Glasgow faced a Sharks team full of returning South African internationals, however, this will not have had much effect on the Warriors – being the in-form team.
Franco Smith made several changes for this fixture, the most notable being George Horne back in the starting line-up. Horne had a lot to prove in this game after Jamie Dobie has been grabbing his opportunities with both hands, producing some excellent performances. This competitiveness within the Glasgow team will only add to their game
SHARKS – 28
GLASGOW – 24
Glasgow gradually built into the game during the first half but not without a worrying period in which Sharks picked up important points. Neither team were on top form with handling errors coming from both sides. The first forty minutes ended with the Sharks holding a slim lead.
Glasgow put a lot of pressure on themselves through handling errors and discipline around the breakdown in the second half. These proved costly as the half progressed and Sharks rapidly gained control. The Warriors fought right to the end, scoring two last minute tries to earn the bonus points, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Franco Smith will be proud of the team’s perseverance but sorely disappointed with the penalty count.
After a period of pressure by Glasgow, the Sharks win a penalty just inside their own half and go for the three points. Jordan Hendrikse converts to get the home side their first points.
Glasgow replied just a few minutes later, whilst deep in the oppositions half Tuipulotu fizzed a pass across the Sharks defence to get them wide. Two offloads later and George Horne was put through for the away teams first score. Horne converted his own score to make it 7-3 after 17”.
Sharks won themselves another penalty in a similar position to the first, this time Hendrikse fails to find the posts.
Following good maul defence by Glasgow Sharks forwards put a couple of big carries towards Glasgow’s try line. Some good foot work then found Kolisi scoring in his first game back in Durban.
The Sharks had multiple phases of quick ball which was defended terrifically by Glasgow. Fortunately for the home side, Fassi made a quick tap catching the defence off guard and diving over the line.
Once again Glasgow was able to manipulate the Sharks defence by pushing the ball wide. McKay then had the vision to put an accurate kick in-behind for Horne to jump on for a second score. Horne failed to add the extras leaving it 15-12.
HALFTIME: Sharks 15 – 12 Glasgow
Jordan Hendrikse extended the Sharks lead with a penalty just outside Glasgow’s twenty-two metre line. 18-12 to the Sharks after only five minutes of the second half.
Glasgow went down to fourteen men after Gregor Brown receives a yellow card for a high tackle – 66”. Hendrikse converts to make it 21-12.
Sharks pulled away further as Grant Williams showed terrific speed to get on the end of a kick back in field and score his team’s third try – 28-12 after 70”.
After being denied and opting to kick for touch Glasgow was able to send their maul over just before eighty minutes – giving Rory Darge a score. Hastings in a hurry to kick it before the clock went red, failed to convert.
A tremendous effort from Glasgow saw them go nearly the length of the pitch through great support – Jonny Matthew got on the end of Rowe’s offload to score in the eightieth minute.
FULL TIME: Sharks 28-24 Glasgow
TEAMS –
GLASGOW – N.Mcbeth, G.Hiddleston, Z.Fagerson, M.Williamson, S.Cummings, M.Fagerson, R.Darge, J.Dempsey, G.Horne, T.Jordan, K.Rowe, S.Tuipulotu, S.Mcdowall, S.Cancelliere, J.Mckay, J.Matthews, R.Sutherland, S.Talakai, A.Samuel, G.Brown, V.Henter, J.Dobie
SHARKS – O.Nche, B.Mbonambi, V.Koch, E.Etzebeth, E.Van Heerden, S.Kolisi, M.Tshituka, P.Buthelezi, J.Hendrikse, J.Hendrikse, M.Mapimpi, A.Esterhuizen, L.Am, E.Keyter, A.Fassi, F.Mbatha, T.Nyakane, R.Dreyer, J.Jenkins, J.Venter, G.Williams, S.Masuku, J.Julius
