dian Bleuler, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Bathobele Hlekani, Nick Hatton, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius, Hakeem Kunene.