Hogg may seal silverware send-off

AFTER his move to Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season was announced, Stuart Hogg vowed to help Glasgow Warriors win silverware as his leaving present. The Scotland star was talking, first and foremost, about winning the Guinness Pro14 but after Saturday’s 42-22 bonuspoint European victory over Lyon, he can dare to dream of bigger things. The Heineken Champions Cup victory in France was one of the best away performances from Warriors in Europe since the tournament began. Lyon are no mugs and are currently fourth in the French Top14 table, ahead of Finn Russell’s Racing 92 on points difference. They knew after two European defeats they had to win to keep their qualification hopes alive so fielded their strongest available team. Yet, that made no difference as Glasgow blew them away. Warriors face the French side at Scotstoun on Saturday, with another bonus-point victory most definitely the target. That would leave two fixtures in January — at home to Cardiff Blues and away to Saracens in the final group game — in which they can secure qualification. It’s a far cry from last season and Dave Rennie’s baptism of fire in Europe. In his first campaign, Warriors were abysmal — picking up one win from their six group games and finishing bottom of Pool 3. His pack was too lightweight and not mobile enough to take on the top European sides. Against Lyon, he took the risk of not picking his co-captain Ryan Wilson, selecting instead Adam Ashe who combines power and pace in the back row. He rewarded him with two tries. George Horne was picked ahead of Ali Price at scrum-half for his ability to generate quick ball and get the Lyon players chasing shadows. Horne was magnificent, being named man of the match after pulling the strings so well for the Warriors. Glasgow under Rennie are in a very good place just now, top of their Pro14 Conference table and flying in Europe. Hogg’s wish for silverware before he leaves for Exeter could very well come true.