Glasgow Warriors are one step closer to the promised land after sealing their United Rugby Championship semi-final place with a 33-21 triumph over Connacht.
The Irish outfit battled resolutely throughout but Glasgow ultimately had too much quality and they will face the Bulls or Munster - who face off this afternoon - next Saturday at Murrayfield.
After returning from Scotstoun, we watched the game back to provide our detailed player ratings.
15. Josh McKay - 7
As dependable as ever. McKay’s all-round game was solid and ran a brilliant line for his try in the second half. Always alert and gorgeous hands for Matt Fagerson’s disallowed try.
14. Kyle Steyn - 9.5
Magnificent. Franco Smith couldn’t have asked anymore from his captain as he stepped up in a major way. It’s unusual that neither of his tries, as good as they were, were the highlight.
That was his outstanding recovery run and tackle to deny a clear try - the most important moment in the encounter. Also executed a pinpoint 50-22, which he later scored from.
Read more:
- Talking points: Super Steyn guides Glasgow Warriors past Connacht into URC last four
- Glasgow Warriors sweating on George Horne after injury scare in Connacht win
13. Stafford McDowall - 7
McDowall has developed into such an accomplished centre and he never lets Glasgow down. Carries with such intensity and burst over the gainline on several occasions. There weren’t many highlight reel moments but that’s not always required.
12. Sione Tuipulotu - 8
The Scotland captain looked in optimum condition and his sharpness was demonstrated with a searing break that led to a Connacht yellow. Really set the tone early on.
Pull-back pass released Steyn for the second try and had more carries than any other player (14). Signs he’s returning to his best.
11. Kyle Rowe - 6
Very quiet as evidenced by only making four carries but not his fault that he didn’t get much ball. Rowe is a box of tricks but was unable to showcase his repertoire. Accomplished under high ball and didn’t really put a food wrong.
10. Dan Lancaster - 7
Preferred to Adam Hastings and probably justified his selection but doubts still persist over whether he will be Glasgow’s leading ten next season. Shaky in the first half, summed up by a terrible kick that resulted in Connacht going from their own 22 to Glasgow’s.
Much better in the second half and produced two gorgeous assist passes and deserved to celebrate those, as he did.
9. George Horne - 7
Good but major cloud of a good evening for Warriors was a hand injury that could rule him out next week.
Tenacious as ever and made a number of trademark breaks. Perfect from the tee and his speed of delivery from the breakdown is always excellent. Glasgow will be sweating on his fitness but Jamie Dobie’s return will soften the blow - if he’s ruled out.
1. Patrick Schickerling - 8
Deserves his flowers. Schickerling will never dominate the headlines but he’s becoming a vital component of this Glasgow pack. Fully justified his selection ahead of international team-mates and got his moment with early try.
Bossed Findlay Bealham in the first scrum after the British & Irish Lion entered the fray to win a penalty. Deserves immense credit.
2. Johnny Matthews - 6
Given the nod over Gregor Hiddleston as Franco Smith opted for his experience. Denied his customary try after a TMO review spotted an infringement from Matt Fagerson. Lineout throwing was perfect and got a lovely standing ovation on his last Scotstoun appearance. Unquestionably a Warriors legend.
3. Zander Fagerson - 7
Fagerson hasn’t been at his dominant best for club or country this season but this was better. Second-most carries with 12 and always bulldozes the defence line back with his ferociousness.
He’s not the most vocal but he leads this Glasgow pack through action and he always fronts up to carry the fight to the opposition.
4. Alex Samuel - 8
Glasgow’s most improved player this season? The Warriors are missing numerous locks but even if they were all fit, Samuel deserves to start on form. A monstrous hit as Connacht threatened to score in the first half killed their momentum.
Might’ve gone unnoticed but his workrate to get back when Josh Ioane broke clear to help in the second phase was exceptional. Another big hit in the second half with his yellow card the only black mark.
5. Scott Cummings - 7
A welcome return for the British & Irish Lion and showed how much he’s been missed. Cummings always gets through so much unseen work and his lineout skills are amongst his biggest strengths - it was no surprise it functioned so well.
Understandably looked to be struggling as the second half wore on before being replaced but got crucial minutes in the leg ahead of the summer half.
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6. Matt Fagerson - 7
Excellent second half and firmly atoned for his error that cost Glasgow a certain try. Unnecessary obstruction prevented the Warriors really applying pressure to 14-man Connacht. Fagerson was everywhere in the second half; carrying, hitting rucks and fronting up in defence. Tied second for carries with his brother on 12.
7. Rory Darge - 7
One of the turnover kings in the URC, Darge surprisingly led the way with two, including winning one penalty when Connacht were applying pressure. The Scotland flanker was unfortunate on a number of other occasions and his support speed at the breakdown is the best in Glasgow’s squad. Still nursing a slight injury but he was good again.
8. Jack Dempsey - 8
It’s going to be almost impossible for Glasgow to replace Dempsey. Fully deserved his standing ovation and Dempsey is the alpha-male of the Warriors pack. His physicality is unmatched with his carrying but he combines that with his ball skills. There was a couple of sloppy moments but he’s an absolute menace and he’s going to be a massive loss.
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Replacements:
16. Gregor Hiddleston - 6
Unlucky not to start and made a positive impression.
17. Rory Sutherland - 5
Good cameo.
18. Sam Talakai - 6
Always makes a positive impact. Really important impact player.
19. Jare Oguntibeju - 6
What a break! Running style was certainly unusual but he stepped up at a decisive moment of the game.
20. Euan Ferrie - 5
Only got final few minutes.
21. Sione Vailanu - 5
Another making his final Scotstoun appearance, Vailanu had one trademark carry
22. Jack Oliver - 5
Another who got only a few minutes but did nothing wrong. Could be called upon next week.
23. Ollie Smith - 5
Only on for six minutes, but one brilliant kick.
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